Quality Time with the V6 & the V8

[kbmuenkel]

Jimbo46, a member here, lives just 3 or 4 miles away from me so we decided to get together, drive each other's cars and compare notes. Jimbo46 has a V8 Tech while I have a V6 Tech. We spent a good amount of time driving each other's cars and sharing our thoughts about both. Before beginning, I want to publicly thank Jim for his time and generousity, as we were strangers before meeting here.

Exterior: Both the chrome strip and the wheels look nice on the V8, but in my opinion I would not spend money to retrofit my V6 to look like the V8. It's nice that Hyundai has distinguished the V8 from the V6 but the difference is so subtle, non-Genesis fans would never know without the Genesis 4.6 on the trunk.

Interior: Once inside both cars, the differences become more obvious. The leather in the V8 is noticably softer and more luxurious. In fact, I was surprised how much nicer the V8 leather was. I did not like the wood grain steering wheel over my leather wrapped.

The Drive: Because it was daylight, I cannot comment on the auto-dimming side mirrors.

Steering & Handling:

The steering feel of the V8 required increased effort to turn the wheel. Although the difference was slight, it was immediately noticeable to me. I preferred my V6 steering feel over the V8 but I'm more used to mine. I'm not saying one is better, simply saying they are different and personally preferred the V6 feel over the V8.
​

Cabin Noise:

To my surprise and amazement, the V8 was QUIETER than my V6. I'm not saying my V6 is noisy nor am I saying the difference was substantial. Regardless, I thought the V8 was quieter.
​

Acceleration & Power:

No surprise here...the V8 is clearly more powerful than the V6. You feel the difference immediately and fully throughout your drive regardless of your speed.
​

Transmission:

I felt the V8 transmission was smoother and quieter than the V6. The difference is noticeable in my opinion.
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Breaking:

I could not detect any difference in breaking between the two, however, out of respect for each vehicle, we did not screech these to a halt and really push the breaking to its limits.
​

Suspension:

The V8 has a noticeably stiffer suspension than my V6. I would not call the difference dramatic but I would not describe them as the same. My personal preference was my V6 suspension.
​

Road Feel:

In the V8 Front Seat, I noticed a very small increase in road feel due to the stiffer suspension. My personal preference leans towards the V6 in this case. In the Back Seat, both cars have a measurable difference in suspension noise and feel when compared to their Front Seats. This was the first time I was able to really examine this. In both the V6 and V8, you feel and hear the suspension more in the Back Seat as compared to the Front Seat. I now understand the "rough ride" comments much more, however I think the word "rough" overstates the difference. I do think that Rear Seat passengers would experience the Genesis differently from the Front Seat passengers. I now believe that Hyundai should both quiet the rear suspension and better insulate the rear passengers from the shock. I would not term this as a problem but would encourage them to improve this going forward. In fact, I think they should make this a current line change without waiting for a new model year.
​

Overall Impression:

While I personally prefer the steering feel and suspension on my V6, if given a choice between the two, I would choose the V8 over the V6. The difference in price is a small price to pay for that wonderful 4.6 V8, the butter smooth ZF tranny and the baby soft leather. What a fabulous car for the money!
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No regrets:

At the time of my purchase in July 2008, no V8 was available and I could not wait. I love my car and it reminds me of that everyday.
​

 

[gerryb]

I have actually owned both cars, at least technically. I had the v6 for 3+ weeks and the dealer let me move-up to the first V8 that came in back in November. I didn't plan on buying the v8, but when it came in to the dealer and I was in for a wash/wax, I fell for the tech package and the v8 goodies. That said, I put over 500 miles on the v6, and almost 2K on the v8. I agree with most of your observations. I think they were equally quiet. They do have different suspensions and the v8 is stiffer. The v8 moves...it is an awesome drivetrain and impresses the hell out of me everytime I manually shift gears or even just step on the pedal. I would rate the drivetrain of the v8 better than the v6 for a number of reasons. The leather is nicer on the v8 but I don't think significantly. Brakes are better on the v8 but the v6 didn't have the morning sqeal. My particular v8 pulls to the left..the v6 didn't. I didn't like the speaker showing in the trunk of the v6. The steering wheel was better on the v6. The extra 'goodies' you get with the v8 in addition to the larger engine and what I think will be better resale value certainly warrant the additional cost for the v8. I made a 300 mile run this week and got an astounding 25.5MPG on an engine that produces 375HP and a car that weighs over 2 tons... That still amazes me. They are both great cars. One final note. My first car only had the premium package, the 4.6 has the tech package. The TECH PACKAGE IS A MUST IF YOU ARE BUYING THIS CAR...!

 

[Tufast]

Good write up, thanks.

 

[ultra63]

Anyone interested in the Gen should drive both. I thought the V6 was a wash with the ES350 but the V8 was better IMO.

 

[Poopsicle]

Even with you guys enjoying the V8's, I would say that the value of the V6 is better

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Even with you guys enjoying the V8's, I would say that the value of the V6 is better

And you wouldn't be wrong. It's "whatever works for you".

