My first drive of the 08 Accord was the I4 and while I really like to stay with a gas saving cheap I4 Accord, I found that it was both noisy and flat footed on the freeway. Have not had a chance to drive the V6 yet but I imagine it to be a lot more responsive and smoother. Can some V6 owners chime in on whether they think it's a lot smoother than the LX/EX I4?

Our current vehicles are an older Camry V6 (190ish HP) and Maxima V6 (190HP). Both v6's have more torque than the EX I4 Accord and feel much more responsive on the highway. They are also quieter at idle, cruising on the freeway and at WOT.

In an attempt to help me decide, I'll try to list out some pros and cons for the I4 over the V6.

I4 Pros:
- Saves a little more gas than the V6
- Cheaper
- Timing chain should need maintenance till > 150K miles

I4 Cons:
- Rougher idle, harsh sounds at redline
- Less power, not sure if I can get used to this

V6 Pros:
- Quieter, smoother idle
- More power
- Almost the same mpg as I4

V6 Cons:
- Timing belt needs to be replaced between 60k and 100k miles
- More expensive than I4, slightly worse gas mileage
- VCM reliability concerns (Cadillac v8-6-4 anyone?)

Looking forward to your comments.

I bought the I4 last year before ever test driving the V6...now having driven the V6...I am kicking myself daily...

Go with the V6.

yeah, if you go I4 you will only be disappointed later on. I personally would not worry about a timing belt change 60k+

I have not driven an 08, but my 07 V6 has lots of smooth power available. It always feels like there is power in reserve.

Couple of comments on your pros and cons:
- V6 timing belt replacement should be around 100K miles, not 60-100K.
- Don't believe maintenance is scheduled for the I4 timing chain. (Does anyone have solid info on this?)
- Agree with your comment about the VCM. This seems to add a lot of complexity with minimal payoff in terms of gas mileage. Based on Consumer Reports "real world" tests, the 08 V6 gets 1 mpg less than the 07 in mixed driving (despite the VCM) and the 0-60 time is 0.1 second slower despite the more powerful engine. I'm sure the larger size and heavier weight are responsible for both.

Of course, another factor you will need to consider is your budget. If this is not a showstopper in considering the V6, by all means make sure you test drive one.

Help deciding between V6 & I4:naughty:oh please

I decided on the V6 just for the added passing power on the highway. I wasnt sold on the VCM so an that ruled out the automatic. All that was left was the coupe with a 6speed. I've had a couple high reving I4's and there is just no substitute for the smooth power of the V6. I say go with the V6....but then again im bias.

Thanks for the comments so far.

Of course, another factor you will need to consider is your budget. If this is not a showstopper in considering the V6, by all means make sure you test drive one.

The EX V6 is right at the maximum I'm willing to spend on an Accord. By the looks of the replies, I'll give the V6 a serious consideration.

Help deciding between V6 & I4:naughty:oh please

My wife will be the primary driver so she won't really need the additional power that the V6 provides. However, coming from a V6, she seems a bit disappointed at the lack of merging power from the I4 and how rough it sounds compared to our Camry/Maxima V6.

I'm also trying to keep the price at a reasonable ~$25k OTD max. Any higher and I might as well bite the bullet and get a $30k+ RWD sedan.

Before all of you nay sayers of the I4 decide to bash it keep in mind that the car by default startup utilizes only 70 % of its power due to the auto on VSA system.. the vsa ( vehicle stability assist) keeps the car from sliding out has brake adjustment etc... with it on you lose 30 percent of the power, cant break the wheels free and naturally get better milage... with that in mind, test drive again and turn off the VSA then decide...

wait, i thought vsa only activates when you have the ! light up on the gauge cluster. otherwise its idle and comes on when needed.

I would say if you are going with Manual then V6 is for you, if Automatic then I4.

wait, i thought vsa only activates when you have the ! light up on the gauge cluster. otherwise its idle and comes on when needed.

NOPE!!!
By default it is on on every start up.. to turn it off you have to push the button for 3 seconds.. it will then turn off and then the light on the dash will illuminate letting you know hey vsa is off... if vsa is on you are losing power cant spin your wheels, and you have braking assistance.. LOL did your eyes just get opened to something? lol:banana:

Thanks for the comments so far.



