G70 vs G80 5.0 ultimate handling

[Philip2]

I'm pretty happy with my 2015 G80 but want to upgrade with something that has better handling.

Can't decide between a g70 3.3T or a g80 5.0 ultimate.

I know it's kind of like apples and oranges. Don't need a big backseat. Have not driven the G80 5.0 yet and wonder how good is this active suspension system. How close to G70 performance will it get me? I know the downside to the G70 will be a rougher ride and more road noise so like I said it will be a tough decision

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

I'm pretty happy with my 2015 G80 but want to upgrade with something that has better handling.

Can't decide between a g70 3.3T or a g80 5.0 ultimate.

I know it's kind of like apples and oranges. Don't need a big backseat. Have not driven the G80 5.0 yet and wonder how good is this active suspension system. How close to G70 performance will it get me? I know the downside to the G70 will be a rougher ride and more road noise so like I said it will be a tough decision

I believe only the 3.3 g80 sport has active suspension. 15 5.0 Ultimate also equipped with it. I like the active suspension, works nice.

 

[Philip2]

I would consider a 3.3 T G80 also if it had active suspension but my real question here is how does handling in the active suspension mode of the G80 compared to the G70 handling

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

I would consider a 3.3 T G80 also if it had active suspension but my real question here is how does handling in the active suspension mode of the G80 compared to the G70 handling

I can't answer that question for you, but my 15 5.0 has a nice ride quality in any mode. Sport stiffens up the ride but not to the point where it's harsh.

 

[StarPower]

I've never driven a G70, but I do have a 2015 Genesis 5.0 Ultimate with the active suspension. Sport mode does firm up the suspension nicely (firm but not harsh), but I wouldn't describe it as sporty. While firmer than normal mode, it doesn't completely change the way the car drives. This is still a large, heavy car that's tuned more for comfort than sportiness. If the G80 without the active suspension wasn't sporty enough for you, I doubt the active suspension will make enough of a difference to change your mind. However, the 5.0 also has a large, heavy V8 in front. The G80 with the 3.3T likely has better weight balance, which when combined with the active suspension may be sporty enough for you. I recommend taking a long test drive with both a G70 and G80 to compare them. Try to find both some rough roads (e.g, construction areas, dirt roads, or just bad roads) and some curves to see how both cars compare for both sportiness and comfort.

Additionally, the 5.0 Ultimate only has one button for sport mode, so sport mode on the active suspension can only be activated along with the sport shift points. I find the sport mode shift points too aggressive for everyday driving, so if you prefer the sport suspension for normal driving this is something to consider during your test drive.

 

[Savile Silver 2.0T]

I'm pretty happy with my 2015 G80 but want to upgrade with something that has better handling.

Can't decide between a g70 3.3T or a g80 5.0 ultimate.

I know it's kind of like apples and oranges. Don't need a big backseat. Have not driven the G80 5.0 yet and wonder how good is this active suspension system. How close to G70 performance will it get me? I know the downside to the G70 will be a rougher ride and more road noise so like I said it will be a tough decision

Hi,
So, let me share my experience and personal opinion. I drove both cars in my own research process, and they are in fact very different. You are asking about handling, and the straight answer to that is the G70 has a better handling. The chasis is better sort out, and the lighter weight helps a lot to feel a level of control and connection that is superior to the current G80. Of course, you will lose space for your rear seat passengers and cargo capacity, but if you are willing to live with that, your best choice will be the G70. The 2021 G80 is around the corner, so at this point I would not recommend to buy the current one, and you may want to test drive the 2021 G80 to find out if you can have the better handling with the space on the new G80, however, I believe that because of the market position for the G80, it will be always leaning to comfort, and elegance, so I doubt that it will handle better the the lighter and more compact G70.

 

[YEH]

^ Even w/ the new G80 being lighter (and more tuned w/ handling in mind compared to its predecessor), the size/weight and length of WB just won't make it as tossable as the G70.

Same thing applies in comparing the G70 to the Stinger (longer WB, more weight).

That being said, the longer WB make the G80 and Stinger better highway cruisers.

