Pontiac GTO, BMW 330 or used 2002 BMW 540i

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thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
18,148
1
0
Originally posted by: zener
Freakflag, I saw many "educated" people trashing their cars in the ditch while trying to mimic my cornering due to their rear rigid axle. Please tell me the this "tang" has at least independent suspension.

nope. ford said an independant suspension would "ruin" the classic feel of the mustang. classic obviously meaning crappy. and cheap to produce. no, it's still a live axle boat with a big motor strapped to the front.

my vote goes to the 540i.
 

Crimzon

Senior member
Nov 6, 2002
873
0
0
Originally posted by: amgkid
Originally posted by: nan0bug
540i would be my reccomendation, followed by the GTO. Stay away from the 330i, overpriced and underpowered crap.

The 330i is not underpowered. It has plenty of power and is probably around the same acceleration as the heavy 540. Have you driven a 330i (manual)?

From my short time on the boards, I've noticed people love to talk about things they know little about. They may have read about it, and that makes them an expert.

To the original point: I have an E46 325i, with some minor mods and I love it. Although the 540i is an awesome car, I don't know if I'd want it (Yes I've driven one multiple times). Then again I'm only inbetween undergrad and grad and don't perticularly need the space the 540 has to offer. As for speed and handling the 330 with sports package should be just fine. *shrugs*
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
9
0
Originally posted by: rbloedow
GTO for me - I've never really cared about BMWs, they just don't excite me. They're cars that cost a lot to maintain, not very reliable, and their dealerships are few and far between to get them serviced.

The GTO's drivetrain is bulletproof, and I don't think I'll have to worry about fit and finish since the vehicle is really a Holden. It might be owned by GM, it doesn't share the same crappy finish that US built GMs have. Plus, the aftermarket support for the engine is HUGE, parts are cheap, and I can get it serviced practically anywhere :p



GTO also #1
 

lRageATMl

Senior member
Jun 19, 2002
327
0
0
I'm really suprised on ho wmany people said GTO :)

But it really depends what type of car you are looking for...

I think you should go for the 330!
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
GTO smokes either of those two, but then it also looks bland as crap and has little else going for it, so I'd choose between that and a 540i.
 

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
165
106
Originally posted by: Skoorb
GTO smokes either of those two, but then it also looks bland as crap and has little else going for it, so I'd choose between that and a 540i.

yea i feel the same way. performance wise, the GTO is prolly a LOT better than the other 2. but the car just looks bleh! why couldnt they make it look nicer?!

EDIT: actually i take back everything i said. i just checked out the GTO pics on the pontiac site....car looks sweet and sounds even better!! i change my vote to the GTO. sorry i made an uninformed decision
 

CChaos

Golden Member
Mar 4, 2003
1,586
0
0
Admittedly the GTO is a bit understyled, but considering the fact that it's wearing a Pontaic badge, that might not be a bad thing. I think you are really choosing between two different types of cars here and you should decide which suits you better and you'll have your answer. Personally, I'd go GTO, but I'm contemplating a gently used RX-8 as my next ride in a year or two. There's plenty of time left in my life to be the old man in the silver sedan. I think I'll go for something fun.
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Originally posted by: CChaos
Admittedly the GTO is a bit understyled, but considering the fact that it's wearing a Pontaic badge, that might not be a bad thing. I think you are really choosing between two different types of cars here and you should decide which suits you better and you'll have your answer. Personally, I'd go GTO, but I'm contemplating a gently used RX-8 as my next ride in a year or two. There's plenty of time left in my life to be the old man in the silver sedan. I think I'll go for something fun.
Gently used rx8? Is there such a thing? ;) The RX8 is sweet (4 _real_ seats!).

 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
E38 540i Sport with ///M Aero package and 6-speed tranny = DROOL!
Yeah I didn't know these big silly bmws came with a 5 speed. I figured you'd be down to an autotragic once you left the 3 series (other than m3 and m5). I guess I'm wrong. I think that 520i is really the ticket. It's funny that I belittle the 325why so much because it is slow, and this 520i is slower than the pontiac GTO, but damn in all other ways it is so much better.

 

GTaudiophile

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
29,767
33
81
All 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, Z-series, X-series, and M-series cars are available with at least an auto or manual. The Z-, 5-, and 6-series and M3 also have SMG as an option.

The US 7-series are the only BMWs that force you to do with an auto. The Euro version of the E38 730i had a manual option.

 

XZeroII

Lifer
Jun 30, 2001
12,572
0
0
I've personally never liked BMW. They look ungodly ugly and they are incredibly expensive to maintain. I would go with the GTO. It's the kind of car that you can drive up to someone and they will honestly be VERY impressed. I recently bought a 2003 Grand Am and yes, it is kinda bland at first, but you get used to it and when you do, you start to see how much thought was put into making it very functional yet kinda stylish at the same time.
 

maziwanka

Lifer
Jul 4, 2000
10,415
1
0
i think id have to agree on the 540i. i considered that car too. amazing car and if you can get it for a good price, i would go for it.
 

Salvador

Diamond Member
May 19, 2001
7,058
0
71
Actually, I'd go for a G35 or M3. I'd skip the 330. I'd either go cheaper or more expensive.

Sal
 

Asharus

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
987
0
0
Definitely the 540i. That V8 is a killer! Plus w/ the CPO, you get a better warranty than if you get it new!

The 2k3s did come w/ the M-Technic package, and you get that awesome muffler in the rear. Can't go wrong w/ that!