mmarshall

Did you drive an Impala SS? Its 5.3L V8 makes 303 HP (same as the Pontiac Grand Prix GNP and the Buick Supers), but the FWD layout, with all that power, makes for some torque steer.

FisforFast

The new Maxima has around 300 hp and no torque-steer at all. Just goes to show how inferior the American carmakers are in the innovations department.

mmarshall

Not to mention the fact that if you gear it down too much with tall ratios, you could end up with lugging, which put a strain on the engine and can shorten its life, especially with crankshaft durability.

IS-SV

Even GM, not one of the best auto companies by any measure, hopefully isn't lame enough to impact "crankshaft durability" with excessively tall gearing., but it's an amusing thought.

tex2670

Again--that doesn't make it better. GM utilizing cutting edge technology doesn't give me a warm fuzzy. How does it hold up over time?

pagemaster

You mean like the early 5.7 3UR iForce Toyota engine. Those things were breaking cams.

tex2670

exacty.....

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Can the same be said of the LS series V8's by GM?? But we are talking about V6 motors here..

Och

iTrader: (3)

Uh, I don't know about the new Maxima, but the previous Maxima had the most horrendous torque steer.

In any case, torque steer is usually best neutralized by have same length axles, which is almost impossible in a FWD layout because how the transmission and engine are positioned.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well, it was about time GM got on par with other manufacturers. This 3.6 V6 is not exotic by any means, but it is definitely on par with Toyota 2GR-FSE - they basically have the same tech, same displacement, same output and same efficiency. Which one of them is smoother is purely subjective, they are so similar. Both are pretty much as good and advanced as production NA V6 engines are going to get, until someone invents some new technologies.

With that being said, as far as reliability and durability, both are pretty new, so it remains to be seen. Since both are pretty new products, little issues here and there can be expected from both manufacturers. They will be worked out on the updated versions. Just look at Toyota's 1UZ engine for instance, it was very advanced for its time and did have some issues... By the time Toyota put that design to rest, its 3UZ variation was pretty much perfect.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

That BMW engine may be great but the fuel system stinks.
That engine is in the 135,335,535,Z4,750 and the engine has high pressure fuel pump failure issues.
So bad that BMW double the warranty on the fuel pump to 10/120.
I have a 335i and it's a great car but the FP may be an issue sooner or later.
Along with the fuel sensors,Turbo's,wastegates etc. problems.
BMW is a 4/50 disposible vehicle.

So much for Wardsauto.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well, the one thing with BMW is they constantly bring new engine designs, so of course you can expect problems, especially with cutting edge performance models. Toyota has a different approach, they release new tech once a decade, and then keep improving and perfecting it. Just look at their history, they bring out 1LS, 2GS400, IS350, LS460 which were initially on top of their class, but then they get stale.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

A bit of topic, but I am on my 2nd 335 Joeb. Heck, we are both on e90post. The good news I have not experienced any fuel pump issues. I've been telling guys to stop using that Nitrogen rich Shell garbage and stick with Mobil. The engines in these cars are stellar as you should know..

Now back to the GM V6 vs. the Toyota V6..

Byprodrive

iTrader: (1)

Not to mention possibly the worst front/rear weight balance ever. I drove one & enjoyed it until it came time to turn the steering wheel

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Now I recognize the ID.I should have read your signature.
I use Shell.I'm going go with Mobil or Sunoco now.
I love the car and bought one twice knowing about the FP issues.The car is worth it.