Looking into buying a GTO and had a question for you.

What are the performance differences between the 04's and 05's? I know the 04 is LS1 and the 05 is LS2, but what difference does that 50Hp really make?

 

I'm pretty sure the LS2 GTO's also have larger brakes and some other upgrades as well.

 

High 13s vs Low 13s stock (on average)
Dual exhaust tips on 05+
Hood scoops on 05+
LS2 engines are more receptive to boost than LS1s

 

LS2's do have larger brakes, hood scoops, different rear bumper, and the 06's got an interior door lock device.

But, you asked about performance - it kinda depends on whether you get an M6 or A4, as well as whether you deactive the torque management on the LS2. Like was said above, 1/4 mile times will vary by about a half second generally speaking. GM rated the LS2 about .3-.4 seconds quicker 0-60 as well.

 

Getting a 05 over a 04 is worth it just for the brakes and apperarance upgrades IMO. Other than that the 04 has the LS1 and the 05 has the LS2.

 

I have an 04, Wish I waited for th 05 or 06. I'm so far into my 04 that I can't get rid of it. That and the fact it's right around 350 RWHP now. The cam is going in soon, should put me close to 380ish RWHP.

 

I love my 04' I can make up the other 50 HP, and already have the 05', 06' look. I would ratther have the 04's throttle cable than the 05', 06' fly by wire. Just not comfortable with it.

That, and you can buy a stock 04' for around or less than 18k. Plenty of money for mods.

 

I test drove a M6 2006 brand new GTO approx 6 months ago... And in September I purchased my M6 2004 GTO... I could not tell a "seat of the pants" difference.

 

imo if you can afford an 05 get it. theyre reasonably priced with low mileage.


with an ls2 and a nicer exterior at least i think so theyre worth it. ls2s respond well to mods too.

 

Cool, thanks for all the replies. Price is definitely a factor, so I'll look for a good deal on an 05.

 

remember, thats subjective.... I personally think the 05/06 scoops and split exhaust looks cheap and out of place...

 

well lets just say i hit 12.9 in my stock ls2...i think the fastest an ls1 gto has gone was 13.1 with drag radials. for modability their both great motors. i like the LS2 just for the fact that it can hit damn close to 400hp with just bolt ons. plus the optional 18's look great, the steering wheel controlls light up, and the brakes are 10x better. lets just say if you plan on modding the hell out of it just get the LS1...if its gonna stay somewhat stock get the LS2...there may not be a SOTP difference but when some 4Cl gives you a run for your money you'd wish you had the extra 50hp

 

Ditto - I like not having drive by wire, and torque management, and don't like how sensitive the LS2 is too temps. I also didn't need a tune from the factory to regain computer-castrated hp. Yes, 50 more hp stock is great, but is easily compensated for.

I was able to get my 04 with 24K miles and cam/heads/LTs/GMM/tuned/02 deletes/etc. all done/installed by Speed Inc. for 17,500 - I couldn't get an 05 for anywhere *near* that price, and my 04 was faster to boot.

I AM envious of the 05/06 brakes - the 04 breaks are pretty weak. I also like the hood scoops and the rear fascia, but some people like the nondescript 04 look better. I just happen to not be one of them - I like my sport coupes to look a little sporty.

I plan to do the 05 rear and possibly hood later down the road, but will probably do the brake upgrade before that.

 

Thats a pretty good deal. Where did you score that?

Whats involved in upgrading the brakes?

 

pointless here, OP is talking about an 05' and 06' was the only year with the lighted controls though the 05' can be modded to make them work...

 

thats a great deal, the LS2 is a great car, but ya really cant beat the prices available on the 04's. i would have bought one actually if the interest rates on used cars werent so high for me. either way their both great cars for the money, cant go wrong with either

 

The LS2 makes awesome torque numbers down low. I could definately feel a SOTP difference stock vs LS1. Even made more torque between 2-3k rpms than my Z06.

 

while i agree im just basing it off why GM made some minor changes to its appearance. i remember people complaining about a few things and thats why scoops and a split rear was added.



but youre not the first to say 05-06 hoods look cheap but ive never heard that about the rear.

 

Did you that GM knew before the 04' ever hit American soil that the 05/06 was going to have the above said changes and the LS2 as well??

The only reason why the 04' got what it did (original monaro look, LS1) was because of production/design delays and GM needed to get the 04' out in the 4th quarter of 03'.

I know thats pointless to this toppic, but an interesting tidbit of info on our cars. John Sawruk spoke at the 06 Nats about the new GTO and there was a TON more info that that. It was really cool to meet such an influential (sp?) man with these cars.

 

since the ls1 was going out of production i figured something else was coming yes. i would still think cosmetic changes were made because there was demand for it. lets see that article.