V6 vs V8?

[taxicab]

Please direct me to the thread if it already exists, but I couldn't find any discussion on the merits of the V6 vs V8. In my research, I was focused on the V6 due to the lower price, better mileage, and for the windy roads I drive on, the V6 seemed to get some good reviews on the pep and sportiness versus the all out highway power of the V8. Any comments from you who have thoroughly evaluated both? With the V6 almost sold out, it looks like there still might be some tempting deals to be had on the last 2009 V8's.

 

[wallymn]

Some of my experiences (I own a v-8)....

The sticker price is only 2k more for the v-8 (when loaded)...

The fuel economy on highway is almost the same...
if you drive more city, the v-6 seems to really shine for fuel economy.

TAU (v-8) is an ALL new design.... no problems at all but a new design is a higher risk than the lambda engine (around for years, proven track record)....

with the v-8 you get a limited slip rear end, that helps in weather....

with the v-8 you get a ZF transmission. This should be more durable than he Assin transmission in the v-6.

having driven both prior to purchase the v-6 is more than enough engine for 80% of driving...

Most people worry about fuel economy, after 14,000 miles I am averaging 25.7 MPG (v-8) in mixed driving .... I would do better if I wasn't a bit of a lead foot.

I didn't price insurance differences but the v-8 is only 538.00 a year for me

 

[taxicab]

Thanks for those good points, Wally. And I may need to move to MN to get cheaper car insurance!

 

[Sayantsi]

I looked at both, and decided on the V6, although the V8 is a fine choice. I chose the V6 model for the following reasons:

- Acceleration is basically identical since the V6 has shorter gearing, so it gets off the line quickly. As well, it feels more taught when you step on the gas at speed, a positive driving characteristic.
- Less weight over the front wheels - since the V6 weighs a good bit less than the V8, there's less front weight bias and thus less understeer. The car respondes better with the V6 to transitional changes as well.

Some things didn't matter to me - Price wise, a V8 is about identical to a V6 with the PP package, and it gets about the same mpg, but it takes more oil on changes and more spark plugs, so maint is a little higher. Still, its a miniscule difference, but with a V6 and shorter gearing, I don't see the need for the V8.

The Aisin transmission is a great transmission - Aisin is the ZF of Asia and is in some of the best driving cars ever, including the Honda S2000 and Mazda Miata, as well as all Toyotas and Lexuses, so you know its reliable.

At the end of the day, I could get everything I wanted on either car with either engine, so I would have gotten either. I went with the V6 as I fond it a better handler, and think 290 hp is plenty with the shorter gearing, and got the exact color I wanted. If you have a deal on a V8 lined up, you're not losing out by going with one over another imo.

 

[Mark_888]

The ZF transmission can theoretically handle more HP and torque than the Aisin, but it certainly is not more "reliable" IMO (as noted above, Aisin is used in many Lexus and Toyota products and is about 50% owned by Toyota).

The V6 is going to get about 2 MPG more than the V8. Whether you think that is about the same is up to you.

There are some advantages to the 2010 model that you may want to consider (which I won't mention here for fear of my personal well-being).

 

[danieltoye101@msn.com]

Because I was leasing, the V6 was much more affordable than the V8(over $100 per month less). Either car will likely be acceptable for your needs.

 

[wallymn]

I looked at both, and decided on the V6, although the V8 is a fine choice. I chose the V6 model for the following reasons:

- Acceleration is basically identical since the V6 has shorter gearing, so it gets off the line quickly. As well, it feels more taught when you step on the gas at speed, a positive driving characteristic.
- Less weight over the front wheels - since the V6 weighs a good bit less than the V8, there's less front weight bias and thus less understeer. The car respondes better with the V6 to transitional changes as well.

Some things didn't matter to me - Price wise, a V8 is about identical to a V6 with the PP package, and it gets about the same mpg, but it takes more oil on changes and more spark plugs, so maint is a little higher. Still, its a miniscule difference, but with a V6 and shorter gearing, I don't see the need for the V8.

The Aisin transmission is a great transmission - Aisin is the ZF of Asia and is in some of the best driving cars ever, including the Honda S2000 and Mazda Miata, as well as all Toyotas and Lexuses, so you know its reliable.

At the end of the day, I could get everything I wanted on either car with either engine, so I would have gotten either. I went with the V6 as I fond it a better handler, and think 290 hp is plenty with the shorter gearing, and got the exact color I wanted. If you have a deal on a V8 lined up, you're not losing out by going with one over another imo.

