Performance V6 vs V8

[truckmike26]

Sorry you can't hear your engine bro. Check to make sure they didn't put a hybrid engine inside your vehicle instead.

I enjoy hearing my engine. That's what a truck a SUV/truck is about.

I totally agree.

There's an article in the Dec. 2010 issue of Car and Driver (I can't find in online otherwise I'd post a link) titled, "The Physics Of: The V Angle", explaining why different engines, especially V-engines, run smoother than others. In short, a 90-degree, four-stroke V8 is a perfect match whereas a 60-degree four-stroke V6 isn't. So while the V6 may seem like it's working harder (maybe because of the increased sound from the stainless steel exhaust manifolds), it might be more perceived than anything.

 

[eskimochaos]

I totally agree.

There's an article in the Dec. 2010 issue of Car and Driver (I can't find in online otherwise I'd post a link) titled, "The Physics Of: The V Angle", explaining why different engines, especially V-engines, run smoother than others. In short, a 90-degree, four-stroke V8 is a perfect match whereas a 60-degree four-stroke V6 isn't. So while the V6 may seem like it's working harder (maybe because of the increased sound from the stainless steel exhaust manifolds), it might be more perceived than anything.

You have a 5.7 tundra which is faster than most cars on the road, you want speed you have it - no need to try and rationalize your v6 decision.

SC it!

 

[progress4m]

It is very interesting to see how many 4Runner owners would get upset discussing the same subject (V8 vs. V6)…
Especially considering that one of the functions of this forum is to share info and help each other… unless I am wrong on that…
Back on the subject of V8 vs V6: let’s take 4Runner and anyone ownership (with V8 or V6) of one out the equation. I believe this with help to remove all emotions out of it.
Now, if you look at V8 and V6 that share the same technologies (modern Fuel injected engines with the same type of VVt-I) and build by the same quality modern manufacture (Toyota in this case) you can clearly see all typical advantages of V8: more lower end torque, less vibration, less stress on main engine components and same fuel consumption per the size of the combustions chambers. All those advantages are part of the basic physic of V8 configuration vs. V6… again this is regardless of company name or the vehicle model.
Now back to the “emotional” area of 4Runner owners: I know that 4.0 L is very capable V6 and I know it can do its job in 4Runner. Just FYI: (I had 2-gen (with 3.0L AKA 3.slow) and 3-rd gen (with 3.4L) before I got my 2005 model…. I have pulled boats, trailers and went hunting in those trucks for more than 20 years….. I have also carpooled with my coworker in his Taco with 4.0 for past two years (including me driving his truck) so I know how 4.0 feels like.
In overall it is impossible not to see the V6 vs V8 differences… and as expected: V8 is very refined, has more usable torque and quite. So if you have your V6 and your are happy with what it can and how it does it for you then it is great! And same goes for V8 owners…
I just do not see any value of bashing each other with the subject that really has no base under it…
:beer:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

It is very interesting to see how many 4Runner owners would get upset discussing the same subject (V8 vs. V6)…
Especially considering that one of the functions of this forum is to share info and help each other… unless I am wrong on that…
Back on the subject of V8 vs V6: let’s take 4Runner and anyone ownership (with V8 or V6) of one out the equation. I believe this with help to remove all emotions out of it.
Now, if you look at V8 and V6 that share the same technologies (modern Fuel injected engines with the same type of VVt-I) and build by the same quality modern manufacture (Toyota in this case) you can clearly see all typical advantages of V8: more lower end torque, less vibration, less stress on main engine components and same fuel consumption per the size of the combustions chambers. All those advantages are part of the basic physic of V8 configuration vs. V6… again this is regardless of company name or the vehicle model.
Now back to the “emotional” area of 4Runner owners: I know that 4.0 L is very capable V6 and I know it can do its job in 4Runner. Just FYI: (I had 2-gen (with 3.0L AKA 3.slow) and 3-rd gen (with 3.4L) before I got my 2005 model…. I have pulled boats, trailers and went hunting in those trucks for more than 20 years….. I have also carpooled with my coworker in his Taco with 4.0 for past two years (including me driving his truck) so I know how 4.0 feels like.
In overall it is impossible not to see the V6 vs V8 differences… and as expected: V8 is very refined, has more usable torque and quite. So if you have your V6 and your are happy with what it can and how it does it for you then it is great! And same goes for V8 owners…
I just do not see any value of bashing each other with the subject that really has no base under it…
:beer:

I agree. The V8 has been dead now for 2 model years. We have what we have.