The EX V6 is right at the maximum I'm willing to spend on an Accord. By the looks of the replies, I'll give the V6 a serious consideration.



My wife will be the primary driver so she won't really need the additional power that the V6 provides. However, coming from a V6, she seems a bit disappointed at the lack of merging power from the I4 and how rough it sounds compared to our Camry/Maxima V6.

I'm also trying to keep the price at a reasonable ~$25k OTD max. Any higher and I might as well bite the bullet and get a $30k+ RWD sedan.


25K OTD for an EXL V6? On what planet? and there is no ex V6 v6 only comes with leather package which starts at approximately 26795.00 msrp and goes up from there depending on tranny navigation and of course v-6 and accessories...:thmsup:

NOPE!!!
By default it is on on every start up.. to turn it off you have to push the button for 3 seconds.. it will then turn off and then the light on the dash will illuminate letting you know hey vsa is off... if vsa is on you are losing power cant spin your wheels, and you have braking assistance.. LOL did your eyes just get opened to something? lol:banana:

no, according to the owners manual its pretty much traction control. when you spin your tires it will activate vsa, but if you don't its idle but will turn on if you spin your wheels. but if you turn it off it isn't even idle anymore so if you spin your wheels, you keep spinning your wheels.

but it also says when it activates while spinning your wheels and vsa activates it will show the ! illuminated similar to when you turn off vsa.

25K OTD for an EXL V6? On what planet? and there is no ex V6 v6 only comes with leather package which starts at approximately 26795.00 msrp and goes up from there depending on tranny navigation and of course v-6 and accessories...:thmsup:

Sure there is. You can get an EX v6 sedan.

no, according to the owners manual its pretty much traction control. when you spin your tires it will activate vsa, but if you don't its idle but will turn on if you spin your wheels. but if you turn it off it isn't even idle anymore so if you spin your wheels, you keep spinning your wheels.

but it also says when it activates while spinning your wheels and vsa activates it will show the ! illuminated similar to when you turn off vsa.

I think this is correct also.

25K OTD for an EXL V6? On what planet? and there is no ex V6 v6 only comes with leather package which starts at approximately 26795.00 msrp and goes up from there depending on tranny navigation and of course v-6 and accessories...:thmsup:

While he won't get a EX-L V6 for 25k OTD, he MAY get an EX V6 for 25K OTD. Yes, there is a EX- V6 Accord, and they invoice around 23.5k.:thmsup:

i have an i4 sometimes i rather have v6..but gas prices this time im glad i have i4..the car is great itself, regardless its a v-6 or i4 if your looking for more power get the v6.. the i4 its a decent car im loving every minute of it...

i have an i4 sometimes i rather have v6..but gas prices this time im glad i have i4..the car is great itself, regardless its a v-6 or i4 if your looking for more power get the v6.. the i4 its a decent car im loving every minute of it...

X10 :thmsup:

No.... theres not! Sorry!!!
TRIM LEVEL MSRP Manual Transmission MSRP Automatic Transmission

LX-S $21,860 $22,660
EX $23,160 $23,960
EX-L $25,160 $25,960
EX-L w/ Navi System $27,360 $28,160
EX-L V-6 $28,310 $28,310
EX-L V-6 w/ Navi $30,510 $30,510

http://automobiles.honda.com/tools/build-price/trims.asp?SERIESNAME=Accord+Coupe&MODEL=&ECOLOR=&ICOLOR=&YEAR=2008&SERIES=24&Trim=

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT KNOW YOUR PLACE AND FACTS BEFORE YOU CALL SOMEONE OUT IN THE FORUM!!!!
YOURE THE MAN OF THE DAY!:thmsup:
they're talking about the sedan buddy, there is a v6 ex.

With the way the gas prices are going, a I4 would be a wise and smart investment.....