I never had the chance to really push the v-6 (demo ride) but the v-8 doesn't really under steer. Thanks to a large anti-roll bar in the rear it tends to drift every so slightly. under power the rear will step out slightly which brings the nose back in direction, Has been a blast, I am sure someone will ticket me for my on ramp joy rides....

 

[TJPark01]

Hard question to answer. It really depends on your priorities:
V6:
Probably the better value and for 90% of people it's all you need.
V8:
Bigger brakes, more power, more cache also more expensive. For enthusiats it's the way to go.

V6. You will get 90% of what you need, as for the V8, it's nice to have, and fun if you wanna drop the hammer down. It's pretty much uneccesary, though.

 

[taxicab]

Thanks for your feedback. Surprised to see it was pretty much an equal vote. I didn't expect to buy today, but over the phone I just agreed to the 2009 V6 with Premium Package in the colors I had been struggling to find (Titanium with black leather). Will pick it up Monday at $31,900 plus TTL. I would have enjoyed the upgraded leather on the 2010 Premium package, but I heard the V6's aren't hitting the lots as fast as the 2010 V8's.

 

[TJPark01]

Thanks for your feedback. Surprised to see it was pretty much an equal vote. I didn't expect to buy today, but over the phone I just agreed to the 2009 V6 with Premium Package in the colors I had been struggling to find (Titanium with black leather). Will pick it up Monday at $31,900 plus TTL. I would have enjoyed the upgraded leather on the 2010 Premium package, but I heard the V6's aren't hitting the lots as fast as the 2010 V8's.

The leather isn't that much better. It's already very good on the model you purchased. The only thing that you miss really is the upgraded tire and rim size which is the - 18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with 235/50R18 tires. This may not matter to you, once again it's a trade off. They look better and the tires are more agressive. But the one you bot takes pot holes and road imperfections much better, and the ride is more geared toward comfort than sport. It all depends on what your needs are. Either way, it's pretty much like pizza and beer. Any way you get it, ultimately it's still pretty darn good.

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[dataguy]

Congrats. The V6 has no problem getting to scary speeds, and the acceleration can be scary if you're not used to dropping the hammer.

 

[Hghwy52]

I bought a V6 Premium vs Premium Plus because I did not like the 18" V6 wheels. I know others love them but they're a little too ornate for me. Anyway, I bought a set of new V8 take offs one e-bay (wheels and tires - no TPMS) for $700 plus shipping. It was a little cheaper than the Premium Plus which is an extra $1,000 for the 18" wheels. I didn't really notice much difference in ride between the 17 and 18" wheels. I'll probably put the 17 inchers back on when the 18" tires wear out and save the cost of new ones.

 

[sandy]

Thanks for your feedback. Surprised to see it was pretty much an equal vote. I didn't expect to buy today, but over the phone I just agreed to the 2009 V6 with Premium Package in the colors I had been struggling to find (Titanium with black leather). Will pick it up Monday at $31,900 plus TTL. I would have enjoyed the upgraded leather on the 2010 Premium package, but I heard the V6's aren't hitting the lots as fast as the 2010 V8's.

Good for you. I faced the same dilema and decided on the V6 for most of the reasons stated here. Like you, the clincher was the dealer was able to get me the Titanium/Black. Your price also seems fair. I've been leasing "luxuy" cars for the past 20 years and after driving the Genesis for 12,000 miles ...it's my favorite. You will be very happy. I'm looking forward to repeating the analysis when my lease ends 2/11 and we see what changes Hyundai has made to both models.

 

[blasterguam]

I bought the V8 Tech because I wanted all the toys. I didn't consider the V6 only because I couldn't get all the goodies, but if it was outfitted the same as the V8 I most likely would have purchased a 6.

 

[taxicab]

The leather isn't that much better. It's already very good on the model you purchased. The only thing that you miss really is the upgraded tire and rim size which is the - 18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with 235/50R18 tires. This may not matter to you, once again it's a trade off. They look better and the tires are more agressive. But the one you bot takes pot holes and road imperfections much better, and the ride is more geared toward comfort than sport. It all depends on what your needs are. Either way, it's pretty much like pizza and beer. Any way you get it, ultimately it's still pretty darn good.

Great comments. I was torn between waiting for the 2010, but still unsure when V6's would hit the lots, and when I studied the Hyundai press release and recommended pricing, I saw that the Premium Plus package is gone, so to get the bigger wheels, you have to add Premium as well as the Nav or Tech package, and I just don't want to pay for those extra toys. If I miss the low profile tires, I may go after market once the first set of Dunlops wear out, as some other members have suggested. I am definitely going "softer" as I switch from my Acura TL-S to the more spacious lux of the Genesis.

