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Pontiac GTO v. Subaru STi
471 messages, Last post on May 06, 2008 at 8:58 AM
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| How can one compare an STI with a GTO (monaro where I come from). Guys they are 2 totally different separate cars. The GTO is a 2+2 Coupe with much potential to improve it's handling, performance or brakes if you choose. The base car is great and very comfortable and does all its asked of it. I've only driven a few WRX's as my wife wanted one not long ago. I loved the things! Great handling, great stopping and no doubt better mileage than the GTO but you know what? Ugly body, way too square for me, my opinion only guys but really, it don't even resemble a sports car. At least the GTO has 2 doors. I've had mine now since 2002 with no major issues. I've upgraded the computer, diff ratios, exhaust and today just had the brakes upgraded. I'll never sell it.. (maybe I really like the new Dodge Challenger concept) It's now a 12.5 sec car and should stop better. Sure it's not a Ferrari but lets compare Apples with Apples- WRX v BMW M3 | |
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Replying to: midwesttrader (May 19, 2006 10:45 am) ohh and also subaru as a company has a future, the same can not be said for GM
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Replying to: unctarheel1 (Jun 16, 2006 1:03 am) ohh and also GM BOUGHT 20% OF FHI (Fuji Heavy Industries) who make Subaru's in 1999, I don't know how you figure GM has no future. I'm betting your one of the guys that disrespects V8's haha silly boy.
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Replying to: tallica1 (Jun 16, 2006 3:10 am) |
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Replying to: cmcmanus (May 16, 2006 11:34 pm) (still gonna get the EVO though!!!) |
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I feel rather uniquely qualified to comment here because I recent cross-shopped the GTO and STI far more extensively than anyone should. Its been my dominant train of thought for at least a year (poor wife can confirm). I also currently own an Outback and bought new a '95 Eagle Talon TSI AWD, which has some related driving manners to the STI and which I let go for the new car. First, the Outback ownership experience has been outstanding over 108k miles and I loved every minute of my 11-year relationship with my Talon. There's every reason to expect that the STI will be a working and reliable car in ten years. I can't say that for the GTO - eight, maybe, but ten? ....ummmmaybe... The Talon was good at autocross and the race track - reasonably competitive and durable. It was an absolute hoot in the mountains and snow. It was one of those cars where there was nothing you didn't like about it - it did everything well and some things nearly perfect. I collected christmas trees off snowy fire roads well into the mountains to the amazement of the SUV hipsters who wore masks of disbelief as a low-slung sports car capably progressed up the slope. Long story long - absolutely loved the car. I was talking to a friend in a parking lot when an STI pulled in next to us. The sound was candy - it was a deep but restless and high-idled f'ing race car sound that turned me on. It was the audio equivalent of a twitching race horse. So why, on earth, did I pass on a reliable, incredible, AWD dream-car like the STI? You have to ask my Id. From the first magazine ad to the engine soundtrack on the website to the understated clothing to the Detroit heart, I wanted the GTO. I made several buy lists including the STI, 300C, CTS, 250IS, G35, Mini, etc etc and, looking back, the GTO was always at the top of each list. Then I went and sat in one. It felt right. The seats felt right, color accents on the interior, great stereo, brutal engine, hip hugger wheel wells.... Ok, performance: Took it to an autocross expecting it to be a whale but it was competitive - placed 6th of 27 in its class. As a matter of fact, there were some STI's there and the GTO did better than most of them. THAT was unexpected. Turns out its not just fast but also reasonably quick. Conclusion: The STI is the rational choice by most measures, but the GTO plucks the right strings for me. I have no regrets. Its satisfying to drive and has fantastic back seats (think I caused one salesman some lost sleep when I asked if it had child-safety seat anchors). Oh, and by the way, the GTO has nearly nothing to do with a Grand-whatever. Its a completely different animal. Something like blending a Camaro and a BMW 5-series. Nobody knows what to make of it because its a new thing on our shores, but I finally realized it is actually a small car. My 2+ cents. yuba4
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Replying to: yuba4 (Nov 04, 2006 11:32 pm) Questions: have you had any issues with the struts on your GTO? I am reading horror stories galore about the struts. Any performance mods made to yours? Couple of things on my '06. When delivered the dealer did not adjust the air pressure. After several hundred miles of jaw banging I found the tires had 50 psi! Dropped them to the recommended 33/39 and the ride is great. Also, in the front springs were these 'red' spreaders fitted to the springs. One happened to be squeaking like a screaming hawk. After a couple of days it fell off on its own - noise gone. The one on the right hung in there - I pulled that out. Dealer had no clue!! Had an engine oil leak. It was determined the oil sending switch was seated incorrectly and it was replaced. So far no leaks. I have also installed a K&N Cold Air Intake. I really don't see any difference in the performance. I love the car, the comfort is great and the performance is good. We have an STi in the house hold and I have had the opportunity to drive it. Like driving a brick. Quick response like a go-kart. Oil burner for sure. Step kid is the owner has launched the engine twice now due to his own negligence. The seats are uncomfortable. Oh well, that is my story on the GTO vs STi. Jeff |
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However, they are different cars, hard comparison. If you need an all around car, go for the STi. However for myself, I don't need an all around car. I have a Subaru Legacy dedicated Road Race car and a Nissan Armada to tow that and my cigarette boat. I'm looking at getting a GTO next year as a daily driver because I want a fun, high HP car that's luxurious and has an MT. I like the 300/charger, but no MT. Don't like Fords, so mustang is out. Looked at the G35, but not enough power for the $. STi is cool, but since I'm older, I'm looking for something with a nice ride, power, and great seats. As much as I love subarus, the seats blow, and they have a bit of a harsh ride, which is great for handling but I have my race car for that. So all in all, Sti = better all around, overall car, but GTO has it's place/niche. -mike
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Replying to: paisan (Nov 17, 2006 5:07 am) |
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Here in NYC and the surrounding area I've seen about 5 in the past 6 months. Most folks think they are GrandPrixs which is fine with me cause I like to be on the DL. -mike |
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