General LSX Automobile Discussion - WS6 or GTO

Im pretty sure ive seen this thread but cant find it. Well i may trade the t/a in for an red 06 gto m6. pontiac offered 16 posible 17k for a trade in. and the GTO is gonna be 29k with like 150miles on it. The payment will be 475 a month? Should i keep to t/a or get the goat that is brand new?

keep the ram air looks better my opinion

Thats alot for a trade in... What year is your car and miles? I like the ws6 but GTO's are nice too

TA, GTO are fast but to much of a famly looking car for me.

one drive/ride in the GTO and you won't miss the T/A at all....I love my GTO and the only time I regret not driving the Z28 is when its a warm summer night and I could have the T Tops off....otherwise, the ride, seats, interior features and power are so addictive. No, the GTO doesn't have the gorgeous looks of the WS6, but its far from ugly, its a more European look, but the drivetrain is pure muscle car.

What does "P" magnet mean?!?!
You mean pu**y magnet? Man, I thought we drove these cars because they were fun to drive and are quick?!!?
If you want a "P" magnet, may I suggest a Corvette?!!? :judge: :judge: :chug:
But if I had a choice between the 2 that you mentioned, I would say WS6 without a doubt!!!! GOOD LUCK!!! :chug:

i have a ws6 and ive driven the gto the gto is more confortable and alot nicer interior and the ride is amazing, but its not a head turner nothing makes people stair and drool like a ws6, and a 06 gto isint much fatser than a stock ls1 f body, i love my ws6 ill never get rid of it

I own a WS6 and have driven my brothers GTO...

Stay with the WS6.

will i had the same choice either WS6, GTO, or Z06.... i knew what the Trans Am drove like and it was awesome and fast....Then i was looking at the GTO LS2, 6 speed, real comfortable, awesome interior, good looking but to me was not a big step up from a WS6 besides the LS2....now not trying to influence u but i thought the C5 Z06 was going to be real expensive and i knew the car was already fast and looked better than a WS6 and GTO combined.... Bad ass engine, interior, and exterior. now if u r looking to step up get into a vette... it is a complelty different animal :drive:. look into costs and insurance u may be surprised that it is not more but almost the same. i pay around waht u pay in terms of monthly payment. THINK ABOUT IT< DRIVE ALL THE CARS U WANT BEFORE U DECIDE. :devil:

T/A ----keeper...

I love both my WS6 and Goat, but I know for sure the TA isn't going anywhere thats for sure.

05/06 GTOs have 80 more ponies than the WS6, but is also heavier, and Australian. The WS6 looks bad ass even when resting! I think you know what to keep!

05/06 GTOs have 80 more ponies than the WS6, but is also heavier, and Australian. The WS6 looks bad ass even when resting! I think you know what to keep!

400hp - 345hp = 55hp, not 80hp :). Canadian isn't much better than Australian either! Lol.

T/A, I've driven a couple of GTO's while my car was in the shop, they are certainly nice to drive, but they just feel heavy, and the one I drove wasn't slow, it would have blown my doors off. That being said I just don't like them that much, the rear quarters are HUGE and tall, limited wheel width options, are a little bland looks wise. If you have to get a new car, get a FRC C5 (base or ZO6, doesn't matter). Thats my opinion.

I wouldn't trade in my ws6 for a goat.

Exterior: WS6.


Interior: GTO

400hp - 345hp = 55hp, not 80hp :). Canadian isn't much better than Australian either! Lol.

T/A, I've driven a couple of GTO's while my car was in the shop, they are certainly nice to drive, but they just feel heavy, and the one I drove wasn't slow, it would have blown my doors off. That being said I just don't like them that much, the rear quarters are HUGE and tall, limited wheel width options, are a little bland looks wise. If you have to get a new car, get a FRC C5 (base or ZO6, doesn't matter). Thats my opinion.
You should check HOW MANY cars have been made HERE in the last 30 YEARS..and btw--our UNION WORKERS are NOT always complaining about their HEALTH CARE either. :judge: :eyes: :jest: :judge:...BESIDES...Do you have no respect for the LARGER COUNTRY on THE Continent... :jest:

You should check HOW MANY cars have been made HERE in the last 30 YEARS..and btw--our UNION WORKERS are NOT always complaining about their HEALTH CARE either. :judge: :eyes: :jest: :judge:...BESIDES...Do you have no respect for the LARGER COUNTRY on THE Continent... :jest:

Lol, I wasn't implying they were bad cars, but guy was pointing out that Austrailian is a bad thing (which it isn't) while driving an import as well. I have a few Canadian friends, my uncle lives up there, and my dad has some hotels in Hamilton and they are building another one. If it wasn't so freakin cold in the winter I'd probably live there!

