Trying to decide 3.8 0r 4.6?

[Jaro]

I want to know if I should buy the V6 with the tech package or the V8 without any package? Am I right in thinking that the V8 has all the V6 has without buying the separate packages?

 

[scottdk]

I want to know if I should buy the V6 with the tech package or the V8 without any package? Am I right in thinking that the V8 has all the V6 has without buying the separate packages?

the V6 has 3 available packages. The V8 comes with 2 out of the 3 packages standard. The only option in the V8 is the Technology Package, which would make the car fully loaded. When I purchased my car the V8 with Technology Package only costed around $1,000 more then a V6 loaded. Also, the V8 comes with a couple goodies the V6 does not, such as illuminated step plates on each doorway and limited slip diff.

 

[Dimitry]

The base V8 has a lot of standard options - It's up to you if you want to get the tech variant or not. I have driven the V6 variant for nearly 2 months and I definitely prefer the V8 drivetrain. You would be looking at a 2k premium to get a V8 tech.

 

[ASHDUMP]

Theres no other feeling like having a V8 under the hood.

 

[mack115]

I drove both back to back (starting with the v6) and as soon as I drove the V8, I was convinced and didn't look back. The power difference was the deciding factor, drove it home that day!

 

[nearwater]

I drove both back to back (starting with the v6) and as soon as I drove the V8, I was convinced and didn't look back. The power difference was the deciding factor, drove it home that day!

I knew for sure that I wanted the tech package, so I drove the V6 and the V8 with tech.
First the V6. Car was really nice. Absolutely quiet, no vibration on idle.
Had plenty of power, but WOT was good, not impressive.
Next was the V8. I noticed a mild vibration upon ignition on. Certainly more vibration than the V6 had. Not sure if that V6 was warmed up before I took for a spin.
But as soon as I put the gear to "D"rive, the vibration went away.
Holy cow... the V8 had plenty more power than the V6. I knew I had to get the V8.

Like others said, my price was only about $1500 different between the two.
With the added features and all, and not much of a MPG sacrifice, I think the V8 is a no brainer.

Dan

 

[Disaster]

When I was shopping, price was definitely a big factor. I couldn't find a V8 for near the $31,5K we paid for the '09 V6. The nearest was at least $6K more. I also found the V6 to be have excellent acceleration...on a test drive I stomped it and in about a quarter mile the speedo was sweeping past 100 miles an hour...big stupid grin on my face....

 

[SullyC]

I drove both but I'm also used to a V8. The loaded V6 was nice and really sold me on getting a Genesis but once I drove the V8 it was all over. The off the line acceleration is VG but to me it shines on the highway. When you need the power to pass someone on an uphill climb, its there. I did not get the Tech package and the addition were not that important to me. The 2010's have the Nav and bluetooth plus three more speakesr and the proximity sensors did not mean too much to me.

 

[STREETS]

The ultimate decision is do you want more power or not. A couple more goodies (lighted sill plates, wood topped steering wheel (both you can get for about $600) and 85 HP.
Weight the added fuel and insurance cost and let both the wallet and soul decide.

 

[CanukV6]

Something else not mentioned above is running costs. The V8 power is great and if that is your priority, go for it. I find the 290HP of the V6 more than adequate for acceleration, cruising and passing. As well as getting better mileage than the V8, the V6 also has the big advantage of using Regular Gas. The V8 requires Premium - yes I know you can use regular or mid-grade, but then you are compromising performance as the ECM will dial back the power.
If you do high annual miles like I do then the savings in gas costs alone add up quickly.

The Tech Package is nice to have. It not only gives you full Nav but in my opinion the Lexicon Audio, integrated Bluetooth and cooled drivers seat (wish they had it for the passenger as well) make the extra money well worthwhile.

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[Sayantsi]

I couldn't find any reason to get a V8, the V6 has more aggressive gearing so it feels peppier imo, it is 200 pounds lighter over the front wheels, and cost less. I also have dedicated sports cars and motorcycles, so I was looking more for a competent and quick sedan than getting the fastest sedan possible. Ymmv.

There were some things I didn't like about the V8 - LSD, wood trimmed steering wheel, lighted door sills that glow all the time, and premium cost for things I didn't need. That was my situation though - both cars are great. I don't think there is any reason not to get one car or another, get what you want.

