[SmokeyBear911]

Gxp ftw !

 

[crzy8mnky]

wow i would think a GXP would be higher insur since its newer, more expensive , and has more HP. ;0

GTOs have had 5+ years to be totalled, plus depreciation on them has allowed them to be purchased by younger and younger drivers, and lets face it, people my age (20) are generally not as careful with their vehicles than older people.

 

[xp800]

Having had an '04 GTO, then an '06 which I traded for my GXP, this is an interesting question. All mine have been M6.

They for me are different beasts.

Stated as simply as I can think of, the GTO is a more visceral, emotional, in-your-face car. The GXP is more refined, sophisticated, classier, and athletic.

And comparing the M6 versions, my '06 GTO was just a tad faster than my GXP. It weighs about 250lbs. less and gives up only a few ponies. Had mine been the automatics, the GXP would handle the GTO.

I love them both for somewhat different reasons. Having 4 doors and a REAL trunk coupled to a monster motor sealed the GXP deal for me (family and hauling more than a duffel bag). I am happy with the GXP upgrade, but I do miss the Goat though.

As 'exclusive' as the 1828 GXP club is, there's very little G8 camaraderie on the road. Probably because there are so many more out there with little visible differentiation between our 3 versions to 99% of people; the G8 breed is a common (but really good looking) car. And the G8 was marketed as a sporty family sedan rather than a muscle car. Many bought them as sporty grocery getters rather than enthusiast transportation.

In contrast, my experience driving the GTO and seeing another always meant a light flash or wave. I also got a lot more looks in the Goat, both the 'What is that thing' and 'Wana go?' type stuff.

So if your pocket book can handle a GXP, it's a better overall car that will probably last longer. It's built a bit better, and has more 'stuff' in it. The GTO is more emotional and its faults are somehow more endearing.

I do think there's an easier upgrade path with the GXP with bolt-ons. The LS3 left a fair amount on the table versus the LS2. You can easily bolt on 50whp with the GXP. The LS2 in the GTO with the same mods (CAI, headers, exhaust, tune) might get you 30-35. And the trans tuning on the G8 automatics is light years ahead of the GTO.

You won't be disappointed with either, you just need to decide which is 'you'.

 

[GXPaycheck]

GXP is #1. Where are you located? If you don't bite on the GXP, I might!

 

[Mercury]

Hands down GXP. I had a GTO and loved it but you can't argue with cheaper insurance on a newer car with more space.

 

[NJgoat]

I've had a 06 GTO. Now I have a G8 GT. I really loved my GTO and referred getting rid of ir for a truck because of converting garage over and not wanting it out in the elements. If I could of bought another new GTO I probally would have with updated LS3 ofcourse-) but seriously the G8 does have better styling and more features, room, and even my GT has plenty of power.

I regret letting GTO go, but with my G8 GT it's a great pacifier and I'm not letting this Pontiac go. Goodluck!!! Heck my GTO was torrid red do I had to get the closest thing to that Liquid Red.

BRING PONTIAC BACK so I won't have to buy a camaro in the future!!!

 

[tripower]

Having had an '04 GTO, then an '06 which I traded for my GXP, this is an interesting question. All mine have been M6.

They for me are different beasts.

Stated as simply as I can think of, the GTO is a more visceral, emotional, in-your-face car. The GXP is more refined, sophisticated, classier, and athletic.

And comparing the M6 versions, my '06 GTO was just a tad faster than my GXP. It weighs about 250lbs. less and gives up only a few ponies. Had mine been the automatics, the GXP would handle the GTO.

I love them both for somewhat different reasons. Having 4 doors and a REAL trunk coupled to a monster motor sealed the GXP deal for me (family and hauling more than a duffel bag). I am happy with the GXP upgrade, but I do miss the Goat though.

As 'exclusive' as the 1828 GXP club is, there's very little G8 camaraderie on the road. Probably because there are so many more out there with little visible differentiation between our 3 versions to 99% of people; the G8 breed is a common (but really good looking) car. And the G8 was marketed as a sporty family sedan rather than a muscle car. Many bought them as sporty grocery getters rather than enthusiast transportation.

In contrast, my experience driving the GTO and seeing another always meant a light flash or wave. I also got a lot more looks in the Goat, both the 'What is that thing' and 'Wana go?' type stuff.

So if your pocket book can handle a GXP, it's a better overall car that will probably last longer. It's built a bit better, and has more 'stuff' in it. The GTO is more emotional and its faults are somehow more endearing.

I do think there's an easier upgrade path with the GXP with bolt-ons. The LS3 left a fair amount on the table versus the LS2. You can easily bolt on 50whp with the GXP. The LS2 in the GTO with the same mods (CAI, headers, exhaust, tune) might get you 30-35. And the trans tuning on the G8 automatics is light years ahead of the GTO.

You won't be disappointed with either, you just need to decide which is 'you'.

