4.6 vs 4.4
 

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.

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.

its all relative mainly because of the hp increase in the new 4.4 and new 4.8 but relative to old 4.4 and old 4.6 its the same in essence

My buddys 4.4 is a 2004 model... so the test should have been equal to that of the OP.

I disagree with you guys. I've owned a 4.4 and now have a 4.6...the difference is noticable. It's not just the steering, the power and the tranny software have a different feel as well. If you are speaking of daily traffic driving, there isn't much of a difference except for the wheel. But if you are talking aggressive driving, there really is a difference. The braking is better, the handling is better and the overall feel on the road seems to be better IMO. I 'm not saying it is 15k better, but for that person that wants the rough ride and the peace of mind that every X you see won't be a 4.6 or a 4.8, it's a beast. Madforce, what color 4.6 did you drive....silver? I'll get it this weekend and run it thru the paces..........Phil

I've driven both and can tell the difference, but believe the difference is slight - almost nonexistent under typical driving conditions. When I initially got my X I test drove all 3 versions and really felt the 4.4 was the best all around 'value' for me. I enjoyed the extral power from the 3.0 but couldn't really see a significant enough cost/benefit for the other.

What year 4.4 did you have?

Late model 01.......Phil

Yah the newer valvetronic with 315hp would probably be a closer feel to yours then the earlier model 4.4.

There's more to it than just what you can see and feel. I test drove both and bought the 4.8is. Way before I bought I would see tons of X5's on the street, but the 4.8is was just way cooler IMO. A Corvette Z06 performance wise is close to a more expensive Ferrari F430, but I'd take the Ferrari hands down because the intangible difference is worth it to me.