We are already at 5 pages here talking about v6 vs v8 so why not add to it.
I am a random guy on the internet, so who cares about my opinion but here you go. I am a mechanical engineer by trade but on weekends I work as a driver/transporter for an exotic car consignment company. I have had the lucky ability to drive basically every car I can think of on public roads, and usually, since we are in an industrial area on the weekend (it is quiet) I can do some spirited (on public road) driving (don't take anything I am about to say about track driving)
I've owned a 06 GTO 6spd, a honda civic si 10th gen, an audi s4 (v6 turbo) and s5 (V6 Supercharged), I drove for a 500 mile road trip a hellcat, I have driven paganis, lambos, porches, you name it. Old and new. 1950s all the way to yesterdays brand new cars. Not saying I know everything, I don't, but just my 2 cents and my stupid "resume"
to attempt to justify my opinion.
Wherever you land on the V6 vs V8 discussion with this car is just a reflection on what you value. Don't take this as a shot against the v8 side of the arguement, but IMO if you knock the v6TT and want the v8 in the 4BW. its probably, deep down inside of you, for really only 3 reasons. 1. Saying you have a v8. 2. The sound/feel (more on that later) 3. MAYBE I can argue the powertrain "feel" and response, but honestly spending time with the v6TT, this is a weak argument IMO.
The engine in the 4VBWisn't a V8. But taking how many cylinders it has out of the picture, if I was able to magically put you in this car, have you drive is as hard as you wanted, without you knowing what engine it had, and you just focused on driving it (I think we can all agree that's what we care about, the driving experience)
I don't think anyone would have a single complaint. For the money, I haven't ran into a better driving experience without making SIGNIFIGANT compromises on useability. My B8.5 Audi S5 with a v6 super charger tuned to all hell was close, but this car is so much better at "doing both". If you want this car to be less refined and more visceral, go grab a track exhaust and stiffer suspension.. I did that on my Audi s5 and the thing felt more violent than any v8 I have ever driven. It felt like it was trying to rip itself apart while I drove it. It was awesome (and a v6)
Long story short, let's appreciate the 4BW and the 5BW exsist. In two or three decades we may have 0 options like these two. They both exist, and personally, I think they both are on top of the all time great sedan mount Rushmore. And as my wallet suggests, I bought the 4 over the 5 for a reason
Obviously the v8 is probably number 1 in all time car "things". But it doesn't mean you can like/love/admire a car ONLY if it has one.
Thanks for reading my opinion...which doesn't matter at all.
Also.....6 speed!!!!!!!!!!! Just needs to be said.