(V6 4X4 or V8 4X2) What would you do...?

[Benjamin Choi]

Have you ever actually driven a 4th generation 4Runner with a V6 engine? FYI, the level of power compares with the 4.7L V8 engine in Jeeps (Commander, Grand Cherokee, etc.) and will actually outperform them on the road. The V6 4Runner engine has no problems whatsoever moving the weight of the 4Runner, even long uphill driving.

Did you know that the early 4th generation 4Runners (2003 and 2004) had more HP with a V6 engine than the V8 engine? Two otherwise identical 4Runners would accelerate neck-and-neck with either engine. That in itself proves that the V6 4Runner is no dog.

You should be happy with your V8 and stop talking so much crap about the V6. It makes you seem insecure.

the hp diff is miniscule, mathematically negligible on the dyno. the torque difference is noticeable. period. end of story.

the v8 is an upgrade to the v6. rarely does anyone go from a v8 back to a v6. period.

it's not about acceleration. who buys a 4runner for its 0-60, 1/4 mile times? it's a slow arse suv.

it's about effort and the v8 requires less effort than the v6 to push weight of car, cabin occupants, baggage, etc.

the person who calls out insecurities... is the biggest insecure nutcase in the room. chew on that one.

 

[EH007]

the hp diff is miniscule, mathematically negligible on the dyno. the torque difference is noticeable. period. end of story.

the v8 is an upgrade to the v6. rarely does anyone go from a v8 back to a v6. period.

it's not about acceleration. who buys a 4runner for its 0-60, 1/4 mile times? it's a slow arse suv.

it's about effort and the v8 requires less effort than the v6 to push weight of car, cabin occupants, baggage, etc.

the person who calls out insecurities... is the biggest insecure nutcase in the room. chew on that one.

True, the difference is small. But my point is that the V6 engine made comparable HP to the V8. The torque difference isn't significant either, unless you need to tow something more than 5000 lbs. Other than that situation, the torque difference is just as insignificant as the HP difference.

If you want to compare effort needed to move the vehicle, then I think you're on the wrong end of the debate also. Either engine pushes the vehicle pretty much effortlessly. Neither the V8 nor the V6 spends very much time under stressful situations because they are both much more than adequate to propel the vehicle. It's not like we're talking about a 100 HP 4 cylinder engine trying to move a 4000+ lb SUV.

As far as your opinion of insecurites, all I can say is you sound like you're saying this: "I know you are, but what am I?" Time to grow up a bit.

 

[Bourbon City]

My V6 4X4 08 T4R has all the power I need.

 

[p nut]

4WD, period. Don't care if it's a 1.3L Geo Metro engine. But I live in a snow state and do find myself in mud at time, which is killer for the 2WD. The 2WD can go pretty much anywhere a 4WD can, except in the slippery stuff (snow, mud, gravel, wet grass )

it's about effort and the v8 requires less effort than the v6 to push weight of car, cabin occupants, baggage, etc.

Oh, please. The V8 or the V6 will do every day duties just fine. Stop talking about how the V8 just glides everywhere. I came from a V8 SUV, and do know that there is the TQ difference, but really, as you've said, it's an SUV. Who cares? Both will get the job done. Not everyone wants the V8, including myself. I'd happily take the V6 over the V8 and there are many people that agree. And the same vice versa.

I like the selectable 4WD, timing chain, and the oil filter relocation in the V6's. Still don't understand why Toyota put a timing belt in the V8's.

I like the towing capability of the V8's better, especially up the mountain passes. That's the only advantage of the V8's, IMO.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

4WD, period. Don't care if it's a 1.3L Geo Metro engine. But I live in a snow state and do find myself in mud at time, which is killer for the 2WD. The 2WD can go pretty much anywhere a 4WD can, except in the slippery stuff (snow, mud, gravel, wet grass )



Oh, please. The V8 or the V6 will do every day duties just fine. Stop talking about how the V8 just glides everywhere. I came from a V8 SUV, and do know that there is the TQ difference, but really, as you've said, it's an SUV. Who cares? Both will get the job done. Not everyone wants the V8, including myself. I'd happily take the V6 over the V8 and there are many people that agree. And the same vice versa.

