Need advice v6-v8

veloindy

veloindy

New member
Hi,

I'm newly registered to the forum but I've been lurking for quite some time. I need advice and opinions on the purchasing the v6 or v8. I'm for sure buying a sport model but I'm confused after driving both engines.

The v8 model felt heavy, and turned more slowly. Although it did feel like it would stop on a dime. The v6 model felt "sportier" and more "lively". I had my heart set on the v8 but I'm concerned with my impressions of the car. Do you get "use" to driving a truck like this? I did enjoy the ride height of the 4Runner! I didn't think I would notice, but that was reall cool.

Keep in mind that I'm coming from a long line of cars, Subarus, and this will be my first Toyota. My current car is a 2005 Legacy GT Limited (250hp turbo), I need to unload it. The car handles like it's on rails and has instant speed. One of the reasons I need to get out of it! I know I'll take a small hit on the trade but the resale, and reliability of the 4Runner willl hopefully make up for it in the long run.

If anybody would like to give their impression on driving their cars I would really appreciate it. I value the opinions on this forum, there are some guys out there that really know their stuff.

Thanks in advance!

Tony
 
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This has been discussed previously, but may now be outdated because the V8 got more power from the VVTI and the V6 received a 5 speed transmission identical to the V8 (as far as we know).

The V8 may feel heavier because of the bigger engine, but should make up for it in the HP/Torque Department. The V8 is full time 4WD while the V6 is selectable from 2WD/4WD. If the V6 was in 2WD, it may have cornered better because of that. Just a guess there.

You do get used to driving a bigger/heavier vehicle after some time. This is my first SUV and I come from a long line of cars. My last car was a lowered Celica so its a far departure. Oh yeah, don't be fooled that you'll be driving the 4Runner slower because its an SUV. This vehicle still hauls ass and can still get you a ticket. Also since you want a sport, the XREAS suspension really allows the truck to handle very nicely.

Good luck on your purchase!
 
Well, if you've already driven both, then there's not much anyone here can tell you that you haven't already experienced.

If you liked the way the V6 felt over the V8, then just get it. It's less expensive and gets better fuel economy, which is an added plus.

If you were asking about '04 models, I would say to definitely get the V6 (unless you tow heavy loads), especially considering that the V6 makes more horsepower. But now that the '05 V8 is out, there is a significant difference in power between the V6 and V8.
 
Thanks for the reply. I'm only talking the 05's. I also like the fact the v8 is all wheel drive. Isn't resale the v8 going to be a little better?
 
my previous car was a 330Cic with a sport suspension. It had great handling.

I got a V8 LTD with XREAS, and it defintely did feel heavy an slow through corners. But you will get used to it quickly enough, it will never handle like your Subi. What I like is that the 4R (especially with XREAS) does not exhibit the body lean of many SUVs. This helps a lot in feel and improves overall handling. You should howver enjoy the nicer and quiter ride from the SUbi ;):

I dont know if you test drove the XREAS equipped 4Rs (Standard on the Sport and optional on the LTD). The 2WD V6 Sport wil defintely be the best handling 4Runner (least amount of weight), especially upfront. The 4WD V8 does tend to feel nose heavy.

Pending on your needs get either the V6 or V8. As previously said both have plenty of power, obviously the V8 has more power the V6 is plenty fast. The V6 will use less fuel. If you tow or offroad the V8 will be the better option.
 
i would have bought the v6, but i test drove it right before driving the v8. maybe the two vehicles i drove were anomalies, but i felt a very significant difference in power. if i had felt that there was little difference between the two, i would have definitely opted for the v6.
 
This is an easy decision now that both engines comes with the 5A/T.

If you plan to tow, then get the v8 for the umph that you'll need. If you don't, then just get the v6 as it'll give you better mpg and will be abit easier on the wallet.

Since both have the 5A/T tranny, both models will drive nicely and work well.

Good luck!
 
veloindy said:
I also like the fact the v8 is all wheel drive. Isn't resale the v8 going to be a little better?
Click to expand...

If you like full time 4WD, test drive the V6 again with it engaged. See if there is a difference.
 
gonzo said:
i would have bought the v6, but i test drove it right before driving the v8. maybe the two vehicles i drove were anomalies, but i felt a very significant difference in power. if i had felt that there was little difference between the two, i would have definitely opted for the v6.
Click to expand...

my exact thoughts when i test drove them!
 
Yup, try the V6 in 4WD

Bluto said:
If you like full time 4WD, test drive the V6 again with it engaged. See if there is a difference.
Click to expand...

Since the V8 4wd is full-time, you might also try driving the 4wd V6 while in 4wd. The 4wd systems are the same, except that the V6 can be switched to 2wd. The V6 4wd is a "selectable" full-time system, and you can drive all year in 4wd if you want too.

I do notice a small difference in handling with the V6 in 4WD. I think it actually pulls better through turns. In 2wd, it is very easy to spin a rear wheel even when there's barely any sand or rain on the road. This is why I think they made the V8 full-time 4wd, because with the increased torque output of the motor, you would tend to spin the rear wheels a lot. That would put increased wear on the rear tires and drivetrain.

So if you drove both, and you still can't tell, get whichever is right for you. A lot of people will yak about the differences in 0-60 times, which are less than a second. In my opinion, if it goes to 60 in less than 9 seconds, it's a fast TRUCK/SUV. Less than 9 seconds is respectable for most sedans.
 
veloindy said:
Isn't resale the v8 going to be a little better?
Click to expand...


