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3.8L V6 Base vs. 2.0T Premium

6K views 29 replies 19 participants last post by  Darkshines629 
#1 ·
Hahahh, I'm sorry for starting a second this vs. that thread but I just realized that the MSRP of the 2.0T Premium is $24,250 while the 3.8L V6 Base is $25,000.

When I saw this, it was basically between more technology vs. a bigger stock engine.

Which do you think is better? :D
 
#2 ·
It honestly depends on what you as a person are looking for in a car. Do you want a more powerful engine and it be a stocker inside with no real goodies, or would you want a decently equipped sporty car whose performance is still nothing to scoff at. It's really a matter of what you need. I have a decent commute to and from work so for me I'd go for the extra goodies and just tune the 2.0t at a later date.
 
#3 ·
Of the two I'd get the 2.0 Premium over the 3.8 Base but it's up to want you think you need/want.
Cool features or raw power off the dealers lot.
But keep in mind if power is your thing, the 2.0 can make far more power than the 3.8 with the right bolt-ons.
 
#4 ·
My thoughts exactly and in the mean time before you are able to tune it you won't feel completely underpowered and useless as the 4cyl tiburon I used to drive. lol. I had a 2.0T GTI and that was plenty fast and roughly the same weight I think.
 
#5 ·
Are you serious? The 2.0 is already turbo charged. It will max it's power out before the 3.8 will even need a charger. If it were a difference between let's say the 2.0T basic vs the 3.8 track as far as what to do with the $7000 difference then your point might be valid as far as $7000 of after market parts vs the stock v6 but being that both of the cars he is looking at are around the same price, performance wise dollar for dollar the 2.0 will never catch the 3.8
 
#6 ·
Here we go with the dead horse beating 2.0 vs 3.8 again..

Well then, I might as well inject some of my input. The 2.0 is a great engine and I'm sure has a lot of potential. Tons of tuners are going to be all over it and you will probably see price-vs-performance lean toward the turbo, seeing as how people are almost making 400whp on a turbo swap. But for all-out top end power, it's probably going to be a blown 3.8 that takes the win.

Why do I come to this conclusion? Look at the MKIV Golf/GTI/Jetta. People make awesome bang for the buck on the 1.8t, but the VR6T is a freaking beast.

In the end they're both pretty awesome.. Just depends if you want the V6 without the amenities, or a pre-turbo'd engine and more gadgets honestly.
 
#7 ·
Dead horse?

2.0 vs 3.8? This is news to me. :rofl:

This topic was actually fun to read, and participate in when the Gen wasn't officially on the US market.

I want to hear some of the comparisons, and to ultimately see which is better once and for all...

Round 1,563,849 begin!!!
 
#8 ·
Yeah. Basically, my worries for getting the 3.8L V6 Base is that it won't have 10 speakers, it won't have bluetooth, it won't have push-start. It'll also have a heavier front-feel.

My question is, is the leather seat and the extra 100hp worth all those things?
 
#9 ·
It's pretty simple actually, so much talk about power this, warranty that, bluetooth this, features that.

When all you need to do is look past 1 figure.

Money,

if money is out of the picture, it's simple, get the 3.8 track. Thats what I did and I'm worry free!

(thumbs up)
 
#10 ·
The way I see it if you are gonna keep it stock or near stock, such as exhaust and or intake, or even maybee a tune. Then I would go with the v6. If you are plannaing on modding the car go with the 4 banger. It will be easier to extract power from the turbo engine. To get to the power of the v6 it will cost you some money. With all the bolt ons such as intake, tune, turbo back exhaust, upper and lower intercooler pipe, larger inter cooler, turbo manifold you still will not have as much hp as the v6, as for torque you will probably be around the same or even more. To get to the power of the v6 you will need a larger turbo. With that you will need to get tuned, and probaly new larger injectors, plus labor unless you can do it your self. That will cost around 3-4K assuming you have a shop doimg the labor. Also remember the 4 banger is a 2 bolt main and open deck design. So it will not be the next 4g63. Not that open deck designs are that weak but dont expect 500 hp out of the engine that will last a long time.
 
#11 ·
That is the most black and white answer I say, i totally mean that in a good way.

I think people need to look past the power output and and cylinder and look at the fact that one is turbo charged and one is N/A. Cause after you mod the 2.0T to surpass the 3.8 you will be close $$$ (maybe cheaper) so essentially you are paying the same price on a car, perhaps slight difference sure.

But look, you lose out on the warranty but you get the satisfaction of driving a car with BOOST.

So I guess it really comes down to this:

To boost, or not to boost. That is the question.
 
#12 ·
If you're not trying to go through the trouble of modding your car and voiding the warranty, then go for the V6. Even if your trying to mod, it looks like basic bolt-ons are going to give some nice gains for the V6.
 
#14 ·
+ 1. I drove both the 2.0T Premium and a 3.8 basic model, and the 3.8 had so much more guts in stock configuration. I eventually passed on the 3.8 basic model and wound up buying a 3.8 Track because I wanted all the goodies and I got a good deal. The difference for me between the 3.8 basic and the 3.8 Track was around $50 a month in car payments, and I figured I can come up with the extra $50 a month by not eating out as often.
 