I like the selectable 4WD, timing chain, and the oil filter relocation in the V6's. Still don't understand why Toyota put a timing belt in the V8's.

I like the towing capability of the V8's better, especially up the mountain passes. That's the only advantage of the V8's, IMO.

the v8 is more refined and smoother and is used in the more expensive cars in toyota/lexus' line-up. the v6 is nice as well, but again, given the choice, i'd go with the v8 every day of the week. i've driven the v6. had i only driven the v6, i'd be the same way. oh this is a smooth, awesome engine i can't imagine wanting more power. sorry, drove the v8. it has more power. it's smoother. less effort. the torque diff is readily noticeable.what is there to argue? it's the better engine for the 4Runner. it's the top of the food chain. it's the flagship engine for the 4th gen.

and you v6 guys love to hang onto the whole timing chain deal. the timing belt is inherently quieter and if you guys are mentally struggling to foot the 90K timing belt bill or the 3-4mpg diff then maybe some of you should handle your busine$$ away from the computer a bit better?

 

[p nut]

the v8 is more refined and smoother and is used in the more expensive cars in toyota/lexus' line-up.

Could you explain how the V8 is "more refined"? In my experience, the V8 was louder and more touchy. And who cares which engine the more expensive cars use? We're talking about real world applications, not price tags.

sorry, drove the v8. it has more power. it's smoother. less effort. the torque diff is readily noticeable.what is there to argue? it's the better engine for the 4Runner. it's the top of the food chain. it's the flagship engine for the 4th gen.

More power = better? My other V8 SUV was waaaaaay faster and more powerful than the V8 4Runner, but didn't make it better by any means. I still don't understand the logic of less effort on the gas peddle = better vehicle. So because you have to depress the gas peddle a 1/4 inch more on the V6 makes it inferior?

Again, for your application of hauling a couple of your friends and some groceries, even the V6 is overkill. All you're getting with the V8 is more initial torque and the sound. That's it.

it's the top of the food chain.

Bwwwhaaaaaaaaaaa haaa haaa. Dude, seriously, how insecure are you? "Top of the food chain."

and you v6 guys love to hang onto the whole timing chain deal. the timing belt is inherently quieter and if you guys are mentally struggling to foot the 90K timing belt bill or the 3-4mpg diff then maybe some of you should handle your busine$$ away from the computer a bit better?

I have no problems with the timing belt. Just was wondering why Toyota went with the belt on the V8 and the chain on the V6. Just seemed counter-intuitive to me. Sorry to get you all defensive again.

 

[EH007]

and you v6 guys love to hang onto the whole timing chain deal. the timing belt is inherently quieter and if you guys are mentally struggling to foot the 90K timing belt bill or the 3-4mpg diff then maybe some of you should handle your busine$$ away from the computer a bit better?

The timing chain is superior to a timing belt. Even you with your flawed logic cannot deny that simple fact. It has nothing to do with money or miles per gallon in my case. I wanted a V6 4Runner over a V8 4Runner for one main reason--selectable 2wd & 4wd and the ability to run full time 4wd as desired.

The reason I say a timing chain is superior to a belt is simple--timing belts are MUCH more likely to break and leave you stranded on the side of the road than a timing chain. That's the reason why there is a recommended timing belt change interval, but none for the timing chain. The worst thing really that can happen to a chain is that it can stretch, but that is unlikely and usually doesn't occur on an engine with less than 200,000 miles on it. Basically, a timing chain will last the life of the vehicle.

 

[EH007]

I have no problems with the timing belt. Just was wondering why Toyota went with the belt on the V8 and the chain on the V6. Just seemed counter-intuitive to me. Sorry to get you all defensive again.