The V8 doesn't cost much more when new. Also, gas prices at the you sell might affect resale value. (What if gas goes up above $3/gal.?)
 
Thank you for all your replies! Hopefully this weekend I'll have made my choice and be driving a new 4Runner!

I'm impressed with Carmax and their new car price. Not too bad.
 
My opinion

V6 if its an 03 or 04

Hands down a v8 if its an 05.

Thats what I would choose, the new 8 is hot.

T
 
What are your priorities?

If you want the max horsepower and/or torque (or tow heavy loads), or want the V8 badge, the 2005 V8s are the way to go.

The V6s get maybe 10% better mileage and (when in 2wd mode) seem to me to drive better. I think you'll notice it if you do an extended test drive in a V6 and switch it from AWD to 2wd mode. My guess is that the always-AWD mode and the (roughly) 200 lbs. extra in the front end of the V8 are the main reasons.

It's not a particularly strong effect, though. I bet you'll be happy with whatever you buy.
 
you should definately drive a v6 with 4 wheel engaged than disengaged,all runners are great trucks and far above the average suv,however i much prefer driving mine in 2wheel drive.it is a very noticable difference.


2004 titanium v6
bridgestone revo's
 
Well, I was all set on the V8, but now I think I should spend more time in the V6. I'll switch to all wheel drive and see what that feels like. I won't be doing much towing, maybe twice a year. And also a few extended trips to the mountains. The dealer told me the altitude will suck power from the V6. Anybody drive in altitude?
 
veloindy said:
Well, I was all set on the V8, but now I think I should spend more time in the V6. I'll switch to all wheel drive and see what that feels like. I won't be doing much towing, maybe twice a year. And also a few extended trips to the mountains. The dealer told me the altitude will suck power from the V6. Anybody drive in altitude?
Click to expand...

High altitudes "suck power" equally from all engines, with the possible exception of turbocharged or supercharged vehicles.

It's all about the air density, which thins as altitudes rise. Less oxygen in the air equals less power.
 
I test drove both a V6 and a V8 3 weeks ago. I went into the dealership pretty much set on a Limited V8 4x4 with XREAS but felt I had to give the V6 a shot since it would be cheaper up front as well as on-going with gas.

I drove the V8 4x4 with XREAS first and it was amazing. So much quieter than my V6 Accord and pretty much shifted gears without me knowing (Honda shifts are very noticeable but can't argue with their reliability). I did punch the accelerator a few times and actually was surprised at how smoothly it accelerated. I had to look down and watch the speedometer to see that I was quickly gaining ground. There wasn't any added wind or engine noise to indicate that I was giving it a lot of gas. (maybe the girlfriend was running the mouth and I didn't hear it -- we love her but she can talk)

I next drove the V6. They didn't have a 4x4 model and didn't have a Sport with that engine. So I drove a 4x2 SR5 (obviously no XREAS). This thing had great acceleration. I know it is possible that the V8 I tested was abnormal (or maybe it was the 4x4 vs. the 4x2) but the V6 gas pedal actually seemed to respond quicker when I pressed on it. The V8 almost seemed to have a little "give room" that I'd have to push it thru before it kicked in the acceleration. I'm not sure if the V6 was a little noisier but I felt like I was going faster when pushing the gas down. It felt a little more exhilarating during acceleration. So I definitely understand why so many defend and love the V6 on this forum.

I went home a little disappointed b/c I had been sure I would get the V8 before the test drives but was confused afterwards. I know the V6 isn't faster than the V8, I think the quietness of the V8 just makes the acceleration somewhat deceptive. But the little extra noise the V6 put out didn't make it seem like it was working hard, either. So I guess I was just really surprised with the V6 power.

I went back to what originally sold me on the V8. I'll admit I like the fact that other Toyotas and Lexus models use this engine. Plus I like to keep cars for quite a while and while I have nothing to tow right now, I don't know what I might have in 4 or 5 years. So the extra towing capacity of the V8 sounded nice. Also, I didn't want to skimp on something and then regret it a few years later for whatever reason (if I had bought a new car 3 years ago I wouldn't have gotten a navigation system... something I would surely regret now after riding in others' cars that have it).

So I ordered a V8 and am happy with that decision.
 
veloindy said:
Hi,

I'm newly registered to the forum but I've been lurking for quite some time. I need advice and opinions on the purchasing the v6 or v8. I'm for sure buying a sport model but I'm confused after driving both engines.

The v8 model felt heavy, and turned more slowly. Although it did feel like it would stop on a dime. The v6 model felt "sportier" and more "lively". I had my heart set on the v8 but I'm concerned with my impressions of the car. Do you get "use" to driving a truck like this? I did enjoy the ride height of the 4Runner! I didn't think I would notice, but that was reall cool.

Keep in mind that I'm coming from a long line of cars, Subarus, and this will be my first Toyota. My current car is a 2005 Legacy GT Limited (250hp turbo), I need to unload it. The car handles like it's on rails and has instant speed. One of the reasons I need to get out of it! I know I'll take a small hit on the trade but the resale, and reliability of the 4Runner willl hopefully make up for it in the long run.

If anybody would like to give their impression on driving their cars I would really appreciate it. I value the opinions on this forum, there are some guys out there that really know their stuff.

Thanks in advance!

Tony
Click to expand...

I always say, "to each their own!" Although I would bet, EDGE, would find something offensive in this post...:D <j/k>
 
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