Poll: 4.8i or 3.5i

[Marauder73]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

1. Much better tranny - new ZF 8-speed.
2. Newer great N55 engine, if you into chip-tuning you should be able to get extra 40 whp with just procede, plus even more with DP, CAI, exhaust ect.
3. MPG: N55 with 8-speed tranny should be considerably better than 4.8i with 6-speed especially on freeway (I predict 4-6 real world mpg).
4. Weight: 4960 lbs. vs. 5335 lbs (it's like 3 skinny girls in 4.8i at all times).
5. Better looking rear bumper, especially with new aero kit.

I’m not really sure why people complain about exhaust tips, it’s like one of the easiest mods you can do.

+1

[Dking05]

Seeing as the weights are really different.. I assume with a good tune, the power:weigth rate can equal or surpass the 4.8i.

3.5i:
Pros: Good looking (IMO good money spent if you get the Sport Activity), I6, economic, Post facelift, Many more standard options, New Idrive, Lots-o-torque

Cons: No v8 roar, tunes arn't free

4.8i:
Pros: V8 rumble (flutter in my mind),

Cons: Pre-Facelift, Areo pack is pricy, Old Idrive (if pre 10')

IMO: the 3.5i Sport Activity is the Best Bang or Buck. my 2c (With a good tune performance could be near 5.0 status)

If your all uppity about the exhaust tips, IRRC the Msport shares 5.0i tips.

[jmiller427]

There is no replacement for displacement

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by jmiller427

There is no replacement for displacement

Sorry, I felt they all needed to be here.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by jmiller427

There is no replacement for displacement

With the exception of forced induction

[Sedoy]

True, there is different "better" for everyone. But for me "better" is when N55 engine provides the same WHP as 4.8 engine with lower fuel consumption and weight.

Originally Posted by BGM

Again, there is no "better". It's consumer preference and their experience, wants, needs. Hence why I went with the 4.8. No right or wrong answer.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by Sedoy

True, there is different "better" for everyone. But for me "better" is when N55 engine provides the same WHP as 4.8 engine with lower fuel consumption and weight.

Good to hear you use the term "for me" because that's the most important part--what each of us prefers, opinions, etc--not a blanket "it's better".

[Grover]

Thanks everyone for the replies, there have been some good points made that I was unaware of.

[CarsRmyVICE]

I had a 4.8 for 3 years, loved every single minute of it. Test drove the 35i on several occasions before getting into the 50i.

As pointed out, there is no right or wrong choice. Both are superb vehicles. The 35i gets up and goes, give it a run yourself. I felt it was equally quick to my 4.8. The NA v8 sounds good, but lets be honest it doesn't bark. I too feel the mpg is essentially negligible, lest you opt for a 35d.

If it were me, I would go 35i without thinking twice based on the LCI fenders and the 8 speed alone. Do not make the mistake of undervaluing the 8 speed. It's that important. My 07 was so jumpy, I used to tell passengers it was the achilles heel of an otherwise sensational daily drive.

Clearly this is all my personal opinion.