{"id":2308,"date":"2022-04-19T09:58:01","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T09:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4x4maniacal.com\/?p=2308"},"modified":"2022-05-17T11:21:12","modified_gmt":"2022-05-17T11:21:12","slug":"jeep-engine-3-6-vs-3-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4x4maniacal.com\/jeep-engine-3-6-vs-3-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparing The Jeep Engine 3.6 vs 3.8"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I hear a lot of discussions concerning the 3.6 and the 3.8 Jeep engines. Everyone wants to know which of these is the best engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is that they are both good engines according to what you want and need.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take an in-depth look at the engines so you can make an informed decision on which you would prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Differences in The 3.6 and The 3.8<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 3.6<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Jeep Grand Cherokee
3.6L Pentastar\u00ae V6 Engine
Photo Credit (martinsgarage.net) <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Horsepower <\/td>        285<\/td><\/tr>
Torque<\/td>          260<\/td><\/tr>
Manual or Automatic Transmission<\/td>          Your choice<\/td><\/tr>
Towing capacity<\/td>          3500 pounds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 3.6 is a powerful engine for its size. It is powerful, reliable, and pretty darn fuel-efficient. Part of the efficiency is due to the lighter aluminum blocks used on this engine. The aluminum weighs less so the vehicle needs less fuel to power it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3.6 is a lightweight engine that has four valves in each cylinder. The increased number of valves increases the airflow and reduces fuel consumption while increasing power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3.8<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"3.8
Photo Credit (mishimoto.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Horsepower<\/td>                  199<\/td><\/tr>
Torque<\/td>                  232<\/td><\/tr>
Manual or Automatic Transmission<\/td>                  Your choice<\/td><\/tr>
Towing Capacity<\/td>                  2500 pounds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 3.8 is simple to work on. It is also a less expensive engine to manufacture. This is partially due to the fact that the number of valves 3.8 has is one-half the number that 3.6 has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blocks on the 3.8 are made of cast iron instead of aluminum. Cast iron is considered by many to be better because it is tough and harder to warp or crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repairing this engine will be less expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you are comparing these engines you will find that they both get excellent reviews from people who have owned them. The 3.6 is a slightly more powerful engine with greater towing capacity. These features are intriguing to most Jeep owners because most Jeep owners go places and do things where towing is a major part of their day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a boat or camper that needs to be pulled to the lake on weekends you will benefit from owning a vehicle with the 3.6. The 3.6 uses less fuel and it gets you where you are going a little faster than the 3.8 does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are the type of person that trades your vehicle every two to three years then the 3.6 is a great option for you. If you are the kind of person that keeps a vehicle for 5 or more years and gets the most out of it the 3.8 might be a better choice for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 3.8 has a less complicated design and the repairs to it as parts start to wear out will be less expensive than repairs to the 3.6. You may also find that when you are purchasing the vehicle the ones that are 3.8 powered have lower sticker prices. The lower initial investment is often a reason why people choose one engine over another one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding Factors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The deciding factors that you have to take into consideration include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n