Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 - LS2 GTO compared to F-Body? Voice your opinions

I would love to hear your opinions between the two cars. This summer I might be getting a different car.. and an LS2 GTO has become one of my choices. I'd like to hear the difference between comfort, power, reliability, handling, modifications, and just the ease/pleasure of working on them, etc.

Are there any main issues with the GTO's similar to F-Bodies? Such as the notorious 10 bolt, and transmission problems?

Those of you who have driven/owned both, please share some info.

Thanks! :)

I prefer the GTO because of the massive comfort that comes with it, and the fact that its rather new and can still find some with warranties.

Its an amazing long distance cruiser. Seems to be made speciafically for that. Also the top end on M6 LS2 GTOs is killer.

Not saying its the best car ever but for the money i spent i feel like i could not have got a better car.

PS if you are looking to buy, go thru autotrader or just look for them at dealers. The prices i paid for my 05, and 06 over a year ago seem made up when compared to what these cars go for on the forums

working on a GTO is a pleasure compared to a F-Body

working on a GTO is a pleasure compared to a F-Body

Except for changing the spark plugs, thats way easier on the Fbody.



NOT

I have a 04 GTO now. I had a 99 T/A. I love my GTO. Best choice i made car wise. The GTO is way easier to work on. Its more comfortable as well. Also the craftsmanship on the GTO is far superior then that of the F bodys. Hands down the GTO is better.

You might do a search, because there are a bunch of threads on this topic. It gets pretty heated sometimes.

here is one of the more recent ones...
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/general-lsx-automobile-discussion/1211134-still-torn-gto-formula-trans-am.html

I've driven and worked on a ton of f-bodies and own an 06 GTO. I could never own an f-body after having this car. It's comfortable, it's easier to work on, it's built like a tank.

If you strictly want to go fast, buy an f-body.

If you want to go fast and be comfortable and enjoy the car, get the GTO.

Thanks fellas. I heard spark plugs are a breeze on GTO's. Do the LS2's come with exhaust manifolds or headers? Someone told me they come stock with headers.. Also is the exhaust true dual (x pipe?) or is it a y-pipe like an F-Body?

How's the mod market? Is it easy to pack some extra HP into these with some bolt-ons?

Thanks again guys, I'll check that thread out.

I've owned both with full bolt-ons and I'd have to say the GTO overall in performance and comfort is hard not to enjoy. Like both vehicles they're easy to build power and handling but the GTO is more refined than the F-body. Wheel hop plagued the stock goat suspension but that's an easy fix if you're into modding. I wished I never sold my goat but needed to for my expanding family. Now I'm back in a F-body cause parts are plentiful and slightly cheaper and easier to find. Parts especially exterior parts for the GTO are scarce and can be expensive vs. certain F-body parts.

Thanks fellas. I heard spark plugs are a breeze on GTO's. Do the LS2's come with exhaust manifolds or headers? Someone told me they come stock with headers.. Also is the exhaust true dual (x pipe?) or is it a y-pipe like an F-Body?

LS2 GTO's have true duals exhaust and cast exhaust manifolds that appear some sort of mini type headers but just short of being shorty headers.

Sweet, sounds like a nice deal. Any idea how wide you can go on tires in the back? Another question, how are they for.. "spirited" cornering? :)

I've got a 98 red trans am and a former friend had an 05 GTO with 425hp. For power, it was unreal. Same with comfort. Looks though, definite downgrade; and really....driving down the road...that's what mattered most to me. My car got all the looks, his...while fast and comfortable...just didn't have that true muscle car feel....always wished the interior and power of the GTO had been put in the F-Body's but had to go with the trans am/camaro's in the style department.

I have an 01 SS camaro and an 04 GTO....GTO is a better car in every regard except the T-tops in the camaro and price of parts are cheaper in the camaro.

The f body can be modded easier and with better results! The GTO may be more comfortable and newer, but the f body is a great value!

I've had an LS1 camaro and currently have a LT1 SS. I also had an 04 GTO with a 6 speed. The GTO is hands down a better overall vehicle. I miss it to death!! I just couldn't swing the payment and had to let it go! :( I am back in my old SS that I had prior to the GTO. Its nite and day IMO. The GTO was also faster it ran a 13.39 @ 109 compared to my SS's 13.8 at 101. both had some bolt ons at the time. The way the Goat's prices are falling, I plan on getting another one with LS2 power when my SS is paid for. Good choice.

i had a 99 z28 and now a 06 GTO as said before, minus the T-tops the GTO is the way to go, power comfort looks, and handles and is much more refined.

