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Honda Accord I4 vs V6

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  • bodybuiltbrockbodybuiltbrock Member Posts: 13
    I just joined Carspace. I have a 2004 EXV6 Accord, and have to say the V6 is so much FUN! I get great mileage considering it can run sub 7 second 60 miles per hour runs. The new SEV6 looks to be the value buster of the group!

    Brock
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    .....and have to say the V6 is so much FUN!

    ..you are absolutely right about that V-6!!!

    I drove my old college buddy's automatic V-6, was so taken with the SOHC that I got a 6M.

    Now - per Car and Driver - I get sub-six to 60; the quarter comes up in 14.5............plus I've gotten tantalyzingly close to that barrier (at least for the six) of 40 mpg.....

    great car (even greater when you shift for yourself)

    best, ez......
  • bodybuiltbrockbodybuiltbrock Member Posts: 13
    great car (even greater when you shift for yourself)

    The coupe was too small for me, and the sedan didn't offer a 6-speed when I got my 04! My loss, I know. I had a Gen 5 Accord 5-speed and it was fun, despite being fairly low on power.

    These are great cars ez!

    BBB
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Welcome to Edmunds Brock! See you around the boards :)
  • thechosonthechoson Member Posts: 32
    Generally speaking, do I4 models or V6 models depreciate slower?
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'm not sure on details (so I'm speculating), but I think the V6 would have slightly quicker depreciation (having a higher price and more "frills").
  • saleemsaleem Member Posts: 114
    the best answer for that would be in the honda accord lease questions forum, since they deal with depreciation/residual values every day.
  • cst010cst010 Member Posts: 5
    Purchased new I4. Can say that I am happy with the performance of the 4 cyl. Six would have been a lot more fun but came down to price/maintenance/milage, and then performance. Would have been happier with a manual trans but not a one on the lot.
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ..while the I4 is without question purchase price wise less money than the six, gets better fuel economy and never has need for timing belt change (has a chain).................

    ...the six is much more fuel efficient than the average joe sixpac would think.

    ..and without question, the six (with the manual trans you mentioned) is one fast little dude.

    Next model year will offer VCM - fuel efficiency certainly isn't going down with three of the six dormant at freeway speeds (below 82 that is)

    ..best...

    .ez.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Any new Accord buyers visiting the room? Or just the same folks?
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Just the same old folks. Now let me finish my nap. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    How about a debate:

    Any thoughts on the impact of Subaru coming to market with an AWD, diesel wagon on the market share of the incoming Accord diesel?

    Obviously the question is not relevant to the I4 vs V6 Accord forum but it's going to have to become I4, V6 or Diesel forum pretty soon anyway, right?
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I actually think it will have a pretty small impact. Subaru and Honda each have highly loyal customer bases. I think the I4 sales will be impacted by Diesel Accords more than anything.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I'm not sure. I agree that the customer bases are loyal but I think that if Subaru had an engine that got decent mpg they could be more competitive with Honda. Also, if Honda continues not to offer a wagon option, I think they are risking missing on the post-SUV trend.

    I would certainly cross shop the 2.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Well, I certainly like Subaru's products. I just really dislike the prices, and I don't need AWD (I'm here in the south and we've gone a record 7 years without measurable snow in my metro area (Birmingham, AL).
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I was considering the Outback last year but I couldn't handle dealing with the lower gas mileage so I bought another Accord. Which is why I chose the I4 instead of the V6, to get us back on topic. ;)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Do you think the V6 in the 2008 model will be DOHC, or remain SOHC?
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Since I think the engine will be the 3.2 engine from the TL, it would be SOHC. The larger TL engine is also SOHC. Honda seems to be able to make just as much hp as other car makers without the extra cam (V6 engines). Compare the 3.5 TL engine to any 3.5, and it stacks up well.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    If the Subaru wagon was FWD and had the Accord drivetrain I would be all over it. Wish Honda made a wagon.
  • javageekjavageek Member Posts: 7
    Hi all!

    I have been trolling the posts for quite some time in order to come to a decision on my future car purchase, Figured I'd finally add my $.02.

    My decision has been filtered down to either the EX-L I4 or the EX-L V6 6M. With the new 08' coming out soon, the 07' Accord is by far the best value/choice out there!

    For my personal needs I want the fuel economy of the I4 as I commute over 150 miles a day to work and back, almost all highway. But, I definitely want some good torque to pass those semi's as 30% of my commute is a 2-way highway. I love the dual exhaust look and extra power of the v6 and was wondering if I can have the best of both worlds. Has anyone converted their I4 to a dual exhaust...and how much HP did it add?

