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3.8 or 2.0T?

55K views 182 replies 46 participants last post by  pete94tsi 
#1 ·
Hey everyone, I was looking to get a Genesis in the future, but I wasn't sure which one would be better. I have had both N/A and FI cars. I've had a really fast VW MKIII 1.8T swap (lots of work done) and now I have an 02 Nissan Maxima (3.5 with full bolt-ons). They were both great, but different in their own way (obviously because they're 2 completely different cars)

I LOVE the kick in the ass feel of the turbo, but I love the always there power of the N/A. I would be looking for something that's easy to get power from without spending a ton of money while doing so. So what's a better motor to start with? What are the limitations of the 2.0T's? Like, at what point do you need to start replacing the turbo because it's maxed out or build the motor so it can take more power?

Same goes for the 3.8. Do you get more power for your money when modding the 3.8? Are bolt-ons effective? How much faster is the 3.8 than the 2.0T? Just looking for some opinions. I will go drive one soon, just want to see if it is worth my time looking at a 2.0T. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Viperboy. I talked to a couple of the techs in my dealership. The difference in price between the 2.0t and the 3.8L will be eaten up by the amount of money you will have to spend getting the 2.0t to where the 3.8L starts. This is what I was told by the techs and they both where tuners and both went for the 3.8L. My moto is there is no replacement for displacment. There are companies out there working on forced induction for the 3.8L. Nothing avalible yet but comming soon. I havn't started my mods yet. Waiting for the Injen CAI and the ARK Exhaust for my 3.8L. But I can let you know how it works out. Alot of people on the form have started already and have gotten good results with bolt-ons for the 3.8L. Hope this helped. Good Luck and Welcome. Hope you make yourself a Genisis owner I Love Mine.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for that!

Yeah, after having my 3.5 in my Maxima, I'm just used to the instant power and torque, it just flies! (Faster than the 3.8 Gen, I believe :D) I know the torque on the 3.8 is a good bit less than the HP, but I bet it still pulls good from the low RPM.

I figured that's what it would be - the 2.0T needs too many mods to be as fast/faster than the 3.8. Plus the 3.8s sounds SOOOOO good, especially with the ARK exhaust. Saw it on YouTube. Freakin' amazing!
 
#5 ·
http://www.gencoupe.com/engine/18396-how-much-would-cost-get-2-0t-up-par-3-8-a-9.html

^Now that's what I'm talking about! We are getting closer and closer to the final result and true cost.

Thanks, MSUGeoman22.

So, about $5000 on a 2.0t to hit about 330whp [I've been saying about $5K to hit 300whp, same thing really, just a little more boost and tuning]

Realistically, it's seeming more and more like the same amount of money will take both to 330whp, while 300whp will be cheaper to hit on the 3.8.

After you take into account the cost of the car, the two cars are about the same cost up to about 250-300whp, but going a bit higher to 330whp will be cheaper with the 2.0t... since cams/engine components are not cheap on the 3.8.

Let me see you hit the 330whp mark, and the statement above will be a reality.
 
#138 ·
I haven't even read the entire thread yet, just page one, and I'm already all in tears. Aww shucks. Thanks guys, you guys really made my Christmas. What more could I ask for.

Quartermaster, did you make that yourself for me? Thanks bro :bigthumbup:

Even if you guys weren't serious on spreading the love, but just pasting something that I got lucky on, it's much appreciated.:hello:

as always, [/nohomo]
 
#7 ·
Good point CrookedH but the same could be said for a tune and CAI for the 3.8L. 40HP is not hard to get out of the 3.8L with minimal work and dollars. I know that the forced Induction systems will be expensive if you need someone to do the work for you. The thread really isn't about possiblity because that would be a firestorm. I think what he was asking was power for less money and I think you maybe right. After you buy the car spend all the time researching parts & time you could have a faster car. End result 3.8L greater possiblities but may cost you more. Doesn't matter aren't we all adrenaline junkys and more is never enuff ;-)
 
#10 ·
Quartermaster. I maybe ahead of the curve because I have the ability to tune the car myself so I can't speak intelligently about that. But before I get into a heated debate, we all have a reason for getting the car we did and isn't it great that they are both avalible. This way you and I can own a really great car that we can both enjoy instead of taking one's piece out and measuring it. They are both great cars I hope viperboy will become a fellow owner and get as much enjoyment out of the car as we both do.
 
#11 ·
One thing that really draws me to higher displacement engines is the deep growl from the engine when you step on the gas. The car sounds like a pissed off, rabid animal. Gives me a chubby all the time.

