V6 or V8? whats the big difference?
 

so im looking at 4x4 4th gens... mainly 03's and am jsut really looking for the best deal and the one in the best shape with least amount of miles... but when it comes to a v6 i have heard that they feel like they are always straining themselves to drive. i have a V8 and love it but is there really a big difference in v8 to v6 4wd 03 4th gens besides the v8 is full time 4wd. ( but i could just run the v6 in full time as well) thanks. also gas mileage wise as well does the V6 significantly do better?

My v8 awd gets roughly 19mpg. Not hwy or city, mainly "country" roads.

I would think the v8's would likely have less miles bc of the gas mpg's. People generally use the smaller engine models to do commuting.

My v8 is getting around 16mpg thats is with city driving and driving like a grandma.

If I didn't get such a good deal on mine I would have went with the V6, but the v8 a power is certainly nice to have.

4.0 V6:
236Hp & 266 lb/ft
Towing: 5000lbs

4.7 V8:
260Hp & 306 lb/ft
Towing: 7300lbs

Personally, I don't see a WHOLE lot of difference. The V8, I'm sure has more "grunt" to it. Many here love them. I have the V6 and believe it's plenty fast. I never notice it "straining"....... I get about 19 in mixed driving. Highway, I see 23-25mpg (you have to stomach the speed limit though :police: )

To each his/her own

I have a 2003 V8 and my girlfriend has a 2003 V8, both SR5 4WD.

We swap vehicles from time to time "cuz that's how we roll" haha!

Anyway here are some things I've noticed. I was going to write "IMO" or "IMHO" but I find that term is WAY overused here so I refuse to use it. Anyway:

-they get about the same gas mileage.
-The V8 will need the timing belt replaced every approx. 90000 miles whereas the V6 has a timing chain which can go for way longer.
-The V6 is aluminum so if it overheats there is more chance the head could warp.
-From what I understand the V8 is a more proven and durable engine.
-The V8 sounds nicer, is smoother, and has more torque. Better for pulling a trailer.
-The V8 has a 5 speed auto transmission, the V6 is 4 speed.
-The more I learn about the V8 the happier I am that I got it.

One strange thing: My 4Runner had some kind of modification to the exhaust by the dealer by the previous owner so I don't have this problem but most V8's emit a rotton egg sulfur odor out of the exhaust under heavy acceleration.

Most importantly make sure you do the following if you buy a used one:
-I wouldn't go for one that has had more than 2 previous owners.
-Get one where the owner can show you service records.
-No major accidents
-Get a Carproof done while keeping in mind even that doesn't disclose everything.
-Get a FULL mechanical inspection done by a qualified mechanic; even if it costs a lot it's definitely worth it.
-The only exception to all this is if you are buying it from friend or family and you know the service history.

Anyway, that's my 3 cents....anyone care to add or debate??

I have a 09 v6 4x4. I came from a 06 v8 titan 2wd, and there is a definite difference. The 4runner v6 is not as peppy, but I don't feel like I am missing anything. I wanted a v6 for the gas mileage, and I don't think that I will pull anything, so the v6 works for me. Not to mention that I went from 14-15 mpg to 21 mpg, city & highway.

okay well i have the V8 now with my 2wd but its not really the gas mileage i care about when swithching to 4wd but im just afraid that if say i found a deal on a V6 4wd and i am dissapointed by power loss. and for some odd reason i would feel safer with the V8 4wd because it has the full time 4wd and no 2wd because i have heard of the V6 4wd sometimes not working when swithcing although i beleive its cause ppl leave em in 2wd for too long but something about it makes me feel better that i wont have to worry about it... but i mean i could run a V6 in full time 4.

I'm a bit confused. Did you just buy a 2003 V8? Because in your first post it seemed like you didn't have one yet and and you were looking for information to help make a decision between the V6 and V8.

no sir... i have had the 03 V8 since 06, need a 4wd now as we bout a mountain cabin and the place gets a ton of snow and a lot of ice as well... im tryin to see if there are significant differences casue i find good deals on V6's.

I'm no expert, but i don't think you can run the 4WD V6 in 4WD mode full time unless the roads are wet/icy according to the owners manual. Am i right about that?

My last CA trip in March was 23 MPG on the Interstates. Stock with hydrocarbon filter removed. 16-17 around the city.

______________
'07 SE V6 4x4

Easy
 

The big difference...


LOW END TORQUE :cool:

That and V8s just plain sound great too.

sorry thats not right... it can be. the 4th gens were designed to be run full time 4. there is a center diff locker that is equipped with all the 4th gen 4wd. when that button is pressed then you cant drive in full time cause it will bind. there has to be slippage but when the center diff isnt locked you can go all day in 4wd HI.

yes and i dont want it to sound like its electric like all the new nissan suv's that are V6's... they seriously sound electric haha

Cool! Good to know...