i would stay with the WS-6, its just a way more aggressive sex looking car and if you are worried about the gto being faster just do full bolt ons and you will be set.

that's a steep car payment,there is nothing like a paid for car,especially in this economy so i say keep the TA

keep the T/A for sure.

one drive/ride in the GTO and you won't miss the T/A at all....I love my GTO and the only time I regret not driving the Z28 is when its a warm summer night and I could have the T Tops off....otherwise, the ride, seats, interior features and power are so addictive. No, the GTO doesn't have the gorgeous looks of the WS6, but its far from ugly, its a more European look, but the drivetrain is pure muscle car.

+1

GTO is the better car through and through. I sold off my cammed 99 M6 Trans Am for a bone stock 06 A4 GTO and enjoy the GTO far more. The Trans Am was fun at WOT but that was it. The GTO I actually enjoy just driving even if it's doing the speed limit.

No question about it. Keep the TA. GTO's are the ugliest sports cars in the world IMO. I don't want to do this... but I'd have to say the Mustang looks better.

Did I honestly just say that? I'm sorry but it's true.

Gotta stick with the T/A

I'd keep the Trans Am. GTO's are nice but really boring looking.

Exterior: WS6.


Interior: GTObayah! :judge:

+1

GTO is the better car through and through. I sold off my cammed 99 M6 Trans Am for a bone stock 06 A4 GTO and enjoy the GTO far more. The Trans Am was fun at WOT but that was it. The GTO I actually enjoy just driving even if it's doing the speed limit. :judge: :judge:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711199

trans am :judge:

as long as your getting an LS2 goat I would do it, plus you are getting a brand new car.....the LS2 GTO's are pretty sweet IMO

Ws6 !!

Keep the Trans Am, the GTOs look like dodge neons from a far.

I know...I want to keep my T/A deep down, but than again this time next year it will have like 70k on it and i wont ever ever see that kind of trade in value again. I love the car but im missing that rush, prob. because its auto. The GTO is a stick and is LS2.

Id keep the ta, although its a tough choice, both are fun cars.

as far as looks, the ws6 def turns heads. if u want comfort go with the goat

I sold my trans am to get a GTO and then after a few months traded it in on a WS6, and the WS6 got more looks and felt like more of a sports car. WS6 all the way :judge:

I sold my trans am to get a GTO and then after a few months traded it in on a WS6, and the WS6 got more looks and felt like more of a sports car. WS6 all the way :judge:

Thats funny. I guess its area-dependant. My GTO gets looks and compliments everywhere I go from everybody ranging from some very good looking girls to old school car guys to little kids to the elitist guys like BMW owners. The only looks my Trans Am ever got were from young guys, Mustang owners, and cops. Seems like everytime I take the GTO anywhere I'm answering questions and thanking people for compliments (I went to an autocross event yesterday and in between every run I had somebody come up to me and start talking to me about the car, which never happened when I took my old Trans Am out there).

If you're looking for a car to mod and make fast the F-Body is the better choice. Lighter, solid axle.

If you're looking for a car that is built extremely well (leaps and bounds better than the F-Body), still can be made reasonably fast and handles just as good as an F-Body, rides nicer, and is just a better overall car then the GTO is the better choice.

It's all in what you're looking for in the car. An LS2 M6 GTO is going to feel pretty strong compared to your A4 LS1 F-Body if you're comparing them stock to stock (my A4 GTO was 6 tenths quicker and 3.5 mph quicker in the 1/4 mile over my A4 Trans Am when they were bone stock).

And as far as the styling is concerned... well thats all just personal preference I guess...

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/951/dsc0028lj8.jpg

I have to beat people off me when I drive the WS6 around, my friend has an 04 GTO and had a guy that saw it and thought it was a Grand Am. :bang:

Keep the Trans Am, the GTOs look like dodge neons from a far.

What? Dodge neon?

Sunfire, Grand Prix, G6, agrees, but neon?

Answer: Both, see sig ;)

Ryah

This fight has been going on since the GTO came out. While the GTO has appealed more to me than what it did when it first was released. I still get more looks and praise for my T/A from every age and gender. I don't get bugged by cops for being a "menace to society" or get just hillbilly gearheads who love the tradition of the fbody.

I will say this though. If you want something more comfortable and has a few little gizmos that the T/A doesn't have, then get it. If you want to save the money you would be spending on extra insurance since its a newer vehicle and the monthly payment (if your not paying for it in full), then keep your T/A and make it beautiful!

But thats my opinion

GTO looks like a grand am, fugly.

