I have an '05 4Runner with the V-6, and it certainly is no slouch regarding acceleration. I have never driven a V-8 4Runner, but it must really rock! My Toyota never has any trouble keeping up with or out-pacing the flow of traffic -- even on the Interstate.
Interesting to hear people compare the 4Runner to trucks such as Ford's Powerstroke (engine actually made by Navistar) and Dodge's Cummins diesels. Talk about apples and oranges! By keeping up with that kind of company, it is a testament to the mettle of the 4Runner.
Sure, a V8 4Runner could match wits at the dragstrip....but you can't beat one of those high-torque diesels for maximum pulling power at very low RPMs. The fuel economy advantage to a compression engine versus a spark engine is amazing! One of those 2-ton pickups might get 8 to 10 mpg with a big-block gasoline engine, but the diesel powerplant might get 14 to 16 with a similar-displacement block. (For those who do a lot of driving, the diesel engine will typically outlast a gas job -- and will need less maintenance.)
I drive an International diesel every day at work (with a huge DT466 engine - an inline six) and they are noisy and slow.......but very, very powerful. I think my truck has about 230 horsepower, although close to 600 lbs/ft of torque at about 1700 or 1800 RPMs. With a seven-speed manual tranny, it will really pull a heavy load with relative ease.
There is nothing like hitting your peak torque at about 1700 RPMs.
:awais: