One more V6 vs V8 ?

[Loki]

Sure it is. If you can't afford to own it up front and over the life of your ownership experience, then it's not in the picture.

Every 4Runner owner made their choice in part based on affordability. Either they got a bargain, or they settled for what they could afford and their available choices, most seem to feel like they got a bargain.

If you could have gotten the exact same PC you're typing away on now for less, you would have bought it...right?

So by your logic, because you can afford something you should buy it?

The fact is the v8 costs more. HOWEVER most anyone that can afford a 30k$ truck can afford the extra 1500$ or whatever it is to get the v8. It's not a question of not being able to afford the v8...it's a question of need or desire. I personally had no need for it and had no desire to get it. Why waste the extra money? Just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. People with that mentality end up gettting sold the 'suckers' options by dealers. You know the old saying...a fool and his money....

For the same reason I didn't buy the limited. I saw little value in the extra expense. Could I have afforded it? Easily. Also, and this is just personal preference, I see the multi mode 4wd system on the v6 as an added feature. I like the way a 2wd vehicle drives under normal driving conditions; more so than the handling characteristics of an AWD vehicle. YMMV.

 

[Kanab]

I guess we have all learned or had reenforced that options are a good thing.

 

[jharris2]

I guess we have all learned or had reenforced that options are a good thing.

:iagree:

We've also learned again that members of this board have strong opinions!

As I mentioned in an earlier thread about V6 vs. V8, this is about as close to a religious topic as we will get on the forum. We all believe we made the right choice and no one will convince us differently.

 

[Kanab]

:iagree:

We've also learned again that members of this board have strong opinions!

As I mentioned in an earlier thread about V6 vs. V8, this is about as close to a religious topic as we will get on the forum. We all believe we made the right choice and no one will convince us differently.

John it all makes sense the engine is the heart of your vehicle and no one wants to think they made the wrong decision. I don't think when it comes to Toyota that either choice is wrong. I didn't need a V8, I never tow or haul or off road and I don't even drive fast. I got the V8 based on the fact it came with AWD and the same engine/transmission as the Lexus LX470, just makes me feel like I got the biggest bang for my $$$ That is the reason that I personally encourage others to get the V8. You could never do this with a Mercedes or a BMW. Example in the "E" class Mercedes if you get the "300" with the V6 it costs you $15K less than if you get the "500" in the "E" class with the V8. So my pont is in a Mercedes or a BMW this upgrade would cost $15,000.00 more and we can get the upgrade in the 4runner for only around $1,500.00. Now I call that BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!

 

[Loki]

I got the V8 based on the fact it came with AWD

Not to nitpick here, but the v6 model has the same exact AWD system; you just get the added option of 2wd mode. So AWD on the v8's isn't really a 'feature'.

 

[Loki]

You could never do this with a Mercedes or a BMW. Example in the "E" class Mercedes if you get the "300" with the V6 it costs you $15K less than if you get the "500" in the "E" class with the V8. So my pont is in a Mercedes or a BMW this upgrade would cost $15,000.00 more and we can get the upgrade in the 4runner for only around $1,500.00. Now I call that BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!

Yeah but with a mercedes or bmw there's a large performance difference when you get the bigger engine and extra luxury appointments are added to the vehicle. In this case, you get more torque but no noticeable performance difference for daily driving. But hey if it makes you feel better to have a 'lexus' engine then more power to ya.

 

[Kanab]

Not to nitpick here, but the v6 model has the same exact AWD system; you just get the added option of 2wd mode. So AWD on the v8's isn't really a 'feature'.

Loki, I hear you but this doesn't make sense? If they were the same but with the added option of 2wd mode it would be provided on the top models not on the base models.

I don't really know much about this part-time 4 wheel drive system that came on the standard engine model V6's since I never considered the V6. I thought it was a completely different system and did not include a lot of the traction control features that came with the V8 AWD. Maybe someone could add their engineering analysis of the differences between these two 4wd/AWD systems?

 

[Hitman]

Sure it is. If you can't afford to own it up front and over the life of your ownership experience, then it's not in the picture.

As I alread said, I could have easily afforded to buy a V8 Limited 4Runner. I chose the V6 Sport instead for many reasons besides the fact that it costs less.

I also own a BMW M3. I could have chosen a 330Ci instead (which is about $15000 cheaper) but decided to go with the M3 instead. So yes, I've been on both sides of this fence.

Every 4Runner owner made their choice in part based on affordability. Either they got a bargain, or they settled for what they could afford and their available choices, most seem to feel like they got a bargain.

Wrong. Not every 4Runner owner made the choice based on affordability. Don't lump everyone together with the way that YOU think. Again, my choice was not made by what I could or could not afford.

If you could have gotten the exact same PC you're typing away on now for less, you would have bought it...right?

Of course I would have... but what does that have to do with anything? Are you saying that I would have chosen the V8 4Runner if I could have gotten it for the same exact price as the V6 4Runner????

I think you are confusing affordibility with common sense.

 

[Hitman]

Example in the "E" class Mercedes if you get the "300" with the V6 it costs you $15K less than if you get the "500" in the "E" class with the V8. So my pont is in a Mercedes or a BMW this upgrade would cost $15,000.00 more and we can get the upgrade in the 4runner for only around $1,500.00. Now I call that BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!