No.... theres not! Sorry!!!
WITH ALL DUE RESPECT KNOW YOUR PLACE AND FACTS BEFORE YOU CALL SOMEONE OUT IN THE FORUM!!!!
YOURE THE MAN OF THE DAY!:thmsup:

Actually you're incorrect. From the Honda Website (http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/price.aspx):

EX V6
Its 268-hp, 3.5-liter, i-VTEC® V-6 engine puts the Accord EX V-6 Sedan way ahead of the pack. And the V-6 features our Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) technology, so that power doesn't come at the expense of fuel efficiency. In addition to all the standard features of the 4-cylinder EX Sedan, the EX V-6 also includes fog lights, chrome door handles and dual exhaust.

Starting at $25,9601

Invoice is mid 23's so it is possible to get it OTD at ~$25k to $26k.

With the way the gas prices are going, a I4 would be a wise and smart investment.....

so far it looks like the v6 coupes have been getting about the same mpg as the i4's.......

No.... theres not! Sorry!!!
TRIM LEVEL MSRP Manual Transmission MSRP Automatic Transmission

LX-S $21,860 $22,660
EX $23,160 $23,960
EX-L $25,160 $25,960
EX-L w/ Navi System $27,360 $28,160
EX-L V-6 $28,310 $28,310
EX-L V-6 w/ Navi $30,510 $30,510

http://automobiles.honda.com/tools/build-price/trims.asp?SERIESNAME=Accord+Coupe&MODEL=&ECOLOR=&ICOLOR=&YEAR=2008&SERIES=24&Trim=

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT KNOW YOUR PLACE AND FACTS BEFORE YOU CALL SOMEONE OUT IN THE FORUM!!!!
YOURE THE MAN OF THE DAY!:thmsup:

You may want to check your facts.
There is an EX V6 sedan and I'm pretty sure thats what the OP has been talking about all along. No need to scream and I don't think anyone is calling anyone out.

well bro i tried out both rides very well and i ended up buying the v6 and i sure love it its supper smooth and its not tht much orst on gas tht you would think, imo v6 is the way to go plus i love the 260+hp when u need it lol

Im Man Enough To Admit When I Stand Corrected And I Do Stand Corrected... But To All In Defense... I Admit I Didnt Not See Sedan Anywhere But Then I May Have Missed It, So I Stand Corrected,.... :)
I Guess Im The Man Of The Day!:thumbsdow

My first drive of the 08 Accord was the I4 and while I really like to stay with a gas saving cheap I4 Accord, I found that it was both noisy and flat footed on the freeway. Have not had a chance to drive the V6 yet but I imagine it to be a lot more responsive and smoother. Can some V6 owners chime in on whether they think it's a lot smoother than the LX/EX I4?

Our current vehicles are an older Camry V6 (190ish HP) and Maxima V6 (190HP). Both v6's have more torque than the EX I4 Accord and feel much more responsive on the highway. They are also quieter at idle, cruising on the freeway and at WOT.

In an attempt to help me decide, I'll try to list out some pros and cons for the I4 over the V6.

I4 Pros:
- Saves a little more gas than the V6
- Cheaper
- Timing chain should need maintenance till > 150K miles

I4 Cons:
- Rougher idle, harsh sounds at redline
- Less power, not sure if I can get used to this

V6 Pros:
- Quieter, smoother idle
- More power
- Almost the same mpg as I4

V6 Cons:
- Timing belt needs to be replaced between 60k and 100k miles
- More expensive than I4, slightly worse gas mileage
- VCM reliability concerns (Cadillac v8-6-4 anyone?)

Looking forward to your comments.

NOWHERE DID IT SAY SEDAN.. EITHER WAY MY APOLOGIES.... :)

Im Man Enough To Admit When I Stand Corrected And I Do Stand Corrected... But To All In Defense... I Admit I Didnt Not See Sedan Anywhere But Then I May Have Missed It, So I Stand Corrected,.... :)
I Guess Im The Man Of The Day!:thumbsdow

it's no big deal. no sense in making it bigger than it was.

NOWHERE DID IT SAY SEDAN.. EITHER WAY MY APOLOGIES.... :)

i was just assuming he was talking about a sedan since he compared it to 2 other sedans. and he was talking about just buying a rwd sedan if it costs more than 30k.

JamieJam1AIM, it appears as if you are the one that needs to get your facts straight. I wouldn't have said a word if you didn't come off like such a jerk w/ your last post. :lmao:

Anyway, an I4 is a great buy with gas prices and I know you will see a return on your investment years down the road. Also, Honda makes some of the best 4 cyls around and they will last a lifetime if you treat them right. And one more thing: 190 HP is nothing to scoff at!