Years ago when car makers started using timing belts instead of timing chains, the main reason was because the belts are more quiet than chains. Since the V8 4Runner is shared with Lexus, it makes sense for them to make it was quiet as possible. So basically, they sacrificed durability & longevity for less noise to please the Lexus buyers. Other than that, there's really no other reason why they wouldn't use a more durable chain on a 4Runner engine.

 

[Uneek]

Alright ladies and gents, let's agree to disagree. Some people are getting too heated over the V6 or V8.

Both engines have their pros and cons as well. If one was superior over the other, Toyota dealers would have either the V6 (if the V8 is superior) or V8 (if the V6 is superior) 4Runners sitting on the lot. Different strokes for different folks.

Relax guys and gals. Crawl the mall for some after Christmas sales, climb rocks, drive to through a mud pit, etc... go enjoy your 4Runner for why you picked your trim level, drivetrain and engine and not worry about why the next person bought what they bought.

Thanks everyone and have a safe and happy holiday season.

 

[ALLEGRO]

True, the difference is small. But my point is that the V6 engine made comparable HP to the V8. The torque difference isn't significant either, unless you need to tow something more than 5000 lbs. Other than that situation, the torque difference is just as insignificant as the HP difference.

If you want to compare effort needed to move the vehicle, then I think you're on the wrong end of the debate also. Either engine pushes the vehicle pretty much effortlessly. Neither the V8 nor the V6 spends very much time under stressful situations because they are both much more than adequate to propel the vehicle. It's not like we're talking about a 100 HP 4 cylinder engine trying to move a 4000+ lb SUV.

As far as your opinion of insecurites, all I can say is you sound like you're saying this: "I know you are, but what am I?" Time to grow up a bit.

The horsepower is barely obvious, but the torque is noticable. Most important is that both these peak values happen much lower in the rpm range. To have equal pulling power, you will need to rev (work) the V6 higher than the V8.

This is NOT necessarily a deal-breaker for the V6. The economy is obvious and some weight savings. Again, I believe it to be soley a need for towing ratings. If you do NOT need to tow 7000lbs then go with the V6, save some money on the note and at the pump.

I tow a boat (4500lbs dry) so I needed the abilities of the V8. Either one, it is a GREAT vehicle.

 

[EH007]

The horsepower is barely obvious, but the torque is noticable. Most important is that both these peak values happen much lower in the rpm range. To have equal pulling power, you will need to rev (work) the V6 higher than the V8.

Actually, both engines achieve their peak torque at 3400 RPMs. I'm not sure where you got the idea that the V8 achieves its peak torque at a much lower RPM. That's just not the case.

Again, I've driven both variations on several occasions and the only time I can see where the V8 would have an advantage is if you have to tow more than 5000 lbs. For normal street driving, which is what most 4Runners do 99% of the time, I still say the V6 versus the V8 debate is pointless There's just not a substantial difference.

 

[ALLEGRO]

Actually, both engines achieve their peak torque at 3400 RPMs. I'm not sure where you got the idea that the V8 achieves its peak torque at a much lower RPM. That's just not the case.

Again, I've driven both variations on several occasions and the only time I can see where the V8 would have an advantage is if you have to tow more than 5000 lbs. For normal street driving, which is what most 4Runners do 99% of the time, I still say the V6 versus the V8 debate is pointless There's just not a substantial difference.

Here's the info I have on my 2007 Limited:

V6: 266 ft lb @ 4000 rpm

V8: 306 ft lb @ 3400 rpm

I agree that there is not much difference, and I an NOT arguing with you at all, but if I could find a torque-map for each engine and overlay them, I believe that the V8 would make the 266 ft lb's of the V6 around 3000 rpm or so.

In pulling, torque is everything.

Again, if I had not needed the 7000 lb tow rating, I would have been TOTALLY happy with the V6.

Either way, we have great SUV's that we can be proud to drive.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

Could you explain how the V8 is "more refined"? In my experience, the V8 was louder and more touchy. And who cares which engine the more expensive cars use? We're talking about real world applications, not price tags.



