3.5 V6 vs the 4.0

Still waiting for that 5.7 option

 

Sure, the powerband in the 3.5 is about 400-500 rpms higher.

 

You will be waiting for a while

 

You mean the 3.5 minivan engine finally wakes up at 5k rpms...

Of course I have a blower on my 4.0 so it's not a fair comparison.

 

Great replies all, this is good info

 

Haha! Wakes up at 5k? You guys make me laugh. I barely go over 3k with my spirited driving.

Actually with the premium performance tune im running, it is a fair comparison.

 

you gotta get over 3k to access ECT Turbo Mode

 

My ect button is my clutch, all good here.

Does your engine make close to 300 hp?

 

I mean let's be real, 2nd gen vs 3rd gen speed / power is like watching two fat guys race. Yeah sure maybe one is a little less slow than the other.

 

I think the fatter one will be a bit quicker.

 

I suppose I'm in the minority but....... I like the 3.5 way better. The 4.0 felt so boring. The 3.5 feels sparkly and exciting up high,

 

I agree. I find every excuse to go drive my beast.

 

YMMV literally.
But I've found the 3.5 to be better at towing and better mileage;
https://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/tacoma/2005/vicali/149013
https://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/tacoma/2017/vicali/702006

 

@peiscooter I see you have a 2021 on order. You're going to love it overall. Don't expect a huge jump in gas mileage compared to your old truck but it should be a little better. And congrats!

 

Probably more like a 1000.

 

Yes in every way possible. There's no other reason Toyota would move to a new engine with all that expense otherwise. You can bring in gearing and transmission shifting if you want, but that's a different story. Towing is fine too.

 

Your statement is true, but you miss the point. Most people buy a truck to do truck things. And TRUCK engines develop their power at LOWER rpm's. If you're towing or hauling loads you need that power under 3000 rpm, preferably under 2000 rpm. The 3.5 needs 4600 rpm to get it's power which is a huge disadvantage for what most guys do with a truck.

The 3.5 is a good engine. Not saying it isn't, but it is a car engine, not a truck engine.

 

4.0L achieves max torque at 4k, 3.5L at 4600k.

4.0L makes max hp at 5200, 3.5L at 6k.

I drove the 4.0 and its out of breath at 5k.

 

more dope on the 3.5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKKILW3Zj_Y

 

Both motors would be awesome if toyota would slap in an 8 speed auto or even a 10 speed like some of the ford trucks have nowadays. Its crazy what gearing can do.