    Or, should I just go with the 6M and take the hit of $36 more in gas a month and just have fun right out the door?

    Thanks in advance!

    -javageek
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    If you are driving on the highway and do a lot of passing, you will love the V6. I average 33mpg on the highway, and like you don't drive like my 75 year old father. :D
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    It's your money,man,but there's no replacement for displacement!
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I think you are going to get the following responses:

    thegraduate- the I4 has plenty of passing power. Select the 5-sp manual and you'll have no problem.
    Me- get the v6 m6. $36 per month gas is not a whole lot to get upset about. Your commute sounds eerily similar to mine and I certainly enjoy the v6. You can 'go easy' and get (pretty) good mileage or hammer it and get there quicker.

    Both responses are correct. It really depends on whether you are interested in slightly more speed or slightly better mpg.

    You'll be happy either way. :)
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Thegrad has an automatic so I doubt that he'd say that. ;)

    I have an I4 manual but I'd never compare the passing power to the V6. I don't find myself in passing situations all that much but I love the fuel savings. When I need it to go, it goes but I know the V6 would "go" better. I found the advantage of the smaller engine to be better for me.

    I would imagine if javageek is considering the V6 manual, he/she would also be thinking about the I4 manual. Unfortunately, I can't answer the direct question about putting a dual exhaust on the 4 because I haven't even looked into it and don't know anyone who has.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    My only fear with adding an after market dual exhaust is what it would do to your warranty and your resale.

    Then again, you could put a giant gull-wing on it, some neon under the body and drop the suspension, then you'd have a whole new re-sale audience for it. :shades:
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    If an I4 was changed over to dual exhaust, not only would it require a replacement of pipe(s) and the addition of the 2nd muffler, but heat shields over the 2nd muffler would be needed, and if the car is a 06-07, the bumper would need a notch cut into it.

    Mrbill
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I've seen dual exhaust on 4cyl, and they usually make them louder. With the less restrictive exhaust you may gain a little in high rpm hp, but you will loose some tourq in the process (from what I've heard).
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    If you are already contemplating mods it's not the car for you. You need the 6. The manuals are capable of pretty good mileage. Say 32-34.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Thegrad has an automatic so I doubt that he'd say that.

    I have an I4 manual but I'd never compare the passing power to the V6. I don't find myself in passing situations all that much but I love the fuel savings. When I need it to go, it goes but I know the V6 would "go" better. I found the advantage of the smaller engine to be better for me.


    Everybody is saying the right things, as there are lots of right answers. I do have an automatic, and I do recognize it is the slowest combo of engine and transmission Honda sells. It is also plenty powerful for my needs, and even my wants. The midrange torque on the 4-cyl is unreal considering the great economy.

    If you do a lot of highway, you will appreciate the V6's extra power. I do a lot of freeway in my 4-cylinder, and have never really needed any more than it offers. The V6 and the 4-cylinder are similar in feeling/usable power around town, but above 50 MPH, the Accord V6 leaves the 4-cylinder's in the dust.

    I guess lucky for me, Accord's come with a cabin-dust filter!

    Yeah, I'm predictable, but I'm also honest. With the Accord, here's the short answer.

    I4 = Good power, GREAT economy
    V6 = Good economy, GREAT power

    :)

    Drive em both and decide.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I4 manual is pretty quick. 7.5 to 60 according to car and drivers roundup of the fastest cars under 20k.

    That puts it pretty close to the last generation V-6 automatic (evan a tad faster).

    Of course the current V-6 stick is very fast, getting to 60 in just under 6 seconds.

    Gotta drive em both.

    BTW it is not just the money for gas - the V-6 actually costs a little more as well. ;)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The Auto's 0-60 MPH numbers are

    I4 - 8.1 seconds
    V6 - 6.6 seconds

    All numbers are from Motor Trend Magazine.
  • javageekjavageek Member Posts: 7
    great responses to all ^
    |

    got a good laugh out of them too.

    Yeah, the risk in jeopardizing the warranty for a small amount of HP and probably large hole in my wallet is not worth it for me.
    I would still be curious to know the results if someone has made that conversion.

    Anyway, I know I can't go wrong in choosing one over the other, as they both have their own strong points with an equal base of style, dependability, and comfort. I guess the only fear I have, is if I do go with the V6, it would be such a big jump over my now 250,000 mile Dodge Neon 4 banger I could not contain myself in opening up the throttle and it costing me in speeding tickets!

    I plan on waiting another month or two before I pull the trigger as I have heard July would be the most opportunistic time to get the best deal. Once I do - I will definitely post my results and driving experience. Thanks again for all your comments!
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Coming from that Neon, even the 4 would feel like a rocket - a very smooth quiet rocket.

