V6 test drive impressions '03

[Swaro]

Drove one tonight, and first of all I must correct myself in that the V6 does not have a separate traction control defeat switch. It has the same center diff locking switch as the V8. The owner's manual clearly shows it, but it must be for a different market. The V6 is not as quiet, smooth or torquey as the 8. It is plenty quick enough, but just doesn't have that deeply gratifying sound, feel and pull of the 8. It also has the 4 sp. vs. 5, and it does not apparently have the tranny cooler. The 2wd to 4wd worked seamlessly, as well as 4H to 4L (as opposed to my experience trying to engage 4L on the V8 which resulted in a long gawdawful grinding noise coming from somewhere around the center diff.). But my preference is with the V8.

 

[jharris2]

Interesting comparison, because I've driven both engines and been a passenger over rough streets and interstate highways. Didn't notice a significant noise difference in them on any surface. The V8 clearly shows the torque difference, though.

But both got to highway speed fast enough and were smooth on the highway.

For our needs, the V6 seems to be the better way to go. Having the 2WD option will be more economical when driving to the in-laws 13 hours away.

By the way, thanks for clarifying the transmission cooler question.

 

[Swaro]

jh2: My initial impressions of the V6 and noise was regarding the engine only. The vehicles seemed to have the same road/wind noise etc. I don't want to dis the V6, because it is right for many people and if you want the 2wd option, the choice is obvious. For myself, I've come to realize over the years that the sound an engine makes when tached up is all important. Although it is not a sports car, there will be those straight on-ramps where I like to wind the engine way up in the first few gears. The V8 just seems to make me smile during these situations, where the V6 did not. I think overall the V6 is a noisier engine too. ie, when kicking it down a gear to pass. Sounds contradictory but, I want my engines smooth as silk and quiet when cruising, but also want them to sing a smooth, aggressively sweet song when winding the heck out of them. Like a BMW. The 4.7 V8 put a smile on my face almost as much as any straight six bimmer I've wrung out.

 

[jharris2]

Oh, they are both good engines and they are both fun to drive. Maybe a little too fun.

Personally, the V8 would be a bit expensive in terms of tickets....the police in my area are very efficient and have no sense of humor!

Given the weight of the vehicle, it's reasonable to expect that the V8 would be quieter -- similar to the situation when I bought the Camry a few years ago. The V6 Camry was far quieter than the 4-banger. Maybe the difference is not as pronounced on the 4Runner as it was on the Camry, so maybe I just didn't notice it.

You're absolutely right -- other than the engine, similarly-equipped models (same tires, etc.) should have about the same levels of road noise.

At the very least, our different viewpoints show that you need to understand your wants and needs first, then decide what fits them best.

 

[Swaro]

Actually I've learned from the school of hard knocks, and I guess that I've elaborated on this engine thing partly with the hope that others might think about what turns them on and not get stuck with a vehicle for 5 years that doesn't. ie. my Audi is a perfectly capable vehicle, but the V6 does not make sweet sounds when revved, so I never do. Drive it like an old man. On the other hand, I guess bmw doesn't wonder why some crankshafts I believe were warping on some of their cars 20-25 years ago. They love to rev and that's what people do. I have a 4 cyl. Z3 that runs like a raped ape-even from 80 mph in top gear-it's unbelievable! To me, having a workhorse 4runner that is refined, reliable and capable of putting a grin on my face is a real winning combo. I want one bad, and hope to have one in the next several months. Keep in mind I have not owned a V8 since my '67 SS Camaro.

I hear ya about the tickets!

 

[SoCalMike]

Drove the V8 again on Friday and decided on the 8 over the six.
I traded in my 2001 Ford F150 with the 4.6 engine. I got the 4.6 because I didn't feel I needed the additional torque of the 5.4.

Everytime that truck lagged on a hill or pulling out I kicked myself in the ass. Plus I asked myself the question"If I'm spending $30K for a vechicle you got no business questioning about 2 MPG"

IMHO

P.S. went fro 50 to 70 mph in a few seconds on the I-10 this afternoon.
OHH What A FEeling"