My GTO was my first fast car period, and I can say that I couldn't have made a better choice. My uncle owns an 02 T/A and I let him test drive the GTO once and he said the same. However, my buddy owns a black WS6 and I must say it's a really sweet car, I love t/a's to death. I'd go for the GTO any day over it though.

Sweet, sounds like a nice deal. Any idea how wide you can go on tires in the back? Another question, how are they for.. "spirited" cornering? :)

Good question. I'd also like to know the answer to this, soon if possible since I need new rubbers on the wheels.

I owned a LS1 Trans Am for over three years and cherished every second with that car. However, my buddy owns an LS1 GTO that I have driven and it is just a better car by every objective measure period. Stock for stock they even sound better because GM spent more time tuning the exhaust note. It is just as fast in a straight line and the IRS allows you to corner with confidence over less than perfect surfaces. It is also more comfortable and better built. I'm going to replace my beater with one as soon as I can.

Looks like there might be a GTO in my near future..
Any good websites for GTO mods? Performance, appearance, all that good stuff?

Thanks again guys

Looks like there might be a GTO in my near future..
Any good websites for GTO mods? Performance, appearance, all that good stuff?

Thanks again guys

LS2GTO.com, they are the LS1Tech of GTO websites.

Check out LS2GTO.com, seriously. Very comprehensive forum, and there's always good deals on GTO's there.

Pretty much everything has been said already on this subject. Styling-wise, I'd go with a T/A (I want a WS6!!! :( ). Power is going to be similar, as they're basically identical in the drivetrain department. Fit and finish is alot better with the GTO, just learn the problem areas so you know what to look for (Saggy rear springs, paint issues, some water leak issues) and you're good to go.

The GTO makes a much better daily driver, but if you're looking for a cheap track car, go with the F-body.

Check out LS2GTO.com, seriously. Very comprehensive forum, and there's always good deals on GTO's there.



LMFAO thats a good one.

But to the OP does your next car have to be LSx based?

never had a ls1 f body but im very happy with my gto

I've had several F-Bodies, LT1's and LS1's. I sold my last SS and bought the 05 GTO I have now, and haven't even thought of looking back. I've always loved the LS1 Camaros and always will, but after being in my Goat (which I bought off a local guy from LS2GTO.com) there isn't ANY comparison. both have their own little faults, but the power, comfort, design, and overall build of my GTO wins hands down. And even thought my 02 SS got noticed more cause of how it looked, I get compliments and stares all the time in the GTO. Get one, you won't ever look back or regret it.

I'll definitely check out LS2GTO. Thanks guys

QUOTE=06 6.0 GTO;12599675]LMFAO thats a good one.

But to the OP does your next car have to be LSx based?[/QUOTE]

It doesn't HAVE to be.. I was thinking of going (dare I say it) European.. which would either be Audi S4 or a BMW.. But stepping into a GTO wouldn't be bad at all. At least I would know what I was doing under the hood. :lol:

Why, do you have a car in mind?

I've had several F-Bodies, LT1's and LS1's. I sold my last SS and bought the 05 GTO I have now, and haven't even thought of looking back. I've always loved the LS1 Camaros and always will, but after being in my Goat (which I bought off a local guy from LS2GTO.com) there isn't ANY comparison. both have their own little faults, but the power, comfort, design, and overall build of my GTO wins hands down. And even thought my 02 SS got noticed more cause of how it looked, I get compliments and stares all the time in the GTO. Get one, you won't ever look back or regret it.

Sounds like that's how most people feel. Thanks for the input :)

It doesn't HAVE to be.. I was thinking of going (dare I say it) European.. which would either be Audi S4 or a BMW.. But stepping into a GTO wouldn't be bad at all. At least I would know what I was doing under the hood. :lol:

Why, do you have a car in mind?



Sounds like that's how most people feel. Thanks for the input :)

I was going to say BMW 335 lol Test drive both and then make up your mind. IMO the BMW looks better. IN Truth it handles about 1,200 times better, is more luxurious, even better interior, and with JUST a flash(about $600) can be in the 11s, and even though the GTO responds well to mods, it wont see 11s for $600.

But drive both they are both great cars

and with JUST a flash(about $600) can be in the 11s

Whoah, say what?! *edit* Oh do you mean the new BMW's? Can't afford one of those :(

On a sidenote, how are the stereos in GTO's?

Whoah, say what?! *edit* Oh do you mean the new BMW's? Can't afford one of those :(

On a sidenote, how are the stereos in GTO's?

Some people may argue with me, but I love the stock stereo. It's got a great bass response to it. My only complaint is after cranking some death metal in it for almost three years the speakers are starting to go. Easy fix though.

