Late model V6 X-EC differences

[TullyK]

Hello,

This seems like a pretty quiet corner of the forum now but hopefully someone can help.

I've been running a 2002 2.0 petrol GV for the past 4 years, I really like the platform and reliability, but have always wanted the V6.
As I understand, the 2004-2005 X-EC models had a refined version of the V6 with slightly more power than the earlier V6s (155hp compared to about 140hp).

- Can anyone comment on the driving characteristics of these late model V6s? Would I really notice much difference compared to my 2.0, which I don't think is a bad engine, although a bit noisy on the motorway.

- Safety. I imagine all the X-ECs come with ABS, on the Parkers website they mention they also have electronic brake force distribution which, if true, would go some way to me justifying keeping with the older platform over the mk2 GV (which I'd only really consider for its improved safety). Anyone know if these really did have brake force distribution? I know the mk2 is overall a much safer vehicle, but EBD on the old X-EC would be a nice unexpected feature.

- Any other comments on the late model X-ECs compared to the earlier models? I can't see much other than the slightly naff looking leather seats.

If I do end up finding and buying a V6 I'd hopefully keep it long term and get a bit more involved on this forum, if there's anyone else still out there posting in the 98-05 section at least!

Thanks

[TullyK]

On the question of Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, I just found this old Suzuki press release which says all their cars from 2004 did have it.

https://media.suzuki.co.uk/en-gb/releases/564


It says however that "the standard ABS system with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) ensures braking effort between front and rear wheels is adjusted according to the weight distribution at any given time, for maximum retardation", which to me sounds less sophisticated the more modern ESP systems that can aid in avoiding slides and rollovers.

[IanL]

Like you, I find it disappointing that the board has so little use. It used to be thriving, but was plagued with spam and downtime for a period, and I guess the users just went away.

My GV is the original 1997 V6, so I have no experience of the X-EC, but I would not put too much emphasis on the more sophisticated EBD. In my experience, the standard ABS works well for the slithery situations, but if the back end breaks away, it happens so suddenly that no system is going to be able to counter it. Having said that, you have to provoke such an event, by cornering in slippery conditions with no load in the back, and using too much power. Come to think of it, in that situation, you don't even have time to touch the brake, so the point is moot.

[TullyK]

Thanks for your reply. I'll not expect anything from the EBD then but it's good to know the ABS works well, my current GV doesn't even have that.

I've not found the back end too lively in my 2.0 but I suppose I'm not provoking it as you say. The Daihatsu Sportrak I had before with leaf springs was much more eager to let go.

Unfortunately the V6 I was interested in buying doesn't look as good as I first thought so probably isn't going to happen this time. I'm also pursuing the idea of the mk2 GV with the 2.4 petrol. I prefer the ladder frame mk1s and from what I've read so do a lot of people but the modern safety features and cruise control is tempting. They're beginning to come down to an affordable price now so perhaps I'll end up frequenting another part of the forum. It's a shame Suzuki didn't offer the 3.2 V6 in the mk2 over here, it seems like those mk1 V6s are really one of a kind in the compact 4x4 market.

[IanL]

The Vitara V6 2.0 litre are very rare, so there is not a lot of expertise on them, but my understanding is that the engines had quite a number of issues which Suzuki only overcame with the 2.5 and 2.7 litre V6s. My guess is that most Vitara V6s have died the death. The GV 2.5 and 2.7 are pretty bullet-proof.