4.5 vs 4.2 vs 4.0 comparisons?
4.5 vs 4.2 vs 4.0 comparisons?
Author
Discussion

malc350

Original Poster:

1,035 posts

276 months

Friday 14th March 2008
quotequote all
Although I had my heart set on a 4.5 I seem to be hearing/reading more about 4.2s being at least as fast or even "feeling faster". From what I understand 420bhp of the 4.5 sounds like a lot more power than the 4.2's 350bhp but it seems that there's a lot of variation in 4.5 output (is that right?)

And where does the 4.0 Speed Six stand? I have seen a few references saying it is the slowest of all 3 (which I know it's relative and a Speed Six is no doubt pretty d*mned fast!) but isn't it comparable to the 4.2 as it has the same power?

It wouldn't be the first time manufacturer's specs and real world experiences were a lot different!

P.S. If anyone's wondering about the 4.5 in Newcastle I was going to view the owner can't make it now and with next weekend being Easter I may not end up looking at it.

Good thing is: maybe I can do more research and reassess the others for sale....

Malc

mxi933

467 posts

238 months

Friday 14th March 2008
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Maybe even that lovely well sorted 4.2 in Huddersfield.
wink

_Neal_

2,954 posts

249 months

Friday 14th March 2008
quotequote all
May get accused of oversimplification here, but, as between 4.2s and 4.5s, basically

4.2s are better mapped than 4.5s as standard, and often make close to the quoted 360hp

4.5s are not as well-mapped as standard, and a good one will "only" make between 330-360hp. Remapped you can expect 390-400hp.

As for the S6, not sure about power outputs, but IIRC they aren't as "down" against quoted as a standard 4.5. Obviously the engine has a different feel, and different (and well-documented) issues all its own.

There are other differences with an S6 Cerb too, such as (off the top of my head) a slower steering rack and (standard at least) softer suspension set-up and higher-profile tyres, so the overall feel is (apparently, never been in one) a little less "hard-edged". Also meant to be smoother at low revs with a lighter clutch.

I'd have some fun driving all three if I was you, do your research and see what you prefer!

Neal smile




FUBAR

17,065 posts

268 months

Friday 14th March 2008
quotequote all
Slower or not, the 4.5 will always be The Daddy, if in displacement alone (and hence pub bragging rights).

That was enough to sway it for me wink

RUSSELLM

6,002 posts

277 months

Friday 14th March 2008
quotequote all
No experience of the 4.0, but I prefer the 4.2 to the 4.5. The latter's being remapped at the end of the month, so I might change my mind.

But I love the instant free flowing revs of the 4.2, it feels like a motorbike engine smile

The 4.5 comes in to it's own in the high rev range, where it seems to keep pushing you harder & harder, after the 4.2's run out of puff. I supposed that's down to the extra torque.

For the kind of driving I do, I prefer the manic 4.2 smile

Mars

10,137 posts

244 months

Friday 14th March 2008
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If you like anything but the 4.5, you haven't tried a proper 4.5.

bosscerbera

8,188 posts

273 months

Friday 14th March 2008
quotequote all
Mars said:
If you like anything but the 4.5, you haven't tried a proper 4.5.
yes

JensenA

5,671 posts

260 months

Friday 14th March 2008
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Mars said:
If you like anything but the 4.5, you haven't tried a proper 4.5.
bks - That just means you haven't tried a 4.2

Mr M

1,276 posts

232 months

Saturday 15th March 2008
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FUBAR said:
Slower or not, the 4.5 will always be The Daddy, if in displacement alone (and hence pub bragging rights).

That was enough to sway it for me wink
Well the S6 is a 4 ltr and they seem to go pretty well scratchchin