Which has better ride - IV or V

Ride- from a strictly performance standpoint, the differences are negligible in my opinion. Small, noticeable but arguably, not enough to pay for (unless every little bit better is worth it to you). I think V looks a lot cooler.

Comfort- no differences that I could detect aside from the obvious difference in features which, in my opinion, don't make the V more comfortable, than the IV.

Handling- see "Ride"

I bought a IV after driving both. Just one person's view, as always, YMMV.

 

The handling is far superior on the V, at least compared to my 2004 GenII, which had 15" wheels. Cornering is better, the car "feels" more stable at high speed on the highway, with a crosswind. I would never go back to a lesser model now. There is more rolling resistance on the wider 17" tires, but that is why the car is more stable at highspeed and in crosswinds, it has more road contact. I sacraficed the 2-3 mpg for the improved handling. the V, Gen3 is still getting better mileage than my older Gen2/2004 model...

 

imho, any stock North American Gen3 (IV or V) is better than a Gen II with 15" tires, from the times I've used a Gen II. Never tried the Gen II touring version however.

 

get a II or III and take the money you would have spent on a IV or V and buy new rims and tires that you like.

 

I've seen it posted many times that the 17's getting less mpg's and I believe those posters. That being said, why do you suppose it's true?
Is it because the 17" tire/wheel combo is heavier? Wider? The tires themselves have more rolling resistance?

 

You are supposed to get more MPG with 17' wheels.

 

The II, III, and IV handling is noticeably better than the Gen2 non-touring also. Less body roll on the '10, whole car feels more solid, not that the Gen2 is bad or anything. But there was a reason some added BT Tech brace (sp?) on the Gen2.

 

There is more tire in contact with the road, likely more rolling resistance, bit less MPG's.

I would think the larger tire wheel combo weighs a little more too.

 

the V's wheels and tires weigh approximately 10lbs per tire more, my 17" wheels and tires weigh approximately 5lbs per tire more. This will not greatly affect mpg.

The 17" tires have a greater contact patch which improves skid pad and decreases breaking distance. Depending on tires this will increase rolling resistance. Those with 17" tires may also drive more aggressively.

 

I think the IV has a better ride , but I drive my 2nd Gen '08 more often. As mentioned before, the difference on IV and V ride wise is almost unnoticeable. Get the IV with Solar Panels or V with a little more options.