Is there real difference between 3.8 and Rspec?

[Bill C.]

Owner of a 2012 Genesis Sedan 3.8 blk/blk with tech package. Thinking about trading up to the R-spec - either a late '12 model or '13. I like the R-spec wheels but my question is - Is there a noticeable difference in power between the two (3.8 & R-spec) for driving around town and day to day stuff? Is the stiffer suspension on the R-spec noticeable for that type of driving? I love the wheels but not going to lay out more cash to trade up just for the wheels if the driving experience not that much better. I'd like some opinions from people who have driven both.

Thanks.

 

[dmitriylm]

It's a significantly faster car. I installed 2013 R-SPEC suspension on my 2010 4.6 and I don't find it terribly stiff at all. Rides no worse than my 2007 530i which is to say firm not harsh.

 

[PMCErnie]

I certainly wouldn't bother to acquire a harsher ride, just to gain a fraction of a second in 0-60 speed. The 3.8 is also better balanced in front/rear weight. Save your coins for a real upgrade someday.

 

[landtuna]

Comparing a fully loaded 2012 3.8 to a 2012 R-spec I have these comments:

The R-spec has a much firmer ride (I wouldn't call it "harsh" but that is an opinion). It also is quite a bit faster in a straight line. I have not compared them on any sort of a road course but would think the R-spec would corner a bit faster than the 3.8. If you are a spirited driver you will burn more gas in the R-spec.

In everyday city driving the 3.8 is more than adequate and actually is my preference if your city has roads in other than great condition. On the highway there is very little, if any, difference (except as noted above the R-spec's accelleration). The 3.8 gets about 5 MPG better than the R-spec (and it is a temptation to keep your foot off the gas in the R-spec) if both are driven carefully. The 3.8 is significantly cheaper.

 

[qstarweb]

I did a test drive of both a 2012 Genesis 3.8 and a 2012 Genesis 5.0 (non R-spec) and I purchased the latter. However, both have more than adequate power and the 3.8 will be very good in most driving situations, especially in town. It's a matter of preference. Back in 2008 I purchased a Nissan Maxima, when the new generation was released that summer, and got the SV sport version, and after getting it read reviews that said the SV premium version that was meant to be more luxury had better ride and not quite as "hard" suspension as the SV sport, and recommended it over the version I got. This time I figured going with the Genesis 5.0 non R-spec was the same concept, best balance of performance and luxury. I don't regret making that decision, but if you get (or have) a 3.8 with the technology and premium packages, you will be totally happy with it.

Dean

 

[Bill C.]

Thanks. Thought about the 5.0 non rspec as a nice compromise - power without the harsher ride but it only came out in 2012 and it's hard to find one built after March '12 to avoid the oil consumption problem.

 

[qstarweb]

Mine was built early March 2012 and so far doesn't seem to have the oil consumption problem. They did make only a limited number of the Genesis 5.0 that are not R-spec, but the 4.6 is a great choice also and will come with all the packages, if you get a 2012 or a 2013 Genesis 4.6

Dean

 

[Gunkk]

2012 was the last year for the 4.6.

 

[qstarweb]

2012 was the last year for the 4.6.

You're right, the 2013 comes only in 3.8 and 5.0 R-spec.

Dean

 

[GRIFF]

Mine was built early March 2012 and so far doesn't seem to have the oil consumption problem. They did make only a limited number of the Genesis 5.0 that are not R-spec, but the 4.6 is a great choice also and will come with all the packages, if you get a 2012 or a 2013 Genesis 4.6

Dean

I was told by my dealer that Hyundai built approximately 500 of the non-R Spec 2012 5.0 engined cars.

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[landtuna]

Was going to add that part of the firmer ride of the R-spec is due to its low profile tires. If you can find all weather tires to fit the 19-inch rims the ride would be less "bumpy".

 

[qstarweb]

I was told by my dealer that Hyundai built approximately 500 of the non-R Spec 2012 5.0 engined cars.

They are quite rare then. I'm surprised the dealer didn't try to use that as leverage in bargaining over the price.

Dean

 

[LandoAWD]

Hold the phone...

...there's a V6 model?

 

[iSOBigD]

I drove the 4.6 and the 3.8 and not only did I not realize the 4.6 one I was test driving was a V8 (I had a 265 HP V6 Maxima at the time) as it felt very slow. To be fair I wasn't shifting manually so it was very smooth but slow feeling. I then found out I was driving the V8 and looked at the 20+ l per 100km (~11mpg) and I was not impressed.

I then drove the V6 and not only did it sound way better (I find the stock V8 + stock exhaust does not sound good), but it felt just as fast driving around town. When shifting manually, I got lots of power at 2000 rpm so I'm happy and the closest feeling and sounding car to this is the Camaro SS (~430 HP) I rented once. To me this really feels and sounds more like a V8 than like the Nissan V6 I had so I don't miss the extra 50 HP. I don't think you'll ever miss the V8 it unless you go 5.0l (with almost 100 HP over the 3.8 V6).

 

[LandoAWD]

I don't think you'll ever miss the V8 it unless you go 5.0l (with almost 100 HP over the 3.8 V6).

To be fair, the thread IS about the R-spec, which is the 5.0L you mention.

 

[blkgenRspec]

It depends on price and what you want out of the car. With that being said, I love my rspec. The ride is great, awesome sound system, overall performance is amazing. Its a very quick sedan! Oversized navi screen and dvd support..etc etc. I owned a supercharger 3.8 v6, tuned headered and cammed. The rspec 5.0 smoked it every time with ease... I get 20mph city and 28mpg highway not bad for a 429bhp vehicle. With exhaust the car sounds amazing. Very happy with my choice!

 

[LandoAWD]

I manage like 18 city, but I beat the gas pedal like it owes me back rent.

 

[landtuna]

i manage like 18 city, but i beat the gas pedal like it owes me back rent.

bwa haaaa haaaaaaa!!!!!!! :d

 

[leadfoot rspec13]

You're kidding, right?

 

[G-417132]

I certainly wouldn't bother to acquire a harsher ride, just to gain a fraction of a second in 0-60 speed. The 3.8 is also better balanced in front/rear weight. Save your coins for a real upgrade someday.

this is true