V6 or V8

[Tego]

I'm in the market for a 2005+ toyota 4Runner Limited but not cannot decide between the V6 or V8.

I've driven my dads V6 '05 Tacoma and I love it, quick acceleration, awesome torque, and very responsive. Is the V8 better? 270hp and 330 lb. ft. of torque.

Is the 05+ V8 better than the previous non VVTi V8?

I don't plan on towing anything or hauling stuff around. I just need a somewhat of a quick SUV. I do plan on adding the bolt ons, I/H/E.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Freddy

 

[Koz]

The 05 V8 has approx 35 more hp then the prior V8. The V6 is very close in actual performance to the V8, gets a little better mileage and has selectable 4/2 wheel drive. If you are not going to tow the V6 is the way to go. Maybe soon TRD will have a supercharger available for the V6 which will provide even more hp then the V8. If you want the most performance right now, the V8 is the more powerful engine and it is a little smoother. They are both GREAT engines so pick your weapon!

Koz

 

[Tego]

What are the approx. 0-60mph times on them?

 

[Northof49]

If you are not going to tow the V6 is the way to go.

I disagree....I would pick the V8 over the V6 even if I never towed anything.

Drive both and see if the differences are noticeable/justifiable to you. Anything short of that is a waste of keyboard strokes.

 

[Boston_Runner]

What are the approx. 0-60mph times on them?

If I remember right, the V8 is in the low 7s and the V6 is about half of second slower.

 

[malmgren]

New 2007 T4R owner here with a v6 and thought I'd throw in my input after reading everyone else's opinion for the last 9 months before I purchased mine.

When I test drove both the v6 and the v8 at my local dealership - I honestly didn't see that much of a difference. The v8 sounded better, but as far as performance (takeoff speed and acceleration), the v6 was just as comparable. Now coming from a 2000 JGC with the 4.7 v8 I have to say - I honestly think the Jeep had the better engine when it came to torque and acceleration. (higher maintenance and repair costs, but that's another story) I can honestly say after 1000 miles on my new 4R, I miss the power and acceleration of my old v8. However... the v6 is more fun to drive. It takes a bit more pedal to make it do what the v8 did, but it certainly doesn't lag behind too much in overall performance. Plus the added MPG on the freeway is nice. Just in the last 1000 miles, I get about 20-22 average on the fwy doing 75 most of the time. City is around 16-18, but still better than the 14-16 MPG average on my v8 Jeep GC.

I'd have to agree with what others said with regards to towing tho. If you're going to tow a lot - get the V8, otherwise, you're not missing much. Sorry v8 guys, but in my honest opinion, the v8 in the 4R just isn't as impressive as it was in the Jeep - and that's also a 7yr difference. I'll save the rest for another thread, but there's my .02

 

[G.I.G.]

I agree with Northof49. I would go with the V8 even if you don't tow anything. Especially if you are going with the Limited. It is my hunch that the V8 would bring a better resale value on a Limited that is already decked out everywhere else.

You can read numerous threads on this forum about V6 vs. V8. Both are great engines regardless. I just happen to prefer the V8.

 

[boston_kevin]

This has been debated so much over the last few years... Koz has the correct take I believe.

If you have driven both, chose the one you like the best.

Facts about both engines/drivetrains:

V8 - Full Time 4WD
V6 - Full Time 4WD with 2WD option (can be driven in 4WD all the time like the V8, but can also select 2WD for better economy)

V8 - Timing belt - good to 90k miles
V6 - Timing chain - good for life of the engine

V8 - Replace spark plugs at 60k miles
V6 - Replace spark plugs at 30k miles

Both have the exact same transmission and differentials and safety systems.

V8 is found on 4Runner, Landcruiser, Lexus GX470, and Tundra - not as much after market from what I have found.
V6 is also shared with Tacoma, Tundra, and FJ, so there are a lot of aftermark upgrades.

 

[Northof49]

V8 is found on 4Runner, Landcruiser, Lexus GX470, and Tundra - not as much after market from what I have found.
V6 is also shared with Tacoma, Tundra, and FJ, so there are a lot of aftermark upgrades.

Gotta think of what you're doing tho....in regards to engine performance upgrades, 99% of buyer will never go beyond intake and exhaust upgrades. Aftermarket exhaust and intake systems on the V8 sound badass, but sound like turd on a V6.

 

[G.I.G.]

Now coming from a 2000 JGC with the 4.7 v8 I have to say - I honestly think the Jeep had the better engine when it came to torque and acceleration.

