2013 Accord EX-L 4 cylinder versus V6

[opus360]

Has anyone test driven both versions? If so, let us here it. I am particularly interested in:

- acceleration: we all know the V6 will be faster, but just how fast does it feel in everyday driving, not the 0-60mph test. How much juice does the 4 cylinder CVT powertrain have for passing in the highway and for merging?

- handling: with the added weight of the V6, how is handling affected? Does the car feel noise heavy versus the 4 cylinder version?

- ride: the suspension is slightly different. How's the ride quality?

[alpinefun]

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[grover432]

I have driven both. The V6 accelerates much quicker and with less engine noise. It is a smooth unit and the transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. I only drove the V6 for about 15 minutes and no "back to back" with the I4.

The I4 has adequate acceleration, but when you step on it, the engine is a bit noisy at the higher revs. It isn't really bad, just noticeable as compared to the V6.

I tested Canadian Touring models, both with 18" wheels. I drove the same route with both and can't say I noticed a real difference in handling between the two.

If money and fuel economy were not issues, I'd get a V6 Touring. Given that the V6 Touring is about $5,000 more than the I4 Touring, I need to give it more thought. In addition, the I4 gets pretty good fuel economy and given the price of gas these days, that is no small consideration. Given my mileage and driving habits, I can expect to save about $500 - $600/year. Who knows what teh saving swill be in 4 years.

Anyway, I plan to take longer test drives in both models on Friday. If I am strongly leaning to one or the other, I'll get the dealer to given me one over the weekend before I make my decision.

[buff1]

The four seems to have more soul. The V6 I test drove seemed like it was asking "Are you really, really sure you want to do that?" when I mashed the go pedal.

[FlipAccord13]

Originally Posted by buff1

The four seems to have more soul. The V6 I test drove seemed like it was asking "Are you really, really sure you want to do that?" when I mashed the go pedal.

Nice analogy lol when I floor my V6 it tells me, "it's about time you drive me the way im suppose to be driven!!"

[MGP999]

Originally Posted by opus360

Has anyone test driven both versions? If so, let us here it. I am particularly interested in:

- acceleration: we all know the V6 will be faster, but just how fast does it feel in everyday driving, not the 0-60mph test. How much juice does the 4 cylinder CVT powertrain have for passing in the highway and for merging?

- handling: with the added weight of the V6, how is handling affected? Does the car feel noise heavy versus the 4 cylinder version?

- ride: the suspension is slightly different. How's the ride quality?

I haven't test driven the four but if you do a lot of highway driving then I would go with the six which is pretty close to best in class fuel economy. The pedal does require a little more push to make it feel like the engine it is but that is perhaps a result of the fuel efficiency tuning or VCM. However, when you do mash on it, it is as quick as any midsized family sedan.

[MGP999]

I haven't test driven the four but if you do a lot of highway driving then I would go with the six which is pretty close to best in class fuel economy. The pedal does require a little more push to make it feel like the engine it is but that is perhaps a result of the fuel efficiency tuning or VCM. However, when you do mash on it, it is as quick as any midsized family sedan in it's class.

[II Kings 9:20]

The 4 is zippy and responsive. The 6 is much faster and smoother but not suprisingly feels heavier.

I am heading to Niagra Falls, CAN for my first real road trip in 10 days and will post I4 freeway experience with a fully loaded car.

[opus360]

Originally Posted by II Kings 9:20

The 4 is zippy and responsive. The 6 is much faster and smoother but not suprisingly feels heavier.

I am heading to Niagra Falls, CAN for my first real road trip in 10 days and will post I4 freeway experience with a fully loaded car.

That's what I am afraid of the V6...feeling heavy and potentially noise heavy.

Your trip to Niagara should provide for a good "test" experience on what the car is like. I look forward to reading it.

[grover432]

The lighter the car, the more nimble it will feel. Having said that, the V6 adds about 184 lbs over the I4, but part of that is the auto transmission I'm sure. That is about a 5% weight increase.

I didn't notice much of a difference in ride/handling, but will pay more attention to it tomorrow when I test drive. Still if you want straight line performance, the V6 does the 0 -60 run in around 6 seconds, which is BMW territory from yesterday. Pretty impressive.

[TopSniper69]

Originally Posted by opus360

Has anyone test driven both versions? If so, let us here it. I am particularly interested in:

- acceleration: we all know the V6 will be faster, but just how fast does it feel in everyday driving, not the 0-60mph test. How much juice does the 4 cylinder CVT powertrain have for passing in the highway and for merging?

- handling: with the added weight of the V6, how is handling affected? Does the car feel noise heavy versus the 4 cylinder version?

- ride: the suspension is slightly different. How's the ride quality?

This is really split. When I was looking at these cars I searched this question and some say deff get the V6 and some say the I4 is fast enough. The next question is options. The V6 model offers some things that the I4 doesn't. If this helps after searching between the V6 and I4 I picked the V6. To me the accord is too large of a car to have a I4.

[newfmp3]

I never liked the buzzy loud rough 4 cylinder models. Honda's 4 cyls just don't impress me anymore (realize that the last one I drove was a 8 gen)I've also had some decently quick cars over the years, and going back to a 7-8sec car would just frustrate me to no end. My existing car drives me nuts its so slow. At the end of the day, if I'm only going to get another 30-40kms out of tank around town and almost identical on the highway, its just not worth it it. Gimme acceleration and the smoothness of a V6, not to mention it just sounds better.

Of course the cost difference isn't anything to joke about either. At 5 grand difference, that's a bit much. But get a decent rebate or deal and now it's a no brainer for me. V6 all the way.

[MGP999]

Originally Posted by TopSniper69

This is really split. When I was looking at these cars I searched this question and some say deff get the V6 and some say the I4 is fast enough. The next question is options. The V6 model offers some things that the I4 doesn't. If this helps after searching between the V6 and I4 I picked the V6. To me the accord is too large of a car to have a I4.

Ah its not that large, just a bit bigger than the Camry, Altima, and the 7th generation Accord. Thankfully not as Avalon like as the outgoing generation, but to each his own.

[TopSniper69]

Originally Posted by MGP999

Ah its not that large, just a bit bigger than the Camry, Altima, and the 7th generation Accord. Thankfully not as Avalon like as the outgoing generation, but to each his own.

Ok yes it's not a boat but I feel that it's mid sized. Small cars with an I4 is ok, a mid sized car should have a I4 turbo/supercharged, a V6 or an I6, while a large car should have a turbo/supercharged V6, turbo/supercharged V6 or a V8.

[fw_fw]

Originally Posted by TopSniper69

Ok yes it's not a boat but I feel that it's mid sized. Small cars with an I4 is ok, a mid sized car should have a I4 turbo/supercharged, a V6 or an I6, while a large car should have a turbo/supercharged V6, turbo/supercharged V6 or a V8.

When normally aspirated I4s were in topping out at 145-150hp and equivalent torque values I would agree, however today's larger direct injection engines in the 180-200hp range I wouldn't make that blanket statement anymore. Look at the new I4 Accords and Altimas, but in the sevens for 0-60, due to more powerful engine technology, lighter weight and more efficient transmissions.