 

[DC Dude]

It is very interesting to see how many 4Runner owners would get upset discussing the same subject (V8 vs. V6)…
Especially considering that one of the functions of this forum is to share info and help each other… unless I am wrong on that…
Back on the subject of V8 vs V6: let’s take 4Runner and anyone ownership (with V8 or V6) of one out the equation. I believe this with help to remove all emotions out of it.
Now, if you look at V8 and V6 that share the same technologies (modern Fuel injected engines with the same type of VVt-I) and build by the same quality modern manufacture (Toyota in this case) you can clearly see all typical advantages of V8: more lower end torque, less vibration, less stress on main engine components and same fuel consumption per the size of the combustions chambers. All those advantages are part of the basic physic of V8 configuration vs. V6… again this is regardless of company name or the vehicle model.
Now back to the “emotional” area of 4Runner owners: I know that 4.0 L is very capable V6 and I know it can do its job in 4Runner. Just FYI: (I had 2-gen (with 3.0L AKA 3.slow) and 3-rd gen (with 3.4L) before I got my 2005 model…. I have pulled boats, trailers and went hunting in those trucks for more than 20 years….. I have also carpooled with my coworker in his Taco with 4.0 for past two years (including me driving his truck) so I know how 4.0 feels like.
In overall it is impossible not to see the V6 vs V8 differences… and as expected: V8 is very refined, has more usable torque and quite. So if you have your V6 and your are happy with what it can and how it does it for you then it is great! And same goes for V8 owners…
I just do not see any value of bashing each other with the subject that really has no base under it…
:beer:

What's there to be emotional about?

People who bought new V8's paid more money for its advantages. You expect to get more when you pay more.

People who bought new V6's wanted V6's because of its advantages.

If V6 owners wanted V8's, they would have bought a V8.

If V8 owners wanted a V6, they would have bought a V6.

Can't be more simple than that.

I have a V6 and have never wished I had bought a V8 instead.

 

[truckmike26]

What's there to be emotional about?

People who bought new V8's paid more money for its advantages. You expect to get more when you pay more.

People who bought new V6's wanted V6's because of its advantages.

If V6 owners wanted V8's, they would have bought a V8.

If V8 owners wanted a V6, they would have bought a V6.

Can't be more simple than that.

I have a V6 and have never wished I had bought a V8 instead.

Times two. This V6 4Runner chose me -- I didn't want the V8 because the small/seat-of-the pants performance advantage it isn't worth the extra initial and long-term cost (Toyota Canada only offered the V8 in the Limited anyway which would've been close to $12,000 more on-the-road) and, as mentioned before, timing belts are a deal-breaker. I love the fact that I have the lightest, cheapest, roomiest 4th gen. 4R (with no sunroof, rear spoiler or roof rack) Toyota offered new in '09.

Give credit where credit's due; the V6 will never have that nice deep V8 sound and off-the-line torque but, as noted by Eskimo "You-Can't-Fool-Me" Chaos, the Tundra makes up for that.

Btw, SC it? I'm dying to, but TRD offers no fit-kit and I just checked the URD website; no apps. for the 4R just yet. But believe you me, I'm on it like an engineer on a big, thick textbook.

 

[2003Can4runner]

Having a timing belt is the weirdest excuse I've ever heard of to not buy a certain vehicle/engine, especially if your buying new. Your going to spend $35000-$45000 on a vehicle but get turned off by the fact that you have to spend $450 after 90000miles!? Which takes, what, at least 5 years? Put $7.50 a month in a savings account for the next 5 years and you can afford your timing belt.