It's funny you mention that because I too came from a 2000 JGC with the V8. I had a '97 GC with the straight 6 before that. And it is based on my experience with both GC's that I chose the V8 in my new 4R. That experience being that for a marginal difference in gas mileage (and I mean VERY marginal) you get significantly more power with the V8, especially in the lower RPM's.

You're right, the 4.7L V8 in the Jeeps are great engines and I miss the low end torque that engine had. I don't think the V8 in my 4R has the guts off the line that my GC did, but the difference is that the V8 in the 4R is smoother and produces more power throughout the revs. The VVT helps a lot in the higher RPM's. I'm also pretty sure that the 4R weighs a bit more than my old GC which factors into everything.

Regardless, I still feel that having the low-end power of the V8 in my 4R and not needing to down shift as much in order to go up hills and pass on the highway is worth the price of admission alone. When I test drove a 4R with the V6 it made me think twice about the V8 because the V6 is such a great engine, but no regrets whatsoever with the V8. Plus, there are a couple of other perks you get with the V8 like the transmission cooler and the full-time 4X4 (which I personally like, others do not). Again, both are great engines though. Can't go wrong with either one.

 

[boston_kevin]

Aftermarket exhaust and intake systems on the V8 sound badass, but sound like turd on a V6.

That's :bs: - the magnaflow on the V6 sounds very good.. The only exhaust that sounds bad on the V6 is the Gibson, but that sounds bad on any engine...

 

[Northof49]

Depends on your ears I guess....I've never heard any V6 with any upgraded exhaust that sounded tough....straight 6, yes. I drove a V6 Tacoma with the TRD system for a couple days and it was only ok, nothing impressive sounding at all like the TRD on a 4.7. At least it got rid of that V6 "tick tick tick tick" tho.

 

[boston_kevin]

Tego - you can't go wrong with either engine!! Drive both for yourself and make your choice.

 

[scott78945]

Depends on your ears I guess....I've never heard any V6 with any upgraded exhaust that sounded tough....straight 6, yes. I drove a V6 Tacoma with the TRD system for a couple days and it was only ok, nothing impressive sounding at all like the TRD on a 4.7. At least it got rid of that V6 "tick tick tick tick" tho.

I couldn't have said it better. The ticking in the V6 annoyed me SO much I actually traded it in for the V8. I was contemplating going with the V6 again when I trade my 05 in next spring/summer but I think I will be going with the V8 for the little in gas mlg that I will have to give up. Oooohh god the ticking....

 

[jharris2]

Tego, it would be helpful if you'd do a search first, then you can post back with specific questions. This topic has been discussed many times on the board, and you'll get lots of good information by reading those threads.

 

[juneau92]

V6 has ability to run in 2wd, V8 runs in 4wd all the time.
V6 has timing chain, V8 has timing belt.
V6 oil filter top of engine, V8 oil filter bottom of engine.
V6 has a higher pitched sound, and makes a ticking noise; V8 has lower pitched sound, no ticking sound.
V8 has frame mounted hitch, oil cooler, transmission cooler, heavier duty radiator, heavier duty alternator, more horsepower and torque. V6 has none of these.
V8 costs more tows more, and accelerates faster.
V6 better gas milage.

Drive both and decide for yourself!

 

[03 Limited]

V8 FTW

 

[DonnyB]

V6 has ability to run in 2wd, V8 runs in 4wd all the time.
V6 has timing chain, V8 has timing belt.
V6 oil filter top of engine, V8 oil filter bottom of engine.
V6 has a higher pitched sound, and makes a ticking noise; V8 has lower pitched sound, no ticking sound.
V8 has frame mounted hitch, oil cooler, transmission cooler, heavier duty radiator, heavier duty alternator, more horsepower and torque. V6 has none of these.
V8 costs more tows more, and accelerates faster.
V6 better gas milage.

Drive both and decide for yourself!

Do the newer models, 07 & 08 in particular, still have the same ticking sound you speak of on the v6 engines? I test drove a '07 and didn't notice this. I guess I'll have to pay more attention on my next trip to the dealer. -Don

 

[boston_kevin]

I think the "ticking noise" they are referring to is the timing chain. Unless you stand in front of the engine with the hood open, most people would never hear it. Since the V8's have a belt, you'll never hear this noise.

 

[Tego]

Thanks for all the replies!

I tried using the search but it said the words were to small use. ie. V6 vs. V8.