3.8 vs 3.6
03-12-2019, 04:54 AM
#1
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
3.8 vs 3.6
greetings everyone hope all is well!!!! I wanted to get some opinions because the 3.8 seems to get a lot of hate and I’m not sure why besides fuel and power. Yesterday I had put some oil in my 2011 jku and was driving around and came to a stop light right next to a fella jeeper. It would be a crime to not roll down the windows and compliment each other’s jeeps. Dude loved my Jeep until I said I have the old 3.8L inside and his energy just shifted. “ aw man, Atleast it looks like you have the 3.6 in there, them 3.8s are no good they are sluggish mini van engines “. So I’m just confused with what’s so terrible about the 3.8 so please I need opinions on this.
P.s wasn’t the 3.6 in a mini van too or am I wrong?
P.s wasn’t the 3.6 in a mini van too or am I wrong?
03-12-2019, 05:40 AM
#2
Super Moderator
They're just a little slow, nothing wrong with them. I'm up to 194k on mine and while I really enjoy my girlfriend's 3.6 in her 2016, nothing replaces the fun I have in my own Jeep (3.8 and all).
03-12-2019, 07:17 AM
#3
JK Freak
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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I have the 3.8. Put a good deal of time on and off road. Yes it is "slow" but it is a workhorse and has been a great power plant to me where it counts, which is off the beaten and paved trail.
I hope Mark is ok with me sharing this. He has over 250,000 miles on his 3.8 and his engine has probably forgotten more about off-roading than most engines will ever experience. Check out this video he did as a look back over his 250,000 miles. All on a 3.8.......
I hope Mark is ok with me sharing this. He has over 250,000 miles on his 3.8 and his engine has probably forgotten more about off-roading than most engines will ever experience. Check out this video he did as a look back over his 250,000 miles. All on a 3.8.......
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Cascade Wanderer (07-02-2019)
03-12-2019, 11:35 AM
#4
It's true that there's nothing really wrong with the 3.8L 'besides fuel efficiency and power'... but aren't those two pretty important characteristics of an engine? Anyway, run what you brung and if you're happy with your vehicle then don't worry about what some guy at a stoplight says.
03-12-2019, 12:07 PM
#5
Super Moderator
It's true that there's nothing really wrong with the 3.8L 'besides fuel efficiency and power'... but aren't those two pretty important characteristics of an engine? Anyway, run what you brung and if you're happy with your vehicle then don't worry about what some guy at a stoplight says.
As for power, the 3.6L does have more power.
I'd say that most informed folks that purchase an 07-11 Jeep have already considered (or should have) efficiency, power, comfort, fit, finish against the ability to drive places most other vehicles (in factory trim) can't go as well as being the only vehicle (modern anyway) that can take the doors and top off.
03-12-2019, 12:13 PM
#6
The relevant issue isn't the fuel efficiency of a Wrangler per se but rather a comparison of the two engines in the same vehicle. Where the 3.8 sees 14 mpg the 3.6 might see 16, so perhaps a 15% improvement. Not earth shaking and might be mitigated by many other factors, but just for what it's worth. I agree that the power difference is of much greater importance.
03-12-2019, 12:24 PM
#7
Super Moderator
The relevant issue isn't the fuel efficiency of a Wrangler per se but rather a comparison of the two engines in the same vehicle. Where the 3.8 sees 14 mpg the 3.6 might see 16, so perhaps a 15% improvement. Not earth shaking and might be mitigated by many other factors, but just for what it's worth. I agree that the power difference is of much greater importance.
I've got a 2011 JKU and a 2016 JK... the 2016 definitely has a 'zippier' feel.. but then again, that's comparing a 4-door to a 2-door, and the JKU is a automatic while the JK is a manual.
My point is... I don't disagree that the 3.6L has more torque and more horsepower which does result in a more powerful feel... but, in the end, the difference between the two is MUCH less than most people make it out to be. And, that's from someone who owns both.
SO... conclusion... feeling like you've got a lesser vehicle is all in your mind.
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03-12-2019, 12:33 PM
#8