And I am not just talkin Genesis either. I heard one of the new V10 Audi R8s the other day and man did that sound sweet. Sounded better than 90% of the Ferraris I have ever heard (and generally speaking Ferraris are the best sounding cars on the road imo). The big difference in sound obviously owing to the massive engine. It was so deep and menacing it made the ground shake. It was teh seks.

Big displacement = big sound = big wood
 
#12 ·
i had both. Happier with the 3.8, but Im getting lazy in my "old" age...dont feel like swapping turbos etc. So as far as 2.0T vs 3.8, try both and decide.

BUT those who say the 3.8 is heavier and handles worse...naaaah.

The weight difference isnt even 100lbs, you wont notice a difference.
 
#14 · (Edited)
Viperboy

the stock turbo is useless past 250whp, it would have to be upgraded to see more power.

no one knows the limits on the stock internals yet, ppl thought it was 350whp...but ATP turbo had just hit 374whp on the stock bottom end.


it just a matter of preference, the v6 is more fun out the box and will put a smile on your face, and the 2.0t is very lousy stock and will turn that smile upside down .
 
#18 ·
If you like turbos, then it's 2.Ot

Give it 1 more year and I guarantee there will be way more parts and turbos for the 4 banger.

I say in maybe 1 more year I'll sell the SRT-4 (after I hit 11's) and start modding my 2.0.
 
#28 ·
I hate this stupid argument....

THIS IS FACT

Price difference between the 2.0l and the 3.8 is what? 3 grand? that's the 2.0 track. GT where I'm from..

Now for 1050 my 2.0l gt is faster then a 3.8.......
Poweraxel was 750canadian, RRM intake I got used for 200, my aftermarket actuator I got for 100, and my actuator adjustment was FREE.

So I may have dyno'd 20 or so whp less then a stock 3.8, but I also dyno'd about 40wtq more then the 3.8, plus the 2.0L weighs what? 200-300lbs maybe even more less then the 3.8? The cheapest way to go is the 2.0L gt HANDS down.

and for another 1000$ or so I'll upgrade the Intercooler, then hands down the 2.0L will have more WHP then the stock 3.8.


NOW what we really need to focus on is getting that damn V8 in the coupe, I keep hearing rumours, but I havn't heard anything solid yet!
 
#30 ·
3.8 2.0 makes no diff,we are fighting each other, not a good thing.This is Hyundai's first kick at the cat.if the responce is good from us,(buying the cars), they will match horsepower to horsepower with any manufacturer out there and in return we will get their legendary reliability.Hyundai is not like toyota, they will fill niches
 
#31 ·
No one is fighting with anyone. I asked a question and I'm getting good answers. However, I think I'm leaning toward the 3.8 because all the bolt-ons they have and will have for it by the time I get one will be good enough for me and if I outgrow that, I'm sure there will be a turbo kit out for it by then so I'm fine with that.
 
#35 ·
Both engines have their advantages, but for me the 2.0 wasn't even a consideration after I drove the 3.8.

Stock vs. Stock:
The 3.8 gets similar fuel economy
The 3.8 is faster
The 3.8 was (for ME) more enjoyable to drive
The 3.8 came with more options
The 3.8 sounded better
The 2.0 was cheaper

For me, as I said, it was a no brainer... I didn't want a car I felt I HAD to modify immediately to make it enjoyable.

And see my sig for lulz/truth
 
#36 ·
Mode racings 2.0 with intake, exhaust, fmic and flash put down 251 whp and 295 wtq

<div class="pre-quote">
Quote de <strong>fatflyguy</strong>
</div>

<div class="post-quote">
<div style="font-style:italic">I hate this stupid argument....<br>
<br>
THIS IS FACT<br>
<br>
Price difference between the 2.0l and the 3.8 is what? 3 grand? that's the 2.0 track. GT where I'm from..<br>
<br>
Now for 1050 my 2.0l gt is faster then a 3.8.......<br>
Poweraxel was 750canadian, RRM intake I got used for 200, my aftermarket actuator I got for 100, and my actuator adjustment was FREE.<br>
<br>
So I may have dyno'd 20 or so whp less then a stock 3.8, but I also dyno'd about 40wtq more then the 3.8, plus the 2.0L weighs what? 200-300lbs maybe even more less then the 3.8? The cheapest way to go is the 2.0L gt HANDS down.<br>
<br>
and for another 1000$ or so I'll upgrade the Intercooler, then hands down the 2.0L will have more WHP then the stock 3.8.<br>
<br>
<br>
NOW what we really need to focus on is getting that damn V8 in the coupe, I keep hearing rumours, but I havn't heard anything solid yet!</div>
</div>The 3.8 only weigh's 100 pounds more. Also I haven't seen a dyno with a flash, intercooler and intake beat a 3.8's stock dyno hp #'s. But yes your 2.0 after a reflash will be faster than a 3.8 until about 80-100 mph but afterwords the 3.8 will catch up and over take the 2.0.<br>
<br>
After full bolt on's such as headers, reflash, CAI, etc the 3.8 will have close to 300whp. CAI already gets 14whp from Injen. Reflash will do 20-30. Headers will do 15-25.
 
