Poll: 4.8i or 3.5i
 

If all options are the same would you rather have a 2010 4.8i or a 2011 3.5i and why?

You are going to get different answers on this it's all based on buyer preference. I love the V8 exhaust note, wasn't impressed with the 3.5i off the line (tranny would hunt or some kind of delay), the MPG is negligible between the two and I couldn't live with the little round tailpipes on the 3.5i. On top of that I keep my cars 7-10 years and I would rather go with a naturally-aspirated engine for reliability reasons. My $.02.

Mpg is the same? Not sure about that - the 3.5i is rated 16/23 which is nearly the same as the 3.0si was. With the 0-60 close, I would go with the 3.5i. The round tailpipes are a letdown but I have lived with mine without changing them out despite having the option for many years. The other factor though newer is not always better, I would not want to pay so much for older tech/engineering. Did they have top view in the '10s? So options prob can't be exactly the same either. Do you not want the '12s with the LED coronas?

I'd swap to a 3.5i in a heartbeat but given the option to pay the same price for a '10 4.8, I would pass.

Vroom Vroom. I'd take the V8.

Let's be honest--2 or 3 MPG difference between a 3.0, 3.5 and 4.8 is not worth saying "I get better gas mileage than you". These are 6,000 lb SUVs and not only that they designed for performance and to be driven--not be economical. There are many deals to be had out there--I bought my '08 4.8 last October for $48K that stickered for $75K 2 years prior and it only had 16K miles on it.

I went through this and ended up with a '12 3.5. Reasons were mpg, I love factory turbo motors and the LED coronas are beautiful. I feel that factory turbo motors are over built and designed to deal with the abuse that they may be subjected too. When that abuse doesn't everyday they last awhile. I don't get that hesitation off the line also referred to, it just flies.

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.

The only major difference is mechanical with the new tranny and turbo engine. The rest is subjective based on what each consumer deems as "better". There is no right or wrong answer.

Mechanical stuff is the most important one, and 35i simply better in that department.

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.

+1 :thumbup:

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.

There is no replacement for displacement

:rofl::thumbup:;):cool:

Sorry, I felt they all needed to be here.

With the exception of forced induction ;)

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".

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

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.