V6 Handling Differences

[Jo7hs2]

Not disparaging the V6 folks here, but my rental while my 2012 SE I4 is in for transmission work is a 2011 Milan 3.0 V6, and the V6 really changes the handling of the CD3 platform, IMO. The steering is heavier, and the car is a less responsive, with more lean in the corners. I wouldn't have expected such a noticable difference from 0.5L of displacement. For once, I have to agree with the reviewers that said the I4 felt more natural on this platform...they love to say that about mid-size sedans. Then again, there is quite a bit more power, and it isn't exactly a slouch in the handling department even with the extra weight.

 

Did anybody else drive both and notice this, or is it a case of 33k rentalitis?

Edited August 16, 2012 by Jo7hs2

[mav3rick]

I own a V6 2010 Fusion FWD and have never been in the I4. I never felt that the steering was heavy or non-responsive, but I did notice the lean on corners. I also feel like I am driving a quality built car, not some little tin box toyota. Good tires make a great difference, and since I added the Steeda Strut tower brace, I have noticed a significant decrease in roll. Really love it for $80... plus the power from the V6 is perfect for how I like to drive - I can still push out 30-33 mpg on the highway if I need to, and then rip past someone down in the VT country roads.

[Monochrome11]

The V-6 does add weight to the front of the Fusion. I am sure Ford addresses this by tuning the suspension for the extra weight somewhat. However, it maybe not enough just to help keep a smoother ride. My Fusion came with the performance suspension that, from what I have been told, is the same as the Sport suspension. The handling with that suspension is great. There is very little lean in the corners and steering response is crisp. I am sure there is some sacrifice in ride but it is minimal.

[BlackBetty]

I've driven my sport and a 4cyl rental. I found that the rental didn't feel as planted and more floaty it also seemed to have way more body roll.

 

From the reviews I've read and from what I've read on here makes me think that something was wrong with the rental. Maybe it needed some new struts..

[Jo7hs2]

I'm not saying it is heavy or non-responsive in overall terms, nor am i arguing the merits of power vs handling, I'm just noting that it feels heavier and less responsive than the I4 Fusions I've driven. In other words, still great handling for a mid-size, but not quite as "chuckable" as the lighter I4. Makes me wonder about the handling on the new Fusion, with those light engines.

 

I will say the V6 does feel more substantial with that extra weight, sometimes my I4 feels a little too light, although it is much more forgiving than most lightish mid-size cars I've driven...my 2002 Taurus was actually slightly heavier, but much easier to lose in a sharp bad weather turn. I've yet to lose the rear of a CD3-based Ford vehicle, which is something of a testament to Ford's suspension tuning and traction control setup, as I spend a lot of time on gravel on the weekends.

[awdpath]

The V6 3.0 engine is about 150 lbs heavier than the I4 ! However, the V6 3.0 AWD (07-12) has a lower center of gravity ( lower than the BMW3 xi, Audi4 awd, Subaru Impreza/Legacy, Acura TL/RL awd )

Edited August 17, 2012 by awdpath

[FusionDiffusion]

Because of the extra weight of the larger engine, there's obviously more weight on the front wheels so the steering will feel a little heavier. The extra weight will also cause the front end to not feel quite as nimble going in and out of turns. But the stiffer springs and lower center of gravity with the V6 engine should actually create slightly less body roll than with the I4. The suspension is a little bit different (higher spring rates) with the V6 vs the I4, so I think any perceived differences would be due to the springs and dampers being worn or abused on the rental car vs. your car.

 

However, all this aside I think the Fusions are really great handling cars for their market segment. My car has an even bigger engine (and the sport suspension), and I think it handles just great. Yes it's not quite as nimble as the lighter cars, but it really stays planted in the turns. Weight is the enemy, so getting a heavy car to handle like that is fairly impressive. The vehicle dynamics guys at Ford are pretty top notch. Remember they got a car (Boss 302) with a solid rear axle to handle better than a BMW M3 with independent suspension.

[Jo7hs2]

However, all this aside I think the Fusions are really great handling cars for their market segment. My car has an even bigger engine (and the sport suspension), and I think it handles just great. Yes it's not quite as nimble as the lighter cars, but it really stays planted in the turns. Weight is the enemy, so getting a heavy car to handle like that is fairly impressive. The vehicle dynamics guys at Ford are pretty top notch. Remember they got a car (Boss 302) with a solid rear axle to handle better than a BMW M3 with independent suspension.

