GTO coupe observation

[masetodd]

When I bought my 2003 G35, I was proudest of the fact that it was one of a handful of cars that offered high performance for around the low $30k range. Throw in the style factor, and it was a no brainer.

Flashforward 2 years later, and now there's a slew of cars available for around $30k that offer serious performance. Now don't get me wrong - I wouldn't trade my baby in for a sub-5 second WRX STi econobox, but I sometimes questions myself if I would make the same purchase now.

The '05 GTO coupe looks like the Cavilier's older brother, but it packs 400HP for only $32K (and I bet you could get incentives on top of that). You can get into a quicker-than-G35 Mustang GT for less than $30K, and it doesn't look that bad either. Yes, I know they're not as upscale as our car, but that doesn't make me feel better when I'm getting spanked off the line by someone who spent less money than me.

I think it's great that there's a Horsepower War going on now - it can only mean good things for us car enthusiasts. My only wish for the future is that Nissan make their next sports car available to us "normal" people (i.e. incomes under $100,000). Unfortunately, it seems the next generation GT-R will be priced at least twice as much as the G35.

[Knightt]

I agree...but there will always be a car that is faster and cheaper, but if Nissan/Infiniti focus on strictly engine power, they will lose focus on everything else. Their cars are design for "normal" people, a balance for everything...having a 400HP car and have nothing else to offer would be a little excessive than normal, not everyone races or needs a powerful engine...but again, I agree with you...spending that much and not feel superior on the road can suck. It's all about whether or not you're paying for a "car" or for an "engine". Just my .02 cents

Oh well...such is life, haha.

[SilverII]

you are not taking quality and service in to account when you are choosing a car.

[Knightt]

Originally Posted by SilverII

you are not taking quality and service in to account when you are choosing a car.

That's a good point too...

[infiniti4life]

I agree on the service and quality statement... my 05 G is my third Infiniti product and basically my positive experience with the other two made the G decision even easier... I would pay a premium for the piece of mind that I have a relatively well built car and am treated great when it is serviced... I also own an 04 Grand Cherokee which is inferior, but after discounts and everything was $21k and understand that and it serves its purpose as a commuter/winter car... years ago i had a $40k loaded Grand Cherokee and not to sound like I am an elitest, but the same guy that just covered himself in grease working on a $9k Neon climbed in to fix my Jeep and often had been bumped in service, fight over warranty items, etc.. I have some Corvettes in the family and i feel the same with having teh guy fixing the cavalier jumping into my vette because he went to a few extra training classes... just my .02

[neffster]

Heck, I'd be happy if Infiniti would build a G35 that had an engine block like the Supra. If the car was practically identical to what we have now, but with a bullet proof block and much stronger internals I'd trade my G in for it in a heart beat. This way, if you wanted to throw on a $5K single turbo or a $7K TT the only thing you'd have to worry about is how much boost you wanted to run...

[LUV2DRIVEMYG35]

Originally Posted by masetodd

The '05 GTO coupe looks like the Cavilier's older brother,

It's about the fugliest fast car I've ever seen. GM was too cheap to build a GTO from the ground up so they took a car they were selling in Austraila called the Holden Monaro and decided to drop a vette engine in it. GTO aficionados were pissed and rightly so. While Ford was giving the Mustang a nice retro look, GM blew heritage to the wind, decided to stop making the Camaro and FB and start making a this thing. IMO, there's comes a point where you have to strike a balance between power, looks, quality, relability and service.

You can drive a G for all those things. But you can only drive a GTO for its power. Like Knightt wrote, they'll always be a faster car, but IMO, for the price point, the G's got it all.

[G352NV]

GTO is a fast biotch! It ran a 13.6 stock at the track I was at. BUT it is BUTT ugly!!

[2002ap1]

Originally Posted by masetodd

Now don't get me wrong - I wouldn't trade my baby in for a sub-5 second WRX STi econobox

I find it funny you call the STi an "econobox".

[PeteNJ]

Originally Posted by 2002ap1

I find it funny you call the STi an "econobox".

Why not it is based off of an economy car? Same interior/exterior sans front seats/gauge cluster/steering wheel.

[ashadiow]

STi is an econobox, like the EVO the SRT-4 and what not. THat being said, they can be hella fast. for and xtra 1800 you cna make those SRT's WHP go to just under 400.

As far as the GTO, they blew it, big time. ANd they know it. Sales are miniscule. Wouldn't trade the G for anythign out there right now.

[2002ap1]

Originally Posted by PeteNJ

Why not it is based off of an economy car? Same interior/exterior sans front seats/gauge cluster/steering wheel.

I really wouldn't call the WRX or STi an econobox or an economy car. I would call the 2.5RS an econobox.

[ast]

I was going to get a new GTO but they are not being sold in Canada because they do not pass some bumper crash regulations. I was very dissapointed. In hindsight it was the best thing that could have happened as I just took delivery of my new G35 6MT black on black this week. This car is amazing. Raw horsepower is not everthing. This car does it all and it dosen't look like a sunfire.

[SAL9000]

I am in the same "seems like good performance value" boat as you in regards to the GTO and Mustang. Being a techno snob, there's no way I'd be either. Though I prefer the styling of both to the G35 coupe (not too much into style anyway), it's 2005. I'm not buying a new car with a pushrod motor (GTO) or a solid axle and iron engine block (Mustang). Also, it seems both still have some of that Camaro aura (read: mullet, jean jacket, Iron Maiden, etc.)

[jnkirk1974]

Not to bag on my own country, but the Pontiac GTO represents everything that is wrong with American auto making.

That car is crap quality, heavy as hell and has the looks of my left butt cheek.

While I admire the fact that it has 400hp, the Germans can get much more performance out of their cars with a less horsepower.

This car may actually be the one that put Pontiac completely under for good.

Rumor is that GM is trying to decide between Pontian and Buick on which to kill off.

I vote for both.