To me there is not contest. I would NOT buy a 4runner without the V8. I have towing requirements that the V6 just wouldn't be able to handle. I'm a huge 4runner "fanboy" and I have the perfect vehicle to handle all my needs...a midsize SUV that is super comfy with heated leather, that I can take offroad or on camping trips towing my camper or towing my girlfriends horses. I made a thread on friday about how I towed my girlfriends horses to her lesson and had to tow her 16' trailer through a foot of snow to get turned around. The combination of the V8 and the self levelling rear air suspension is amazing. The new 4runner has no appeal to me...no V8 and no rear air...lame.

 

[eskimochaos]

Times two. This V6 4Runner chose me -- I didn't want the V8 because the small/seat-of-the pants performance advantage it isn't worth the extra initial and long-term cost (Toyota Canada only offered the V8 in the Limited anyway which would've been close to $12,000 more on-the-road) and, as mentioned before, timing belts are a deal-breaker. I love the fact that I have the lightest, cheapest, roomiest 4th gen. 4R (with no sunroof, rear spoiler or roof rack) Toyota offered new in '09.

Give credit where credit's due; the V6 will never have that nice deep V8 sound and off-the-line torque but, as noted by Eskimo "You-Can't-Fool-Me" Chaos, the Tundra makes up for that.

Btw, SC it? I'm dying to, but TRD offers no fit-kit and I just checked the URD website; no apps. for the 4R just yet. But believe you me, I'm on it like an engineer on a big, thick textbook.

No, your Tundra!

 

[progress4m]

What's there to be emotional about?
...

It is clearly visible in your posts..

.....
People who bought new V8's paid more money for its advantages. You expect to get more when you pay more.
....

I paid $17.5K +TTL (was around $19K turn key) for my 2005 4x4 V8, truck had 27K on it.
It is SR5 and it came with leather and radio control on the steering wheel. It was (and still is) in excellent condition (Texas vehicle). I got it in 2008.... situation with economy, gas prices and 1 mpg extra fuel usage of “guzzling” V8 helped me a lot; As far as I remeber that deal was much better than vehicles with V6 (around $1.5K-$2.5k better). So in my case I got more and paid less.... and I believe you can see the same from other posts in this thread.

 

[Ryco4R]

from what i saw when looking at/pricing used 4th gens in the late summer, the v6's are going for more than their v8 counterparts.

 

[DC Dude]

It is clearly visible in your posts..



I paid $17.5K +TTL (was around $19K turn key) for my 2005 4x4 V8, truck had 27K on it.
It is SR5 and it came with leather and radio control on the steering wheel. It was (and still is) in excellent condition (Texas vehicle). I got it in 2008.... situation with economy, gas prices and 1 mpg extra fuel usage of “guzzling” V8 helped me a lot; As far as I remeber that deal was much better than vehicles with V6 (around $1.5K-$2.5k better). So in my case I got more and paid less.... and I believe you can see the same from other posts in this thread.

Sorry, but you fail in trying to read emotions. In any regard, I provided you with clear explanations.

BTW, I was referring to "NEW" 4Runners when talking about cost....not old/used 4Runners like yours.

 

[truckmike26]

Having a timing belt is the weirdest excuse I've ever heard of to not buy a certain vehicle/engine, especially if your buying new. Your going to spend $35000-$45000 on a vehicle but get turned off by the fact that you have to spend $450 after 90000miles!? Which takes, what, at least 5 years? Put $7.50 a month in a savings account for the next 5 years and you can afford your timing belt.

To me there is not contest. I would NOT buy a 4runner without the V8. I have towing requirements that the V6 just wouldn't be able to handle. I'm a huge 4runner "fanboy" and I have the perfect vehicle to handle all my needs...a midsize SUV that is super comfy with heated leather, that I can take offroad or on camping trips towing my camper or towing my girlfriends horses. I made a thread on friday about how I towed my girlfriends horses to her lesson and had to tow her 16' trailer through a foot of snow to get turned around. The combination of the V8 and the self levelling rear air suspension is amazing. The new 4runner has no appeal to me...no V8 and no rear air...lame.

Have you posted a thread of your $450 4.7L timing belt change? If no, please do at 5 years/90,000 miles to show how cost-effective and hassle-free it was.

Also, how did the new '10 4Runner do with the trailer? Did a dealer let you use a demo or did you rent one?

 

[2003Can4runner]

Have you posted a thread of your $450 4.7L timing belt change? If no, please do at 5 years/90,000 miles to show how cost-effective and hassle-free it was.