I'm not sure how much you know about Mercedes, but the difference between the E320 and the E500 is more than just the engine, so the extra money is spent elsewhere as well.....but you point is still taken.

 

[Hitman]

I don't really know much about this part-time 4 wheel drive system that came on the standard engine model V6's since I never considered the V6. I thought it was a completely different system and did not include a lot of the traction control features that came with the V8 AWD. Maybe someone could add their engineering analysis of the differences between these two 4wd/AWD systems?

From everything I've read, the 4WD system is identicle between all models of the 4Runner, with the exception of not being able to choose 2 wheel drive mode on the V8 models.

Same exacts parts and performance. If I drive my V6 Sport around in 4 wheel High, it will perform exactly as your V8 4 wheel drive system.

And to me, that would make the V6 4Runner the one with the "extra" 4 wheel drive feature.

 

[slowginjoe]

I chose V8 partly because of the 5 speed tranny with Artificial Intelligence Shift control. It also has a better bottome gear ratio for offroading. Now that the V6 has the same trans. it might make it a tougher choice. Can a V6 4 speed trans. owner tell me if the center diff. locks on those? Just curious...

 

[Hitman]

I chose V8 partly because of the 5 speed tranny with Artificial Intelligence Shift control. It also has a better bottome gear ratio for offroading. Now that the V6 has the same trans. it might make it a tougher choice. Can a V6 4 speed trans. owner tell me if the center diff. locks on those? Just curious...

Yup, we have the cent diff lock button as well....

 

[sharp4runr]

From everything I've read, the 4WD system is identicle between all models of the 4Runner, with the exception of not being able to choose 2 wheel drive mode on the V8 models.

Same exacts parts and performance. If I drive my V6 Sport around in 4 wheel High, it will perform exactly as your V8 4 wheel drive system.

And to me, that would make the V6 4Runner the one with the "extra" 4 wheel drive feature.

Hitman is correct and I'm not saying that just because I also have a V6. Everything I've read from these forums have led me to believe that the 4WD system on the V6/V8 are identical. The V6 4WD has ATRAC/VSC/DAC/HAC and the ability to lock the center differential just like the V8.

I positive the subject has been covered extensively in past threads. Do a search and you'll find them.

July

(I have to say again, a 4Runner with any engine is still a 4Runner so everyone wins)

 

[Loki]

my dad can beat up your dad

 

[GatorGreg]

I have to say again, a 4Runner with a V6 or a V8 is still a 4Runner so everyone wins

Don't forget about the 4 bangers

 

[jharris2]

John it all makes sense the engine is the heart of your vehicle and no one wants to think they made the wrong decision. I don't think when it comes to Toyota that either choice is wrong. I didn't need a V8, I never tow or haul or off road and I don't even drive fast. I got the V8 based on the fact it came with AWD and the same engine/transmission as the Lexus LX470, just makes me feel like I got the biggest bang for my $$$ That is the reason that I personally encourage others to get the V8. You could never do this with a Mercedes or a BMW. Example in the "E" class Mercedes if you get the "300" with the V6 it costs you $15K less than if you get the "500" in the "E" class with the V8. So my pont is in a Mercedes or a BMW this upgrade would cost $15,000.00 more and we can get the upgrade in the 4runner for only around $1,500.00. Now I call that BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!

I think the way to look at it is what is best for your individual circumstances. I bought the V6 largely because I didn't want or need full-time 4WD.

If the V8 would have had the same part-time setup as the V6, I would have gotten it because of the extra capacity....even though I don't plan to use it. Dad used to say "it's better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it."

The good thing is that we are both happy with our choices and we agree that neither choice could be considered the "wrong" choice.

 

[Thai]

Hey all, the 4wd systems on both V6 and V8 are identical for the most part...they have the same technologies (Torsen lockable center diff, 4-wheel traction control, DAC, HAC, etc.). The only major difference is that the V8 4wd system is full-time (no 2wd mode). The V6 model, on the other hand, has the additional option of 2wd mode. So, if you must, then consider the V6 as having an extra cost-saving option.

This goes well with advertising the V6 model as the fuel-saving alternative to the V8 model...for people who don't need the extra torque and fuel consumption.

BTW, to clarify, if you put a V6 model into 4wd, then it acts IDENTICAL to the V8 full-time system. No differences whatsoever. In fact, i know of a few 3rd gen 4runner owners who run 4wd all the time.

As for Mercedes pricing, it is true about the big price difference. However, as stated above, E500 comes standard with almost all the optional equipments on the E320...and MB's options are expensive in itself. Maybe a better comparison is looking at Ford Explorer and compare the prices of similar grade with different engines.

 

[TranceKrayz]

Maybe a better comparison is looking at Ford Explorer and compare the prices of similar grade with different engines.

Who wants to look at a Ford Exploder?

 

[sharp4runr]

Don't forget about the 4 bangers

(I have to say again, a 4Runner with any engine is still a 4Runner so everyone wins)

Oh, I was sure I included everyone! :bouncy2:

 

[Swaro]

Love the sound of the V8 when ya punch it...just slow down for that rapidly approaching corner. The sound of these two engines is distinctly different. (I bought my v8 for all the obvious differences, but the sound thing just put it over the top.)