This is a pretty fair evaluation overall. The G8 is still too new to determine if it's really built any better than a GTO. (The Goats are pushing between 4 and 6 years old now) I disagree on your evaluation of the LS2. It is already within spitting distance of the LS3's rated power and responds in much the same way as the LS3. My LS2 picked up 20 rwhp on a tune alone with no other mods. Add CAI, headers and exhaust and that would be more than the additional 15 your claiming on top of the 20 I picked up on tune alone.

 

[bostonf4$]

The GTO is more solidly built and has a more personal feel in the driver's seat, although it is a 2 door it has a HUGE back seat, the trunk is fine for me you CAN get 2 golf bags back there if you do it right, and with the back seat being so big it makes up some for it.

For the money if you can find a low mileage (under 30, preferably under 25,000 miles) GTO w/ a manual transmission I say that is a much better bang for the buck.

I miss my GTO every day, gave me far less trouble than the G8 and every single piece, inside or out, whether it be the bumper/mirrors/dash or center console felt better quality and more well sorted out.

Oh yeah, and they are faster....

 

[Derek98z]

When I had the GTO, most people who talked to me about the car just wanted to know what it was or asked if it was a G6. When people talk to me about the G8, they tell me it is badass looking.
If I could grab an 04 goat cheap enough for a DD so I could park the G8, I would def. do that

 

[JCGG8GT]

Have an '04 GTO and the G8. Both are a ton o fun! The real question is 4 doors or 2? Also, as has been mentioned the Goat is more has more comfortable seats....

I have a suggestion for you - GET BOTH! Put the $20,000 in the bank and make your payments from that, should give you almost a year with both and then if you have to you can sell one! (which ever one has the baldest tires!!!!!)

 

[ZeroFear]

lots of good info here. thanks guys.

 

[KLR GOAT]

I couldn't decide myself...so I got both. The GTO is an 05 PBM/Red M6 and the GXP is an 09 PBM/Red A6 w/roof. The goat is cammed w/391s and is my DD. The GXP is bone stock and is the wife's DD. I like driving the GTO more than the GXP, but I've been driving it for five years now and it is a stick. My wife tells me at least once a week that her car is prettier than mine, so I remind her that it is also much slower. :driving:

 

[gm4life]

Listen to the people who own/owned both. They can give you a better more non-biased comparison between the two.

When it comes to modding you can't compare the two. Thats just like the old argument between the LS1 and LS2 GTO once its modded it doesn't matter. It depends on what you want and what you can afford. I would never trade my modded GTO for a GXP but I would love to own a GXP. Both are built with great fit and finish hands down.

 

[sjp3003]

Have an '04 GTO and the G8....I have a suggestion for you - GET BOTH! Put the $20,000 in the bank and make your payments from that, should give you almost a year with both and then if you have to you can sell one! (which ever one has the baldest tires!!!!!)

That's Bass Ackwards...KEEP the one with the baldest tires!:wink2:

 

[iceman302]

Interesting debate. I'm certainly a little biased and the looks of the GTO never really did it for me but that's just personal preference.

The only real advantage of buying the GTO is a lower payment and more mod money. If you're looking to go fast with the cash you have and don't need the extra doors, get the GTO.

If you're wanting extra space, extra comfort, and better ride/handling then get the GXP. Stock for stock, I'd say the GXP is a little quicker. I don't ever recall seeing any stock GTO's dipping into the high 12's. Plus, the cool factor of a big 4 door laying the smack down on some guy's sports car is always fun in my book.

 

[TGibson]

Having both as well I would suggest the GXP. I love the GTO mine is my daily driver and it has been a great car with minimal issues tons of potential and is a great car to tinker with if your budget can handle it. The GXP is my wifes daily driver is fast enough stock and will remain stock. The acceleration with the LS3 is better than what the stock ls2 was. the HP difference is not that great but the cars have very different feels to them. I am a fan of the suspension that is in the GXP the ride is smooth the steering is tight and responsive and all in all it is a bit more fun to drive in my opinion. With that said I will never be getting rid of the GTO. I love hauling ass in that car smoking the tires and will be doing a full suspension kit here shortly which will likely change my opinion. I say go drive both and see which one suits you better.
Tom

 

[chuckie669]

I sold my T/A which only got driven once a week and was shopping for a gto in the price range of 17-20. Always been a fan of the G8's, but they were out of my budget for sure. Ended up finding a G8 GT for 22k with 14k miles and couldn't be happier. If you stay patient and go test drive both you will find out what suits you.

I've never been a fan of four doors and all of my previous cars have been coupes. There's something to be said for being able to open your door in a parking lot though. My T/A I remember squeezing out many times between a sliver of door.

 

[Brutus Sardonicus]

I have a 2004 GTO, and a 2009 GXP (6 speed manuals). They are two totally different driving joys. THE GTO clutch is heavier than a dead preacher, so if this is a daily driver, that may factor in to your decision. BOTH ARE GREAT CARS, and you will NOT be hurt with either decision

 

[AuggieDosta]

^...heavier than a dead preacher; never heard that one before and it made me chuckle.

 

[GoneUpInFlames]

^...heavier than a dead preacher; never heard that one before and it made me chuckle.

Seconded, I had to read it twice, then I laughed.