Also, how did the new '10 4Runner do with the trailer? Did a dealer let you use a demo or did you rent one?

So you would assume I haven't had it done because I didn't post a thread?

I didn't try the '10 with a trailer. I didn't need to or want to. Its a simple fact...the V6 doesn't have the low end torque to tow the trailer as adequately as the V8. Simple. The V8 would probably even get better mileage towing. Also, Toyota deleted the self levelling rear air...granted its easy to add airbags to any vehicle but it can get costly when you factor in the compressor and labour.

 

[truckmike26]

No, your Tundra!

Sorry, I misread. The Tundra has enough power -- for now.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Sorry, I misread. The Tundra has enough power -- for now.

Lies!! All lies!!! NEVER enough! (buddy has a 5.7 Tundra....damn!)

I got my V8 because of the boat. I drove both back to back, V6 vs. V8. Honestly, I did not feel a big difference in "get-up-n-go". I heard a lot of difference though. The V6 "could" tow my boat, 5,000K. I don't think I would have been sad either way really. The V8 was less expensive as I bought during the gas crunch, the V8 was an SE which was important to me, and it was silver which I really wanted.

For me, the V8 drivetrain feels much more refined, which makes me happy. I looked at the GX, but could not deal with all the wood and leather. I'm not that kind of guy. They only had the V6 in SR5 trim and the interior was very light and bland. I bought used 32K.

And for the record, yes I would trade for a Salsa Red TE with the V6. I wannit, but wifey just got her new car.

 

[DC Dude]

All this talk about towing over 5000 #'s, I personally would have bought a quad cab with a Cummins or Powerstroke diesel instead of a T4R if I needed to do anything like that.

How's the experience for you V8 owners towing that weight up steep grades, and then down? Has anyone ever had their transmission temperature light turn on?

 

[MicD]

I have been reading this thread over the past few days and have enjoyed every minute. I just had to sign up and throw my two cents in. I just bought a 2008 SR5 V6 4x4 with low miles. Swapped it for my dead 2003 Ford Explorer V8 with the 4.6L. Tranny bit the dust.

Decided I wasn't going Ford again and looked at Toyota. It was a tough decision for me between V6 and V8 because I have a boat. Decided to go V6 for better gas mileage and part time 4WD. I also knew what I'm towing is fairly light when it comes to boats. My boat and trailer weigh 3,400lbs.. I live in the CA foothills so I am towing on grades on the way to lakes. The V6 4Runner tows as well as my V8 Explorer did. I am very impressed with it. Tranny seems a lot better too. Gonna add a tranny cooler for piece of mind because it's not standard on the V6.

If I were towing anything more than 4,000lbs, I would like to have the V8 for the low end torque, especially in the hills.

I am happy with the V6 and it shows you don't necessarily need a V8 to tow boats on the lighter side. It's always good to be 15-20% under the max tow rating.

 

[DC Dude]

I have been reading this thread over the past few days and have enjoyed every minute. I just had to sign up and throw my two cents in. I just bought a 2008 SR5 V6 4x4 with low miles. Swapped it for my dead 2003 Ford Explorer V8 with the 4.6L. Tranny bit the dust.

Decided I wasn't going Ford again and looked at Toyota. It was a tough decision for me between V6 and V8 because I have a boat. Decided to go V6 for better gas mileage and part time 4WD. I also knew what I'm towing is fairly light when it comes to boats. My boat and trailer weigh 3,400lbs.. I live in the CA foothills so I am towing on grades on the way to lakes. The V6 4Runner tows as well as my V8 Explorer did. I am very impressed with it. Tranny seems a lot better too. Gonna add a tranny cooler for piece of mind because it's not standard on the V6.

If I were towing anything more than 4,000lbs, I would like to have the V8 for the low end torque, especially in the hills.

I am happy with the V6 and it shows you don't necessarily need a V8 to tow boats on the lighter side. It's always good to be 15-20% under the max tow rating.

Does the V8 come with tranny cooler?

 

[JB.]

Does the V8 come with tranny cooler?

Yes.

 

[DC Dude]

Yes.

Always, or since which model year?