 

[DanTheMan]

And you wouldn't be wrong. It's "whatever works for you".

Coming from a guy (Poopster) that doesn't own EITHER V8 or V6, that's very interesting!

I wonder how the writer of the review (which I thought was very good--nice details, which I really like) would have written the review had he owned the V8 first and compared it to the V6, as opposed to the other way around. First impressions are very difficult to overcome!

Dan :>)

PS: I'm a V6 owner and love it!

 

[musher51]

Agreed, Dan. Bob's write-up was very informative, but now we need the other perspective. C'mon, Jimbo46...what did you think after spending some seat time in Bob's V6?

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Agreed, Dan. Bob's write-up was very informative, but now we need the other perspective. C'mon, Jimbo46...what did you think after spending some seat time in Bob's V6?

He's probably still in his sitz bath after sitting on that hard V6 leather.

 

[jwaters943]

The only things I miss about owning a V6 are the softer leather, auto dimming sideview mirror and chrome door strips. The V6 has plenty of power for me, and I love the sound of the engine.

Both are great in their own ways, but if I decide not to keep my V6, I'll probably "upgrade" to a 2011/2012 Genesis V8.

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[Poopsicle]

Coming from a guy (Poopster) that doesn't own EITHER V8 or V6, that's very interesting!

I wonder how the writer of the review (which I thought was very good--nice details, which I really like) would have written the review had he owned the V8 first and compared it to the V6, as opposed to the other way around. First impressions are very difficult to overcome!

Dan :>)

PS: I'm a V6 owner and love it!

Shouldn't you shop for car with good value BEFORE you buy a car?

 

[DanTheMan]

Shouldn't you shop for car with good value BEFORE you buy a car?

I did! Without a doubt, I purchased the absolute BEST VALUE for my dollar that was available when I made my purchase (Aug. '08). In addition to the incredible value established for the vehicle itself, I also purchased via the BEST VALUE in auto financing that was available at the time, too (.9%/48 mos.).

Dan :>)

 

[DanTheMan]

He's probably still in his sitz bath after sitting on that hard V6 leather.

LMAO!!!!!!

(And I own a V6)!!!

Dan :>)

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

LMAO!!!!!!

(And I own a V6)!!!

Dan :>)

Glad you appreciated the humour. Meant in fun ...

 

[DanTheMan]

Glad you appreciated the humour. Meant in fun ...

And it was taken in the manner you intended....

Still LMAO!!!

Dan

 

[kbmuenkel]

I'm glad you liked the observations. I thought my experience was somewhat rare in that the side by side comparisons and drive time was not influenced by a salesperson or the dealer experience. Instead, it was just two enthusiastic owners with a morning to kill.

jerryb - "The TECH PACKAGE IS A MUST IF YOU ARE BUYING THIS CAR...!"
My thoughts exactly.

poopsicle - "Even with you guys enjoying the V8's, I would say that the value of the V6 is better."
Respectfully, I disagree. Value is in the eyes of the buyer. Your comment suggests that all buyers should adopt your bias.

DanTheMan - "I wonder how the writer of the review (which I thought was very good--nice details, which I really like) would have written the review had he owned the V8 first and compared it to the V6, as opposed to the other way around. First impressions are very difficult to overcome!"
I think you made a fair point as I had 6 months to get used to my V6. As such, I may have a familiarity bias towards the steering feel and suspension on the V6 vs. the V8. However, that was not the case when admitting a clear preference towards the V8's engine, tranny & leather.

Musher51 - "...but now we need the other perspective. C'mon, Jimbo46...what did you think after spending some seat time in Bob's V6? "
Exactly. My review is only half the story. I emailed Jim and invited him to offer his thoughts as well. He wrote back and said he will. I look forward to that.

BacktoHyundaibychoice - "He's probably still in his sitz bath after sitting on that hard V6 leather."
Now that was funny! I'm sure Jim will appreciate that.

jwaters943 - "The V6 has plenty of power for me, and I love the sound of the engine. Both are great in their own ways, but if I decide not to keep my V6, I'll probably "upgrade" to a 2011/2012 Genesis V8."
I could not agree more. I'm very satisfied with the V6 that's why I have no regrets.

Also, the first words out of Jim's mouth when he pulled up to my house was, "So, there is another Genesis in town." For both of us, this was the first time we've seen another Genesis outside a dealer's lot.

I would like to add one comment about the speaker cover missing in my trunk vs. Jim's V8. This irks me. I intend to call my dealer and get this ordered and installed for FREE. I would settle for getting the part for FREE and installing it myself.

 

[Jimbo46]

I am the other guy in this test drive duo. I agree with most of what Bob said, but I would make a couple of observations. Coming from two Q45"s and an LS430 it was the appointments of the V8 that first appealed to me and the perceived power and agility of the 4.6 to provide a more exciting driving experience. I guess I always felt that the Lexus was a bit stogy. Having now driven the Genesis 3000 miles, I am very happy that I decided on the fully equipped version. I would not be as happy without the upgrades in the 4.6.

