I don't understand the GTO hate

[Infernal]

I was looking at GTOs at my local dealership and online, and I've come to the conclusion that the only reason an fbody owner could possibly hate a GTO for is the exterior looks of the car. I'm not saying that's not a valid reason, but it's apparent to me that the GTO is superior or similar to the fourth gen fbody in almost every way.

Some points that stand out:

Fbody has a solid rear axle, GTO has an IRS (some would argue against the IRS, actually, but I drive more than I drag race)

Fbody has a crappy interior, at least in the Camaro trim. I know the Firebird is a bit better, but they are both crap compared to the build quality of the GTO interior. Look at some pics.

Both come with the LS1. The GTO LS1 and engine bay look much cleaner and much nicer. The engine isnt shoved under the firewall as in the Fbody.

GTO has a better weight distribution.

GTO comes standard with 3.46:1 LSD rear end.

The sound system is better than the Monsoon system in the Fbody.

GTO comes standard with 17" wheels and tires.

Same transmission options as the Fbody.

So, what's left to hate?

The way it looks. That's pretty much it.

[hawgs]

I don't hate it, just not too fond of its looks. Maybe let down a bit on its looks is a better way of saying it. It did not really dyno well stock either which was also disappointing, neither did the CTS-V.

MTI did a 455CI LS1 swap into a GTO and changed the wheels. Looks much better and has 535 RWHP now... I have no beef with that one. :D

[94TeaL]

Looks like a damn grand prix

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

that made a cool old school car look like crap IMO

[epic]

If it didn't carry the GTO name, I'm sure it wouldn't take as much hate.

I honestly don't think it's that bad at all. It's not my cup of tea, but if the F-Body didn't exist and it was more affordable, I'd definately consider picking one up.

[Infernal]

I'm actually thinking about getting one next Spring. I don't mind the looks at all. It's definitely less aggressive looking than a Z28 but I'm also not as young as I once was.

There are 3 at my local Pontiac dealership with 31.9 stickers. That's not too bad at all considering what you get. Hell, I've seen fully loaded 2002 SS's (in 2002) going for 30K.

[epic]

Definately shoot for the 2005. Gotta love the LS2.

[Infernal]

Originally posted by epic:
Definately shoot for the 2005. Gotta love the LS2.

Is the LS2 going to be an option (like a higher end model like the Z06 vs the standard 'Vette), or standard?

[PewterBird]

Originally posted by Infernal:
Some points that stand out:

Fbody has a solid rear axle, GTO has an IRS (some would argue against the IRS, actually, but I drive more than I drag race)

Fbody has a crappy interior, at least in the Camaro trim. I know the Firebird is a bit better, but they are both crap compared to the build quality of the GTO interior. Look at some pics.

Both come with the LS1. The GTO LS1 and engine bay look much cleaner and much nicer. The engine isnt shoved under the firewall as in the Fbody.

GTO has a better weight distribution.

GTO comes standard with 3.46:1 LSD rear end.

The sound system is better than the Monsoon system in the Fbody.

GTO comes standard with 17" wheels and tires.

Same transmission options as the Fbody.

So, what's left to hate?

The way it looks. That's pretty much it.

Well if there was a fbody with a 2005 technology and design, then I think the fbody would be still better.

The LS1 Fbody was designed 7 years ago.

[Snuffalofogus]

Originally posted by 94TeaL:
Looks like a damn grand prix

wtf are you talking about? the only part of the GTO that looks like a grand prix is the pontiac grill.

people like you dont like the GTO because it isnt a WS6. what were you expecting? had it been retro styling you people would b*tch, if it was too modern looking you people would b*tch.

and saying its too bland.......have ya seen what a 64 GTO looks like? not exactly the sporty looking car.

what would you have liked the car to look like?

[Snuffalofogus]

Originally posted by Infernal:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by epic:
Definately shoot for the 2005. Gotta love the LS2.

Is the LS2 going to be an option (like a higher end model like the Z06 vs the standard 'Vette), or standard? </font>[/QUOTE]i dont think its gonna be an option.

but i do know that the autoX fascia, hood scoops, and a few other things will be options, but the LS2 is standard i think

[andrew.brandon]

Originally posted by Infernal:
Hell, I've seen fully loaded 2002 SS's (in 2002) going for 30K.

LOL I saw 2 trans am's still at the dealership in 03 and they were asking 38K each. No wonder they were still there [img]graemlins/rofl.gif[/img] . IMO I think the GTO looks like a neon that has been stretched a little. Still would get one if I had the money though.

[Silv6]

i love the new GTO. looks like a sleeper with a bad-*** motor

[imported_admin]

Originally posted by Snuffalofogus:
and saying its too bland.......have ya seen what a 64 GTO looks like? not exactly the sporty looking car.

Exactly. I don't see why people get woody's over the old GTO's either--they were friggin hideous. Pontiac killed it for a reason. It was a mammoth engine on wheels--that's it. Big whoop. Way to go, GM engineers... :rolleyes:

The new one is just a way overpriced equivalent to the old one. Around here the stickers are $35k +. No way.

Give me a $25k (in 2002) Trans Am and $10k worth of upgrades and it'll blow the doors off the "nice interior" GTO in every category. Acceleration, handling, interior, styling, appearance, you name it.

Besides, the GTO rides like a sedan--not like a low-slung sports car. Its essentially a sedan with an LS1. Big deal.

[Snuffalofogus]

Originally posted by Stefan:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Snuffalofogus:
and saying its too bland.......have ya seen what a 64 GTO looks like? not exactly the sporty looking car.

Exactly. I don't see why people get woody's over the old GTO's either--they were friggin hideous. Pontiac killed it for a reason. It was a mammoth engine on wheels--that's it. Big whoop. Way to go, GM engineers... :rolleyes:

The new one is just a way overpriced equivalent to the old one. Around here the stickers are $35k +. No way.

Give me a $25k (in 2002) Trans Am and $10k worth of upgrades and it'll blow the doors off the "nice interior" GTO in every category. Acceleration, handling, interior, styling, appearance, you name it.

Besides, the GTO rides like a sedan--not like a low-slung sports car. Its essentially a sedan with an LS1. Big deal. </font>[/QUOTE]i agree with you, except its not supposed to be a sports car. its supposed to compete with M3's and other 'luxury vehicles' that have a good amount of power.

i like the look of the 04 GTO's, i just can wait to see what the 05's look like.