Test drove an 04 auto GTO and an 05 5spd Mustang today

[AdamK47]

My wife wants to get rid of her Monte Carlo SS to get a new CTS. This got me me in the car shopping mood. I have no intention of getting another GTO or a Mustang, but I wanted first hand experience with both. I first tested a Yellow 04 GTO with an automatic and stock 17" wheels. I got on it really good to the dismay of the poor salesman sitting next to me. "I guess we're on an adventure now" he said while I went WOT. The ride with the 17" wheels felt slightly smoother compared to my 06. I just wanted to test it to know what the automatic and LS1 was like in these cars. The car was obviously slower than my 6spd 06, but it also seemed much slower than my 99 Z28 with the same engine.

Next up was the Mustang. With all of the hype surrounding the car I was expecting much more. I ended up being underwhelmed by it. The interior is el'cheapo just as everyone says. I don't mind it that much. The interior look is much better than my Z28. The plastics are still the same old hard plastics they have been using since forever. Compared to my 06 GTO, the shifter has shorter throws yet felt flimsy. I'm use to the heavier feel of the clutch and shifter in my GTO. I like the shorter throws, but I also like the heavier feel of the GTOs shifter and clutch. The performance of the car is what suprised me the most. What suprised me was the lack of performance. I also went WOT with this car. I asked the salesman with me "Where's the torque?". He didn't say anything. To everyone on here who says the 6spd LS2 GTO is just as fast as a new Mustang GT needs to drive both... correctly. I feel very confident that all three of the cars in my sig are easily quicker than a new Mustang GT.

There you have it.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Mustang only has 4.6L, definitely not the torque monster the GTO is.

The '05 & '06 GTO with the 4spd auto is faster 0-60 and about dead even with the 6spd GTO.

The Mustang GT cheaped out with interior quality and a 300HP pony car should have a 6spd manual. Hell the 120HP Nissan Versa has a 6spd.

 

[krunchykrome]

Should have test drove a new Civic Si.

 

[melchoir]

You have a very fair comparison...

04 GTO (LS1) will be slower than the 99 Z28 (LS1) and your 06 GTO (LS2)
Infact, the closest comparison should be the Z28 and the 06 GTO. They should be very close.

The Mustang GTs are.. slow, as you've found out.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: melchoir
You have a very fair comparison...

04 GTO (LS1) will be slower than the 99 Z28 (LS1) and your 06 GTO (LS2)
Infact, the closest comparison should be the Z28 and the 06 GTO. They should be very close.

The Mustang GTs are.. slow, as you've found out.

Actually, there are times when my Z28 does feel faster than my 06 GTO. When the temperatures are low that is. There are stock Z28s getting high 12s in the quarter in cool temps at low altitude. When the track reopens next year I'm going to see what the car can do when it's cool outside. Heatsoak sucks on any engine especially the LSx engines.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Should have test drove a new Civic Si.

I do want to test drive a new Civic Si. I want to see what all the hype is about this vehicle as well. A few weeks ago I had a new Si with an aftermarket exhaust want to race my 94 Vette. When the light turned green he gunned it. I was like "ooookay whatever" and bit. I didn't even have it at full throttle and still put about 2 lengths on him at just up to 60 mph. I don't know what was going through that kids mind.

 

[UrbanKnight]

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I don't know what was going through that kids mind.

He Thought:
I got mad VTEC YO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I PWN YOU!!!!

NOT

UK

 

[melchoir]

I have a 98 TA, LS1.. not quite stock anymore =), I know a little bit about these cars/motors.

The Z28 probably is quicker in all honesty then the GTO.

You have a 99 A4, I'd expect low to mid 13s for the first time at the track. When you do take that car to the track:
#1 Don't go through the waterbox with street tires
#2 Don't try to heat up your street tires. Give them a quick spin to clean the debris off.
#3 If you're using street tires, don't bother trying to stall it up at all, just flash the throttle from idle.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: melchoir
I have a 98 TA, LS1.. not quite stock anymore =), I know a little bit about these cars/motors.

The Z28 probably is quicker in all honesty then the GTO.

You have a 99 A4, I'd expect low to mid 13s for the first time at the track. When you do take that car to the track:
#1 Don't go through the waterbox with street tires
#2 Don't try to heat up your street tires. Give them a quick spin to clean the debris off.
#3 If you're using street tires, don't bother trying to stall it up at all, just flash the throttle from idle.

It wouldn't be my first time at a track. When lived in Michigan I had a 6spd 99 SS I would take to the track.

 

[melchoir]

Cool, there's a bunch of F-body guys local, and on occasion a GTO guy will hang out too.

We range from stock, to 10 sec N/A 1/4 DD cars.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Should have test drove a new Civic Si.

I do want to test drive a new Civic Si. I want to see what all the hype is about this vehicle as well. A few weeks ago I had a new Si with an aftermarket exhaust want to race my 94 Vette. When the light turned green he gunned it. I was like "ooookay whatever" and bit. I didn't even have it at full throttle and still put about 2 lengths on him at just up to 60 mph. I don't know what was going through that kids mind.

Yea, although it's a sporty car, it's slow. 198hp I think....I don't think thats the selling point for the car though, I think it's more of a fun factor while driving it. It's rev happy 8000rpm redline has to be a joy to drive.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Should have test drove a new Civic Si.

I do want to test drive a new Civic Si. I want to see what all the hype is about this vehicle as well. A few weeks ago I had a new Si with an aftermarket exhaust want to race my 94 Vette. When the light turned green he gunned it. I was like "ooookay whatever" and bit. I didn't even have it at full throttle and still put about 2 lengths on him at just up to 60 mph. I don't know what was going through that kids mind.

