It seems I'm seeing more and more v8 monsters out there on the road lately, that in an inline race would make the 8 look like a kids toy in comparison. Not that I'm complaining - I love a car that handles, but what do you guys think of all these big power packed types of vehicles? Personally I'd gladly take the loss of power for a better handler (I guess thats why I have an 8) but how much do they suffer in the handling department by adding all those cylinders? I'm talking about cars like the 300c str8, GTO, charger srt8, and mustang gt. Which is your fave? (if you like any)

Thanks

You forgot about the Corvette. And that car handles fairly well mind you.

I think the mustang and GTO probably handle better than most can drive.

i still want a ~1970s charger or a 1970 Firebird. I have an rx8 who needs another car for handling, i want an american V8 roar.

The corvette gets my vote.... it handles like a monster with really sharp claws. Hahaha

In this order:
C6 Vette
SRT8 300
SRT8 Charger
SRT8 Grand Cherokee
Mustang GT
GTO

The five-valve 3.6 liter Ferrari bent eight. What a wonderful melodious music-making machine it is.

Veete has my vote

I would vote for the Ferrari V-8 in the 355, or if there is a price limit, the current Audi S4 V-8.

c6 vette
cadilac cts-v
05 gto
2003 svt cobra mustang
in that order

My other current rides have a 180hp Chevy 283ci V-8, which is one of the most dependable V-8's on the planet. Also have a 300hp Chevy 327ci V-8 that has been bored .30 over. Each has headers & dual exhausts, but sound different, mainly due to type of mufflers.

But the best, by far in my book, would be the big block 427ci - 435 hp Tri-Power put into the '67 & later Corvette Stingray. Raw power, which is much different than the refined power V-8's of today.

I drove the new C6 Vette & is quite impressive, but I'll take the Stingray.

Chevy rules the roost when it comes to V8s and has for years. The Hemi is nice as well but I'll take an LS over one any day.

Well I kinda mean just cars under 40k or so to leave out most vettes cause I think that would undoubtedly be the most popular choice

Cars a lotta people can actually afford lol not ferarris

Well I kinda mean just cars under 40k or so to leave out most vettes cause I think that would undoubtedly be the most popular choice

Cars a lotta people can actually afford lol not ferarris

The engine in the Transam and the Z28 were nearly identical to the Vette engine for years. I'd love a WS6, I just wouldn't love the stigma that goes along with it. I think after a few mods I'd get over it :p

wait is this about the engines or the cars they can be found in from factory?

It seems I'm seeing more and more v8 monsters out there on the road lately, that in an inline race would make the 8 look like a kids toy in comparison. Not that I'm complaining - I love a car that handles, but what do you guys think of all these big power packed types of vehicles? Personally I'd gladly take the loss of power for a better handler (I guess thats why I have an 8) but how much do they suffer in the handling department by adding all those cylinders? I'm talking about cars like the 300c str8, GTO, charger srt8, and mustang gt. Which is your fave? (if you like any)

Thanks

Honestly, I think power is far more useful than a car that has higher handling limits. All those cars handle pretty well, not as well of the RX-8 but for street driving purposes you're not going to be reaching their limits often if ever in most peoples hands. I can recall maybe twice having tested the limits in my WRX on a street in the past 2+ years.

I drive rather spiritedly but testing the handling limits of a car on public roads is far more moronic than mashing the gas pedal and accelerating as fast as possible. I go WoT just about every day through the first 3 gears in my car and I still get a kick out of it. It handles rather well but I very rarely use its handling capabilities so I'll be getting a bigger turbo over a set of coilovers when I'm ready for my next upgrades.

Well I dont know about you, but I live in the mountains, and there are plenty of nice curvey roads around that I definately test the 8s handling limits in. On main roads though I think you are right in saying power is more beneficial, but theres still nothing like the curves when it comes to a fun drive.

The Infiniti 4.5 liter 340hp V8 is cool.....oh the M5 394 hp 5 liter is great.....not into american v8 stuff.....but I almost bought a 97 Mustang Cobra the other day......$6500 for a clean teal one with only 66k miles......I hate american cars...but something about that Mustang caught my eye.......

Well I dont know about you, but I live in the mountains, and there are plenty of nice curvey roads around that I definately test the 8s handling limits in. On main roads though I think you are right in saying power is more beneficial, but theres still nothing like the curves when it comes to a fun drive.
I really doubt you test the limits of the car.

I really doubt you test the limits of the car.
I agree 100%. Unless you've taken your car on the track, you have not even come close... no doubt about it. Trust me... I recently learned that firsthand.