BUT...

Honda makes a pretty darn smooth V6 too and I sometimes wonder if it would be better for me to own a V6 in my next ride, as I know I will go easier on a V6 despite all of the power; I sometimes have to really push my 4 cyl in the crazy Philly traffic and I know I wouldn't have to push a V6 as hard (and in the times that I did, I know it would be able to handle it better). But truth be told the VCM in the '08 Accord scares me a little and if I were buying an '08, I would probably shy away from the V6 for this very reason.

I could see why this is such a tough decision for you and good luck! :thmsup:

JamieJam1AIM, it appears as if you are the one that needs to get your facts straight. I wouldn't have said a word if you didn't come off like such a jerk w/ your last post. :lmao:

Anyway, an I4 is a great buy with gas prices and I know you will see a return on your investment years down the road. Also, Honda makes some of the best 4 cyls around and they will last a lifetime if you treat them right. And one more thing: 190 HP is nothing to scoff at!

BUT...

Honda makes a pretty darn smooth V6 too and I sometimes wonder if it would be better for me to own a V6 in my next ride, as I know I will go easier on a V6 despite all of the power; I sometimes have to really push my 4 cyl in the crazy Philly traffic and I know I wouldn't have to push a V6 as hard (and in the times that I did, I know it would be able to handle it better). But truth be told the VCM in the '08 Accord scares me a little and if I were buying an '08, I would probably shy away from the V6 for this very reason.

I could see why this is such a tough decision for you and good luck! :thmsup:
honda is well known for the i4, but the J35 in the v6 accord has won top 10 best engines in 05 and 08.

here we go

:lurk:

im in no way bashing the i4.........because i have one, k-series engines are still the best 4 cyl :D

I thought for a minute there was gonna be an "altercation".

Maybe I was wrong.

get the v6...
the end.

Just to make things clear, VSC ON does not affect power in any way unless wheel spin is detected (traction control), or car is getting out of control.

Turning VSC OFF only turns off the traction-control portion of the system. On some sportier cars, it also raises the intervention point of the skid control, and in rare cases, it turns the whole thing off (liability reasons, I guess). On the Accord, it stays on all the time. Later.
JC

People that think that the I-4 is way slow simpley CAN'T DRIVE. These I4s are pulling the power the v6s were making in the nighties. Learn your high revs.

Just to make things clear, VSC ON does not affect power in any way unless wheel spin is detected (traction control), or car is getting out of control.

Turning VSC OFF only turns off the traction-control portion of the system. On some sportier cars, it also raises the intervention point of the skid control, and in rare cases, it turns the whole thing off (liability reasons, I guess). On the Accord, it stays on all the time. Later.
JC

Right, the VSA is working like ABS does for brakes but is enabled in traction control. I would say once your on a roll you have hard time kicking it in unless its wet or hard turns. Merging on highway, no way VSA will kick in, not until Honda makes some Turbo versions :biggrin:

People that think that the I-4 is way slow simpley CAN'T DRIVE. These I4s are pulling the power the v6s were making in the nighties. Learn your high revs.
+1
You just need to keep revs up on 2.4L as its peak torque is above 4k rpm.
Even the V6 has the same issue, its peak torque is 5k rpm, it just has 45% more displacement.

get the v6... the end.

What he said X 2!

V6. I didn't even test drive an I4 although I probably should have. The MPG is what, 2 better in the I4? To me, that just didn't matter. If it were a lot better then I'd definitely have considered it, but even then the Accord seems like a big car to be moved around by a 4 cylinder.

The VCM doesn't bother me, it wasn't a huge selling point but it's neat to have. At first I tried to notice it but now that I've been in the car a while I can never tell. I'm not sure how reliable it is but from what I understand it's a very simple system.

If you're really worried about MPG, get a smaller car. If MPG isn't something you think about every day, get the V6. You'll like it.

If your used to have V6s then go with that, the I4 is great however if you decide to go with it be prepared for no torque on the low-end.