 

Amen to that! Ford's vehicle dynamics folks really are amazing. From pulling off the IRS on the 1989-1997 Thunderbird, to the Focus, to the Fusion, I've been consistently amazed with they can pull off while deprived of the high sticker prices the Germans can charge. And all the Fusions really handle awesome! I'm exited to hear how the new Fusion reviews.

[MonoxideChild]

this is fitting for me. i originally planned on purchasing the v6 MTX version, and after driving it. and then comparing it to a 4 cyl MTX they also had on the lot. i actually chose the i4 instead. which is surprising cause im usually all about speed. (considering i own 3 turbo cars even right now). that was back in 2006, and i couldnt be happier with my decision. specially after seeing all the engine issues the v6's have. lol

[Jo7hs2]

One addendum...there IS more body roll on the I4, but my other comments stand. The I4 also is a little wilder on uneven surfaces, with a little more surface tracking. The shift programming for the 6F35 is better on the V6, IMO.

[Big Jim]

this is fitting for me. i originally planned on purchasing the v6 MTX version, and after driving it. and then comparing it to a 4 cyl MTX they also had on the lot. i actually chose the i4 instead. which is surprising cause im usually all about speed. (considering i own 3 turbo cars even right now). that was back in 2006, and i couldnt be happier with my decision. specially after seeing all the engine issues the v6's have. lol

 

V6 MTX? Really?

[akirby]

V6 MTX? Really?

 

Note signature:

Current Vehicle:2005 mazda6 2.3 mtx

[Big Jim]

Note:

 

2.3 is not a V6.

 

I see your point, I know that the Mazda 6, at least for some years, came with an MTX V6.

[MonoxideChild]

yup. im a chassis brother. same thing in a different outfit. lol

 

and the 2.3 is indeed a 4 cyl. thats why i said in my OP that i ended up going with the inline 4.

 

and actually mazda did make a 2.3 v6. the old millercycle supercharged v6's in the millenia's were a 2.3.

[BKZOWN]

I've driven my sport and a 4cyl rental. I found that the rental didn't feel as planted and more floaty it also seemed to have way more body roll.

 

From the reviews I've read and from what I've read on here makes me think that something was wrong with the rental. Maybe it needed some new struts..

before my sport i had a 2009 mercury milan I4. the handling is night and day. not saying the four cylinder was bad but the Sport hugs the road pretty nice especially for stock suspension. i love the way the sport drives, i was actually amazed at what a difference it was from my milan

[BlackBetty]

^^^

I totally agree, Those few things Ford did to the Sports suspension sure helped a ton!

[Jo7hs2]

I was really comparing the I4 with the bog-standard 3.0 V6... The Sport is a performance model, I'd expect it to have better handling than any given S, SE, and SEL, regardless of the engine choice the owner made, because it has been specifically tuned for "sporty" handling.

[Monochrome11]

You are forgetting the SE and SEL were available with an optional Appearance Package that included a suspension upgrade ("sport tuned suspension") which I understand is the same as the Sport suspension. I don't know if the Appearance Package is available with the 4 cyl but it would really handle well with the less weight up front. I have not driven a Fusion with the standard suspension but I am sure there is a slight compromise to get a softer ride that many people want.

[geost1]

I'm no engineer here but a larger motor really should have little affect on the handling, IMO. Having said that, the differences in the packages as others have described will affect the handling. Different suspension tuning and tires make a difference.

 

Comparing the SPORT to non-sport models is a little different though. As my fellow SPORT owners can probably attest to, we have larger rims and hydralic power steering along with a tuned suspension... not to mention our 3.5's will blow the I-4's out of the water in performance. Sorry but we're just faster... :P

 

Either way I wouldn't discount the affect tires make on handling. When I switched the tires on my truck not only did the ride change but so did the handling, without any other mechanical changes. I'm actually looking to get rid of the shitty Goodyear tires on my SPORT next year, for something that rides and handles even better. :burnout:

[akirby]

I'm no engineer here but a larger motor really should have little affect on the handling, IMO.

 

Take a perfectly balanced sports car and add 75 lbs of weight to the front of the car and see what affect it has on handling.

 

Ask any Lincoln LS owner about the difference between the V6 (51/49 weight balance) and the V8 (53/47). It was noticeable. Weight distribution is very important to handling.