More power = better? My other V8 SUV was waaaaaay faster and more powerful than the V8 4Runner, but didn't make it better by any means. I still don't understand the logic of less effort on the gas peddle = better vehicle. So because you have to depress the gas peddle a 1/4 inch more on the V6 makes it inferior?

Again, for your application of hauling a couple of your friends and some groceries, even the V6 is overkill. All you're getting with the V8 is more initial torque and the sound. That's it.



Bwwwhaaaaaaaaaaa haaa haaa. Dude, seriously, how insecure are you? "Top of the food chain."




I have no problems with the timing belt. Just was wondering why Toyota went with the belt on the V8 and the chain on the V6. Just seemed counter-intuitive to me. Sorry to get you all defensive again.

i've already stated my points above. you v6 guys are getting your panties in a bunch cuz you know the v8 is king.

it is what it is. the 4runner flagship has a v8 with 5 speed tranny and not the v6 with 4 speed.

the v8 is the better engine to have in the 4runner if saving a few bucks a month isn't going to make or break your lifestyle. timing belt expense every 90K miles? couldn't give a flyin fuq about it. pennies to the dollar.

so all in all, i wouldn't be driving a 4runner if not for the v8. the v6 is fine, but it's second fiddle and i don't play that game. i see plenty of v6ers out there and it's cute, but it aint no v8. gotta love that v8 badge up front too. heheh

enjoy your v6s guys. there are plenty of mid-sized suvs like the 4runner running v6 engines like the xterra. nice cars, but no dice.

 

[p nut]

it is what it is. the 4runner flagship has a v8 with 5 speed tranny and not the v6 with 4 speed.

V6's have had a 5-sp auto since 2005.

the v8 is the better engine to have in the 4runner if saving a few bucks a month isn't going to make or break your lifestyle. timing belt expense every 90K miles? couldn't give a flyin fuq about it. pennies to the dollar.

As it has already been stated many times, the ONLY place where the V8 comes ahead over the V6 is if you're towing a lot. A lot means more than 4,000 lbs. You haul groceries.

so all in all, i wouldn't be driving a 4runner if not for the v8. the v6 is fine, but it's second fiddle and i don't play that game. i see plenty of v6ers out there and it's cute, but it aint no v8.

Dude, your 4Runner's the 5th fiddle in a quartet. If you're all about driving the best, why waste a time with a 4Runner? You have to be driving a ballin' 5.7L Land Cruiser. Even the GX470 has you beat. With the 4Runner, you're not even close to the "top of the food chain."

Oh, BTW, the most expensive Toyota (Lexus 600h) uses a hybrid motor. Sounds like your 4.7 V8 just got knocked down another spot.

i've already stated my points above. you v6 guys are getting your panties in a bunch cuz you know the v8 is king.
... gotta love that v8 badge up front too. heheh

Your insecurity levels are just going off the charts. :bigok:

 

[p nut]

Actually, both engines achieve their peak torque at 3400 RPMs. I'm not sure where you got the idea that the V8 achieves its peak torque at a much lower RPM. That's just not the case.

Again, I've driven both variations on several occasions and the only time I can see where the V8 would have an advantage is if you have to tow more than 5000 lbs. For normal street driving, which is what most 4Runners do 99% of the time, I still say the V6 versus the V8 debate is pointless There's just not a substantial difference.

ALLEGRO is right. The V6's peak torque is at 4k RPM's. The V8's earlier AND more higher torque figures do translate into better towing abilities. Even if I had to tow 4k pounds, I'd opt for the V8. If I had to tow 6,000+ lbs, I'd actually go with a Tundra or a heavier vehicle. Towing is not all about engine power. Vehicle weight has a lot to do with it, too.

Also, I would personally never try to tow 5k pounds with a V6.