#15 · (Edited)
I'm sorry, but the technology needs to be greater on 3.8 to achieve the power it makes, while a turbo motor is more brute force feeding the motor to make more power, both have Dual CVVT, and one has a turbo while the other doesn't. When have you seen a 3.8 that is rated at 310hp??? Lets see the 5.7L V8 LS1 was rated 310hp in the Camaro, and the 4.0L Mustang engine is rated 210hp. I would say that those motors have a lessor technology bigger motor. Now if we were talking a 300hp and above 2.0turbo engine, then I might say that the technology is what is giving it the power, not a 2.0turbo that only makes 210hp. Lets see what motor made 210hp and was a 2.0turbo... a 1990 Eagle Talon made that, so the 2.0t may as well be a 20 year old classic technology motor.
Of the two I'd get the 2.0 Premium over the 3.8 Base but it's up to want you think you need/want.
Cool features or raw power off the dealers lot.
But keep in mind if power is your thing, the 2.0 can make far more power than the 3.8 with the right bolt-ons.
Wrong. Bolt-ons 2.0t compared to Bolt-ons 3.8, the 3.8 will destroy the 2.0t. You'll have to upgrade the turbo as well to even out with bolt-ons on the 3.8. So far, 360whp is the best anyone's hit on the 2.0t with full bolt-ons (intercooler is included) and upgraded turbo and reflash, while the 3.8 no one has done full bolt-ons yet with reflash and they've already hit 330whp. They are about even once you throw on a bigger turbo, but that's it. Excluding the turbo, bolt-ons should be equivalent in cost. Add the turbo in, and 2.0t's mods will defnitely cost more. So, if the cost of the car is the same whether you go 2.0t or 3.8, and you're going for power, then the 3.8 is the clear winner. If you are going for features, the 2.0t premium is the clear winner.
Yeah. Basically, my worries for getting the 3.8L V6 Base is that it won't have 10 speakers, it won't have bluetooth, it won't have push-start. It'll also have a heavier front-feel.

My question is, is the leather seat and the extra 100hp worth all those things?
Exactly. This guy knows what he's talking about.

Decide which you want, more power, or more features. End of debate.

Lastly, bolt-ons won't void your warranty, since they can't do any harm to the motor. Changing out the turbo, or raising the boost, will void your warranty, because done wrong/alone, they will do damage. I don't care for the warranty, but I also don't want to take the greater risk of blowing the motor, so I'll take the 3.8. Which motor do you think costs more to replace a 2.0t that just came to market or an EVO motor??? I don't care, I won't take the risk. FYI: Used EVO8 motors went for $5K in 2005: Evo 8 Motor - evolutionm.net
 
#17 ·
Id miss the speakers and moonroof... and prox key I suppose...

I want more of a lux. orientated car rather than a power orientated car.
 
#18 ·
well I feel u won't need the Bluetooth. You can put one in your ear. Are ten speakers really that important to you? Later on you probAbly will get an aftermarket system. And how hard is of to turn a key? If u are not going to mid it anytime soon, just go with the extra power. You will hate yourself if u get the turbo and realize how slow it really is when people try and race u on the highway. When you get some money, and want to do bolt-ons, you'll get more bang for your buck. But if u do feel you want the turbo just because of the turbo, I hope then u don't feel gimped because of the limited torque as your RPMs go up and you get left. The car is a tuner car period. I think the difference in engines means that it appeals to all sides of the market. I think the turbo guys like the 2.0 cuz it's turbo. They want to make a slow car fast. In their view it cost more to mid the 3.8 because they would put a Tc or Sc and not stay NA and in that respect it will cost more. People like me feel something with power starting out, u don't need to do much to make it stronger. If I did decide to go crazy, I can put a Tc or Sc and make it sick (when I get the money). Sorry for the big paragraph, I'm typing off my phone.
 
#19 ·
I have Bluetooth on my Base 3.8 with leather. its still a flashy car, but not as flashy as the track. my decision came down to the engine. i wanted more power, and the 3.8 delivers. It takes so much money to make the 2.0T get even close to power. And as soon as the 3.8 gets a major engine upgrade (i.e. supercharger or turbo), then it will destroy any 2.0T without any problems. So, decide...power or features
 
#21 ·
This was my exact route of thinking when I decided to purchase my 3.8 GenCoupe. I don't want to void my warranty either!

My Base 3.8 came with leather, bluetooth, and other goodies. As far as the 6 vs. 10 speakers... I didn't buy the car to listen to music; I'd rather hear that beautiful V6.
 
#27 · (Edited)
You or anyone can have their OWN opinion, it's when your opinion contradicts facts that I say something...

Your comment that it takes "so much money" to get a 2.0T to V6 power levels is completely wrong. Beyond Redlines stage 2 kit will get a 2.0T to V6 power levels for $3000. $4000 and you have surpassed full bolt on V6 power levels... Compare the price of a comprable TRIM of a 2.0T vs V6 and the cost is just about even to 315whp... Anything from 315-450 and the 2.0T will be cheaper and anything from 450 and up and they're probably back to being even, cost wise.

You then go on to comment and say you know how to buy a car, which is why yours was cheaper. Again, you're wrong. Your's was cheaper because you didn't get a track model. Which is why I mentioned the lsd, brembo's, etc...
 
#28 ·
and ill admit you are right, my mistake. as for the cheaper part. I had the dealer down to $28K on the track (which i didnt want anyways). Then hit him with the base saying he'd have to do the same thing on that one. I bought it for $20K instead of the MSRP of $28K or invoice of $25K. So if i wanted the Track then $28K is what i wouldve spent...not bad...but i only wanted the base.
 
#29 ·
That is a sweet deal for sure!
 
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