Yea, although it's a sporty car, it's slow. 198hp I think....I don't think thats the selling point for the car though, I think it's more of a fun factor while driving it. It's rev happy 8000rpm redline has to be a joy to drive.

Test drive a Cobalt SS and compare it directly to an SI. The Cobalt handles better and is faster. Cobalt is cheaper to modify as well. Plus it does not attract the rice boy attention the SI does.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Should have test drove a new Civic Si.

I do want to test drive a new Civic Si. I want to see what all the hype is about this vehicle as well. A few weeks ago I had a new Si with an aftermarket exhaust want to race my 94 Vette. When the light turned green he gunned it. I was like "ooookay whatever" and bit. I didn't even have it at full throttle and still put about 2 lengths on him at just up to 60 mph. I don't know what was going through that kids mind.

Yea, although it's a sporty car, it's slow. 198hp I think....I don't think thats the selling point for the car though, I think it's more of a fun factor while driving it. It's rev happy 8000rpm redline has to be a joy to drive.

How does a high RPM limit in that particular car make it more fun? I'm not familiar with it.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: AdamK47 3DS

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Should have test drove a new Civic Si.

I do want to test drive a new Civic Si. I want to see what all the hype is about this vehicle as well. A few weeks ago I had a new Si with an aftermarket exhaust want to race my 94 Vette. When the light turned green he gunned it. I was like "ooookay whatever" and bit. I didn't even have it at full throttle and still put about 2 lengths on him at just up to 60 mph. I don't know what was going through that kids mind.

Yea, although it's a sporty car, it's slow. 198hp I think....I don't think thats the selling point for the car though, I think it's more of a fun factor while driving it. It's rev happy 8000rpm redline has to be a joy to drive.

Test drive a Cobalt SS and compare it directly to an SI. The Cobalt handles better and is faster. Cobalt is cheaper to modify as well. Plus it does not attract the rice boy attention the SI does.

And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

if you're still driving a 'sport compact' in 4 years you really need to reexamine your life

 

[Czar]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Mustang only has 4.6L, definitely not the torque monster the GTO is.

The '05 & '06 GTO with the 4spd auto is faster 0-60 and about dead even with the 6spd GTO.

The Mustang GT cheaped out with interior quality and a 300HP pony car should have a 6spd manual. Hell the 120HP Nissan Versa has a 6spd.

my about 100hp corolla has 6speed gearbox

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

if you're still driving a 'sport compact' in 4 years you really need to reexamine your life

I'll give you the benefit of clarifying what you mean exactly by that comment before I deem it as stupid, uncalled for, and ridiculous none the less.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I'll give you the benefit of clarifying what you mean exactly by that comment before I deem it as stupid, uncalled for, and ridiculous none the less.

most people's tastes go through changes during their lives, and the 'sport compact' phase should probably take about 5 years like every other phase. move on up to a family sedan for your 1.5 kids and your dog. in other words, by the time you're 30, grow up.


for the record: i'm hating my sport compact and can't wait to get rid of the damn thing.

 

[Aftermath]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

"Oh no! They're going to let everybody know that the Cobalt is a better performer! I better reach into my tool belt and pull out some cliches about reliability, interior quality, or that stupid wing.

Yeah, that wing doesn't add nearly as awesome as an 8000rpm redline and making all whopping, torqueless power at 7999rpm.

It's not "gutless!" It's "fun!""

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I'll give you the benefit of clarifying what you mean exactly by that comment before I deem it as stupid, uncalled for, and ridiculous none the less.

most people's tastes go through changes during their lives, and the 'sport compact' phase should probably take about 5 years like every other phase. move on up to a family sedan for your 1.5 kids and your dog. in other words, by the time you're 30, grow up.

I understand your point, but your statement is cirumstantial. It doesn't apply to those who won't be 30 in 4 years It doesnt apply to those who own another car or who's spouse owns a family 4-door sedan, and it doesnt apply to those who arent in the habit of buying a new car every 4 years.


In my case, I am in my early 20's and this particular car is one that I am considering purchasing soon. Among other reasons, the reliability factor is one of the main reasons I'm looking at the Si as I dont want to purchase another vehicle in 4 years.


BTW, what sport compact do you own?

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

if you're still driving a 'sport compact' in 4 years you really need to reexamine your life

A person shouldn't relegate themselves to something else because they get older or have more money. It's simply about what they like based on only on their personal opinion. Believe me, I work with people who make their purchases based only on the status quo.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
I'll give you the benefit of clarifying what you mean exactly by that comment before I deem it as stupid, uncalled for, and ridiculous none the less.

most people's tastes go through changes during their lives, and the 'sport compact' phase should probably take about 5 years like every other phase. move on up to a family sedan for your 1.5 kids and your dog. in other words, by the time you're 30, grow up.


for the record: i'm hating my sport compact and can't wait to get rid of the damn thing.

My previous reply to you falls inline with this post. I don't buy this kind of mentality. Just because I have A, B, and C, I should buy D since that is what everyone else is doing. Nope, if I did what everyone else was doing I'd be divorced, remarried, have 3 kids, bought a house that I can barely make the morgage on, and be on anti-depresants.

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

And, you know this how? From the Cobalts littering the sides of expressways?

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
And in 4 years, your supercharged Cobalt will be in dire need of repairs while the naturally aspired Si's 4-banger will be running strong.

And, you know this how? From the Cobalts littering the sides of expressways?

I think it's an extremely safe assumption.

 

[vi edit]

Whoops...read the post wrong.