The only thing that I liked about the GTO was that the front doors weren't as big and heavy and it was easier to get in and out of. GTO's interior was definetly designed with comfort in mind more than the f-body's. Having said that, the GTO will never feel like a muscle car the way the WS6 does. The LS2 is a bonus,but if you had it in both cars, I think most people would go with the WS6. Driving down the road the GTO is more comfortable but the WS6 is definetly more fun.

with 70K miles on the TA trade it in if you can swing the car payment

Girls point of veiw:

T/A is way sexier. Keep it.
Thats a chick magnet right there, its got more curves and finer lines, just looks all around better.
If I had to chose between a guy in a T/A or GTO, it'd be a T/A.

IMHO the T/A's look waaaay better. The GTO's look like a Cavalier with a Grand Am front clip.

Plus they are heavy cars, well a little more.

What I really do like about the GTO's is that they are built really nice. :thumb:

Peace,
Craig.

WS6 looks mean :devil:
GTO's looks like a bloated cavalier :jest:
GTO's R to heavy

The GTO gets more looks than the WS6 is very, very hard to believe. Take a very good looking GTO, then a very good looking WS6 and park them side by side. Study people's reactions to the two cars from a distance. I bet most of them will drool over the WS6 passing by the GTO almost without looking it.

just sold my MS4 cammed m6 black WS6 for a silver 05 GTO with a large cam from azps it has one of there power packages(head cam(high 240's is all they will say) intake exhaust). I miss how mean the WS6 looked the GTO is definately heavier but dam is so much nicer, plus it's sporting E cutouts so it can draw plenty of attention to. I still miss the look of the WS6 front end but when I have to make a long trip I'm so much happier I'm in the GTO. So for me it wasn't that hard of a decision. It might have been if I was going from my car to a stock goat. drive one around a little, if you do I don't think you will miss the f-body any.

oh and yes you can feel the extra weight of the Goat, and I'm not to big of a fan of the IRS when trying to launch or slide some corners(wants to one legger sometimes) but the previous owner gave me a slip where it went 11.7 in the low 120mph range. i like the fact it can do this and be reliable and comforatble to ride in has a real back seat and the car reatains it's ride quality when you have people in the back seat.

better check out your numbers.
16k or 17k trade on a car that is 29k leaves a balance of 12k or 13k.
if you pay $475 on a 12k or 13k loan you are getting bent over big time. it should be half that much, unless you are going to only pay for 24 months or some other short term. what are you thinking???

Keep the T/A!!! GTO's are more Caddy like and look too bland imo.

The GTO gets more looks than the WS6 is very, very hard to believe. Take a very good looking GTO, then a very good looking WS6 and park them side by side. Study people's reactions to the two cars from a distance. I bet most of them will drool over the WS6 passing by the GTO almost without looking it.

Why is it hard to believe? GTOs appeal to a different demographic than F-Bodies. F-Bodies are appreciated by F-Body enthusiasts and a select few other enthusiasts and not many other people. You'll get people who look at them and like them but my Trans Am had the exhaust note, the lope, and the look... and my GTO gets more attention than my TA ever did. Trust me, I didn't expect it, but I get it from the domestic crowd but I also get it from the import crowd, the BMW/Mercedes crowd, the old gearhead crowd (the F-Body gets this too but the GTO nameplate carries a very strong heritage with it whether people agree the new car is a real GTO or not and that alone gets some of the old gearhead guys stopping me and asking questions). You can argue it all you want but the GTO gets alot more respect from circles outside the ones the F-Body gets respect from. I never had BMW and Jaguar guys stopping by to tell me nice car when I had the Trans Am. They just looked at it like it was a loud, poorly built, domestic piece of crap (and it was, but it was my loud, poorly built, domestic piece of crap :D).

To me the F-Body design is nice but it definitely falls within its build dates. The long front and rear overhangs (probably the biggest thing I dont like about them and nothing we can do about it), the build quality, the features and ergonomics, the list could go on and on...

I'll be the first to tell you if you're looking for a car to make as fast as possibly with the money you have the F-Body is a far, far, far better choice. I look at my GTO like a more mature version of the WS6. Its a little heavier but the extra power of the LS2 makes up for it in stock form for the most part (results may vary but my LS2 GTO was 6 tenths and 3mph quicker in the 1/4 than my Trans Am was stock for stock). The GTO rides so nice, handles every bit as well as the Trans Am did despite the extra weight (BTW: My GTO without any weight removed only weighs 3,600 lbs, plenty of convertible F-Bodies out there that tip the scales at that), and they'll stay solid for alot longer because of the better build quality.

