G8 GT:
- Superior handling - it's like it's on rails
- Quieter - much less road noise
- Interior is light years ahead of GP
- Suspension - Firm but absorbs road problems better (pot holes, train tracks, etc)
- Styling - yes, pictures don't do it justice. You need to see it in person. It's very classy.
- Don't laugh but the glove box is actually usable in the G8. GP glove box won't even hold a map.

GP GXP:
- OK, I like the GP's mirrors much better. Bigger and wider view.
- Seats - Better adjustments. I'm not totally thrilled with the G8's seats but the jury is still out.
- Superior exhaust tone. GP GXP always tells you it's a V8. G8 GT tells you it's a V8 only when you tell it to.
- I'll miss the fold down rear seat.

Other:
- G8 seems to have more overall torque but GP GXP gets off the line quicker IMHO. I give the edge to the G8 but GP GXP is no slouch. I say they're pretty darn close given HP vs weight differences.

THe G8 is way conservative on HP figures, the actual power to ground HP is pretty high...higher then the 400 hp GTOs... The GTP your speaking of has the 5.3? My brother has the 2007 IMpalla SS 5.3 with the same motor and power I believe....on easter...out by his house in middle of no where we raced each other...the G8 stock..i didnt even brake rev the motor i pull him off the line.. and keept on on going...after an estimated quarter mile i was probally 5 cars ahead of my brother..( both our cars are stock execpt for mufflers) The 6sp tranny even though hesitate from a roll..if you start from a dead stop..hold a few rpms and the brake..you will launch hard.. with the ECM tune...and TCM tune...which will really waken up the 6pd and the 30 extra hp.. i think the G8 will be about 13.1 - 13.3 in the quarter at about 105mph....I thought I could this week..but nexy pay period i will order the tune as long as i can get my TCM programmed out in cali as well....my brother has since gotten a CAI and cat back magnaflow exhaust...illl video the next race of us two. ( he lives 15 miles outa of sac....where there iS NO ONe around on wide flat new streets..we have at least 1/2 mile straight...stay tuned for an upcoming brother to brother race - 07 impalla SS vs. my 08 G8

The G8 GT is tuned down for lower power, I think GM did this for a few reasons.

1. To run regular
2. So it doesn't hurt Corvette sales, Camaro sales, etc.

Like others have said, a good tune, premium, and even CAI/exhaust im sure you could get an extra 39hp and bring the # up to 400hp.

Check this out:
http://g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1675

I know I really didn't answer your question too much. I actually never drove a G8 GT or a GP GXP but I do like them both. Its hard to compare a GP GXP which you can find for sale for $12-$20k (depending on miles, etc) to a car that is new, RWD, and $32k+...

If they were both the same price I would take the G8 GT any day. Even with the price difference I think the G8 GT is the better option.

If you compare new GP GXP vs new G8 GT... No question G8 GT... (Based on what I know and have seen already)

One plus you forgot for the G8...No torque steer under full throttle off the line.

Oddly enough, my GXP "feels" faster too, but isn't in the 1/4. It must be the smoother torque delivery, and more gears. Yeah, that back seat.......... I'm going through the same thing myself dave, but at least I have until August to decide!

Torque steer.... pfff. Way too over rated as a problem.

I loved my GXP but fell in love with the G8. I miss the HUD and Nav. The side mirrors on the GXP were much better and I noticed that immediately. I also miss the XM, but I have a portable. The seats in the GXP gave me much more support. I loved this seats. The G8 seats are nice but do not have the bolsters like the GXP. I never had a problem with tourque steer as I was used to it, but it is nicer not to have it.

I definitely love the 6 speed and this car is fast as hell. When I traded my GTP for the GXP it was amazing how much more power it had and how much better it handled. I feel like it was the same going to the G8. The handling is fantastic! And you cannot beat the looks you get. It is a sexy car. I was in downtown Boston for work and parked in a garage full of BMW's, Mercede's, Porsche's and my G8 had the valets excited. You know the best part? I told them they could actually afford the G8!

All I can say is rwd - end of comparison. Welcome back to the big leagues GM!

All I can say is rwd - end of comparison. Welcome back to the big leagues GM!

Beat me to it!

Torque steer.... pfff. Way too over rated as a problem.

Lets see you put 361hp 390ftlbs of torque to the front wheels.

All I can say is rwd - end of comparison. Welcome back to the big leagues GM!

Yes, but I'm actually concerned about snow season. However I see there are plenty of winter tire choices with the G8 (245/45/18).

I could barely get replacement tires for my GXP let alone any winter tires given the weird split tire sizes.

They should both be garage queens when the roads are bad but you never know when you'll get caught in bad conditions.

Has anyone driven a G8 GT with the stock all seasons in ice and snow? Just how bad is it?

Based on my experience with my GTO. GET SNOW TIRES!! All seasons are a joke with rear wheel drive + Big V8 torque. GTO wouldn't make it out of my driveway with all seasons. With snows I made it everywhere in a couple inches of snow.