 

[[NOBODY]]

G70 ride is busy-ish, even with adaptive suspension, and will not be as smooth as the G80. On the flip side, the G70 handling is amazing.

 

[skipgen]

G70 ride is busy-ish, even with adaptive suspension, and will not be as smooth as the G80. On the flip side, the G70 handling is amazing.

My 5.0 w/ adaptive dampers doesn't exactly dance around corners but it does really well for what it is - it's more in it's element in medium to high speed sweepers and highway work though. You can boot the tail out with the V8 at low speeds for fun, but that's really not it's thing and the stability control intervenes pretty quickly with a little sideways motion even if it's "off". It's a cruiser that can be pretty damned swift on the straights with plenty of room for 4 passengers and all their stuff for a long trip.

I imagine that the G70 is more in the vein of my old G37s sedan - firm & wide awake around town and "hoppy" on the interstate due to the realtively short wheelbase. I'd get the G70 if you prioritize speed over space.

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

My 5.0 w/ adaptive dampers doesn't exactly dance around corners but it does really well for what it is - it's more in it's element in medium to high speed sweepers and highway work though. You can boot the tail out with the V8 at low speeds for fun, but that's really not it's thing and the stability control intervenes pretty quickly with a little sideways motion even if it's "off". It's a cruiser that can be pretty damned swift on the straights with plenty of room for 4 passengers and all their stuff for a long trip.

I imagine that the G70 is more in the vein of my old G37s sedan - firm & wide awake around town and "hoppy" on the interstate due to the realtively short wheelbase. I'd get the G70 if you prioritize speed over space.

I am agreement with you skipgen... The adaptive susp on the 15 5.0 Ultimate is perfect. IMO! I was thinking about a 18 5.0 Just to get the empire state gray color instead of Black, but no adaptive Susp! Kind of a deal breaker for me. Also the G80/Genesis is such a interstate lover!!! Best road trip car ever!!@

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[carguy75]

I would consider a 3.3 T G80 also if it had active suspension but my real question here is how does handling in the active suspension mode of the G80 compared to the G70 handling

Good question. The 2015 5.0 active suspension is stiffer than the 2017+ G80 Sport active suspension and have better performance numbers. The G70 will handle better overall due to being lighter with the similar setup.

Car and driver tests give the handling performance edge to the heavier 2015 5.0 RWD vs. the lighter 2018 G80 Sport 3.3.T RWD and AWD models. so the older active suspension setup in your 2015 does handle better in that regard. The newer active suspension has been soften for a better ride in 2017.
2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0
2018 Genesis G80 Sport RWD
2018 Genesis G80 Sport AWD

The 2019 G70 2.0T/3.3T handles the best due to lighter chassis, but not by much when you put similar summer tires on the 2015 5.0.
Our Long-Term Test 2019 Genesis G70 Is a Reliable Pandemic Companion
2020 BMW 3-series vs. 2020 Genesis G70: Which Is the Better Compact Luxury Sports Sedan?

 

[Aquineas]

For those of you with the 5.0 G80, I found that adding the Uniq Rigid Collars helped some. Lowering springs seemed to settle it down a lot more (though I do not recommend lowering springs on your Genesis, unless you like going through tires as quickly as one eats Hawaiian shaved ice). Still not where the G70 Sport is though. But the G70 Sport isn't as comfortable either.

 

[Kraig Wilkinson]

For those of you with the 5.0 G80, I found that adding the Uniq Rigid Collars helped some. Lowering springs seemed to settle it down a lot more. Still not where the G70 Sport is though. But the G70 Sport isn't as comfortable either.

The Rigid Collars are a very nice improvement/upgrade. I am very happy that I installed on my 15 5.0. They really do work for all the folks out there who have their doubts about them. Well said Aquineas!

 

[bigdogbts]

To add to the conversation, I drove a g70 3.3t loaner while my G80 was in the shop. I'm 6"00", and because the body is SO SHORT, that B pillar is right where I would normally want to get our of the car. I had to use my left arm to basically hoist myself around the pillar to get out. Driving the car for a week made me realize that no amount of "increased performance" was worth having to deal with that on a daily basis.