 

[nearwater]

I heard the V6 sells better than the V8.
Probably the reason why 6 out of 7 '09 leftovers my dealer had, were V8s.
Personally, I liked the chrome side sills(enhances the look), bigger(4-pot ) front brakes, and of course the ZF transmission.
All those and the sweet sound of the V8 alone was worth $1500 for me.

Dan

 

[Mark_888]

I heard the V6 sells better than the V8.
Probably the reason why 6 out of 7 '09 leftovers my dealer had, were V8s.
Personally, I liked the chrome side sills(enhances the look), bigger(4-pot ) front brakes, and of course the ZF transmission.
All those and the sweet sound of the V8 alone was worth $1500 for me.

Dan

Since the V8 is 200 lbs heavier, it needs bigger brakes (and V8 owners probably drive too fast). The Aisin transmission on the V6 is nothing to sneeze at since Aisin makes transmissions for many RWD Lexus vehicles as well as many other car manufacturers. Aisin is about 50% owned by Toyota.

With higher insurance costs, premium fuel, and 2 mpg less highway mileage than the V6 (according to the EPA), the cost difference is more than just the $1500 difference in price.

 

[scottdk]

Since the V8 is 200 lbs heavier, it needs bigger brakes (and V8 owners probably drive too fast). The Aisin transmission on the V6 is nothing to sneeze at since Aisin makes transmissions for many RWD Lexus vehicles as well as many other car manufacturers. Aisin is about 50% owned by Toyota.

With higher insurance costs, premium fuel, and 2 mpg less highway mileage than the V6 (according to the EPA), the cost difference is more than just the $1500 difference in price.

You just spent a lot of money on a car. The tiny fuel MPG difference and small cost for the V8 are minimal.

 

[ACpilot1]

According to "Consumer Reports" evaluation of the Hyundai Genesis:

"First year reliability of the V6 has been above average while the V8 is average."

Dan

 

[nearwater]

You just spent a lot of money on a car. The tiny fuel MPG difference and small cost for the V8 are minimal.

+1.

According to "Consumer Reports" evaluation of the Hyundai Genesis:

"First year reliability of the V6 has been above average while the V8 is average."

Dan

I also read that magazine and noticed their review. I think I'll be fine with average reliability.

Looks like everyone(including me) is trying to justify their purchase here. I understand everyone's opinion and respect that.

Dan

 

[Disaster]

Looks like everyone(including me) is trying to justify their purchase here. I understand everyone's opinion and respect that.

Dan

I wouldn't say "justify" or "rationalize", but explain why they chose one or the other to answer the guys question. Every person's choice was right for them...or not. He can then use that info to help make his own decision.

As far as reliability goes, I suspect the two engines are very similar, however there is a bit more technology in the average V8. The electronics/technology is the weakest link when you look at the break down of the actual reliability data...with the tech package being the most problematic. This is true with it's competitors, Lexus, Mercedes and BMW....though Mercedes and BMW are considerably worse in this regard (google bmw climate control, for example.)

 

[Mark_888]

As far as reliability goes, I suspect the two engines are very similar, however there is a bit more technology in the average V8.

The difference in reliability could also be that the Hyundai 3.8 V6 has been around for a while in other vehicles, and the 4.6 V8 is relatively new (introduced in 2009 model year).

There have been some issues reported on this forum with the V8, and one thing mentioned that should specifically be avoided is running the V8 for a short time (especially in cold weather) without letting it warm up before shutting off the engine. If that happens, then next time the V8 starts, some valves may be in the wrong position (or something like that) and cause a violent reaction when the engine is restarted later.

 

[Matt Z]

I obviously bought the 2010 4.6 tech having driven a TDI Jetta for 4 years prior. But.....prior to the Jetta I drove a Q45 4.2 for a few years. I have always been in love with the V-8 and after driving a 3.8 loaner its like comparing apples to oranges.. Imo the 4.6 feels more substantial both in ride and power. I say, drive both equally and get what you want! On this kind of car, I don't believe that mpg should be the deciding factor.

 

[Dimitry]

For me, I would have to say the biggest difference in the 6 or the 8 is the smooth transmission. With the V6, if I accelerate in any higher gear, the RPMs jump up to 2.5-2.7k - The V8 is incredibly smooth with the acceleration. The ZF is amazing.