I read in a car magazine that the I-4, 190hp engine was all that anyone really needed in the Accord. They recommended it over the v6. They said the I-4 felt a bit more nimble, because the v6 adds more weight to the front end.

I wish I could remember the magazine, because I would post the link. Oh well.

I had a V-6 GM sedan in the mid 90's. It only had 140 hp, but the low-end torque was nice. It is true you have to "rev up" the I-4 to get the power going, but around town I don't need that. When I am next to a V-6 Accord in a merge lane, I just let it go.......:)

I read in a car magazine that the I-4, 190hp engine was all that anyone really needed in the Accord. They recommended it over the v6. They said the I-4 felt a bit more nimble, because the v6 adds more weight to the front end.

I wish I could remember the magazine, because I would post the link. Oh well.

I think it was Car and Driver.

I got the i4 - I don't regret it at all.

Drove both V6 for sure is smoother and much more effortless acceleration. If you drive a lot of highway miles fuel economy penalty with the V6 is small. If you drive more city stop & go traffic the difference becomes more significant.

My 2 cents - if the price of gas doesn't concern you at all then take the V6 - smoother better acceleration.

honda is well known for the i4, but the J35 in the v6 accord has won top 10 best engines in 05 and 08.
Yep pretty much what I said: they are both great engines! :thmsup:

I drove both and chose the V6 for the added power for when I carry the kids around. It just felt better.

I've tried both and decided to go with the V6, I'm so glad I did.

I have always owned and driven the accord 14 since my first in 1997 and other models thereafter. There are a few things to consider here with the 8th gen. Its a large car and its the heaviest its ever been. The I4 in the EX trim with the 190hp does well but if you are used to the V6 then its going to be hard to adjust. The mileage between the both are minimal this time around. So trading a few mpg for the comfort of a V6 was my theory. Also on the Vcm it does help. Honda has been using the Vcm since 2005 in their bestseller minivan "the Odessey" and its done quite well for that segment.
Just do your research online and thru other owners and make the best decision either ways you cant go wrong wthh an ACCORD :thmsup:

Btw I still have my 97 accord and it gave me 34 mpg on a long haul a few months ago and constantly gives me 27+mpg city. It has 155k on it and its a work horse.

Personally haven't driven the V6, but I have the I4 coupe and I love it. Keep in mind it is a really powerful 4-cyl at 190HP. I like it a lot especially because I upgraded from an 03 Civic. 190 HP after only having 127 makes me feel like its a jet!

I love my v6!! Much more power. And to the vsa...do you guys ever drive with it off? The car shifts much different with it off. I would def say thats its not only coming on when you lose traction. It just flashes the light when you lose traction, I believe its active durring every shift of your car. Anyway thats just my opinion not stated fact. Go with the v6 6mt with out vcm. And go black look how sexy it is.....
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff134/Jays2k01/100_1035.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff134/Jays2k01/100_1038.jpg

I can only add: Like me, if you test drive the I4, and then go out and test drive the V6, you probably wouldn't need to ask the question, the test drive will make your mind up for you.

economy ****s and gas prices are high...go with the inline-4...save some $$$ up front, and save some more money down the road on gas...

economy ****s and gas prices are high...go with the inline-4...save some $$$ up front, and save some more money down the road on gas...

Not according to the V-6 folks on here, ALL of them have a 6-speed, ALL of them drive aggressively, and ALL of them get 30 mpg +........read the threads, and you'll see what I mean.........:lmao::lmao:

Apparently the EPA has NO business rating cars, because their 29/19 ratings are pure hypocrisy...........:lmao:

economy ****s and gas prices are high...go with the inline-4...save some $$$ up front, and save some more money down the road on gas...

v6's are getting almost identical gas mileage as the I4's.

Yeah last time I did mine it was still in the break in period and i was getting 29 or so. And I didnt baby it completely for breakin....oh I have a v6 6mt....

Not according to the V-6 folks on here, ALL of them have a 6-speed, ALL of them drive aggressively, and ALL of them get 30 mpg +........read the threads, and you'll see what I mean.........:lmao::lmao:

Apparently the EPA has NO business rating cars, because their 29/19 ratings are pure hypocrisy...........:lmao:

Mine's not a 6 speed, so it has VCM (which is obviosly doing it's job), but I can easilly pull down 31 on the highway, and I'm averaging well over 24 overall, actually more than 25.
Would you like to see my data? I record every gallon that goes through mine.

