Genesis 4.6 V8 Tau vs. 3.8 V6 Lamda Difference in Ride?

[Genesiswannabee]

I've test driven both the Genesis 4.6 V8 Tau and 3.8 V6 Lamda trying to decide between the two. Both cars has tech packages.

Is it my imagination that the V6 steering seems lighter and that the quality of the ride is slightly better, that is that roads bumps are not transmitted to the occupants as readily as on the V8? Can a 200 lb weight difference make a difference or am I imagining this?

What do you think? Are there other differences between the two cars?

 

[Mark_888]

Yes, 200 extra lbs over the drive wheels can make a difference, especially since the V6 is much closer to 50/50 front/rear ideal weight distribution. Also, the V8 uses electronic steering assist, whereas the V6 uses traditional hydraulic steering assist.

 

[MrPhantom]

I own a 3.8 now. Test drove the 4.6 plenty of times. The difference is really just in the acceleration and the braking. Everything else to me seemed to be exactly the same. The car is already so smooth with acceleration the only real way you know you're going faster is if you look down. The .4 second increase in 0 to 60 was not worth the extra 5 thousand or the loss of 2mpg highway to me though.

 

[Sayantsi]

200 lb over the front wheels will be felt, particularly when trying to change direction. The V8 has larger front brakes that also contribute to unsprung weight. I think the tire widths are the same, but wider tires will also effect the feel of the car - the V8 has 18" rims, the V6 can be had with 17" or 18" rims, so smaller rims will also effect how the car responds and feels. The hydraulic steering generally has better feedback than an electric unit, but there was no real difference I could discern in the two models. The V6 also is mated to a different transmission with more aggressive gear ratios, so it has more grunt from mechanical advantage vs engine power alone.

I looked at both and opted for the V6 since the only place I really noticed any difference in the power was at highway speeds when you got on it to accelerate. The V8 only has ~80 hp more, but its offset by the weight and gearing, so its not as big a difference as I expected at first. I personally think the V6 is better balanced for driving curvy roads vs the V8 which is good for highway cruising. Didn't have a reason to spend the extra money on the V8.

Both engines are great, although I've read in a few publications now that the V6 is the preferred model for a driver's car. Hyundai originally stated that only 25% would be V8s, but I think its selling closer to 40% V8s, so they are a popular choice.

 

[ASHDUMP]

I love when people ask me what kind of engine is in my Genesis. I say, "its got a V8 with 380 horse power" (I know its 375). ...then their face lights up and says, "WOW!".

 

[dg_moore]

My comparison was the same as the others here. The 3.8 felt more agile and responsive than the 4.6. I'm completely satisfied with the V6.