Easy...the Chevy V8 is the best hands down. It makes about the most power and is the most fuel efficient.

I agree 100%. Unless you've taken your car on the track, you have not even come close... no doubt about it. Trust me... I recently learned that firsthand.

I'd go even further to say unless you've taken your car on a track and spun. Even some track days are pretty weak and you're not testing your limits, it's more like a game of follow the leader and while you're dring hard you're by no means pushing it.

Honestly, I think power is far more useful than a car that has higher handling limits. All those cars handle pretty well, not as well of the RX-8 but for street driving purposes you're not going to be reaching their limits often if ever in most peoples hands. I can recall maybe twice having tested the limits in my WRX on a street in the past 2+ years.

This is how most people see it. They don't give a shit about handling because the most common driving setting is on a straight road, devoid of curves and sharp turns. Your average joe isn't going to go auto crossing or looking for S curves. He's just going to mash the pedal from a stop light/highway commute and see how fast he can pass the slob driving next to him.

I like a little of both. The RX-8 has got a good blend. Of course it could use some help in both areas (more so in the power area), but for what it offers as a daily driver at its price...it's tremendous.

I like both speed & handling. Drive in NY rush hour and you'll need the handling while moving to weave in and out of traffic. The 8 glides across three lanes effortlessley.

(ls1, ls2, ls6) > *

I'll go with the Vette, the Z06 of course. Best car you can get with a V8. Or, if I was really rich, I'd go with the Saleen S7 or Ford GT. Those have V8s, if not really large and insane.

I remember my Design III teacher (soon to be) said that the V8 layout is one of the best engine designs ever.

Oh yeah, DreRX8, do you know who drives that silver C6 Corvette who parks in the street between the engineering building and the technology buildings at school?

69 cammaro :D i like old school

Honestly, I think power is far more useful than a car that has higher handling limits. All those cars handle pretty well, not as well of the RX-8 but for street driving purposes you're not going to be reaching their limits often if ever in most peoples hands. I can recall maybe twice having tested the limits in my WRX on a street in the past 2+ years.

I drive rather spiritedly but testing the handling limits of a car on public roads is far more moronic than mashing the gas pedal and accelerating as fast as possible. I go WoT just about every day through the first 3 gears in my car and I still get a kick out of it. It handles rather well but I very rarely use its handling capabilities so I'll be getting a bigger turbo over a set of coilovers when I'm ready for my next upgrades.


You have never lived in California.

You have never lived in California.


No, but I have hundreds of hours on a track in all types of vehicles. The cars mentioned in the first post all handle rather well and will carve up a mountain pass better than most. Even though they don't handle quite as well as the RX-8 they would have no problem keeping up with and passing one on a twisty road unless all there are is tight turns.

No, but I have hundreds of hours on a track in all types of vehicles. The cars mentioned in the first post all handle rather well and will carve up a mountain pass better than most. Even though they don't handle quite as well as the RX-8 they would have no problem keeping up with and passing one on a twisty road unless all there are is tight turns.

Sadly, he's probably right.

Best V8? Audi S4. 340 N/A HP!

Ummm, Pontiac Ram Air V. It was available as a crate engine over the counter. It could run with a tuned HEMI, while giving up over 100 CID.

Best V-8 EvaR!

Another vote for the S4!

No, but I have hundreds of hours on a track in all types of vehicles. The cars mentioned in the first post all handle rather well and will carve up a mountain pass better than most. Even though they don't handle quite as well as the RX-8 they would have no problem keeping up with and passing one on a twisty road unless all there are is tight turns.

Uhhhhhh, maaaaybe. I've seen a fair number of newish M3s, Mustangs, and their ilk fade from view behind me on curvy roads, without me hanging out my 8 to the limit. On a straight line, they'd blow my doors off, tho'.

Well, this is a discussion of V-8's, not another argument between handling and horsepower

i'd have to vote for the LS7.

Uhhhhhh, maaaaybe. I've seen a fair number of newish M3s, Mustangs, and their ilk fade from view behind me on curvy roads, without me hanging out my 8 to the limit. On a straight line, they'd blow my doors off, tho'.
they must have been piss poor drivers. Not suprising. M3 drivers are some of the worst drivers out there. And mustang drivers, well, yeah.

they must have been piss poor drivers. Not suprising. M3 drivers are some of the worst drivers out there. And mustang drivers, well, yeah.

Also in a circumstance like described it's just who the bigger idiot is more often than not.

Blueren, read the original post it's about more than just which engine is the best.

My fav is the X5 4.8is. That is one of the sickest sounding V8s I've ever heard. If I had one I'd probably ride around windows down all the time just to hear it better.