Each car has their place and their purpose, but based off of all the pros and cons of each car the GTO is the "better" car (better build, more powerful engine, not that much more weight, better suspension for the most part unless you're racing it, much more rare, and while its not saying much and its barely doing it they're holding value a little better than F-Bodies too), it just may not be better for you. Thats what you have to decide.

say no to goat, with independent rear, heavy as hell, small rear tire choice....keep the T/A...

say no to goat, with independent rear, heavy as hell, small rear tire choice....keep the T/A...

IRS is nice in a car you drive on the streets alot, they're no heavier than some F-Bodies (and I'd bet there are quite a few 'verts that are actually heavier than my GTO is), and you can fit 275-285s on there (which thats as big as most F-Body guys run). Its no worse than a convertible F-Body with 275s on the rear except its got more power to begin with and a better suspension under it for street driving.

The WS6 looks like it's going fast standing still :drive: , the GTO ahhh, not so much

IRS is nice in a car you drive on the streets alot, they're no heavier than some F-Bodies (and I'd bet there are quite a few 'verts that are actually heavier than my GTO is), and you can fit 275-285s on there (which thats as big as most F-Body guys run). Its no worse than a convertible F-Body with 275s on the rear except its got more power to begin with and a better suspension under it for street driving.

Do you have some contract with Pontiac to address every negative comment made about GTO's on this site?

Why is it hard to believe? GTOs appeal to a different demographic than F-Bodies. F-Bodies are appreciated by F-Body enthusiasts and a select few other enthusiasts and not many other people. You'll get people who look at them and like them but my Trans Am had the exhaust note, the lope, and the look... and my GTO gets more attention than my TA ever did. Trust me, I didn't expect it, but I get it from the domestic crowd but I also get it from the import crowd, the BMW/Mercedes crowd, the old gearhead crowd (the F-Body gets this too but the GTO nameplate carries a very strong heritage with it whether people agree the new car is a real GTO or not and that alone gets some of the old gearhead guys stopping me and asking questions). You can argue it all you want but the GTO gets alot more respect from circles outside the ones the F-Body gets respect from. I never had BMW and Jaguar guys stopping by to tell me nice car when I had the Trans Am. They just looked at it like it was a loud, poorly built, domestic piece of crap (and it was, but it was my loud, poorly built, domestic piece of crap :D).

To me the F-Body design is nice but it definitely falls within its build dates. The long front and rear overhangs (probably the biggest thing I dont like about them and nothing we can do about it), the build quality, the features and ergonomics, the list could go on and on...

I'll be the first to tell you if you're looking for a car to make as fast as possibly with the money you have the F-Body is a far, far, far better choice. I look at my GTO like a more mature version of the WS6. Its a little heavier but the extra power of the LS2 makes up for it in stock form for the most part (results may vary but my LS2 GTO was 6 tenths and 3mph quicker in the 1/4 than my Trans Am was stock for stock). The GTO rides so nice, handles every bit as well as the Trans Am did despite the extra weight (BTW: My GTO without any weight removed only weighs 3,600 lbs, plenty of convertible F-Bodies out there that tip the scales at that), and they'll stay solid for alot longer because of the better build quality.

Each car has their place and their purpose, but based off of all the pros and cons of each car the GTO is the "better" car (better build, more powerful engine, not that much more weight, better suspension for the most part unless you're racing it, much more rare, and while its not saying much and its barely doing it they're holding value a little better than F-Bodies too), it just may not be better for you. Thats what you have to decide.

Well no doubt the GTO has heritage and some say it started the muscle car era (which is another debate) but the Firebird has way, way more heritage than the GTO. The Firebird is possibly the GM car with the most media exposure (after the Vette) through all its history (movies, television series...even in the recent Bullrun TV show).

Sales of the current GTO proves also that the public also never quite felt attracted to it. Ive been in car shows with newer GTOs and the4th gen TA/Firebirds always draw the bigger crowds. My guess this has also been the experience of a lot of guys here.

No doubt is better built but remember ypu are talking about basically a brand new car. Time will tell how well it will hold as it ages.

Guess experiences vary but I have gotten tons of respect from the import and European car enthusiasts at car shows, the street etc. Just recently some guy with a real nice 2 door BMW (sorry about details but all I know it was one of the top of the line newer cars) gave me thumbs up after I passed him in the highway.. Quite funny because I passed him, just casually cruising, when he floored it just to get by my side and gave the thumbs up. The look of a WS6 in the rear view mirror makes little children cry!!! LOL!!! Calling the GTO a mature version of a WS6 dont make much sense at all.. Is more of a mature version of a Gran Prix.....in all the GTO is great car but the look of a WS6 is very hard to beat... :judge:

My brother had a Brazen Orange GTO bought and there ended up being some non-disclosure issues with the dealer, so he returned it after driving it home. I convinced him to save the extra money and get a WS6. He couldn't be happier with his decision. T-tops are a big part of it. There's a whole fun factor on a nice day that you simply can't get with the goat.