Despite a few design glitches, the tech package adds to the fun and the overall experience. That said, my car is going in to the dealership tomorrow because the entire tech package is not starting up properly. This is only a problem if you don't mined not having the radio, navigation, blue tooth, and climate control system. I must say that the service manager for the entire dealership has jumped in on this and it is his opinion the whole unit will have to be replaced despite Hyundai making him jump through some hoops to get it. So far I am pleased with his reaction and I hope Hyundai's balking at the fix will be short lived. At the same time he is going to work on what I perceive as a rattle in the front end which sounds like hard or worn bushings would sound with worn tie rod or sway bar ends. In addition to Bob's 3.8, I have driven another 3.8 and have noticed this in all of the to one degree or another. Having mentioned this a couple of times on this sight and receiving no other agreement, I can only assume i am hearing things. We'll see!!

On the ride, I do agree it is a bit harsh and I have replaced the tires with the Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus. I did this to help the ride and handling and as attempt to improve the handling in snow without buying Blizzacks and wheels. I think it rides the same, handles better and definitely has better traction in snow with this change and the addition of three 50 pound bags of softener salt over the rear axel. Probably my biggest concern with the suspension is the noise I hear in the front end and the effort it takes to hold the car true on a long drive. It isn't that it pulls, but my hands and arms get a bit fatigued after several hours of driving.

Having said all of this, I love the engine and the smoothness of the entire drive train. The acceleration can only be described as exhilarating. One of the things that interested me about the Genesis was the ZF transmission and it has not been a disappointment. I was familiar with this manufacturer from their reputation when paired with Cummins diesels in boats. The fuel economy is as expected. Both my wife and I find the interior as spacious as the LS430 and the seating an improvement. We miss the larger interior storage compartments, but love the climate control system versus the Lexus. The heated seats are the fastest and hottest of any vehicle we have owned. The sound system is fine with us! In fact, the Lexus did not have any significant bells and whistles that are not included in the Genesis except for no AC or ability to raise and lower the passenger seat.

In summary, I suspect we will always think the ride harsh, the power fun, and the appointments close to first class. I will know more about the dealer service a week from now! I would like to see Hyundai succeed at this, but only time will tell! In all of the years I have been driving, I have never owned a car that did not have a list of things that I would like to have seen improved! I can say that I would probably not buy another Genesis if the suspension is not improved and if the electronic problems would continue to pop up. This is all my opinion and YMMV!!

Jimbo46

 

[rmhockman]

I was fortunate enough to buy the first Genesis my dealer received in August of 2008, it was the 3.8 with the premium package, silver with black leather interior.

I was thoroughly impressed with this car having had Lincolns and Cadillacs in the past, it seemed just as smooth and had more than adequate power for a 6 cylinder and handled like a champ. Anyone who ever rode in this car commented on the handsome interior and the silence of the cabin.

Last month after some serious thinking I made a deal on a 4.6 with the tech package, same color silver with black as I just had to try the renowned V8 engine.

I was amazed at the difference, they appeared to be two completely different machines, however the 4.6 felt much heavier on the road, the steering was not as light as the 3.8 which made it a little less tossable.

R M Hockman
k3lixrmh@yahoo.com

But the biggest factor was the engine, it was so wonderfully smooth and combined with the ZF tranny made it felt like nothing I had ever driven before, the feeling is nearly indescribable.

The tech package is fabulous, the nav. is by far the best I have ever seen, the backup camera is something all cars should have and the adaptive head lights are very useful on some of the winding roads in my area.

The seats appear to be firmer and the leather is a better grade than the 3.8 which really wasn't at all bad.

The one thing that surprised me were the headlights, the low beams are Xenon but the high beams appear to be halogen, on high beam they are both on at the same time, the Xenon must do the swiveling in the turns.

The ride seems to be somewhat firmer than the V6 which I prefer, and the difference in the audio systems is really not all that noticable, the 14 speaker version in the 3.8 was just about as good.

Any comments on this???

All in all I am not disappointed with the switch even though the 3.8 seemed easier to drive, I look forward each day to get in my Genesis and just go exploring.

 

[Mark_888]

I can say that I would probably not buy another Genesis if the suspension is not improved and if the electronic problems would continue to pop up. This is all my opinion and YMMV!!

Jimbo46

I think the Tech Package electronic problems could be a big deal for anyone who keeps the car more than 3 years, which is the warranty coverage on the audio system and Nav electronics, unlike the excellent warranty on the rest of the car.

Many of the people who have already had warranty service on the their Tech Package audio systems have been told it would cost $3,000 just to replace the head unit if the work was not done under warranty. Given the number of people who have had problems so far, this could be concern for people who want to keep the car for longer than 3 years.

 

[prbwantedalexus]

Thank You Bob and Jim for the very informative feedback.