V6 vs V8 which is better??

[fastgenious]

Re: Re: V6 vs V8 which is better??

i'm surprised nobody mentioned this yet. V8 comes with full-time 4WD transmission, while V6 comes with part-time AND full-time 4WD transmission.

for just about any cars between V6 and V8, i'd naturally go with V8. But in the case of T4R, V6 tranny is much more fun and useful. so in the end, i went with V6 T4R.

but if they release V8 with multi-selector transmission(part-time AND full-time 4WD), i'm ready to dump my current T4R anyday!

What you stated about the 4WD system makes sense. When it comes to the engines, the V-8 shines over the V-6. It will be more realiable over the long run but it all depends on how you maintain and take care of you vehicle.

 

[Baba Booey]

Truth be told, I would have bought the V8 over the V6 if money were no object. I wasn't ready to buy a new vehicle, but when my wife totaled our '04 Pilot, I had no choice but to rush out and replace it.

At the time, the V8 would have cost me close to $2,000 (give or take a few bucks) more than the V6. Most all of the vehicles available on the dealer's lots are set up a certain way, and I didn't have time to special order. Because I really wasn't planning on buying a vehicle, the extra $2,000 was a big difference.

That being said, I believe the 4.0L V6 is a good engine, although it isn't nearly as smooth and quiet as the V8. This a new design, and Toyota must have great confidence in it. They are using it in 4Runners, new Tacomas, FJ Cruisers, Tundras and other various vehicles around the world (e.g. Hilux, Prado, etc.). I don't believe Toyota would put this engine into so many important vehicles around the world if it wasn't up to snuff.

I posted a link here that contains a lot of good information about the 1GR-FE. I'll post it again for anyone who cares to read up on it. It's an FJ Cruiser article, but the engine info applies to 4Runners as well.

It looks like Toyota put a lot of effort into this new design (all-aluminum, VVTi, timing chain, forged connecting rods, water passages between cylinders, etc.)

I hope it turns out to be as reliable as the V8.

1GR-FE Info

 

[rx900]

by the way, Lexus does not exist in Japan.

actually, Toyota just introduced Lexus into the Japanese market JUST last year. :

 

[N8G]

Re: Re: V6 vs V8 which is better??

for just about any cars between V6 and V8, i'd naturally go with V8. But in the case of T4R, V6 tranny is much more fun and useful. so in the end, i went with V6 T4R.

What makes the V6 transfer case much more fun and useful?

The gas savings are pretty negligable because you still have the extra weight of the 4WD system to haul around even if you are driving in 2WD mode. So I don't know what is more useful about driving in 2WD vs. full time 4WD.

As for fun, people argue that the steering is a little heavier with a 4WD vs. 2WD. Ok, fine. I however, think it is more fun having the extra torque and hp in the V8 than lighter steering since it isn't a sports car and I am not going to be lighting up the twisties with it anyway. Just my view.

 

[Fourty-four]

actually, Toyota just introduced Lexus into the Japanese market JUST last year. :

Really? Didn't know that. Either way, a Lexus is still a Toyota and vice versa!

 

[Koz]

There are many differences between Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Everything from engines, tuning, suspension components and materials to bells and whistles, but the basis/platforms of the vehicles are the same. They do share most engines but usually tune the Lexus' for more power. Also the Lexus' have the latest luxury goodies.

Koz

 

[Thai]

They do share most engines but usually tune the Lexus' for more power.

Do they really tune it or do they fudge the data to make Lexus look better?? I am not convince that Lexus retunes their engine for more power. I would bet that one of the two stats (between Toyota and Lexus) is either an exaggeration or underrating.

Mercedes does this often. Take E55 AMG vs. SL55 AMG. Both have the same engine and powertrain. However, MB rates SL55 with 493 hp, while E55 makes do with 469 hp. In all the dyno graphs between the two cars, there is not a single difference between them. MB just decided to make the SL engine "better" to not piss off the SL owners.

I would love to see some data or 0-60 times between a Lexus and Toyota counterpart.

 

[abin]

what the difference between lexus and toyota vehicles are everything except engine. that is the impression of my reading here.

 

[Thai]

what the difference between lexus and toyota vehicles are everything except engine. that is the impression of my reading here.

Well, in regards to 4runner/GX470 and TLC/LX470 i would say that the body-on-frame, engine, tranny, and axle (& IFS) are more or less the same. The differences are in the interior features (big difference!), exterior panels, suspension technology (mainly applies to GX KDSS since TLC can be optioned with LX's electronic suspension in 2006), standard side curtain airbags, warranty, and customer service.

 

[rx900]

Well, in regards to 4runner/GX470 and TLC/LX470 i would say that the body-on-frame, engine, tranny, and axle (& IFS) are more or less the same. The differences are in the interior features (big difference!), exterior panels, suspension technology (mainly applies to GX KDSS since TLC can be optioned with LX's electronic suspension in 2006), standard side curtain airbags, warranty, and customer service.