Do you have some contract with Pontiac to address every negative comment made about GTO's on this site?
No. I own a GTO and I've owned two F-Bodies (one of which I still have). I'm not F-Body bashing, but I'm not blind to their downfalls either. I'm an objective person which is something alot of people on here cant say. Each car serves their own purpose. I'm just trying to give the OP a different point of view over the "WS6 > all" lemming mentality that is so prevalent here because while it is a good car and it does have its strengths its far, far, far from the best thing on four wheels at its price point or any price point for that matter.

I'll give you styling and T-Tops, and I'll give you cheaper mods and a live axle thats far better for drag racing and making big power. But in every other single category the GTO is a better car. I'd seriously encourage the OP to go out and test drive a few GTOs, both automatic and manual, and compare them to his WS6 (how they're built, how they ride, the difference between power delivery of the LS1 and LS2 engines) and let him make the decision based on HIS experience and what HE wants, not because a bunch of guys think the WS6 looks cooler.

I have driven the new GTO. Great car no doubt and I think all can agree. Even after driving it still like the TA more. As you say the GTO is better built but please, you talk like the 4th gen f-body was a POS. Thats is what gets some people going against you.... My TA is a 1999 model and rides very solid without any squeaks and rattles. The T-tops are in very good shape without ant leaks. Its all in the way you maintain them. F-bodies are usually abused in their lifetime. I bet your basically new car in the hands of a careless, abusive owner will have the very same squeeks, rattles that a lot of f-bodies have.

About the best thing in four wheels for the price argument is also debatable. The SRT8 lineup although is a four door vehicle has a more powerful motor, better standard equipment, more factory installed performance equipment (like Brembo brakes), luxury etc for a very competitive price.

At times it seems you are trying to convince yourself about why you got the GTO. Everyone else seems to be very clear of their preferences.

WS6 all day

______________________

2000 ws6 A4 (totalled)

\
At times it seems you are trying to convince yourself about why you got the GTO. Everyone else seems to be very clear of their preferences.

Are you kidding me!? I'd sell everything I have on wheels and half of what I dont if push came to shove just to keep the GTO. Its a car that moves well

F-Bodies aren't well built cars. They're just not. That doesn't mean they're poorly built, but you have to look at what you're comparing them to (compared to a GTO they are poorly built, and compared to most Lexus vehicles the GTO could be considered to not be very well built either so it's all relative). Power window motors, headlight motors in Firebirds, door panels cracking in Firebirds, the squeaks and rattles, etc. Get one with low miles and put subframes on it ASAP and hope for the best. I took care of mine and it still developed its fair share of squeaks and rattles. I'm not saying they aren't good cars as they definitely have their purpose, but it just comes down to whether that purpose is what you're looking for or if you're looking for something else...

I'm just trying to give the OP a different point of view over the "WS6 > all" lemming mentality that is so prevalent here because while it is a good car and it does have its strengths its far, far, far from the best thing on four wheels at its price point or any price point for that matter.

Other issues in favor of the T/A are the greater simplicity of design, higher production numbers, and thus bigger aftermarket, greater parts availability, and ease of service. Think about parts availability and price 5-10 years from now on the GTO.

This ties in with the known GTO suspension issues like leaky struts, bagged out bushings, tire rub on struts, etc. Getting it right means getting it "Pedderized" with Aussie aftermarket parts (read: expensive). An F-body is generally good to go with a set of Bilstein or Koni shocks.

Keep the T/A.

Are you kidding me!? I'd sell everything I have on wheels and half of what I dont if push came to shove just to keep the GTO. Its a car that moves well

F-Bodies aren't well built cars. They're just not. That doesn't mean they're poorly built, but you have to look at what you're comparing them to (compared to a GTO they are poorly built, and compared to most Lexus vehicles the GTO could be considered to not be very well built either so it's all relative). Power window motors, headlight motors in Firebirds, door panels cracking in Firebirds, the squeaks and rattles, etc. Get one with low miles and put subframes on it ASAP and hope for the best. I took care of mine and it still developed its fair share of squeaks and rattles. I'm not saying they aren't good cars as they definitely have their purpose, but it just comes down to whether that purpose is what you're looking for or if you're looking for something else...


