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Ford Mustang (2005) vs. 2005 Pontiac GTO

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Comments

  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    You have to ask yourself, since when is $32,000 for a 400hp, fits four adults comfortably, 6-speed, beautiful interior/seats (GM's BEST) , REFINED, all options included car that is able to hold its own in the corners while still delivering a relatively comfortable near luxury ride considered bad?

    Because it's still heavy and lacking some key luxury options for the segment.

    Seems like the GTO consistently scores like 7/10 in most categories. Like it handles competently and with the IRS, the ride is pretty good, but it doesn't have as direct or as sharp a steering response as other cars in this class. Brakes are the same way. Not bad but not great. Same with the interior. It's "nice" and has SOME good features but is still lacking key luxury features that all cars in the low $30k range have, as well as some in the high-$20k range seem to have. Styling is another 7/10 item. It's far from ugly, but didn't really "land" with a lot of people. Not the right styling for a 50k/year car of this nature.
    Actually about the only thing it scores higher than a 7/10 on is the horsepower, which is partially out-weighed ( :P ) by the excessive weight.

    None of this makes it "bad", but it ends up being a 70%, which is a C-. What an interesting way to explain it.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    GM should have dropped a 5spd automatic in to help highway gas mileage. Next year the Vette is getting a 6spd automatic. I think the GTO still makes do with the 4spd auto? Not sure.

    Pedal placement is slightly off on GTO for clutch as well. It's more then linkage. Based on my few test drives. Then again I have BIG size 13 feet. Big shoe to use on clutch pedal.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    So, based on those figures, the potential customers feel it's worth high 20s to $30K.

    I said this from the beginning, since driving that 04 back in 1/04. For the MSRP, it should have included more luxury features -OR- should have been high $20k. Not low $30k with high $20k worth of features. That was the sore spot for me, more than just about anything else. Brakes were a really close 2nd place.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    If you like an automatic, that's fine. I'm not ABOUT to try to talk anyone out of an automatic car if that's what you prefer.

    My only point (I think I had a point) was that for those of us who prefer manual transmissions, sometimes we can get a bit militant about it. And offering the 'advice' to someone who prefers a nice shifting manual to just 'avoid' it by getting an automatic is.....um....counterproductive.

    Quite honestly, if I was in the market for a Mustang and determined that the shifter/clutch linkage in the GT was a piece of junk but the setup in the base V6 model was a jewel, I would prefer the V6. That's how much emphasis I place on good manual trannies vs. hp.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    The GT500 will be the same weight as GTO when it comes out at 3700+. Lets see if the media complains about that. What luxury options are the GTO missing for the segment? It has more then Mustang. Which comes close to GTO's price.

    The GTO's hp to weight ratio is much better then Mustangs. 9.4 to 1, Mustangs is 11.7 to 1. Big dif!

    The brakes on GTO out stop the Mustang GT by a few feet from 60 and 70mph. 167 ft GT0 Vs 170 ft GT. For the GTO's heavy weight, it handles and brakes quite well, don't you think?

    As I said I cross-shopped this car to a BMW, not a mustang.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    alum is not always the right solution.

    Chevy went from a 2mm hydroformed steel frame in the C6 to a 4mm hydroformed aluminum frame in the Z06 and saved 136lbs.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    I understand where you are coming from.

    You can shift the Auto yourself on the GTO, it is quite responsive when you manually shift it, goes into the next gear almost immediately. When you shift GTO auto you self from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 with some foot into throttle you chirp the gear as soon as you shift.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    I read that the Z06 lost 100+ lbs weight do to more use of carbon fiber in the bodyI Over the C6. Not the frame. I could be wrong. When the Audi A8 went to all aluminum it gained weight, go figure.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    Why should I pay $700 option on GTO to get manual trans to lose performance?