Whoah, say what?! *edit* Oh do you mean the new BMW's? Can't afford one of those :(

On a sidenote, how are the stereos in GTO's?

Horrendous, absolutely appalling, seems like they just threw in the stereo system last minute. But hey you can also look into the 01-05 M3s, they go for the same as most 6.0 GTOs

The stock stereo isn't that bad actually. Mess with the gain on the amp (located in the truck, look on ls1gto for a how-to) and use a custom equalization. The overall fit & finish & comfort of the GTO is way better than the f-bodies.

Make sure if you are to get the gto check for uneven rear tire wear (cause by saggy rear springs, very common), and the entire suspension in general. Another vote for ls1gto as well. I am a member there under the same name. Good luck.

^^ Thanks Oshia.

:drool: $22,900 ... 60k miles..

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/93280/11277.jpg
http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/93280/11277.24.jpg

^^ Thanks Oshia.

:drool: $22,900 ... 60k miles..

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/93280/11277.jpg
http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/93280/11277.24.jpg

And even 4 door practicality! thats a sick find

i like my SS for its power and looks.


i like my GTO for its comfort and quality. great DD for its cost.

Good find on the BMW. A few more grand than a goat with a lot less miles. Pretty much have to decide what's more important to you on that one. It is a real nice car though.

If you are also looking at european cars, the GTO is definitly the way to go. I like driving the Goat better than my mother-in-laws 330ci. About the widerst tire you can get under the rear is a 275 though unless you get some aftermarket wheels, then maybe a 295. Mini-tubs are cheap.

I'd have to save some big money just to make sure I could handle payments and stuff like that. A 15/16K GTO I could probably pay right up front this summer.. a newer 2007+ BMW I'd have to finance it.. I better find a job and start saving :)

I'd have to save some big money just to make sure I could handle payments and stuff like that. A 15/16K GTO I could probably pay right up front this summer.. a newer 2007+ BMW I'd have to finance it.. I better find a job and start saving :)

I would recommend finding a job and then paying off a BMW. That way you can build your credit as you go too. In my situation i had to buy a car upfront so i settled for a GTO. Remember to drive both, different people prefer different things.

I would recommend finding a job and then paying off a BMW. That way you can build your credit as you go too. In my situation i had to buy a car upfront so i settled for a GTO. Remember to drive both, different people prefer different things.

Will do. I have a decent amount of money saved up (nothing that would buy me a car, but would be a very nice down payment). It may seem ridiculous when I say this, but I'm only turning 18 later in 2010.. So I can't exactly walk into a BMW dealership at 17 years old and ask to drive the brand new 3 series lol. I wonder if there are any places where you could rent a BMW for the weekend?

I know a few people with GTO's.. I'd have to see if they let me drive one of them. :)

Will do. I have a decent amount of money saved up (nothing that would buy me a car, but would be a very nice down payment). It may seem ridiculous when I say this, but I'm only turning 18 later in 2010.. So I can't exactly walk into a BMW dealership at 17 years old and ask to drive the brand new 3 series lol. I wonder if there are any places where you could rent a BMW for the weekend?

I know a few people with GTO's.. I'd have to see if they let me drive one of them. :)

Dont worry G, i just turned 18 myself a few months ago. I received most of my money by buying and reselling Hondas and a few nissan 240s over a few years.

Also had a few jobs since i was 14, and the 6 months before i bought my first GTO i had two jobs till 2 weeks before! It was worth it however IMO

Just like to add on the comparison. If you are tall (I'm 6'3"), my dads WS6 is just way to uncomfortable for me to drive and my GTO seems perfect for me to sit in. My dads also 50 and likes to bang gears in his red WS6. Can't talk him into heads, intake and a cam though.

Sweet, sounds like a nice deal. Any idea how wide you can go on tires in the back? Another question, how are they for.. "spirited" cornering? :)

The major problem with the GTO is this or lack thereof of being able to run a really wide tire unless you do some modifications to the car. And the mods are expensive for this car. But it's the first V8 I've owned (besides a '79 ford ltd when I was 16) and when people say it's easy to work on it's so true. There's so much space under the hood. But not like a '96 SS though.

By far the best car I've ever owned. And I will never go with anything other than an LSX engine.

^^ Thanks Oshia.

:drool: $22,900 ... 60k miles..

http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/93280/11277.jpg
http://images.cars.com/supersized/DMI/93280/11277.24.jpg

Nice car but do some pricing on maintenance costs compared to a GTO. BMWs are a joke when something goes wrong and they lose value at a ridiculous amount. But if you have the money to keep it on the road it is a sexy car.