Im reading this and I cant help but to chuckle....as I said...give it time....lets see what things start breaking down in 5-7 years from now.... :jest: You are driving a new car... :judge:

They aren't new. The Monaro has been built in Australia since the late 90s. The design has been around just as long as the LS1 F-Body design has been almost. Better build quality = better build quality. There are no two ways around that.

And when you go to buy a GTO, make sure you research and know what you're getting. My GTO has none of the issues that some people experience because I did my homework and made sure I got a good Goat.

Other issues in favor of the T/A are the greater simplicity of design, higher production numbers, and thus bigger aftermarket, greater parts availability, and ease of service. Think about parts availability and price 5-10 years from now on the GTO.

This ties in with the known GTO suspension issues like leaky struts, bagged out bushings, tire rub on struts, etc. Getting it right means getting it "Pedderized" with Aussie aftermarket parts (read: expensive). An F-body is generally good to go with a set of Bilstein or Koni shocks.


The GTO is a pretty simple design too. Its not like its a Caddy with navigation and On-Star and all that. The only difference between it and the F-Bodies is the IRS basically. They both have LSx based engines, both have practically the same transmissions (GTOs have better autos with the 4L65Es), and they've both got two doors and sheetmetal. I actually like the more limited production of the GTO. You dont see near as many on the road. That arguement can go both ways (and you have to pay to play so why get into cars and modding at all if you cant afford to fix things once in a while).

And again, do your research and check out the car you're buying to make sure you dont get hit with the issues that some GTOs are plagued by. I didn't have to Pedderize my car to have a perfectly fine suspension. Mine was fine to begin with.


Being the devil's advocate is fun :devil: but I've got a job. Time to hit the hay tonight. Later guys. :)

keep the ta.. i have driven gtos they dont impress me as much as my camaro does.

Do you have some contract with Pontiac to address very negative comment made about GTO's on this site?

agreed.

They aren't new. The Monaro has been built in Australia since the late 90s. The design has been around just as long as the LS1 F-Body design has been almost. Better build quality = better build quality. There are no two ways around that.

And when you go to buy a GTO, make sure you research and know what you're getting. My GTO has none of the issues that some people experience because I did my homework and made sure I got a good Goat.


Please....are you serious??? I know you know what I meant with your car been new. It was RECENTLY built, as in put together....its NEW...compare with cars built even as far as 10 years ago...You are just too argumentative defending a car that sadly has become a thing to forget among enthusiasts...even if it well built.

Trans Am

Hey guys I figured I would add my 2 cents after test driving a new 06 GTo spice red auto yesterday. It is definitely a nicer car and leading up to the test drive was very happy about getting into a new car that is fast and with O% financing right now. Here it is today and I love my Formula more so today. Despite it having its share of problems over the past 8 months I still like it more for the fact that a 2006 32k 400hp IRS Coupe could not wow me the way the my 8 year old ls1 did. Yes the GTO is a nice car but at the end of the day I will be into a car payment for 5 years for my ass to be cushioned in some nicer leather in a more luxurious cabin. The response of my Formula not to mention the T-TOPS and the looks I get in it was too great to step into a car payment to make a step up in age and slightly better crafted car. Overall I was underwhelmed and I really wanted to like the GTO but for me atleast its not meant to be. I will stick with this car until the next nice gm rwd performer comes along btw I can't count the sky/solstice since I can't fit into them at 6'5. I would reccomend the GTO and would seriously consider had I not gotten into a 4th gen LS1 almost 2 years ago. So if all you guys and gals not of had a 4th gen ls1 then the GTO might seem like a much greater car. I hope I offered a deeper insight and helped with the discussion.

There ya go, thats what is right for you and thats the way to decide through taking them each for a drive and seeing what you think. I personally love the LS2's power delivery, the nicer build quality and interior, the better seating position, and since I rarely if ever use T-Tops (wish my F-Bodies were hardtop cars) the GTO is the better car to and for me but we're all different. You already have a great looking F-Body so I cant blame you for wanting to keep it and stay out of a car payment.

There ya go, thats what is right for you and thats the way to decide through taking them each for a drive and seeing what you think. I personally love the LS2's power delivery, the nicer build quality and interior, the better seating position, and since I rarely if ever use T-Tops (wish my F-Bodies were hardtop cars) the GTO is the better car to and for me but we're all different. You already have a great looking F-Body so I cant blame you for wanting to keep it and stay out of a car payment.

Easy for you to say, you have one of the only nice looking, IMO, GTO's :jest:

and if it has a sunroof, I'd get the GTO. As far as the $475 a month, the most I've ever paid for a car was $350 a month, with no interest, so that's a lot of money for a car to me. But, as far as looks, I've always thought Firebirds were a little "over the top" in looks, that's why I like Camaros. My "new" 97 Z28 has been giving me a little more trouble than expected and I went looking the other day at GTO's (and new Mustangs :cry: ) The GTO is kinda plain, but it's still a good looking car (but expensive).

