Discussion
Early Tuscans are all 4.0, in a variety of nominal power outputs depending on year and whether it had the engine part of the "red rose" pack. From 2001-ish you could buy either a 360bhp 4.0 or a 390/400bhp "S", with lots of other options such as aircon and bigger brakes included into the bargain.
The 3.6 was introduced at the same time as the Tamora in 2002, with 350bhp and a bit less torque than the standard 4.0 which is was supposed to replace. Confusingly though, you could pay £1000 extra and still have a 4.0 with 360bhp, equivalent to the original 4.0 engine, but not as powerful as the S. This situation seemed to carry on for 3 years or so.
They've recently (last year?) switched back to using only 4 litres in a couple of power outputs.
The main differences between the 3.6 and standard 4.0 are that the 3.6 has a little less low down torque, but seems to rev a little more freely at the top end. You won't notice the 10bhp difference, but the torque is noticeable if you drive two cars back to back. My 3.6 is also a *lot* smoother than early 4.0 cars I've driven, but that could be down to the fact that it's a relatively recent car, and they've made lots of small improvements over the years. The S engine is a different matter - it feels noticeably more torquey.
Just drive as many as you can and buy the one which feels "right" as a whole, don't get hung up on engine size.
Pete
The 3.6 was introduced at the same time as the Tamora in 2002, with 350bhp and a bit less torque than the standard 4.0 which is was supposed to replace. Confusingly though, you could pay £1000 extra and still have a 4.0 with 360bhp, equivalent to the original 4.0 engine, but not as powerful as the S. This situation seemed to carry on for 3 years or so.
They've recently (last year?) switched back to using only 4 litres in a couple of power outputs.
The main differences between the 3.6 and standard 4.0 are that the 3.6 has a little less low down torque, but seems to rev a little more freely at the top end. You won't notice the 10bhp difference, but the torque is noticeable if you drive two cars back to back. My 3.6 is also a *lot* smoother than early 4.0 cars I've driven, but that could be down to the fact that it's a relatively recent car, and they've made lots of small improvements over the years. The S engine is a different matter - it feels noticeably more torquey.
Just drive as many as you can and buy the one which feels "right" as a whole, don't get hung up on engine size.
Pete
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