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Ford Mustang (2005) vs. 2005 Pontiac GTO

2056 messages,  Last post on May 27, 2009 at 5:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Mustang, Pontiac GTO, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 166 of 206

#1646 of 2056 Camaros, Mustangs, and GTO's by hammen2

Dec 21, 2005 (7:42 pm)

The GTO is dead after the 2006 model year. Pontiac's main focus is on a RWD sedan to take the place of the current Grand Prix (which dies after 2008 MY) and compete better against the Charger (I know of two former GTP owners who just bought Chargers, one an R/T, the other an SRT-8). Pontiac may see a RWD coupe in 2009 or 2010, but with all that's going on at GM, nothing is set in stone.
 
The new Camaro "concept" that will be shown at NAIAS (leaked pictures of a prototype are out there) will have IRS, so no need to debate if it's necessary - it will have it (so, supposedly, will the Mustang, by MY2009). Speculation says the base engine will be the 240 hp 3.9L engine (as found in the G6 GTP and Impala LTZ, among others), with 5.3L and 6.2L mills as the rumored V8 options. Don't expect it to be the LS2 as that engine goes bye-bye around 2008 as the St. Catharine's engine plant is scheduled to close...
 
GM has fast-tracked their RWD vehicles (much like they did their trucks earlier this year), and, unless public reaction to the Camaro concept is negative, it's a shoo-in for production. Expect it to fit into the 22-32k market, depending on engine and options - more closely competing with the Mustang. Also expect it to have a more Mustang-sized back seat than the larger GTO.
 
Chevy is having several hundred Camaro enthusiasts at the press introduction event... a sign of what is to come. Also, this project has been in the works for years (GM has wanted a RWD sports coupe since the death of the Camaro/Firebird, the Monaro/GTO was just a stopgap for Pontiac) - if anything, the success of the Mustang pushed this to the front burner.
 
There is still some debate about what platform the production car will be on... the protoype looks like Sigma from the leaked CAD drawings, but the rumor is that the production car will be on the Aussie VE/Zeta platform (which does use some Sigma suspension components). I guess we'll find out in a couple of years...
 
--Robert

#1647 of 2056 Re: Camaros, Mustangs, and GTO's [hammen2] by blackflag3

Dec 22, 2005 (9:01 am)

Replying to: hammen2 (Dec 21, 2005 7:42 pm)
If the 06 is the last of the GT0's be darn glad that you have one. This can only mean it will increase in value in the future. A collectors item for sure.
There is not a regular US production performance car on the road for the money any quicker or better made than the 400hp GTO including the SRT-8 Charger at this point in time.

#1648 of 2056 Re: Camaros, Mustangs, and GTO's [hammen2] by jae5

Dec 22, 2005 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: hammen2 (Dec 21, 2005 7:42 pm)
Guess GM was looking at my and rorr's back and forth a few posts back.
 
Thanks for the update hammen2

#1649 of 2056 U.S. Production Cars by vppreacher

Dec 22, 2005 (5:17 pm)

While I agree the GTO is a great car, I take issue that "there is not a regular US production performance car on the road for the money any quicker or better made than the 400hp GTO including the SRT-8 Charger at this point in time." Most of the magazine reviews have been very close between the S197 Mustang GT and the Pontiac GTO. I will definitely say the GTO bests the Mustang in interior styling, back seat room, and acceleration (just barely though). The Stang, however, has the lead in exterior styling, transmission performance, and handling and trades rear seat room for trunk space.
 
Based on Edmund's average cost numbers when I bought my Mustang GT, I saved $6,000+ over a similarly apportioned GTO. Granted the GTO has 100 more hp, but it's greater curb weight negates most of that power. With the extra money I saved, I've spruced up the interior and added extensive Eibach and Vortech upgrades which well exceed a stock GTO.
 
I'm not saying the Mustang is the unequivocal winner. The GTO and Mustang are both great cars for very different reasons. The "sleeper" GTO is definitely more stealthy and more collectible/less desired, but it is by no means the end all, be all of US production performance cars.

