2003/04V8 vs 2005-2009 V8

[Silent Auction]

has anyone drove both and if so is there a noticeable difference? i tried to search but v8 comes up with nothing.

 

[Zuke]

My father in law has a 06 Tundra. It does have a little more pull to it at WOT. Also the Tundra engine is the US made V8 so it has more HP because of the different rods used.

 

[progress4m]

has anyone drove both and if so is there a noticeable difference? i tried to search but v8 comes up with nothing.

I have when I was looking for 4Runner, but it was more than 3 years ago…
The deference will be minimal under normal driving condition, but you will feel it after you pass 3000 RPM.

 

[zerowkul98]

I gotta 03 and an 08, and the 08 def has more "pep" when you first initially touch the pedal. I think the 03 also has a 4 spd tranny while the 08 has a 5 ? I could be wrong there.

The 08 has the VVT while the 03 doesnt. I guess i'll chaulk it up to that.

 

[DC runner]

No. In 03 the V8 had the 5 speed, but the v6 had the 4 speed.

In 04 and above both models had the transmission. It proved to be such a good transmission that it matched both well.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have driven both. The 03 V8 actually is rated higher in torque than the newer V8 but the newer V8 has more HP.. I felt the 03 was slightly stronger at low rpm. The newer V8 comes on stronger at very high rpm but not by as much as you might think. Both are excellent engines in my opinion.

 

[progress4m]

I have driven both. The 03 V8 actually is rated higher in torque than the newer V8 but the newer V8 has more HP.. I felt the 03 was slightly stronger at low rpm. The newer V8 comes on stronger at very high rpm but not by as much as you might think. Both are excellent engines in my opinion.

Small correction: Standards were changed in 2006 on how engines are rated, that is why you see discrepancies like “newer engines have less torque”;
But if compare 03/04 to 05 (dual VVT-i) since measurements standards are the same for those years you will see that 2005 V8 has 270 HP and 330 Lbs vs. 03/04 that has 235 HP and 320 LBs of torque.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Small correction: Standards were changed in 2006 on how engines are rated, that is why you see discrepancies like “newer engines have less torque”;
But if compare 03/04 to 05 (dual VVT-i) since measurements standards are the same for those years you will see that 2005 V8 has 270 HP and 330 Lbs vs. 03/04 that has 235 HP and 320 LBs of torque.

I think what we need to find is the rpm that horsepower comes on at. I think you will find the newer V8s make that power at a higher rpm.

Just found this. http://www.roadandtravel.com/roadtests/reviews/2005roadtests/newcarreviews/toyota4runner.htm
It states this for the V8 in 05. The optional 4.7-liter V8, has improved performance and now offers 270 hp @ 5400 rpm and 330 lb. ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm.
From my 03 brochure it says 235 hp at 4800 rpm and 320 ib. ft. torque at 3400 rpm

So to get the added hp you have to rev it 600 more rpm.

 

[judoant]

I have found a good deal on an 04 but I was really wanting to hold out for the 05+ since it has the VVT-i and additional HP. What do you guys think? I am in no hurry and I plan to tow so I feel like I should wait.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

It isn't that noticable of a difference, I've towed my cousins 6,500 pound boat before with my 03 V8 and theirs (a 2008 Salsa Red Pedal Sport Edition V8) didn't tow any different. Both 2WD.

 

[Mark86]

I had both engines and the 05-up V8 is more responsive and gets better gas mileage. You would probably notice it more with towing, which I don't do. I noticed it driving up the hills.

 

[Nathana92]

I have a 03 V8 and my mom has an 05 V8, both are 4wd. all I would say that hers seems a bit quicker but not a huge amount. Overall I wouldn't buy a newer truck just for VVTI. It's just not noticeable enough in a big 4Runner.