Handling: G37 vs. G8 GT
#1
Handling: G37 vs. G8 GT
Has anyone ever driven both cars and can comment on the handling of a sport packaged equipped G37 vs. a Pontiac G8 GT?
From what I understand, most people rave the G8 GT as being one of the best values in the $25k to $30k range with some magazines quoting it as BMW 5-series-like handling.
Obviously, the G8 GT is really quick off the line and in a straight line race. It's hard to beat a 361hp V8 engine that runs on 87 octane with a Corvette-sourced 6spd auto. Tunes typically get the L76 V8 to 400hp.
From what I understand, most people rave the G8 GT as being one of the best values in the $25k to $30k range with some magazines quoting it as BMW 5-series-like handling.
Obviously, the G8 GT is really quick off the line and in a straight line race. It's hard to beat a 361hp V8 engine that runs on 87 octane with a Corvette-sourced 6spd auto. Tunes typically get the L76 V8 to 400hp.
#2
Has anyone ever driven both cars and can comment on the handling of a sport packaged equipped G37 vs. a Pontiac G8 GT?
From what I understand, most people rave the G8 GT as being one of the best values in the $25k to $30k range with some magazines quoting it as BMW 5-series-like handling.
Obviously, the G8 GT is really quick off the line and in a straight line race. It's hard to beat a 361hp V8 engine that runs on 87 octane with a Corvette-sourced 6spd auto. Tunes typically get the L76 V8 to 400hp.
From what I understand, most people rave the G8 GT as being one of the best values in the $25k to $30k range with some magazines quoting it as BMW 5-series-like handling.
Obviously, the G8 GT is really quick off the line and in a straight line race. It's hard to beat a 361hp V8 engine that runs on 87 octane with a Corvette-sourced 6spd auto. Tunes typically get the L76 V8 to 400hp.
#3
Google searching the G8 GT comes up with nearly every single publication raving about the G8's handling so it must be pretty good for a 4 door sedan if all reviewers compliment it's "European-like" handling.
All I was simply looking for was someone's test drive experience which was probably what you overlooked.
Last edited by Polo08816; 01-25-2009 at 09:41 PM.
#4
I test drove both vehicles before buying my G37, and it doesn't handle as good as the G, but you can't tell the difference until you start cornering moderately to hard that is when you start to feel how heavy it is, on the G it was hard to make the tires make noise on the G8 GT it was quite easy to start loosing grip on the corners. The G8 on the straight line was excellent down the highway, I was actually impressed, there was a bit more cabin noised that I expected. The finish of the infiniti blows it away, they use alot of hard plastic and the leather seats don't have the same finish as the G, they feel hard and are not as confortable, and I almost forgot the G8 is a bit bigger than the Infiniti.
You should go test drive one if you need to know, that way you can compare it yourself.
You should go test drive one if you need to know, that way you can compare it yourself.
#6
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#8
#9
That was a big reason why I purchase the Infiniti instead of Lexus and the G8 GT, since here in canada sometimes we need AWD lol
#10
Unfortunately if you want 6MT there's no AWD... I went 6MT, still like the mix of luxury and performance of the G37S. The dealer is also nicer to deal with than my previous Pontiac dealer (admittedly a few years ago now).
#11
I test drove a G8 GT before getting my G37S 6MT. I knew I didn't want it because a manual was a must-have for me but I figured the test drive would be fun. Here's brief run-down of my thoughts.
Handling (the OP's question): The G8 handles well for a big saloon car. It's probably rightly placed in the same league as the 5-series in publications. But nobody ever accused a 5-series of handling like a 3-series (except perhaps the M5). Also keep in mind that in most publications the 5-series is out handled by the Infiniti M and has lost several recent overall comparisons between the two. The G37 is smaller lighter and handles noticeably better than the G8. In my mind, the G37 handles like a 4-dr sports coupe/GT. The G8 handles very well for a full-size sedan, but in the corners and under braking you definitely feel the extra weight of that big v8 in the front and the extra size of the car.
Engine: The G8 GT is rated at 355hp the G37 at 328hp. The G37 is ~400lbs lighter though and actually has a better power/weight ratio. The way the engines make power is completely different. The G8's V8 has gobs of low-end torque but doesn't rev as freely. That's not inherently good nor bad but more a matter of personal taste.
Price: The G8 is cheaper by a little over 2 grand (+/- based on options).
Features: The G37 has a few more luxury/tech amenities. The G8 has remote start which is a neat trick though.
Build quality/materials: The G37 has a nicer interior than the G8 (leather and contact surface feel). I think both have very good but not exemplary fit & finish. The Holden is much nicer than the average Pontiac and I call F&F close to a tie.
Size: The G8 is a bigger more utilitarian car
Efficiency: The G8 gets about 3mpg less but can run on regular octane so there's probably not too much difference to the pocketbook. If your concern is melting Antarctica more than your wallet the G is a less grievous offense.
Handling (the OP's question): The G8 handles well for a big saloon car. It's probably rightly placed in the same league as the 5-series in publications. But nobody ever accused a 5-series of handling like a 3-series (except perhaps the M5). Also keep in mind that in most publications the 5-series is out handled by the Infiniti M and has lost several recent overall comparisons between the two. The G37 is smaller lighter and handles noticeably better than the G8. In my mind, the G37 handles like a 4-dr sports coupe/GT. The G8 handles very well for a full-size sedan, but in the corners and under braking you definitely feel the extra weight of that big v8 in the front and the extra size of the car.
Engine: The G8 GT is rated at 355hp the G37 at 328hp. The G37 is ~400lbs lighter though and actually has a better power/weight ratio. The way the engines make power is completely different. The G8's V8 has gobs of low-end torque but doesn't rev as freely. That's not inherently good nor bad but more a matter of personal taste.
Price: The G8 is cheaper by a little over 2 grand (+/- based on options).
Features: The G37 has a few more luxury/tech amenities. The G8 has remote start which is a neat trick though.
Build quality/materials: The G37 has a nicer interior than the G8 (leather and contact surface feel). I think both have very good but not exemplary fit & finish. The Holden is much nicer than the average Pontiac and I call F&F close to a tie.
Size: The G8 is a bigger more utilitarian car
Efficiency: The G8 gets about 3mpg less but can run on regular octane so there's probably not too much difference to the pocketbook. If your concern is melting Antarctica more than your wallet the G is a less grievous offense.
#12
#15
Thanks guys.
FWIW, if I had been shopping for an automatic instead of a manual the extra room, cheaper price, and better looks (my opinion only) of the G8 would have made the final decision between these 2 cars very difficult. It probably would have come down to which dealer treated me better and offered me a better deal.
Likewise, if the GXP had been available back in the July timeframe when I was making my decision I'm sure it would have been much harder since the GXP has a 93hp (instead of 27hp) advantage and comes with a manual.
FWIW, if I had been shopping for an automatic instead of a manual the extra room, cheaper price, and better looks (my opinion only) of the G8 would have made the final decision between these 2 cars very difficult. It probably would have come down to which dealer treated me better and offered me a better deal.
Likewise, if the GXP had been available back in the July timeframe when I was making my decision I'm sure it would have been much harder since the GXP has a 93hp (instead of 27hp) advantage and comes with a manual.