    Not this again! I guarantee the manual is faster in most situations, other than launch. For instance, 1/4 mile trap speed will be noticably faster in the manual. This equates to faster passing times, which I actually use more often than 0-60 or 0- anything.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    The T56 has never been and will never be a fluid shifting transmission. It will never have a BMW, Porsche or Honda feel to it. That said, I prefer the T56 in my Camaro and its clunky, heavy, mechanical/solid feel to the wimpy am-I-breaking-it feel of FWD transmissions. Still, they could do better. Like have ZF build one. Of course, watch the MSRP inflate.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    Exactly, Not this again....GM/Pontiac testing and engineers disagrees with you, they stated in their advertising/brochures the Auto was faster, 0-60 and 1/4 mile. It's more consistent too. Yes there is more to then just driving straight. Auto GTO drives just as nice in curves as the stick. Believe what you wish.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "I like performance cars for their performance, and as stated here previously the automatic GTO is faster then manual GTO or manual Mustang."

    It really all depends on how one defines "performance".

    Is "performance" PURELY about how fast one goes 0-60 or covers the 1/4?

    Or should one take into account HOW the vehicle goes about doing it? Personally, I break it down into "easy performance" and "earned performance".

    "Easy performance" is a big motor, massive torque, and an automatic. No need to think or plan ahead. The only finesse involved is trying to keep your tires from going up in smoke. Go fast? Easy, mash the gas. Woo hoo! Ain't no substitute for cubic inches, baby!

    "Earned performance" is a smaller motor, lower torque, high rpm power and a manual transmission. You CAN go fast in these types of cars, sometimes faster than the 'easy performance' types; sometimes slower. But (IMO) I think you ultimately have more fun because you've had to work harder. And if I'm having more fun, I really don't care if the guy next to me is a few 1/10's quicker to the next stoplight. I'm secure enough with myself to not let that bother me.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    What luxury options are the GTO missing for the segment?

    Things that you (and others) will claim you don't need and add no value to the car, thus defeating my argument. But here I go anyway-

    Moonroof optional
    Heated seats/mirrors (does it have heated mirrors?) optional
    Automatic climate control (should be STANDARD)
    Navigation optional
    Better stereo optional

    I will say one of the things that most impressed me about the 04 I looked at was the seats. Possibly the best I have ever used.

    I was really excited about the car. But it ended up being too heavy, too soft, too expensive, too under-featured. The styling was fine for me, but you could add that for others. I can at least recognize that.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    What I said about the Z06's frame is factual. Yes, it lost additional weight with the use of carbon fiber fenders and I think more fiberglass. But this offset the beefing up the car experienced, including the rear end and of course the engine has some heavier accessories.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    0-60 and 1/4 mile ET are largely dependent on launch traction/ability, yes. This is where the automatic gets its advantage. 1/4 mile trap speed and 0-high speeds, as well as passing times, will be SUPERIOR in the manual trans. You need to be a little more analytical in looking at performace/acceleration measurements.
  • sensaisensai Member Posts: 129
    Moonroof optional - you can get the OEM moonroof from Websto (don't think I spelled that right) installed for $1200

    Heated seats/mirrors (does it have heated mirrors?) optional - heated seats would be nice although more people won't be driving the car in the winter (and it can be added aftermarket for about $100 a seat), I don't know of many cars that have heated mirrors

    Automatic climate control (should be STANDARD) - they could not get the Monaro one recalibrated in time, but is it really that hard to twist a knob once in a while?

    Navigation optional - this is the most overrated piece of equipment ever invented

    Better stereo optional - than what? the 10 speaker stereo with a little tuning is more than adequate for most people

    I just don't get this line of thinking. Add all those options to a G35 or 330i and your paying what, mid to high 30s? And neither of those offer anywhere near the power of the GTO.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    Hey sputter......the question is....will either you or I wear bell bottoms again?????

    LOL :shades:
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    BTW, The Monaro CV8Z has all those features you mentioned and more. It even has rear backup assist with the sensors on the bumper like on luxury cars, optional. To me that option is a waste, IMO.