Plus, if you get the GTO, as you get older, you won't make the noise that older people make when getting out of f-Body cars! :eek2:

For a "P magnet" as you say, its most surely the WS6. My girlfriend is inlove with my car completely lol.....and many other girls i know reaaaaaally like it. There hasn't been a car more badass looking since they last rolled out of the factory. Even Mustang drivers i know envy the look of a WS6. I have nothing against the GTO as they are cool cars, but looks wise they're 2 different cars.

If you are getting a car for the P value then you are doing something else wrong.:D And if you get a girl for your car she just wants to be in it or borrow it. :lol:

Its no surprise the GTO gets bashed on a F Body forum. Go over to a Mustang forum and ask them if you should trade a mustang for a f body. Which you may see when the new body style comes out. If I was you keep the car you have for finace reasons, no sense in getting the GTO if you have to convinse yourself to do it. If I was to pay 29-32K on another car I would get another C5 corvette. Can buy them all day long for under 30,000.

If you are getting a car for the P value then you are doing something else wrong.:D And if you get a girl for your car she just wants to be in it or borrow it. :lol:

Its no surprise the GTO gets bashed on a F Body forum. Go over to a Mustang forum and ask them if you should trade a mustang for a f body. Which you may see when the new body style comes out. If I was you keep the car you have for finace reasons, no sense in getting the GTO if you have to convinse yourself to do it. If I was to pay 29-32K on another car I would get another C5 corvette. Can buy them all day long for under 30,000.


You're semi-right but you ALMOST saw the light...

Of course people are going to be brand loyal (in other words: "Don't get the GTO..." because we're all F-Body guys...) BUT, as you eluded to, if asked, "Should I trade in xxxx for a Corvette..." probably 90% of the people on here would say, "YES!" :judge:

You're semi-right but you ALMOST saw the light...

Of course people are going to be brand loyal (in other words: "Don't get the GTO..." because we're all F-Body guys...) BUT, as you eluded to, if asked, "Should I trade in xxxx for a Corvette..." probably 90% of the people on here would say, "YES!" :judge:

Exactly. If the question was WS6 vs C5, I'd go C5 all day. However, WS6 vs GTO, it's WS6 no contest.

Plus, if you get the GTO, as you get older, you won't make the noise that older people make when getting out of f-Body cars!

Yeah...I hate to fart every time I get out of the car....I thought it was some gastrointestinal problem!!! Thanks for clearing that out!! LOL!

Thanks Josh for agreeing with me and between the red TA and the Spice Red GTO you have great taste yourself. Very nice wheel choices on both too.

and if it has a sunroof, I'd get the GTO. As far as the $475 a month, the most I've ever paid for a car was $350 a month, with no interest, so that's a lot of money for a car to me. But, as far as looks, I've always thought Firebirds were a little "over the top" in looks, that's why I like Camaros. My "new" 97 Z28 has been giving me a little more trouble than expected and I went looking the other day at GTO's (and new Mustangs :cry: ) The GTO is kinda plain, but it's still a good looking car (but expensive).

Plus, if you get the GTO, as you get older, you won't make the noise that older people make when getting out of f-Body cars! :eek2:

I disagree with your statement a little cheap guy Firebirds yes they did have a little more flair in a good way over the camaro but it was the person ordering that made it over the top by checking Trans Am and some bright color to make it stand out. The road less taken is the formula option in a dark color. Thats why I found the car I did so I could have the extra flair without being in your face. I just think you notice bright TAs easier so you assume Firebirds as a whole are over the top. You can make any car over the top but its the firebird that makes it easier if they are optioned that way. For instance your camaro could be a bright red with factory installed racing stripes and RS ground effects or the GTO could be ordered in bright red with an SAP package. So I think its in the hands of the individual as much as it is the car itself when you mention over the top. As for the noise of old people getting in and out of a 4th gen you should hear my dad getting out of my lowered formula on a cold day LOL

Oh I forgot to mention Pmagnet skills in cool cars. Yes you will get looks but it never helps your situation, but in my personal experience it never hurts having a cool car either. Just don't talk about it let it speak for itself and then answer questions don't blurt out everything to scare them away. My present girlfriend for instance I mentioned I'm into cars and left it at that when we first met since she's clueless on them. Then 1 night I said I never showed you the best part about this car and I told her I was going to step on it at the next straight away and that made her scream and I stopped. Then weeks go by and she finally says while we are in it out of the clear blue that I like driving in your car. Then I let her take it for a short distance for her to see for herself how easy it is to speed so she realizes my road characteristics. That is my personal experience after previous stories I'm not proud with cars and ladies. With ewverything just use discretion and you'll come away the better man. I hope that helps as well.

