4.7 vs 5.7...thoughts and opinions?
12-31-07, 01:42 PM
#1
4.7 vs 5.7...thoughts and opinions?
This weekend I got to spend a lot of wheel time with the new Tundra- extended cab, 4x4, Limited, 5.7L V8. This summer, I also had a few weeks with a 2006 LX 470 and loved every second of it.
After some seat time with both engines, I have come to the conclusion that aside from power, I think the 4.7 is a better motor. The 5.7 is loud, rhaspy and always sounds like it's working very hard. The 4.7 though, feels and sounds like running a hot knife through butter without a vibration or rise from under the hood, no matter how hard you push it. The 5.7 is no where near as smooth or refined as the old unit, and that is sort of concerning when it's about to be dropped under the hood of the most expensive Lexus model.
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
After some seat time with both engines, I have come to the conclusion that aside from power, I think the 4.7 is a better motor. The 5.7 is loud, rhaspy and always sounds like it's working very hard. The 4.7 though, feels and sounds like running a hot knife through butter without a vibration or rise from under the hood, no matter how hard you push it. The 5.7 is no where near as smooth or refined as the old unit, and that is sort of concerning when it's about to be dropped under the hood of the most expensive Lexus model.
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
12-31-07, 02:34 PM
#2
Remember, the Toyota tundra likely does not have as much sound insulation as the LX470. The sound may be better in the LX simply because it has better sound insulation. Therefore, you have to wait to testdrive the Lx570 to really compare apple to apple.
Other than that, the 5.7 V8 is a monster with the latest technology. Hopefully, the powertrain will be flawless over the next year or so.
Other than that, the 5.7 V8 is a monster with the latest technology. Hopefully, the powertrain will be flawless over the next year or so.
12-31-07, 07:50 PM
#3
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After some seat time with both engines, I have come to the conclusion that aside from power, I think the 4.7 is a better motor. The 5.7 is loud, rhaspy and always sounds like it's working very hard. The 4.7 though, feels and sounds like running a hot knife through butter without a vibration or rise from under the hood, no matter how hard you push it. The 5.7 is no where near as smooth or refined as the old unit, and that is sort of concerning when it's about to be dropped under the hood of the most expensive Lexus model.
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
Remember, the Toyota tundra likely does not have as much sound insulation as the LX470.
It is simply possible that Toyota just didn't try to make the engine as smooth and vibration free as the 4.7
01-01-08, 11:20 PM
#5
4.7 V8 in LX470 is made somewhere in Japan, and was designed from the get go for use in it's flagship SUVs, the '98 LX470/TLC. Quiet and smooth power delivery along with lots of low end torque were its highest priority. I just got back from a 1,000 mile road trip in my GX cruising at 78-82 mph on the highway and the 4.7 was almost invisible - super quiet and smooth and almost always below 2,500 rpm. Every once in awhile I'd floor it just to hear the engine rev up a little, sounds pretty good as it approaches 4K rpm territory.
5.7 V8 on the other hand is made somewhere in Alabama, and was designed from the get go for mass production use in pickup trucks as well as SUVs. While I love the state of Alabama, I don't think it has earned the reputation of being master engine builders just yet. From what I've read it was rushed into production so Toyota could make a bolder statement with the intro of the new gen Tundra. I haven't driven one, but I'm guessing quiet and smooth power delivery were NOT it's primary goals. I heard a new Tundra a few weeks ago with some obvious aftermarket exhaust work done and I must admit it sounded "*****in"
In a nutshell, the 4.7 was designed to help Lexus defeat Range Rover (which it did), while the 5.7 was designed to defeat Dodge pickups equpped with Mexican made "HEMIs".
However, I agree with what Tigmd said - we should wait to see how the 5.7 sounds and feels in the similarly insulated LX570 before passing final judgment.
5.7 V8 on the other hand is made somewhere in Alabama, and was designed from the get go for mass production use in pickup trucks as well as SUVs. While I love the state of Alabama, I don't think it has earned the reputation of being master engine builders just yet. From what I've read it was rushed into production so Toyota could make a bolder statement with the intro of the new gen Tundra. I haven't driven one, but I'm guessing quiet and smooth power delivery were NOT it's primary goals. I heard a new Tundra a few weeks ago with some obvious aftermarket exhaust work done and I must admit it sounded "*****in"
In a nutshell, the 4.7 was designed to help Lexus defeat Range Rover (which it did), while the 5.7 was designed to defeat Dodge pickups equpped with Mexican made "HEMIs".
However, I agree with what Tigmd said - we should wait to see how the 5.7 sounds and feels in the similarly insulated LX570 before passing final judgment.
Last edited by GatorGreg; 01-02-08 at 12:05 AM.
