03' V8 is underrated from the factory.

[knydecker]

Some engines bragg about HP. One thing that people dont get is the HP sustained thru a certain band of power. You can get an engine with 50 more horses and be less effective on the 0-60 only because the other less HP engine has a longer band of power susained longer. The v8 has more torque that is really more impressive than HP in a less torqued v6. My 2 cents...

[kaneman]

Also makes sense. I would like to see a Dyno to checkout the torque curve. My guess is that it's very broad and flat.

[Good Times]

kaneman:

here's some bit of info...
the v8 is rated at 235hp/320lb.ft - 5 speed tranny
the v6 is rated at 245hp/283lb.ft - 4 speed tranny

here's why the v8 will feel faster and is faster than the v6 even though the v6 is more hp.

the 5 speed auto has a very strong ( numerically high ) first gear ratio (3.5 vs 2.8 for the 4-speed auto in the v6), which should provide great torque in first gear.

this means that since the v8 has a stronger/lower 1st gear ratio, it is tuned so that it gets a good boost off the line! - hence the faster feeling.

keep in mind that this is just the initial start. how as for the "down the stretch", just keep in mind that the v8 has that extra "umph" on the start which helps for the later gears as the higher torque helps to drive the 4runner down faster.

Best example would be comparing the two v8's - tundra/4runner.
The tundra has a 4 speed tranny whereas the 4runner has the 5 speed tranny. Our 4runner's will most definitely be faster than the tundra only because of our transmission gearing. the 5 speed is geared better than the 4 speed hence giving us that edge.

bottom line - our v8 tranny kicks butt!!! too bad, the tundra and the seq's don't have em... hehe

if you don't believe me, try comparing the tundra and the 4runner (v8) and give it your butt-o-meter a test! I will guarantee that you will notice a difference as I have. keep in mind that both trucks are the same rating at 235hp/320lb.ft... so u know it's not the engine, at that point it's the transmission

after you're convinced, you'll understand that gearing plays a significant role in utilizing the hp/torque. if you have a pos tranny, you won't be going far w/ whatever engine u put on it cuz it'll limit ya like crazy!

[kaneman]

Awesome explanation.

[lefty]

Don't forget about vehicle weight ! Based upon the type of vehicles being compared, the 4Runners weight at least 300 pounds less than a comparably equipped Tundra.

Now, going from a V8 Tundra to the V8 4Runner, there is a HUGE difference in off-the-line performance. This, of course, based upon the Butt-O-Meter (copyright 2003, kaneman).

Steve

[kaneman]

AGAIN>>>>

Thanks for recognizing the copyright patent So how is the performance between the two? I've driven a Tundra a few times but not enough to form an opinion. I think they are both very close w/exception of "off the line" acceleration. I do think the Tundra rides a little smoother...

[Dude Boy]

keep in mind that both trucks are the same rating at 235hp/320lb.ft..

Not a true statement! Do some more research.

[lefty]

Kaneman,

The Tundra is an excellent truck if you are looking for a pickup. What I noticed the most about it's performance was that you missed the "off-the-line" performance, but when you were on the highway and needed to pass, I was always in the middle of the torque curve. I found that I used the power of the engine at this point a LOT more than the starting power.

Storytime ! Between Phoenix and Payson, there are a couple of decent mountain grades you need to head up. My favorite thing to do was pop the Tundra out of overdrive, get into the left lane and stomp on it ! All that traffic disappearing in my rearview mirror made me giggle like a school kid.

Now with that said, the Tundra had some shortcomings. One was handling. Taking it around a sharp turn at speed was, ah.... like riding a rollercoaster. Not the most fun. But they make swaybars for the truck now that should correct that - I never made it that far before jumping into the 4Runner. With the power in this thing, I can't wait 'til she's broken in and I can drive to Payson !

Steve

[kaneman]

Those numbers are close enough..

[kaneman]

I rode in my bro's tundra over the weekend and it felt equal to my runner.. The Tundra rides better but doesn't handle as well. The exhaust also sounds better on the Tundra. It's got a nice rumble, even with the stock system.... I would take either or but I already had a pickup. When it comes time to replace my Taco, I'm getting a Tundra....

[Dude Boy]

Originally posted by kaneman
Those numbers are close enough..

Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear weapons.

[kaneman]

True true.. But 5HP here or 5lbs of TQ there isn't going to make enough difference.

[tiger]

Low end the Tundra lacks a little bit, but around 45 mph and faster the Tundra kicks butt! Like Lefty the Tundra does feel like a "rollercoaster of love" around sharp curves

[v8Toilet]

Any of you guys near by want to attend or put your 4-runner on the dynamometer. I am putting together a group dyno run with all makes of trucks including a supercharged Tundra. Most stock Tundra’s put down about 208 rear wheel horsepower and 280 rear wheel torque.

You guys make me jealous with your five speed automatic transmissions. Even though the Tundra is made in America the I-force v8 engine is made in Japan or at least mine was.

Read through the group dyno thread so you find the website were you sign up for the group dyno run.

Group dyno run