 

[carguy75]

To add to the conversation, I drove a g70 3.3t loaner while my G80 was in the shop. I'm 6"00", and because the body is SO SHORT, that B pillar is right where I would normally want to get our of the car. I had to use my left arm to basically hoist myself around the pillar to get out. Driving the car for a week made me realize that no amount of "increased performance" was worth having to deal with that on a daily basis.

The G70 is what I would have bought about 10 years ago in my extreme sport sedan seeking phase. Small and nimble with a bit of power to get that race car feel on the roads.

My old 2006 VW GLI APR tuned stage 1 dusted a new blue 2010 Ford Mustang GT on the highway years ago, but the Mustang driver still got the upper hand at the exit light when he yelled" Very fast for a girly car and drove off".

Yes, the VW GLI was quick but it was not really an impressive looking sedan. The same for the G70, not a bad looking car. However, it does not have the presence of the G80 or wow factor even if it is quicker. It may impress the younger boy racer crowd, but not the more mature crowd when you pull up somewhere to park.

 

[bigdogbts]

The G70 is what I would have bought about 10 years ago in my extreme sport sedan seeking phase. Small and nimble with a bit of power to get that race car feel on the roads.

My old 2006 VW GLI APR tuned stage 1 dusted a new blue 2010 Ford Mustang GT on the highway years ago, but the Mustang driver still got the upper hand at the exit light when he yelled" Very fast for a girly car and drove off".

Yes, the VW GLI was quick but it was not really an impressive looking sedan. The same for the G70, not a bad looking car. However, it does not have the presence of the G80 or wow factor even if it is quicker. It may impress the younger boy racer crowd, but not the more mature crowd when you pull up somewhere to park.

Yeah, I feel like the 3.3t g80 Sport is about as "sporty" as I really need from a daily standpoint. Additionally, I have gotten way more "cool car man" comments on this car than just about on any that I've ever owned. I'm extremely interested as to what the hybrid system in the 2021 G80 will perform like. My wife drives a highlander hybrid, and that SUV is shockingly quick due to the electric motors just being "on". If Genesis chooses to mate some larger motors to the hybrid system, we might just get something that's "quick" while also being a step up from the G2's from a road manners standpoint. Big and Quick

 

[joschneider]

It may impress the younger boy racer crowd, but not the more mature crowd when you pull up somewhere to park.

First time Ive ever heard of someone refer to the G70 crowd as boy racer. And here I was thinking that the Stinger crowd was that, and the G70 was for the more mature car lovers Different stokes

 

[carguy75]

First time Ive ever heard of someone refer to the G70 crowd as boy racer. And here I was thinking that the Stinger crowd was that, and the G70 was for the more mature car lovers Different stokes

Naw, the G80 and G90 is for the mature established crowd I believe. The G70 is more of a younger adult ride that is a nice ride on the way to the top in my opinion. Kind of like a BMW 5 series vs. a 3 series. The 5 series carries more weight when you pull up somewhere with the older career adults. Not knocking the G70, just saying the G80 gives a more sophisticated vibe. The same as how the G90 owners are viewed a certain way as well when they pull up somewhere.

However, all that is just my opinion since anyone can buy any car they want for any reason at any age regardless of job or social status.

I work with doctors that drive Honda Civics to work, so I really can not judge a person by the car they drive in all honestly.

 

[[NOBODY]]

My 5.0 w/ adaptive dampers doesn't exactly dance around corners but it does really well for what it is - it's more in it's element in medium to high speed sweepers and highway work though. You can boot the tail out with the V8 at low speeds for fun, but that's really not it's thing and the stability control intervenes pretty quickly with a little sideways motion even if it's "off". It's a cruiser that can be pretty damned swift on the straights with plenty of room for 4 passengers and all their stuff for a long trip.

I imagine that the G70 is more in the vein of my old G37s sedan - firm & wide awake around town and "hoppy" on the interstate due to the realtively short wheelbase. I'd get the G70 if you prioritize speed over space.

G70 suspension is actually a tad bit stiffer. I own(ed) both. But the characterization holds true. There is more damper long travel on the G70, but the G37 had more lean.