Question for V8 guys

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Daka

What's with the "need" for a V8?
I have been driving the 6's for many years, very very few engine related problems the one V8 I had years ago was a nightmare, alternator, radiator, electrical gremlins, terrible gas mileage...etc...
So let me ask you, have you actually driven a late model 3.0?
It seems to me that unless you are pulling a BIG trailer, why the V8?
I have NAILED the 6 on an entry ramp and it really scoots....

With some of the marginal specs between the I6 & V8 engines being so close, the added power, weight, fuel consumption, and range...tend to fall in the favor of the V8s for many of us in the USA based on multiple reasons.

The USA is an expansive country and many of us have family/friends/etc that live in other regions that may be more than 24 hours away. The terrain/geography may also play a factor for those that live in mountainous/hilly locations and prefer the extra TORQUE as well as HP that the V8s offer. Even those that live in large urban areas...may live out in the suburbs, nearby "bedroom" communities, or even rural areas and commute into the urban core...and again, may prefer the torque & hp of the V8 as they drive over two-lane to multi-lane roads.

Then there's also the geo-climatic considerations of those that live in 3-4 season regions of the country that deal with rain, wind, snow, sleet, etc...the V8s are heavier vehicles which give a different driving experience in windy areas...as well as more grunt (torque) for getting thru mud/snow etc. Then there are owners that actually hall trailers or recreational vehicles (ski-doos, snow-mobiles, etc)...again, not only does the HP play a factor...but the increased torque of the V8s play a significant roll.

It's not just the HP numbers being "enough" when entering an on-ramp with the I6 engine and its either 5-speed auto/6-speed manual tranny...but the pulling power (increased torque) that the V8s offer for the varied uses and geographical locations/differences that are encountered in the USA. The expanse of the country and how/where we live, and how we commute daily or visit family, or use our Xs plays a big roll in why we may favor/prefer the V8s over the I6...especially when the gas mileage and fuel range for both the I6 & V8s are very similar...but with the V8s offering more HP & torque for basically the same fuel consumption & greater range.

3.0: (M54 w/manual 6-spd tranny)

• horse power = 225 hp @ 5900 rpm
• torque = 214 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
• EPA mileage est. (city/hwy) = 13/20 MPG
• Curb weight = 4652 lbs
• Range in miles (city/hwy) = 315.9/486.0

4.4: (N62 w/auto 6-spd tranny)

• horse power = 315 hp @ 5400 rpm
• torque = 324 ft-lbs. @ 3600 rpm
• EPA mileage est. (city/hwy) = 14/20 MPG
• Curb weight = 4927 lbs
• Range in miles (city/hwy) = 340.2/486.0 mi.

4.8: (N62 w/auto 6-spd tranny)

• horse power = 355 hp @ 6200 rpm
• torque = 369 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
• EPA mileage est. (city/hwy) = 14/20 MPG
• Curb weight = 5016 lbs
• Range in miles (city/hwy) = 340.2/486.0 mi.

(specs were taken from edmunds.com)

[BavariaTexan]

Its the Red Pill.

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

ooh, you went there, where no one had gone before!!!!!




I can't speak for every woman out there, but starting with my wife, and on to some other girls that graced the front passenger seat of the car, from USA, to Panama, to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Russia (and there were a few!!!), the sound of 4.6iS engine definetely gets them predisposed to... well... you know...


hahahaha... i must admit, that is an 18 year old peeking through the crust of a 45 year old!!! but man oh man!!! it gets the blood flowing better than a green pill... or, is it a blue pill?...

[bcredliner]

Why are there people that like only white cars and people that like only black, people who only want an automatic and people that would only have a stick, why do some put on winter tires and some put that put their X away for the winter. It is personal preference. Here's one for you---I don't think there was an option that my 4.6 did not have from the factory. I have never had a 6 cylinder vehicle and I have never left an 8 cylinder engine stock, my 4.6 is no exception. In doing so I reduced the mileage. I also made the ride harder, the exhaust louder, the interior trim prettier, radio speakers better, I even changed out a perfectly good steering wheel, the aftermarket list of changes to stuff that worked just fine goes on and on. Difference is I don't need it but I want it that way and you dont want that way and don't feel that you need it either. Some like chocolate some like vanilla.

[Daka]

I was curious about why you needed more power...as far as options, mine has Sport, Premium, Sirius, Rear Comfort (window shades), B/U alarm, no heated seats (South FL ) no nav.....so I guess this one is pretty well equipped ... hmmm...I'll keep it
It is really all about the seats for me, the rest of it ....(yawn) oh, and I did NOT want a black interior, sorry, but it gets too hot for that here....Sapphire Black exterior is bad enough

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboGTR

It's got 2 more cylinders. Enough Said... haha. But here is my reasoning for a V8 vs a V6/I6.

As Term said, V8's are well equipped right from the gate. Putting every option that a V8 would have, prices are negligible. Not saying that all manufacturers do that, For example, I've owned plenty of Acura's in their lineup. The biggest motor Honda/Acura makes in their lineup is a 3.5 V6. Now, once you step into their sedan/SUV line, they are pretty packed with options that are standard. HID, Cold Weather Package, Etc. Really the only option you get to choose is if you want Nav or not or AWD or FWD. I mean if you are looking for luxury for a decent price, Acura is the way to go. BMW seems to make seats and option once you get to the nitty gritty.

But, the real reason for the 8, THE POWER! I love the fact I can hit that throttle and I see that tach jump and hear the rumble... you can't get that noise from a I6. While I agree for most and I6 would be adequate. It can do everything the V8 can from a daily driving standpoint, but from a personal standpoint, its more fun!

Sure it uses more fuel, it does have its own little gremlins, and is temperamental at times, but its all worth it when you take off from a light and just listen to the music.

Now I have also driven a 2006 3.0 that was well equipped. And it was nice and drove just fine, but the passion, the exhilaration, and rawness just wasn't there.

Again, just my opinion.

100% agree with you...love the power and sound and luxury...and when i'm pulling out my 4k pound boat out of the water i always smile....as for the gaz...honestly i never met a guy with a X5 V8 looking for fuel economy...when it's time for long road we take the litlle cat Wife car B200... Which is pretty rare anyways

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

ooh, you went there, where no one had gone before!!!!!




I can't speak for every woman out there, but starting with my wife, and on to some other girls that graced the front passenger seat of the car, from USA, to Panama, to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Russia (and there were a few!!!), the sound of 4.6iS engine definetely gets them predisposed to... well... you know...


hahahaha... i must admit, that is an 18 year old peeking through the crust of a 45 year old!!! but man oh man!!! it gets the blood flowing better than a green pill... or, is it a blue pill?...

LOL you guys are crazy...!!

[1naztyx5]

When is power too much power? I gotta say I have always own V8 vehicles, have and had V6's as well and they are fast but it feels almost as if your are abusing them while with the V8 is so effortless and then the sound, cant remember the last time i listen to music since i did my exhaust and the look on others driving ...Vetts, camaros, mustangs , challengers etc etc, is priceless when they hear the RUMBLE!

[blktoptrvl]

More power for an insignificant loss of mileage.

[Daka]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

More power for an insignificant loss of mileage.

and repairs.....I must say, the only repairs mine has needed are tail light, door carrier, headlight igniter, battery.......not engine related

[Whitecat]

I think that The V8 stats./ rumors problems that we hear on the forum are more associated to the more options / electronics feature that you have with the high end V8 package than engine itself...there is plenty of debate regarding this...

Mine got 70 miles and looking at records / historical ...engine = no problem
Only exception with intermediate lever ...but this is not a big deal at the end...