Get 'em Dave!

Mine's not a 6 speed, so it has VCM (which is obviosly doing it's job), but I can easilly pull down 31 on the highway, and I'm averaging well over 24 overall, actually more than 25.
Would you like to see my data? I record every gallon that goes through mine.

So an I-4 should EASILY pull 40+? :dunno::dunno::dunno:

I drove both a few months back. If my trusty 99 were to go belly up tomorrow (and all my Accords have been I4's to date), I would be hard pressed not to get the V6...much smoother power delivery. Necessary?...not really. Just preference. We have the V6 in our Pilot and love the smooth drive.

From what i hear on this forum, the V6 is getting better gas milage. I still have not gotten better then 26 on highway with the Accord I4. Our TSX got 29 right out the door, A little bettter then the Accord and not sure why. Some of you guys say milage gets better after 6K break in, Im there with the Accord and dont see improvements yet. Im holding my breath and waiting, hope I dont pass-out

So an I-4 should EASILY pull 40+? :dunno::dunno::dunno:

What? How did what Dave said imply anything remotely close to what you are saying??

That's the real :dunno:

So an I-4 should EASILY pull 40+? :dunno::dunno::dunno:

Why?

I don't know what the I4 is supposed to get, don't really care. I was merely putting forth my figures.

So an I-4 should EASILY pull 40+? :dunno::dunno::dunno:

no, k24 with pretty close to high compression gets about as good gas mileage as the j35.

Mine's not a 6 speed, so it has VCM (which is obviosly doing it's job), but I can easilly pull down 31 on the highway, and I'm averaging well over 24 overall, actually more than 25.
Would you like to see my data? I record every gallon that goes through mine.

I guess it's possible a car that has a V-6, and VCM can match it in mpg. My Ody's got VCM (2006) and I have gotten as high as 27 keeping the cruise at 69 mph..........

I have the I4 and love it. I dont think it feels underpowered at all. I didnt want the V6 mostly for gas savings and the reliability of the I4. We all think we need all this power....why? We are all in a hurry with no place to go. I dont see how other I4 owners are not geting better MPG. I am geting around 32Hwy and 25 city.

I would say go with the I4 only if you are interested in driving a manual. If you're coming from other V6 sedans, an auto/I4 combination will feel lethargic, even in the new Accord (which isn't exactly a light Civic).

I have a 2004 I4 w/ 5-speed and it feels pretty peppy around town, but the lack of torque is apparent if you stomp down the throttle. The Passat has its torque peak at 3,200rpm, so it pulls away instantly. The 2002 Accord V6 is a rocket once it hits 4,000rpm.

Yeah and the 08 v6 is a rocket from the second you stomp the petal :D I dont need that but its def fun having it....

Wow, if the 8th gen I4 gas milage is as bad as everyone says it is then for sure go with the v6. I just know there is a huge difference in the 7th gen. By the way off the line torque is great with my I4. Ive taken (beat) my six cylinder with my I-4 accord to 0- 48-52 each time... as well as an 06 mustang v6 which belongs to my buddy. But this is about the 7th gens. I can't imagine the 08 I4 is slower unless the added size and weight just destroys the I4 ability.

I choose the I4 for the less complicated design and maintenace ease. The VCM is probably great as long as it works right. I just didn't need the power or want to deal with a VCM drivability issue that will probably creep into the car over time.
I'm getting 25 MPG mostly city and 34 MPG on a highway run.

Wow, if the 8th gen I4 gas milage is as bad as everyone says it is then for sure go with the v6. I just know there is a huge difference in the 7th gen. By the way off the line torque is great with my I4. Ive taken (beat) my six cylinder with my I-4 accord to 0- 48-52 each time... as well as an 06 mustang v6 which belongs to my buddy. But this is about the 7th gens. I can't imagine the 08 I4 is slower unless the added size and weight just destroys the I4 ability.

the j30's werent all that fast, the were as fast as a k24. but these new j35's arent a joke.