#41 ·
;) nough said!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I love the V6, ut I love it more when I pull up on a V6 and pass him and they look at the 2.0l badge on the back lol

and as for beating the 2.0 around 80-100 mph, the reflash and atp actuator takes care of that pretty good. I've done a pull (in a controlled zone, dont do this on the street plz) up to 250km/h and it never let down, it just wanted to keep going.

My main problem with the car, and I think it's the same in the v6 6spd (not sure though:confused:), is that the gears seem so close together, I mean I cruise around town in 5th gear at 60kph, I've never owned a car like that. and doing 120km/h on the highway, in 6th it's at over 3grand rpm which to me seems a bit high for over drive. I would expect maybe around 2600-2800 rpm.

thx andrew

THx andrew
 
#44 ·
Ditto. I'd rather have an underperforming 2.0T than an underperforming 3.8... Easier to make up for the lack of efficiency in a turbo setup, IMO. Specific output of the 3.8 is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, of all V6's out on the market, in a sports car. Hell even GM and Ford are making more power with less displacement.

Those quoting the "364 HP" figure, that's ESTIMATED AT THE CRANK. It put down 300 to the wheels, same as MSUGeomann22, but with significantly less torque on the V6...

Yes the V6 is a decent engine and faster in stock trim. If you want to stick with bolt ons only and want 250-300 hp, get a 3.8. If you're not afraid of modding and want 300+ then get a 2.0T IMO.
 
#42 ·
Uh guys... my car put down 225whp/296whp with just a flash, and that was on...

... wait for it ...

... 87 octane pump gas...

... obviously I use 91 now, but it runs a little more power on 91... so... do the math.

And your gears are close-ratio because the 2.0L is a narrow-band motor. You want to stay in the power band as long as possible. And with flash/intake etc. a 2.0L will pull away from a 3.8 until a given speed. After a point, the slightly higher WHP car will begin to overtake you in the long run. Its not like you'll be tied to a tree, you just run out of breath at the high end with the factory turbo.
 
#43 ·
The reason I got the V6 is:

1) Sound, you will never get that from the turbo. It is more of an exotic european car, not a bee ina beer can ricer sound
2) Feel, the way the V6 pulls right from bottom, havent found a turbo to give me that yet.
3) Price, for me to have to buy the car and start taking cash outa my pocket for mods when I paid a bit more,bout 3500 ( I would have had to get the 2.0GT to get the options) I got everything and more power
4) Reliability, the more you modify your 2.0 (or 3.8 for that matter) to reach big numbers you run the risk of endangering your engine...and warentee. For the 2.0 to get to 350whp, guarentee you are pushing the envelope of warentee coverage.
5) Resale, with the 3.8 Auto my car will apeal to the majority of used buyers over a heavily moded turbo, as I wont have to eat most if not all of the costs of parts/labor just the usual depreciation
6) Personal choice, which is the only real factor anyone should use. If you like turbo, go turbo, if you want power off the lot, go V6. Do what YOU want, just buy the Genny over anything else hahaha.
 
#46 · (Edited)
Even if they are, you only have to buy 4 of each, and they're already available. You can get a full set of pistons and rods from Buschur for under $2K. I'm not sure the V6 even has forged internals out yet. Also, boosting a high compression motor isn't the easiest thing to do, so anyone planning on boosting the V6 to any decent level, will need to drop the compression ratio down from the stock 10.5 for better reliability. Boosting a car that wasn't designed for it always requires extra work.

I would imagine that the V6 will hold more power in stock trim then a 2.0T, so you mau be able to hit 400-450whp on the stock internals if you get juice or some form of boost. But again upgrading the internals on the 2.0T is pretty cheap and BR already showed that ~500whp was possible with upgraded internals on the 2.0T.
 
#47 ·
The 2.0T bandwagon is picking up speed...:lol:

We have already been over this, a LOT. If you have a 5k budget to mod and want relatively good power ( 300 - 350whp) stick to the 2.0T.

If you have 10k budget (which includes the 3.8 higher MSRP), buy a base 3.8, turbo it, and say goodbye to any 2.0T out there.
 
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