Also, i don't know if the 4Runner is the same, but the GX uses premium in their new updated engines. Do v8 4wd 4Runners require premium???

The RX350 now requires premium, but let's take the Highlander and Sienna's engine that only requires unleaded. The 350 has more power than the two, but the basic engine is the same. So the engines for Lexus is tweaked up. :

 

[Fourty-four]

There are many differences between Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Everything from engines, tuning, suspension components and materials to bells and whistles, but the basis/platforms of the vehicles are the same. They do share most engines but usually tune the Lexus' for more power. Also the Lexus' have the latest luxury goodies.

Koz

I think the HP thing is more of a marketing gimmick. Unless they use different parts that allow for slightly more power, such as a different intake plenum or a freer flowing exhaust system.

Besides, my point was that the engines in Lexus vehicles are made by Toyota. Somehow that seems to be a hard concept for some people to understand. It's amazing to me that people get sucked into the whole "Lexus is superior to Toyota" ordeal.

 

[rx900]

I think the HP thing is more of a marketing gimmick. Unless they use different parts that allow for slightly more power, such as a different intake plenum or a freer flowing exhaust system.

Besides, my point was that the engines in Lexus vehicles are made by Toyota. Somehow that seems to be a hard concept for some people to understand. It's amazing to me that people get sucked into the whole "Lexus is superior to Toyota" ordeal.

I think people should ride both a Lexus and Toyota. You can definitely tell by the sound of the engine that it's the same. I dropped off my 4Runner the other day at the dealer, and I got to ride a Sienna. That van's engine sounded EXACTLY like the RX330/350's engine. Heck, if i were blindfolded, I couldn't really tell the difference in the sound of the engine!

 

[Thai]

RX900,

Remember, the Lexus RX350 uses the corporate's 3.5L V6 engine (found in ES, RX, Avalon, Camry, RAV4), while 2006 Highlander and Sienna still use the 3.3L V6. So, you SHOULD see a big difference in your testdrive.

I am not sure if the 2007 Sienna and Highlander will have the 3.5L V6 or not. Probably. I know for sure that 2006 RX330 and 2006 Toyota Highlander both use the same powertrain.

 

[rx900]

RX900,

Remember, the Lexus RX350 uses the corporate's 3.5L V6 engine (found in ES, RX, Avalon, Camry, RAV4), while 2006 Highlander and Sienna still use the 3.3L V6. So, you SHOULD see a big difference in your testdrive.

I am not sure if the 2007 Sienna and Highlander will have the 3.5L V6 or not. Probably. I know for sure that 2006 RX330 and 2006 Toyota Highlander both use the same powertrain.

Well that's true. THe Higlander and Sienna did stay with the 3.3L engine. Nevertheless, the RX330 and RX350 both still sound the same, and perform the same IMHO. I've had both as loaners, and didn't really notice a big difference in performance.

 

[boston_kevin]

Re: Re: Re: V6 vs V8 which is better??

What you stated about the 4WD system makes sense. When it comes to the engines, the V-8 shines over the V-6. It will be more realiable over the long run but it all depends on how you maintain and take care of you vehicle.

Based on what information makes you think one engine (or transfer case) would be more reliable than the other? If I base my opinion on the engineering level that has gone into each engine, I'd assume they were equal. If you are basing this on the equipment on the engine, both share the same technology so then the 2003-2004 V8 would be the most reliable... If I decide to run my V6 as 4WD all the time, how is this different from the V8 drive train (except the engine)?

Honestly, both engines will perform reliably for many years if you take care of them. V8 has more HP and torque, V6 is easier on fuel and the steering/handling is lighter which makes it little more sporty to drive

 

[OUTRNNR]

Also, i don't know if the 4Runner is the same, but the GX uses premium in their new updated engines. Do v8 4wd 4Runners require premium???

The RX350 now requires premium, but let's take the Highlander and Sienna's engine that only requires unleaded. The 350 has more power than the two, but the basic engine is the same. So the engines for Lexus is tweaked up. :

The only way to know is to put a 4Runner and a GX on a dyno side-by-side and see if there is a HP difference. Koz may be right, they could certainly have leaned out the A/F mix a little, which would yield a couple more ponies and warrant the use of premium fuel. But like I've said before, it doesn't matter. The 4Runner is faster and has a higher towing capacity 6500 lbs vs. 7000 lbs.

This debate always converges to one point. The V8 offers more power and torque without a large fuel efficiency deficit. A couple grand up front is small beans for the added power/torque/smoothness of the V8, especially if the couple grand is broken down over 5 years ($30-$50 additional per month) depending on the rate. The V6 is no slouch and is a fantastic engine. Drive both and make the decision based on your needs.