Lets see you put 361hp 390ftlbs of torque to the front wheels.

I haven't personally, but those that have are good enough to know that torque steer at that point doesn't matter.

Quote:
Originally Posted by J Wikoff View Post
Torque steer.... pfff. Way too over rated as a problem.
Lets see you put 361hp 390ftlbs of torque to the front wheels.

Ok...how about ~380hp or so (Dyno'd at 306 front wheel hp @ 20% loss) .

Torque steer on a downshift to 1st is brutal, better be holding on....its not as bad as you'd think..but its there and you have to be ready to control it if need be.

Worse issue than the torque steer for me (GP GTP): the tires will SPIN easily on dry clean pavement on full throttle 40 mph or below...All launches are controlled spinning....physics is against FWD.

As for snow...I had an 04 GTO, drove in in the winter with the stock tires, wasn't great, but it got me around...

Man if the GP GXP feels faster than G8 GT, I wonder how my test drive will feel..I thought compared to my modded GTP, the GP GXP felt downright slow. Of course my 04 GTO (M6) felt faster...but was actually slower!

I do miss the RWD...please hurry with the G8 GXP...

Man if the GP GXP feels faster than G8 GT,

By no means have I concluded the GP GXP is faster then a G8 GT. I only have 50 miles on my G8.

On paper there's not a dramatic difference in power to weight ratios of the 2 cars and that's what I fealt. I sensed in certain situations the G8 had a little more delay at certain shift points.

I'd be curious what other GP GXP owners have to say.

Lets see you put 361hp 390ftlbs of torque to the front wheels.

Actually, there are plenty of people who have that kind of power (if not more) at the front wheel(s)

Actually, there are plenty of people who have that kind of power (if not more) at the front wheel(s)


And how much torque steer is there?

Actually, there are plenty of people who have that kind of power (if not more) at the front wheel(s)

Been driving my highly modified GTP for 5 years with more than that at the crank.

Its a different style of driving. When you get used to it you can manage it. Same goes for switching over to RWD. You have different trade offs.

I for one think getting squirrelly from the rear tires is much cooler than torque steer.

But there is no denying that the FWD GTP I drive is fast as hell. My RWD G8Gt that I will be getting though will be just as much fun.

There's a video on this board of a guy driving a GT in rain, snow, and slush, and seems pretty tractable.

The point was, torque steer was a consideration you no longer have to worry about. It was at least as valid a point as the glovebox and mirror sizes...yeesh. Some touchy folks on that torque steer thing.

As far as the rear wheel drive getting squirrelly...traction control takes care of that quite handily. Turn it off and oh yeah, much more impressive and fun than the front end trying to dance around.:gears:

Based on my experience with my GTO. GET SNOW TIRES!! All seasons are a joke with rear wheel drive + Big V8 torque. GTO wouldn't make it out of my driveway with all seasons. With snows I made it everywhere in a couple inches of snow.

The right kind of all season tires is no more of a joke than snow tires. Of course, the 2 times my GTO had to move through "snow", it did well considering my tires each time. First time, new Z-rated P275 tires. With T/C, no problems. Second time, worn Z-rated P255 tires. With T/C on, I only had some difficulty going around a corner that also went uphill on a back road. But, a little winter driving experience, the traction control, & all was well. But, I would also advocate getting dedicated winter tires for any big V8 w/RWD.

The right kind of all season tires is no more of a joke than snow tires. Of course, the 2 times my GTO had to move through "snow", it did well considering my tires each time. First time, new Z-rated P275 tires. With T/C, no problems. Second time, worn Z-rated P255 tires. With T/C on, I only had some difficulty going around a corner that also went uphill on a back road. But, a little winter driving experience, the traction control, & all was well. But, I would also advocate getting dedicated winter tires for any big V8 w/RWD.

On RWD cars do you need snow tires on all for corners or can you get by with just the rears? I know on FWD cars they recommend all 4.

torque steer was a consideration you no longer have to worry about
That will be a great day!

And how much torque steer is there?
Answered three posts above yours.....

I have to concur on the seat thing. I never drove a G8, but I sat in one at the NY autoshow and the seats didnt feel as nice as the seats in the GP GXP I drove . Also the glovebox (since it was brought up, but who cares?) was of a super cheap quality in the G8.

On driving the GXP: I test drove one when I had a lightly modded 2000 GTP. It handled a little better, but felt less responsive off the line than my GTP. It felt like a low 14 car once it got moving..which was what my car was.

The two things I loved about the GXP...the HUD and the Tapshift. Two things the G8 should have DEFINITELY come with. C'mon..a freakin' Saturn Aura has a tapshift!

On RWD cars do you need snow tires on all for corners or can you get by with just the rears? I know on FWD cars they recommend all 4.

It's recommended to swap out winter/snow tires as a complete set. Reason: if the front tires get snow packed into the treads (AKA: sipes), then the tread will not be able to "grab". Therefore, you would run the risk of understeer or no braking effort. Remember, all of the electronic gadgets can't do their job if the tires aren't doing their job.