#1651 of 2056 Re: gas.. [05goat] by coolhandluke

Dec 24, 2005 (5:12 pm)

Replying to: 05goat (Dec 13, 2005 5:34 pm)
After you have had a little "break in" period I would suppose you should see around 17+ MPG in the city.

#1653 of 2056 Re: Jae5, 180mph confirmed article [jae5] by vxr04

Dec 28, 2005 (1:05 am)

Replying to: jae5 (Apr 15, 2005 10:33 am)
got an 04a4 gto no mod all stock except superchips killed the governer raced with a ninja hit 166mph without a sweat heavy car won't fly as you stated. I've noticed at those speeds the steering wheel stiffens witch is good. control is very reliable and with its stealthy design it cuts thru air like rocket and I kept pulling. no BS just a happy costumer

#1654 of 2056 Re: U.S. Production Cars [vppreacher] by ronjumps

Dec 28, 2005 (1:48 am)

Replying to: vppreacher (Dec 22, 2005 5:17 pm)
My 10 cents...
 
I own a 2001 Mustang GT 121,000 miles...And while I love the power. It is not the most reliable car I ever had. It is in the shop right now. It has had three trannies in it, two front racks, the leather ripped at 60,000 miles....ect.
 
Still, I like the car. Even looked at the 05's just the other day. Took one for a drive and liked it. Seemed light and very fast. The interior looked cheap. Not terribly cheap, but not really nice either. The upgrade made it look better, but not much.
 
Good points...Well it looks kinda cool. Its pretty fast and FELT fast. Its about 25,000 fully loaded for me.
 
Bad points...Well it looks cool, but so did my 2001 and I am sick of seeing 3 at almost every stop light. I think the new body style will suffer the same fate. Also, it looks pretty much the same as the v6...Yes, I know that YOU & I can tell the difference, but the average idiot on the block cannot. I had to explain to my parents and a few of my friends the differences...One guy thought I had the "Cobra" version. The average idiot cop also seems to like the look of the new GT.
 
I almost can give the nod to the Mustang GT for my personal driveability.
 
I also drove the GTO. It seemed heavier, and not as "quick". It did seem MUCH nicer inside and out. I think it is a higher class of car. I think some of the folks on here saying its like a BMW, or Benz...Might not have ever been in a BMW or Benz. Its nicer than the Mustang, but not nearly as nice as any 325 I have been in for fit and finish.
 
Good points...Well its a much more "Adult" car. It is refined and if I buy it I will not have 18 year olds driving 19k dollar V6 versions of it slapping "Cobra" emblems all over it acting like an idiot making cops and insurance companies look at me. Also it seems according to the numbers to be about the same speed as a Stang, and with the same economy.
 
Bad points...Well working the numbers both ways, it will cost me more. I am looking at a new 2005 GTO for about 28K vs a 2006 Mustang for 25K.
 
The Mustang "feels" faster, but the numbers say the GTO actually gets the performance nod. And the GTO is above the Mustang in the "Comfort" factor and the knowledge that while it may not turn heads....I will not see one at every stop light.
 
Most reviewers give the nod to the Mustang based on "Style"....Well thats great, but I think the style fades with so many out there and with so many of those being V6's it makes me give the nod to the GTO.
 
Two questions remain.
 
I HATE the over 70 warning on the GTO, and the two hour "Rest" chime sucks. Can I turn those off?
 
Does the GTO need high test vs the Stangs regular?

#1655 of 2056 Re: U.S. Production Cars [ronjumps] by tayl0rd

Dec 28, 2005 (6:42 am)

Replying to: ronjumps (Dec 28, 2005 1:48 am)
It has had three trannies in it, ...
 
Who you ride around in it is no indication of your Mustang's reliability.
 
Does the GTO need high test vs the Stangs regular?
 
Yes.

Messages Page 166 of 206

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