    I like the ride, luxury like, yet still firm enough. Some may say too soft, I like it. Not the feel every crack in the road and rattle your teeth ride of say a WRX-STI. Stereo is good for me, at least it doesn't take up trunk space like Shaker Mustang. Instead we have our gas tank taking up part of the trunk.

    A dealer by me had the OEM Websto sunroof installed, but they were asking $2k for it. Ripoff.

    BTW the top of the line F body's were going for $30k to $35k range in 2002, clearly an inferior/unrefined car to the GTO, yet knowone complains about that. The interiors were pretty poor, no room, hard to see from driver seat. The harsh-punishing ride as well. GTO really isn't overpriced in comparison
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    I don't get this line of thinking either. But as they say, different strokes for different folks.

    I priced out and cross shopped the 330i coupe which starts at $34k MSRP and is nearly $40k MSRP fully loaded. 3 liter 6 with 235 or 255hp. Also the G35 was $5k+ more then my GTO. I went with GTO.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    F- bodies had the looks and handling to go with the performance. That's why no one really complained. The F-Body's biggest downfall was it's creaks and rattles, although the last SS Camaro I drove had calmed down the rattles quite a bit. Handled well, too. It had a firm, but not a soft ride, which is what I like in a performance car.

    If you like automatic trannys and softer suspensions, you should take a test drive of the Charger. Rode in one two days ago. Not my cup of tea, but not bad at all. Plus, it stickered right at $30K.....$29,500 with a rebate. Stylish on the outside (although I still think it should be a coupe). The interior is straight out of the 300C....very nicely done.

    That gets us back to styling being one of the issues with the GTO, as well as the price of its competition (Mustang GT and now, the Charger with a hemi).

    Shaker 500 doesn't take up any space in the trunk of the Mustang....only when you add the subwoofer of the Shaker 1000 (not needed) will you get trunk intrusion.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "Plus, it stickered right at $30K.....$29,500 with a rebate."

    There's rebates on Chargers? Already?

    That can't be good......
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    rorr....I agree. Rebates on a car they just announced can't be good at all. That said, as mentioned, I got to drive one that a colleague just bought. He just had to show me since he knows I'm a Mustang lover.

    I wasn't ready for what I experienced. It's really a nice car. Chrysler has come a long way with their fit, finish and materials based on some of the stuff I'd driven from them in the past.

    It's biggest bugaboo is its weight (no surprise). It's got the big motor, but it's lugging around a lot of mass. That said, for as big as it is, it handles well. It would be a terrific car if it dropped a few hundred poinds. As it is, it's a GOOD car. Seats are comfy. Handling is tight. Materials are good on the inside. It's a little slow on the steering. But, it's got one of the best automatic trannys I've ever driven.

    I was polite and told him how much I liked it. He asked if I'd trade my Mustang for it. Well, we all know the answer to that.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "That said, for as big as it is, it handles well."

    Why does that old Queen song keep going through my head......? You know, the one about girls with large posteriors.... :surprise: :P
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    Looks are subjective, I thought the F bodies were too boy racer, esp Trans am, too much cheap tacked on plastic etc, IMO. They had very cheap interiors and seat. uncomfortable. '93 to '04 Mustangs had their own problems, rattles etc, cheap interiors/uncomfortable. And gas tank was right at rear bumper in Fox body. "05 stang is a super improvement, best stang ever.

    I like a European luxury suspension Mercedes and that is what GTO reminds me of. Firm but not too firm/harsh. In between balance. I would NOT call GTO SOFT at all. To me the GTO tranny has better more firm/crisp shifts then the Chrysler auto. I like the 2 tone interiors better on Stang-GTO over 300C/Charger.

    BTW the Charger is not selling well, thus the rebate, only the Mustang is going like hotcakes now.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    Actually the GTO handles almost as well as the 2005 Mustang. Check out C&D or MPH comparo's and their handling numberes, you will be quite suprised to find out they are very close. C&D favored Stang, MPH favored GTO in handling #'s. The GTO in both magazines OUT-BRAKED the Mustang by a couple of feet from 70mph, about a draw, But still good for a heavy car right?

