I owned a 4.4 before and the ride on 4.4 is softer than 4.8. Both have power on the go, but the 4.8 has more. The brakes are stronger on 4.8. The exhaust tone sounds more sporty. You will really feel the extra HP when you step on gas. I fell in love when I drove the 4.8. My 4.4 was non-sport but the 4.8 handles very sporty on turns.

When I was shopping to replace 4.4i I started looking at another 4.4i but when I loaded it up with all packages and options the differences was not that much, so decided to go with 4.8is which has all packages and options standard other than NAV and retract. load floor. Besides when I sell it will hold more value.