I'm in the market for a 4runner - 2004.
what's the benefit of the V6 vs. V8 engine?
In terms of towing, resale value, etc.

 

welcome ... hit the search button this topics been covered.

But a quick answer to your question: go V8

 

v8 has more power, that equates to better towing and resale. A local dealer advertises V8 Sport 2004's for 30k so I'm sure you can get a similar deal or better.

 

Here's a different perspective. Depends on what you need. I bought a V6 because I like the choice of 2 wheel, 4Hi (AWD), or 4Lo. I drive long distances to oil wells, and only require 4 wheel drive for the last 20 kilometers or so. No sense powering up an extra two wheels when you don't have to (I do understand ADD). As a bonus, I can drive all day in AWD if the road conditions warrant it. There's plenty of torque for infrequent towing, and the fuel mileage is better. The V6 provides the best of both worlds.

 

As far as having the option to control the 2wd/4wd scenario i agree with you entirely...i wish my V-8 had that option. Fuel is only about 2 miles per gallon better, and the smaller block is going to render lesser results when tuned. I test drove both the 4.0L and the 4.7L, and there is a noticable difference. Not to discredit your ride or opinion in any way, but the 4.7L is the block to have resting under your hood. It has won endless awards for performance, durability, etc, etc...one of the top ten motors on the market according to many mags...??...peace.

Billy

 

v8, 4.7L, for sure.

 

If Toyota ever offered the 2WD/4WD in the V8, they would have eliminated the one factor that made me go for the V6. I drove them both before chosing, and I felt the difference between them wasn't that significant. But, considering I upgraded from an S-10 with a 2.8, anything was a vast improvement. All in all, still not sorry I got the V6. And no stinky smell.

 

You hit the nail on the head my friend... ...too bad you arent working for toyota.

Billy

 

i will never tow anything but im getting the iforce v8 for these reasons:
1- tried and true tuff engine, if it can make the sequoia and tundra haul ass, it will smoke in my runner

2- i would definately regret not getting it after having the oppurtunity to. i mean come on, toyota finally slaps one in a runner! why the hell would u pass that up?

3- you cannot touch the torque, its powerful by far (320 vs 283)

4- must get as much non-aspirated natural power as i can

5- just drive the two (v6, v8) and then decide for yourself. thats what did me in for the v8

6- its only $800 bucks more

 

My 3 friends and I will be running the following at Carlsbad raceway..(1/4 track)

2004 4runner v6, 4x4

2003 4runner v6 2wd

2004 4runner v8 sport AWD


... WE will be running multiple passes to solve this issue once and for all in regards to overall quickness. We will have spectators watching us through the gears ....

YES the v8 will out-tow and possibly out accelrate the v6 up hills and under load, but we have both driven all 3 configurations, as as a seasoned 1/4 racer, I am interested to see the results for flat out speed, finishing MPH etc.

I'll post in a couple weeks (going possibly next Saturday)

 

Another thing that has not been mentioned yet... The v8 has a 5 Speed transmission. The v6 will need to get the 5 Speed before I would even consider it.

Scott

 

Still, if they would put the 2WD/4WD transfer case behind the five speed and the V8 I think that combo would be VERY interesting. Better yet, bring back the 5 speed standard!!!

 

Hmmmm..... Has anyone thought of swapping out the x-fer case with a Tundra's ? That will definitely get you the 2wd/4wd you are looking for. No issues with it holding up to the V8, either. Probably the only issue you'd run into is adapting it to the 5-speed since the Tundra runs a 4-speed.

Steve

 

This will be great to see the results!!!!
I hope everybody make sure their Runner is in tip top shape, and all are standard.

 

Look forward to the results, I hope you run your V6 4x4 in 2wd and AWD

 

We will try all scenarios. All will be stock , minus a slight tire upgrade on the v8. I'm trying to get this done asap as two of us are ordering Revteks VERY soon. I'll keep you all posted.

 

Slight tire upgrade?

 

SD4Runner, been there, done that. You'll be impressed with just how easily the V-8 walks the V-6 from any speed you choose. It was unofficial and untimed, but with two seasoned drivers at the wheels. Even with the 130lb. weight penalty, the combination of V-8 torque and shorter 1-3 gears will end the argument in 60', growing from there. Let each tranny shift automatically through "D", manual shifting a Toyota usually slows you down. If one torque-stands, the other should, too. Have fun!

 

Doesn't the V6 actually have a few more ponies but the V8 has the torque (due to cubes of course) for towing?

If I didn't really tow much I would go with the V6 since it get a little better MPG.

 

Wow! Cool to know. We will let you know just how bad I get beat then