In my opinion, the GTO looks like a Grand Am on steroids. It's not an ugly car, it is just a forgettable one. It is also my opinion that once you have come to such a conclusion about a car that wears the legendary GTO name, it really doesn't matter how well the car is built or how nice the interior is. In the end, it is still a well-built car with a nice interior that looks like a Grand Am on steroids. Maybe they should have put a sign on the roof that said "but wait - I have good build quality and a nice interior". Looks are important for performance cars, and I just can't get past the lackluster styling of the Goat, no matter how hard I try or how many Goats that I drive. Go with what feels right people, and have no regrets.

Maybe they should have put a sign on the roof that said "but wait - I have good build quality and a nice interior".

:jest: :judge:

Dude are you kidding?? LMAO! Yes the GTO is fast and they are "nice" inside. But are sports car suppose to be "nice" riding cars. Go buy a bonneville or a grand prix if you want looks and ride comfort. As if the GTO doesn't already look like a grand prix anyway. Stick with the TA. Much better looking car IMHO.

Keep the TA.. I'm assuming that it will probably cost you several hundred dollars more a month than the TA, not to mention higher insurance costs..

Either way, you can't really go wrong.. :)

No, the GTO doesn't have the gorgeous looks of the WS6......its a more European look

And there inlies the problem. It's all about the appearance. That is the trade off.

Both the F-body and GTO have a drivetrain that is pure muscle (though one could argue that the F-body has a superior layout for drag racing with the solid axle), but the GTO gets lackluster looks as it's negative side, while the F-body gets less refinement in the interior department.

They both have positives and negatives, so you just have to decide what's worth more to you.

Don't make your decision based on power because the overall acceleration difference between a stock GTO and a stock LS1 F-body isn't much. Your decision comes down to either:

- Higher quality interior components

or

- More performance oriented styling

That's really all it comes down to.

PS, yes I have been in a couple GTOs and I would not trade my F-body for one. Just not impressive enough for me to overlook the bland appearance.

I say keep the TA. Then take the car payment money and bank it every month. 12 x $475 = $5,700. Now do that for two years and you have $11,400. After three years you have $17,100. If you go four years you have $22,800. And after a full five year car loan term you would have $28,500 :eek2:

At that point you could use the cash to buy a new 402, 408 or 416 CI shortblock and top it off with a kick ass heads/cam package. Then add full suspension, new interior, new tranny or whatever else you like. It would be like a new car with sick power (450 rwhp+) and still no car payment.

Or take that money and put it down on a new Camaro, Vette or whatever else you like.

Or put the money into retirement, downpayment for a house or even a weeks worth of Bunny Ranch visits :jest:

Wow, chicks in your area must have some pretty low standards if a T/A or a GTO is a "pussy magnet".

Personally, I choose both. I love my T/A, but my GTO is a much better every day car... and it's nice to have something that makes a good daily driver and has a LS1 under the hood.

Wow, chicks in your area must have some pretty low standards if a T/A or a GTO is a "pussy magnet".

:nod:

Truth is, any adult that buys a car just because they think it's a "pussy magnet" is a tool, IMO. I guess it's ok if you're in high school, otherwise that's a lame reason.

:nod:

Truth is, any adult that buys a car just because they think it's a "pussy magnet" is a tool, IMO. I guess it's ok if you're in high school, otherwise that's a lame reason.

Around here you'd need at least a SL55 AMG to hit "pussy magnet" stage... LOL

Keep the TA.

Around here you'd need at least a SL55 AMG to hit "pussy magnet" stage... LOL


I dunno, man. My car gets lots of attention. It's not like it's a Ferrari or something, but I always catch people checking it out. And I have been told by many girls that my car is "hot", haha. I guess it all depends on the chick, whether she's into the whole bling bling thing, or whether she likes fast, loud cars.

:nod:

Truth is, any adult that buys a car just because they think it's a "pussy magnet" is a tool, IMO.

Well put. I bought the T/A because I think it rocks, I couldn't give a flying f**k what anyone else thinks, especially some dumb broad...

The GTO is very similar to an M3's styling. I would say an M3 is "pussy magnet" material around here at least. Can't beat the LS2 power/potential in the 2005-2006 GTO's. You could always find a great deal on a WS6 for around $10-12k though. The GTO will be more near $18-20k I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.

My GTO pulls in way more trim than my Camaro ever did. They are definately a pussy magnet.