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V6 vs. V8

19K views 35 replies 23 participants last post by  nek121328 
#1 ·
I am about to order a new Overland. I am sold on the Advanced Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control, but I am really struggling with whether to go V6 or V8. I have no intentions of towing or going off-road. Most miles will be Highway or City. I live in New England so weather can be just about anything. All comments are welcome.
 
#3 ·
I had the same struggles. I ended up deciding on the V8. Here's what did it for me:

(1) V6 is a new engine and has no history in terms of its dependability over time.
(2) Overland is a HEAVY vehicle. The V6 works extra hard to move this GRAND machine.
(3) V8 is a tested, over time, engine and MOVES the Overland effortlessly.
(4) The difference in the MPG between the V6 and V8 is too small (in my opinion) to really sacrifice the power you get with the V8.
 
#4 ·
I own V6.

1) - agreed

2) - It doesn't "work extra-hard to move this GRAND machine"

3) I test-drove V8 and V6. On highway passing the was no noticeable difference. There may be from the stop but I haven't tested it.

4) I am only at my second tank of gas but so far I am not getting anywhere close to advertised mileage during city driving - it is around 11-12 MPG

Another important thing to keep in mind is "Hemi tick". Google it if you don't know what it is.
 
#5 ·
Drive them both, get on the highway and try to pass cars with both. If there are any hills in your area drive them. The "hemi tick" is BS, nonexistent on the wk2. If all you care about is fuel buy the v6 but even then its not much of a different since I average 15-16 around town and 20-21 on the highway with my hemi this is computed and also matches what the EVIC says. Plus as was said before better to have and not need. . . ..

You will get different opinions all day on here, but the four factors you need to consider are:

The extra cost of a hemi
Fuel Economy if it matters
Power (towing ability, passing ability, power in reserve)
Reliability of a proven engine vs a new engine.

In the end after driving both most likely you will pick the hemi.
 
#9 ·
Before I bought, I tried both.

I bought the V-6. Here's why:

1) Extra power from the V-8 is not noticeable during normal driving. Given the throttle calibration for both engines (set more for efficiency than speed), the Hemi only gets you to 60mph one second faster, and it just didn't feel that much stronger.

2) Fuel efficiency. While we aren't talking a night and day difference, I have a hard time stomaching a vehicle that gets less than 20mpg highway if I'm not going to really enjoy the benefits.

3) Easier maintenance on the V-6. Have a look at the respective engine bays.

4) I didn't consider the benefits of the V-8 to be worth the $2000 extra.

5) The nearly unanimous opinion of the auto rags who compared the two powertrains was that if you weren't planning on towing, just get the V-6.

6) The 6 cylinder Pentastar/Mercedes W5A580 combo is incredibly smooth. It really does feel like a luxury vehicle.


I've put over 5500 miles on mine since I took delivery, including a trip through the Appalachains. I never once felt underpowered. If you lived WAY up in the Rockies (5K+ foot altitudes) or towed regularly, I'd say the Hemi would be worthwhile. If neither applies, the V-6 is certainly worth a look. This isn't the V-6 of some years ago; this thing generates darn near 300HP. That's more than many eight cylinder engines from not that long ago.

There's not so much difference between the two engines that it justifies any infighting or stupid remarks. It's just a matter of preference, and I never feel like I got stuck with a POS engine. I bought what I thought would be sufficient. I wasn't wrong.
 
#10 ·
The V6 felt great during the short test drive I had with it.
I went with the V8 since the mileage would be no worse than my previous '02 GC 4.7 V8. Despite that, the WK2 V8 doesn't feel as gutsy or powerful as my previous GC. It may be the gearing.
 
#12 · (Edited)
The V6 felt great during the short test drive I had with it.
I went with the V8 since the mileage would be no worse than my previous '02 GC 4.7 V8. Despite that, the WK2 V8 doesn't feel as gutsy or powerful as my previous GC. It may be the gearing.
:eek:

You need to reprogram your throttle. I have a 02 4.7 GC as well, and the 5.7 is FAR more powerful.