 

[Uneek]

ALLEGRO is right. The V6's peak torque is at 4k RPM's. The V8's earlier AND more higher torque figures do translate into better towing abilities. Even if I had to tow 4k pounds, I'd opt for the V8. If I had to tow 6,000+ lbs, I'd actually go with a Tundra or a heavier vehicle. Towing is not all about engine power. Vehicle weight has a lot to do with it, too.

Also, I would personally never try to tow 5k pounds with a V6.

Just like to add, torque curves are also important not just max torque at a specific RPM. And the vehicle's wheelbase plays a bigger and important factor, along with its weight.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

V6's have had a 5-sp auto since 2005.



As it has already been stated many times, the ONLY place where the V8 comes ahead over the V6 is if you're towing a lot. A lot means more than 4,000 lbs. You haul groceries.



Dude, your 4Runner's the 5th fiddle in a quartet. If you're all about driving the best, why waste a time with a 4Runner? You have to be driving a ballin' 5.7L Land Cruiser. Even the GX470 has you beat. With the 4Runner, you're not even close to the "top of the food chain."

Oh, BTW, the most expensive Toyota (Lexus 600h) uses a hybrid motor. Sounds like your 4.7 V8 just got knocked down another spot.



Your insecurity levels are just going off the charts. :bigok:

4runnerv8 -- > daily beater none of that weak v6 camry bs

911--> hater detector

above cars --> all mine beeeee!tch

if i wanted one car, id be back at the porsche dealership rolling a cayenne gts fully techarted out son lexus what

 

[p nut]

4runnerv8 -- > daily beater none of that weak v6 camry bs

911--> hater detector

above cars --> all mine beeeee!tch

if i wanted one car, id be back at the porsche dealership rolling a cayenne gts fully techarted out son lexus what

This is getting even more comical. You drive a 911? Who cares? What does that have anything to do with this? Except confirming my assumption of your insecurity. Let me go further with my assumptions. You're one of those poser "gangsta" guys that bump Jay-Z/Lil'Jon rolling up to a club at 2am in your designer jeans, a Breitling watch, and some pretty boy cologne, thinking you're all hard, then you try to throw your weak game at every single chick, then go home with who-knows-how-ugly-because-you're-too-drunk/high, then waking up to.......yeah, that's right. Nothing. A man with 2 sweet cars, condo, good job, but really has nothing.

I feel sorry for you, man. You're almost 30, though you type like you're 18. You'd better be making a whole lot more money to keep those tricks around in the near future, because then, at least you'll have someone to talk to.

BTW, your 996 is worth no more than $30k. A Honda Accord costs more. And don't even say you bought it new, because we all know you didn't. :bigok:

Sorry if the above was harsh, but truth hurts.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

This is getting even more comical. You drive a 911? Who cares? What does that have anything to do with this? Except confirming my assumption of your insecurity. Let me go further with my assumptions. You're one of those poser "gangsta" guys that bump Jay-Z/Lil'Jon rolling up to a club at 2am in your designer jeans, a Breitling watch, and some pretty boy cologne, thinking you're all hard, then you try to throw your weak game at every single chick, then go home with who-knows-how-ugly-because-you're-too-drunk/high, then waking up to.......yeah, that's right. Nothing. A man with 2 sweet cars, condo, good job, but really has nothing.

I feel sorry for you, man. You're almost 30, though you type like you're 18. You'd better be making a whole lot more money to keep those tricks around in the near future, because then, at least you'll have someone to talk to.

BTW, your 996 is worth no more than $30k. A Honda Accord costs more. And don't even say you bought it new, because we all know you didn't. :bigok:

Sorry if the above was harsh, but truth hurts.

gents, case closed. i've identified the hater. WAHAHAAH love it

(P.S. yes, i do own a breitling 6.75 watch among a few others)

 

[Uneek]

Last warning--I've notice the same participants that seem to drift and steer threads into heated V6 vs V8 debates, which then resorts to personal attacks and goes completely off topic--resulting in closed threads. You know who you are.

Folks, please keep the thread on topic and refrain from personal attacks.

The question is a V6 4x4 or V8 4x2 as whole, drivetrain and all.