    Quite exceptional for a car that weighs 250 lbs more then stang.

    Don't forget the Convertible Stang is almost same weight as GTO, only 75 lbs lighter. I know the Queen song you are talking about :D
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    As for the Charger, you can't turn off the stability control or traction control. It's a 4 door, should've been 2 door. The Hemi is NOT a real hemi. It's a marketing ploy. It does not have true hemispherical combustion chambers anymore!

    Challenger is going to be based on that same BIG-HEAVY LX chassis for '08, If you think the GTO is heavy, look at the LX cars..

    Finally the exhaust note was rather poor on the Charger, not even remotely as sweet sounding as Mustang or GTO exhaust. It is not selling well from what I have seen and now a REBATE. The grille looks like it came right from their pickup truck line. I would still add one to my collection If I won the lottery though.
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    Actually, my song reference was in response to gguy's description of the CHARGER, not the GTO.... ;)
  • sputterguysputterguy Member Posts: 383
    "Just like the late '60s Mustangs made a comeback this year too." I missed that one. Good point.
  • iwantonetooiwantonetoo Member Posts: 86
    Check out HotRod magazine and see how the 6.1L Hemi in the SRT models compares to to the original Hemi in power output. You may be surprised, as in dead even.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    Actually the 6.1L Hemi of today makes more hp then the old 426 Hemi.

    The 426 Hemi made 425 horsepower using the old gross rating system. In 1971, when the industry went to the new SAE hp system the 426 Hemi’s output was re-listed at 350hp SAE. New SRT 6.1L hemi makes 425hp SAE.

    The old Hemi might make more torque. Not sure on that one.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    if i'm directly behind the GT, sure, it's obvious. but from further away i too have wondered about a "poseur package" for the v6. can the v6 be equipped with duals. probably the answer is already in this thread, so if that's the case, don't bother answering again, i'll find it.. . whatever!
    this GM goat guy says mustangs are way cool, way nice, i think there's just no denying that. and i'm still fascinated by skyline, especially whatever tweeked models there are for that car.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    i think i figured out why i'm so often confused about whether the stang is a GT, aside from just being a dumbass. it's the wheels/tires on the GT. they are apparently wimpy! small wheels / thin tires. they look smaller/thinner than what was on previous-gen stang GTs. what's up with that?
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    The previous 2004 Mustang GT had wider tires then the new 2005. P245 vs P235, however, I believe the they both had the same 17x8 wheels. They should look similar.

    The std 2005 V6 Mustang does have smallish P215-65/16 tires.

    The GTO offers 18" wheels optional, don't think Mustang does! GTO comes with 17" std.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    The 2005 V6 Stang only comes with single exhaust from the factory. The only way it would have duals would be aftermarket.

    I wish Ford made the dual exhaust on the GT more prominent, like the duals on the previous 2004 or like 2005 GTO with big chromed tips. That can easily be changed aftermarket.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    "Fat bottomed girls, you make the rockin' world go round......."

    Hearing Freddy Mercury sing that seems a bit hollow, though given his orientation.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • vppreachervppreacher Member Posts: 72
    Elias,
    I totally agree with you. The 17" tires that come stock on Mustang GTs are extremely small looking. The 18" Bullets look much better, but I decided on some 18" Konig Beyonds with 255 front and 285 back width. While I know Ford did it to accomodate those that want to put chains on their Mustangs, the wheelwell gaps are huge as well. A 2005 with 18"ers and an Eibach Pro-Kit drop is much more old school Mustang and better looking to boot!

    I picked the Mustang over the GTO so I would have the extra money to do all the serious performance mods. I knew I'd sacrifice a decent backseat and a more plush interior, but the price difference from what I paid for my Mustang and what Edmund's says the average GTO price is will pay for my supercharger and Eibach kit.

