Ok, straight from the Toyota website:

V6:
4.0, 245hp, 283lb torque.

V8:
4.7, 235hp??, 320lb torque.

I understand the torque differnce, but 10hp LESS? on the V8? Why bother then? Is the torque difference worth it for wheelin' maybe? Or maybe towing? Certainly not a big deal for road driving.

I was so excited about the V8, but all of a sudden, the V6 looks fine. I didn't see advertised prices for the V6, but figure it'll be a couple thousand less.

Hmmmmm. Decisions, decisions :eek:

Mike

 

The V-8 is unique to the US market. It's to maintain a competitive edge in the mid-size market when others also offer V-8's, even though Toyota's own data shows that ~75% of all mid-size utes are sold with a V-6. Call it keeping up with the Joneses, or satisfying a V-8 jones, or to hell with excess, this is America!

I have to say that friends who have driven the V-6 4Runner (Toyota factory wonks) ALL say that the V-6 is more than enough for almost any application. Also, tow ratings are identical with either engine although that'll change by mid-year when a new hitch debuts for the V-8 only with a rumored much higher capacity.

The main reason I ordered the V-8 was to get the rear air suspension with X-REAS. I also have experience with the 2UZ going back to 1997 and consider it bulletproof. After recent experience with Toyota's new-gen all alu engines (MR2 Spyder 1ZZ), I'll wait and see if the 1GR proves itself after 50K miles of real world use...by someone else!

 

i don't know either. they are both rated to pull 5000 pounds. the only thing i can think of is the V6 requires 89 octane and the V8 can run on 87 octane. but of course, the V6 will get better gas mileage. so i don't know. i'd test drive them both and see which one i liked better.

 

Yes, the torque makes all the difference when towing.

Steve

 

Ill see if I can dig up some Toyota News Bulletins and get them online quickly. Just saw some info about this. Not being a performance wiz like you all, I didnt even pay it much attention.



Jay

 

Torque is what makes you accelerate. Horespower is measured at wide open throttle and near redline RPMs. Torque is the power in the normal operating RPM range, 2000-4500. Hondas make 200+ HP at 9000 RPM but would you tow with one? Or would you use a 160 HP V6 4Runner? Torque is the important kind of power. Horsepower is overrated because you have to rev so high to get it. Acceration comes from torque, not HP.

 

I heard from someone at Toyota that the price difference between the V6 and V8 will only be about $750.

For that money, give me the V8 with it's 5 speed tranny and full-time 4WD.

 

I couldn't agree more. It's all about the torque baby.

 

Where the torque is produced is interesting. In looking at the curves, it appears that the V-8 makes about as much torque at 1,200 rpm as the V-6 does at it's 3,400 rpm torque peak. That'll pull you (and your loaded trailer) up the hill with authority!

 

Are those v-6 numbers from a supercharged engine or normally aspirated?

 

Both are N/A specs.

 

yeah the torque is really what counts. towing, offroad, etc.

anyone know some sites where i can find out about the specs on my truck? i guess i'll try a search on yahoo or something.

 

I guess I'm thinking if the 3rd Gen V6 had 245hp people would have been very happy! I remember that being the only complaint. Not enough power. (just look under my hood. I was in agreement.)

At the time it was competing (and still is, I assume) against the V8 Exploders and Jeeps. Now, it has the same hp as those but with the V6.

I guess, as always, it comes down to personal preference. Of course, if the price difference is "only" $750, give me the extra 2 cylinders.

I'll test drive both and see how they feel.

Thanks for the input.

Mike

 

Oh, and while I agree about the torque factor, remember, if it's torque and not horsepower you want, John Deere is where you should be shopping.

The way I've always thought about it was Torque gets you there, HP keeps you there. I want both! Damn-it! I just talked myself into a V8 and I wasn't even trying.

Later

 

From talking to a feelow at the dealer the main advantage of the V8 is in towing. As to the tow rating at 500lbs Toyota has applied to have the certified towing capability raised from the max 500lb

 

I just read in Truck Trend, the V8's tow capacity is 6500 lbs. Where as the V6's is 5000 lbs.

 

Just dropped off my truck at the neighborhood Toyota expert and we started discussing the 2003's.

An interesting thing he told me was that the V6 is a "one life" motor. It can't be rebuilt.

Not so much of a problem these days, but if someone was looking at this to be a "normal" Toyota, they should know this.

Mike