01-02-08, 01:10 AM
#6
All I know the 4.7L one worked flawlessly for me for 10 years. Unlike some people on the board, I never experienced it 'lacking' power. So I'm happy to stick to it for a while.
Yes, I would rate it smooth and refined, having experienced against the Mercedes and BMW V8 engines.
Yes, I would rate it smooth and refined, having experienced against the Mercedes and BMW V8 engines.
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01-17-08, 05:36 PM
#9
Personally I am surprised. I don't see a linear correlation here, one of the HP/size vs noise. My 1L 3-cilinder Honda engine was not quiter than the 4.7L V8.
Both engines are V8, similar size (1L give or take does not make that much of a difference IMHO). I would think the difference is in the engine design and construction, etc etc. I also know that the newer 2006 LX470 engine is a tiny bit harsher than the older 98. I attribute it to the different valve section. But who knows what the real reason is.
Both engines are V8, similar size (1L give or take does not make that much of a difference IMHO). I would think the difference is in the engine design and construction, etc etc. I also know that the newer 2006 LX470 engine is a tiny bit harsher than the older 98. I attribute it to the different valve section. But who knows what the real reason is.
01-23-08, 03:08 PM
#10
Pole Position
This weekend I got to spend a lot of wheel time with the new Tundra- extended cab, 4x4, Limited, 5.7L V8. This summer, I also had a few weeks with a 2006 LX 470 and loved every second of it.
After some seat time with both engines, I have come to the conclusion that aside from power, I think the 4.7 is a better motor. The 5.7 is loud, rhaspy and always sounds like it's working very hard. The 4.7 though, feels and sounds like running a hot knife through butter without a vibration or rise from under the hood, no matter how hard you push it. The 5.7 is no where near as smooth or refined as the old unit, and that is sort of concerning when it's about to be dropped under the hood of the most expensive Lexus model.
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
After some seat time with both engines, I have come to the conclusion that aside from power, I think the 4.7 is a better motor. The 5.7 is loud, rhaspy and always sounds like it's working very hard. The 4.7 though, feels and sounds like running a hot knife through butter without a vibration or rise from under the hood, no matter how hard you push it. The 5.7 is no where near as smooth or refined as the old unit, and that is sort of concerning when it's about to be dropped under the hood of the most expensive Lexus model.
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
How could you compare the 4.7 in a LX470 and the 5.7 in a Tundra?
I know it is only natural for those with the LX470 to be protective of their vehicle. I know as I have owned four LX470 units and they are fine. How many years has Lexus had to work the bugs out on the LX470??? Sorry but it was time for Lexus to move on!
I have only had my LX570 for a little over a week and I admit that the motor is a little louder but once at highway speed, the LX570 is FAR superior, yes I say FAR superior in ride and comfort and yes is more quiet! Road and tire noise is down to "hushed" on the 570 and there is little doubt the 570 will be a big hit.
Do you really think it is fair to compare engine noise and smoothness between the Tundra and the LX570? Good Grief!
01-23-08, 03:45 PM
#12
Alex, come on, you love your LX! Nothing could match it! Hell, even with potentially $3000-5000 maintenance cost on the LX before 100,000 mile mark, you still say that it's cheap to own!
01-23-08, 07:26 PM
#14
Thai,
since I do 99% of my maintenance myself, I am not too familiar with the high cost of maintenance you mentioned. You might be right, I did not see it with my previous 470. And did not see it with the previous 450 either. I did not see it with my ex G for the same reason, though it needed more of it
I sure love the 470, would love to say the same about the 570. Especially since its cost is going to be 15% less here in Canada versus the 470. So I could not go wrong But as I mentioned before, I'm not convinced yet that I like the direction Toyota took with it. I might revisit the G, or RR at this point. Especially since my wife 'surprised' me today, nicely damaging the side of the truck getting out of parking 
. Now, this is going to be expensive, much more so than mentioned 5k in maintenance over quite a few years.
since I do 99% of my maintenance myself, I am not too familiar with the high cost of maintenance you mentioned. You might be right, I did not see it with my previous 470. And did not see it with the previous 450 either. I did not see it with my ex G for the same reason, though it needed more of it
I sure love the 470, would love to say the same about the 570. Especially since its cost is going to be 15% less here in Canada versus the 470. So I could not go wrong
But as I mentioned before, I'm not convinced yet that I like the direction Toyota took with it. I might revisit the G, or RR at this point. Especially since my wife 'surprised' me today, nicely damaging the side of the truck getting out of parking . Now, this is going to be expensive, much more so than mentioned 5k in maintenance over quite a few years.
01-24-08, 07:05 AM
#15
Pole Position
I, for one, am happy. A little more happy everyday I drive it. Given a chance others will like it, too. BUT, there will be some that will not like it, even before giving it a chance!
Last edited by ggebhardt; 01-24-08 at 02:59 PM.