    Good job on 250,000 miles. My Integra is at 230,000. Still on the original clutch.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Speaking of longevity. How many miles can these Accord automatic transmissions go before they break?
  • javageekjavageek Member Posts: 7
    I think the life span of a vehicle is all relative to how dedicated you are with the maintenance.

    When I purchase my Accord, I will be disappointed if it does not last past 220k without any engine/transmission issues.

    Given the fact the that I see over a handful of 10+ yr old Hondas each day on my way to work gives me a strong vote of confidence that I will not be disappointed. If I can get a Neon to last 250+ and still going without any major problems, I am pretty darn confident that the Accord will not let me down.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Thanks,Java.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'm at 172,000 on my 1996 Accord 4-speed Auto. Have done the transmission flush every 75,000 miles or so, I believe (my grandmother did the first one, so I'm not sure).

    My grandfather's 1987 Civic Wagon had 255k on his 4-speed Auto when he sold it. I know it's not an Accord, but it is a testament to Honda trannies.

    Our Chryslers both needed them before 35k. That was the 90s though, I hope they've improved.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    Thanks,Grad.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Just another quick comparison for the I4.

    An 06-07 Accord I4 stick is as quick to 60 as the last generation BMW 530i automatic (both about 7.5). Of course the BMW stick shaves about .7 seconds further.
  • starhuskerstarhusker Member Posts: 26
    I almost decided to cross off I4 off the list. But after I test drive the SE V6, I found that after I press the gas pedal, the next thing I know is I'm at 80MPH when the speed limit is only 50.. The dealer has to remind me to slow down. I didn't even realize the speed since it feels like I'm at around 50MPH. I know the traction control, stability control are good, but if I keep speeding, nothing really helps. :) Maybe with I4 @ lower speed, I'd never need those safety features? thoughts? If 08 accord I4 version has those features, I should wait a few months..
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Maybe with I4 lower speed, I'd never need those safety features? thoughts?

    Both engines will go fast enough to get you killed. A patch of ice is just as dangerous with either engine. The V6 can go faster, but has more safety features, so it can be more dangerous, and it can be safer. Depends on the situation.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    If it wasn't fast enough to scare you,why would you want it? :)
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    With the right driver a '68 beetle can be fast enough to scare you. :);)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    A controlled 110 MPH is much less scary than an out of control 40 MPH! That's how I look at it.
  • bryan200kbryan200k Member Posts: 64
    When I first started looking at the Accords, I had made up my mind that I'd go nothing less than a V6. In the end, I opted for the I4. First factor in my decision was the highway gas mileage. Most of my driving is highway. There are times that I would like the extra kick of the V6, but the largest majority of the time, I'm driving it nice-n-easy. One co-worker says that I drive like her Grandpa. When I bought a few months ago, price was a second factor. I just couldn't see paying an extra (approx 2 grand) for the V6, and also end up paying more for gas (lower rated MPG).

    I have been satisfied with my I4 Accord SE. I'll be passing on this car to my son at the end of the year, and am seriously considering trading my high-mileage (182,000) Malibu in for a new Accord in about a year or two.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    I went for the 4cyl, I can got almost 2 weeks on the same tank of gas, while traveling 30minutes both ways to work, 6 days out of the week. That is awesome too, Plus when the gas light does come on, I have quite a reserve left of like 4 gallons I believe, so there is no hurry to get gas right away. Also the 4cyl is very peppy, and many of my riders think they are in a V6. Its torquey. I normally don't like to run it up to 60 fast, but sometimes, its amazing right off the line. So smooth. I have had no problems at all, even on the interstate, I can pass easily, and actually have to be careful, Ill be looking at 80 in no time at all. Even when I do get fun with it or have my A/C on, my gas mileage is still amazing! My accord gets better mileage than some other smaller cars. When the 08 comes out, I will more than likely choose the 4 over the 6.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    If mpg is your main priority, you could consider waiting for the 09 model year (release in late '08) Accord diesel. It is expected to get up to 45 mpg.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I have the feeling people will get a big case of "sticker shock" when the diesel Accords hit the lots. I may be wrong, but I think people are going to have to pay a price for all this new technology.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I think the premium may be $1500-2000. Just my .02
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I think it's hard to make a prediction. This is not completely new technology to Honda. They have been making and selling diesel Accords (actually more like Acura TL) in Europe for 3 years.

    I don't doubt that there will be a premium, it will be interesting to see how they position the diesel. I hope they follow the same pattern as the manual option, right across the whole model line. So if I am saving my pennies I could get a stripper model or if I want to get leather and all the fun stuff I can still choose a diesel.
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