4.6 vs 4.4

[Budarooski]

Last week I test drove an '03 4.6is while my '02 4.4i was in for service at Momentum BMW in Houston. I wanted to feel the difference in the two, and part of me was seriously considering "moving up" to the 4.6. After my test drive I told the dealer the only reason I would make the change was for the added 50hp; however, after driving it I really couldn't feel any difference, besides the easier steering found on the 4.6is. I also said that 50hp is a nice bump in power, but when you're driving a vehicle that weighs this much it's not going to make much difference.

A few minutes ago I found this reader's review on carsdirect.com:

"We own both a 2002 4.4 with sport package and a 2003 4.6- and to save you from reading the rest of this, the difference between the two is absolutely underwhelming. Power difference is negligible (50hp is ostensibly a lot more power, but moving around a huge truck like this its hard to notice.) Handling is slightly better in the 4.6, which is helped by much fatter tires and an over-powered power steering assist that makes the wheel much lighter to turn. Brakes are slightly sharper, but once again not enough to warrant the almost $20,000 difference in these cars. Overall, the 4.6 has been made to FEEL like a lighter, smaller, more nimbler version of the X5 (with the easier-to-turn steering wheel, more sensitive accelerator, more feather-like engine revs, etc.) but its a very same-feeling car compared to the 4.4. I do NOT recommend spending the extra money- in fact, just wait til the '04 4.4s come out and you'll be much better off." (the 04 has 315hp, I believe).

Anyhow, this just confirmed my thoughts as well, and also confirmed that adding any over-priced [e.g. Dinan] Cold Air Induction for a whopping 5-8hp gain isn't going to do anything buy lighten the wallet.