 

[CanukV6]

Another significant benefit of the V6 compared to the V8 is that the six only requires Regular Gas. While the fuel economy might not be that much better the difference in fuel cost certainly adds up.

 

[JOwest]

Another significant benefit of the V6 compared to the V8 is that the six only requires Regular Gas. While the fuel economy might not be that much better the difference in fuel cost certainly adds up.

If you don't mind losing about 7hp on the V8 you can use regular gas as well. I have the V8 and use regular grade gas. No problem whatsoever. 368hp on regular gas is more than enough for me

 

[PINGGOLF]

There are some advantages to the 2010 model that you may want to consider (which I won't mention here for fear of my personal well-being).

Mark! That was perfect! Thank you!

Anywho...my comments...

I never would have thought that my V8 would pull in anywhere from 24-27 mpg's cruising at 80 mph.

But Hyundai proved me wrong!

Yes, you can get 10-15 mpg's easy with the V8...but it is just as easy to ring in the high numbers as soon as you set the cruise control.

Our family trip to the beach...I'll summarize quickly.

300 miles one way...averaged 25.4 doing 90 mph the whole way (with Beltronics Pro RX65 as my co-pilot)

My Brother-in-laws 09 MB GL320 (Diesel and north of $85K) rang in at 23.5 from Oxford, MS. This was their first trip in the new car.

After we all gave the car its official welcome and look-see he puffed his chest out and told us how great the diesel was and how many MPG's he got on his trip. Of course, he looked at me first, since my wife and I are the only ones in the family who think being GREEN and global warming is a load of BS. (***DISCLAIMER*** please refrain from any speeches on why you think I should be more concerned about a polar bear, the polar ice cap, or some parasite that will become extinct if I crank my car again. By the way, according to Hyundai, they planted a tree in my honor when I bought the car to offset my emissions! How sweet is that?? )

If only you could see his reaction when I cranked my car and showed him the display on the 375HP V8 that will run 5.5 to 60.

Priceless!!!

Anywho...I'd opt for the V8...its sooooo worth it. If you are more worried over 2-4 mpg's maybe you should look to the hybrid. Hey...I myself bought one!! HA!!! Does that make me a Greeny???? HECK NO...it was just like the v6 and the v8 Genesis...more options!

 

[SterlingDave]

Mark! That was perfect! Thank you!

Anywho...my comments...

I never would have thought that my V8 would pull in anywhere from 24-27 mpg's cruising at 80 mph.

But Hyundai proved me wrong!

Yes, you can get 10-15 mpg's easy with the V8...but it is just as easy to ring in the high numbers as soon as you set the cruise control.

Our family trip to the beach...I'll summarize quickly.

300 miles one way...averaged 25.4 doing 90 mph the whole way (with Beltronics Pro RX65 as my co-pilot)

My Brother-in-laws 09 MB GL320 (Diesel and north of $85K) rang in at 23.5 from Oxford, MS. This was their first trip in the new car.

After we all gave the car its official welcome and look-see he puffed his chest out and told us how great the diesel was and how many MPG's he got on his trip. Of course, he looked at me first, since my wife and I are the only ones in the family who think being GREEN and global warming is a load of BS. (***DISCLAIMER*** please refrain from any speeches on why you think I should be more concerned about a polar bear, the polar ice cap, or some parasite that will become extinct if I crank my car again. By the way, according to Hyundai, they planted a tree in my honor when I bought the car to offset my emissions! How sweet is that?? )

If only you could see his reaction when I cranked my car and showed him the display on the 375HP V8 that will run 5.5 to 60.

Priceless!!!

Anywho...I'd opt for the V8...its sooooo worth it. If you are more worried over 2-4 mpg's maybe you should look to the hybrid. Hey...I myself bought one!! HA!!! Does that make me a Greeny???? HECK NO...it was just like the v6 and the v8 Genesis...more options!

Way to go, pingman.....you are my kind of rocket scientist. I think that global warming is a load also....hell, it's keeping us out of another ice age!

Obviously, I vote for the V8 as well.

 

[Gold Z]

There was a post on here some time ago that reported that one of the auto magazines had tested a V8 Genesis against a V6 and they ran identical 0-60 and quarter mile times. The V6 actually feels faster around town than the V8 although I'm sure the V8 would have slightly faster passing times on the highway.