I know what you mean. I test drove both the 4.4 and the 4.8is and the feel is almsot exactly the same (power/accelaration). I still got the 4.8is because its a lot mroe rare, faster, looks nicer stock, ect.

The difference like I said isn't soo noticeable when you're inside, but my buddy has a 4.4 and just for kicks drove around the streets for a bit. Even though they feel almost the same, my 4.8is walked away the enitire time. Acceleration wise, I just off the light and got ahead a lot faster than he did...

Is the feel noticeable? Not much. Is it realistically faster, YES.

I know your comparo is with the 4.6is and mine is with the 4.8is, but they're almost the same.