Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 355
From: clinton twp. MI, USA
Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
Just as the question states. I see the new 2006 Impala has the 3.9 v6 rated at 240 HP. Its OHV and has VVT.
The Buick Lacrosse has the 3.6 v6 also rated at 240 HP. It is DOHC and has VVT.
Wich one is better?
The Buick Lacrosse has the 3.6 v6 also rated at 240 HP. It is DOHC and has VVT.
Wich one is better?
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 162
From: St. Louis, MO
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
The 3.9 seems to be a dog compared to what it should be with 40+HP from the reviews I read
In the G6's the 3.9 has 240HP and the 3.6 200HP.
I didn't know they made one with the same HP as the 3.9?
In the G6's the 3.9 has 240HP and the 3.6 200HP.
I didn't know they made one with the same HP as the 3.9?
Last edited by Aaron91RS; Dec 13, 2005 at 10:22 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 26
From: Macomb Township, MI
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
The last G6 GTP I tested ran a decent 14.7 without launching it too terribly hard and powershifting 1-2. Not too shabby for that car I think. As for which is actually more powerful, I've never seen the 3.6L in a performance application so who knows hehe
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
Uhm, I'm not sure what reviews you've been reading Aaron, but the 3.9 has done well since its release. MT tested a pre-production GTP when it tested the '05 G6 GT, and said it felt a little slow. Since then however, the engine seems to be doing well. Edmunds liked it in the Impala, and MT liked it in the G6 GTP coupe they just tested...it ran a 14.5 IIRC, and did 0-60 in 6.2 seconds. When you consider I've seen LT1s test almost that slow, that's pretty good!
FWIW, when I drove a 6 speed GTP coupe and an AT GTP sedan, it felt good to me! Very quiet, too
FWIW, when I drove a 6 speed GTP coupe and an AT GTP sedan, it felt good to me! Very quiet, too
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 681
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
Compare the torque curves:
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en...7_LaCrosse.pdf
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en..._Malibu_SS.pdf
The 3.6L torque is virtually flat across the rpm range. However, the 3.9L torque exceeds the 3.6 at almost all rpm points. Therefore, this is a strong argument that the 3.9L is faster than the 3.6.
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en...7_LaCrosse.pdf
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en..._Malibu_SS.pdf
The 3.6L torque is virtually flat across the rpm range. However, the 3.9L torque exceeds the 3.6 at almost all rpm points. Therefore, this is a strong argument that the 3.9L is faster than the 3.6.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,402
From: Toronto, ON Canada
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
Originally Posted by Aaron91RS
The 3.9 seems to be a dog compared to what it should be with 40+HP from the reviews I read
In the G6's the 3.9 has 240HP and the 3.6 200HP.
I didn't know they made one with the same HP as the 3.9?
In the G6's the 3.9 has 240HP and the 3.6 200HP.
I didn't know they made one with the same HP as the 3.9?
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,650
From: Indianapolis, IN
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
The 3.6 is at its weakest (for whatever reasons - exhaust routing? exclusivity for Caddy?) in the Buicks. In the CTS/STS/SRX, it is in the 255-260 hp range. And it will go higher (look at the Nissan/Infinity 3.5L, Toyota/Lexus 3.5L, and the new VW 3.6L VR6), though even as it is it is plenty strong for 99% of real world buyers.
No variant of the 3.6 makes only 200 hp. Aaron91RS, I think you are confusing the 3.6L DOHC V6 with the 3.5L OHV "high value" V6. The 3.5L is rated at 201 hp in the G6/Malibu/minivans, 211 hp in the Impala. The 3.9L is rated at 241 hp in the G6 GTP, Malibu SS, and Impala LT/LTZ. The 3.6L DOHC is rated at 240 hp in the Lacrosse and Rendezvous, but 255+ hp in Cadillacs.
No variant of the 3.6 makes only 200 hp. Aaron91RS, I think you are confusing the 3.6L DOHC V6 with the 3.5L OHV "high value" V6. The 3.5L is rated at 201 hp in the G6/Malibu/minivans, 211 hp in the Impala. The 3.9L is rated at 241 hp in the G6 GTP, Malibu SS, and Impala LT/LTZ. The 3.6L DOHC is rated at 240 hp in the Lacrosse and Rendezvous, but 255+ hp in Cadillacs.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 162
From: St. Louis, MO
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
ya oops. To many new engines all at once.
Not sure why either. Pick one with the best HP and fuel economy and technology and save some money by not producing so many varients.
Not sure why either. Pick one with the best HP and fuel economy and technology and save some money by not producing so many varients.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
Originally Posted by 96_Camaro_B4C
No variant of the 3.6 makes only 200 hp.
Seriously I think if people want to compare the two lineup a LaCrosse CXS and a Impala LTZ. That should be the closest comparison you can get.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,650
From: Indianapolis, IN
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
Originally Posted by 91_z28_4me
Joe I can't belive you forgot the 210 hp 2.8 HF.
I didn't forget, though I see how you took it because I referred to a "variant" of the 3.6 (probably should have said "application" instead of "variant" to be more clear). I was talking about the 3.6L displacement version of the HFV6, which gets a 240 hp rating at its lowest, in the Buick applications. I was making sure Aaron had it straight, because he had mentioned 200 hp in his post, but he was referring to the 3.5 and mistakenly thought 3.6. But yes, there is a HFV6 family member that is close to 200 hp, and that is the 210 hp non-turbo 2.8L. Just not a 3.6L.
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,308
From: Calgary
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
I drove a 2.8L HF in the CTS and thought it was great, if not powerful.
Very smooth, with exciting noises made all the way to redline.
Haven't driven a 3900 but M/T was raving about it--saying it feels like a OHC engine.
Reada roadtest of a 3.6L 6 speed CTS--14.9. Somethings not right. Maybe the 3.6L needs a rework. The FWD 240hp versions are too low!
G6 GTP--14.4
But the CTS is heavier but not by too much.
Very smooth, with exciting noises made all the way to redline.
Haven't driven a 3900 but M/T was raving about it--saying it feels like a OHC engine.
Reada roadtest of a 3.6L 6 speed CTS--14.9. Somethings not right. Maybe the 3.6L needs a rework. The FWD 240hp versions are too low!
G6 GTP--14.4
But the CTS is heavier but not by too much.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,000
From: TX Med Ctr
Re: Which engine is better, more powerful? The new GM 3.9 v6 or 3.6?
No replacement...
I am voting 3.9L unless they decide to actually utilize DOHC and spin the 3.6L to 7000. When do we get the 3 valve 3.9?
The 3.9L got Popular Mechanics "Breakthrough Award" (whatever that may mean).
I am voting 3.9L unless they decide to actually utilize DOHC and spin the 3.6L to 7000. When do we get the 3 valve 3.9?
The 3.9L got Popular Mechanics "Breakthrough Award" (whatever that may mean).
Last edited by HAZ-Matt; Dec 13, 2005 at 09:55 PM.