On my 02, if you lightly press on the pedal, it takes off, on my WK2, the first 1/4 of the pedal gives nice low speed control, but after that it's a rocket.

I suspect it's this difference in throttle sensitivity you're feeling, not to mention the fact that accelerating quickly in the WK2 isn't quite the "event" it is with the 2002, which gets really loud.
 
#14 ·
clockwoo, your call, gotta test drive both. You certainly don't need the Hemi for NE driving or bad weather. It does help a ton for: high altitude, extended vertical, loaded vehicles, towing, and out dragging grandma's caddy at a stoplight.

Red G8R, below is nate's throttle reset method, works well.

http://www.jeepgarage.org/showpost.php?p=214514&postcount=15
 
#16 ·
I own the V6 and love it, it's silky smooth and gets excellent gas mileage (over 500 miles on a tank on the highway).

I drove both and preferred the V6, so just give them both a shot. And I definitely don't think either engine "works extra hard" to move the vehicle.
 
#17 ·
I have driven a similar weight and HP SUV vehicle for the past 4 years (GMC Acadia). It has a V6 engine. I have not felt underpowered and have pulled some pretty heavy loads at highway speeds with it (tandem axel trailers).

I think the only criticism of these V6 engines...is that when they need HP...your really gotta mash on the throttle and let the tranny downshift to high RPM's to get the needed power. An engine with some cubes / torque just requires a gentle nudge on the throttle. :D
 
#21 ·
I wanted a V6 originally, but the Hemi came in the Limited that I bought. If it had the V6, I wouldn't be upset because the V6 felt VERY good to me during extensive road tests. That said, the Hemi has been returning great fuel economy numbers (got 23mpg on one 99% highway trip, 507 miles using 22gal), the kind I was expecting the V6 to provide, so I'm loving the Hemi.

The one and only detraction to the Hemi is that it reduces carrying cargo capacity by ~300+lbs (according to the Jeep specs) due to: weight of the Hemi, weight of the 545RFE trans, weight of heavier duty brakes and the heavier rear axle. However, the payback is greater towing capacity. I don't see this as much of a practical detraction, though it might affect others.

There is much more noticeable grunt from the Hemi in all conditions when the go-pedal is mashed to the floor which I have done just a few times now that I've been broken in (just past 1000 miles this weekend and did an oil change). For all normal driving, hills or not, the Hemi is an outstanding engine and I'm so glad I got "stuck" with it so to speak. I've got power to spare with economy if I do my part, and thoroughly enjoyed showing my tail lights to my friend in his new 4.2L Q7 yesterday.:D
 
#23 ·
I live at 5,000ft and frequently climb to 7 or 8,000, and the difference between the V6 and Hemi was very noticeable to me. Do long test drives with both. I really noticed a difference on uphill highway on-ramps. The v6 had a hard time accelerating the vehicle. The hemi was effortless.
 
#24 ·
I have the V8 and have not regretted the choice. I do some towing and was very pleased with the response when hooked up to a flatbed with almost two cords of red oak (5-6000lbs just in wood) Honestly I barely noticed it was there. I also had the opportunity to borrow a V6 Limited when mine was in for a couple hours and there is most definatly a difference in throttle response, particularly when you punch it when your already doing 60. There is a difference. Add in also the additional resale value of the V8. I'm not saying the V6 isn't a good choice too, just for different reasons.

Oh and just food for thought I took my Hemi on a road trip with less than 500 miles on it. When I got back after 1600 miles (1400 highway) I had averaged 21.5 calculated, 21.9indicated on the evic
 
#26 ·
I had the same debate when I ordered my limited. I ended up going with the V-6 because of the gas mileage I drive a lot of miles. I think now if I had it to do over again I would probably go with the 8. I test drove both a couple times and the 8 does have a lot more power especially from a stop. The 8 takes off with no effort where the 6 is working. One other thing is the 6 does not have much power below 2000 rpm and the trans is setup for fuel economy so it tries to keep the rpms down by getting to the next gear quickly. So the 8 will cost more but probably be more fun to drive.
 
#28 ·
I agree, a nice torquey diesel on this nice jeep would be sweet. I would easily drop more money on one!
 
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