    As for gargantuan glutes making the globe go around, I believe Sir Mix-A-Lot also expressed his love of "junk in the trunk" as well. My favorite line was:
    "36-24-36......Only if she's 5'3"
  • sputterguysputterguy Member Posts: 383
    "will either you or I wear bell bottoms again?

    Well, back then, I thought bell bottoms were so cool. That's all I ever wore. Now though, I would never wear them. Ever!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    "Never" is an awfully long time. Bell bottoms and muscle cars go together, don't they?

    Regarding wheels....the only think I'd like instead of the Bullitts would be the chrome bullitts. Those would run about $1,500, though and probably would be too much "bling" (still like them, though).

    That said, I'll stick with the Bullitts I already have. I like them just fine.

    Had another offer on my car today. This from a person I kind of know. He wants to buy it for his girlfriend. Nice guy. He offered $500 less than MSRP. That's still more than I paid, but I know it would take me months to get another one (he's been trying to order one for a month and doesn't hope to get one before the end of winter).
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    The 2005 SALEEN Mustang is now out. 2 Performance editions. The first is a 325hp that starts at $38k. The second is a supercharged 400hp model that starts at $45k. Next spring a 500hp model, not sure on pricing. They are nice, but too pricey IMO.

    http://www.saleen.com/2005_s281.htm
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    For that kind of money, I'd wait for the GT500 to come out for $39K with somewhere in the neighborhood of 475 HP-500HP.

    Last I heard, C&D estimated 4 second 0-60.......92 on the skidpad.

    It's supposed to hit next June.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    In that same July 2005 article C&D also estimated about 3850 pounds curbweight for GT500, pretty heavy. The ironic thing is that some people here comlain the GTO is too heavy at 3725. 6spd manual looks nice in GT500.

    Most of the original GT500 were Auto tranny, not stick. Go figure? Can't wait to see a road test.

    http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=9638&page_number=4
  • rorrrorr Member Posts: 3,630
    "The ironic thing is that some people here comlain the GTO is too heavy at 3725."

    It's only ironic if those complaining about the GTO weight say the weight of the GT500 is okay.

    It's not.

    A curbweight uncomfortably close to 2 tons is NOT okay regardless of the emblem on the trunklid or the hp at the wheels. 2 tons is 2 tons is 2 tons. I care about power/weight ratios as much as the next guy. But I prefer to increase my ratio by decreasing the weight, not simply upping the power. Because you fight mass ALL the time, not just while accelerating.

    "Most of the original GT500 were Auto tranny, not stick. Go figure?"

    That's because most of the GT500 buyers (first available in '67) were (IMO) poseurs more interested in straight-line grunt, cruising, and looking good in their Shelby. Whereas most of the GT350s were sold with 4-speed toploaders (except for the Hertz GT350 cars in '66 which were predominately automatics). And in the GT350's first year ('65), they were available ONLY with a 4-speed.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    Heated mirrors have been around for a solid decade in many cars. Seems to me the G35 (or others?) has these options for GTO's MSRP, but I haven't actually sat down and figured that out. But there are definitely a lot of cars in this bread and butter price range that have a LOT of features, these days. If it was a 99 GTO, it would have been significantly more popular, imo. Not these days, in a world where $25k Hyundai Sonatas come loaded up with features that used to be optional on Cadillacs and Mercedes of 10 years ago.
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    it's the wheels/tires on the GT. they are apparently wimpy! small wheels / thin tires.

    I noticed that this weekend, too. And came to the same conclusion as you, on why the GT appears un-GT-like. Edmunds says the GT comes with 235/55ZR17 tires, which I agree is a wimpy size. I think the GTO comes with 245s. It seems to handle fine on them, though.
  • vppreachervppreacher Member Posts: 72
    The new Shelby is just plain sick. Yes, it's heavy and doesn't come with lots of amenities, but it will sell like wildfire. It's built perfectly for its market....lots of hp/torque, good handling, a rumbling exhaust, and copius amounts of muscular mojo. Just think what the aftermarket will be able to do with its 5.4L V8. It also has 18" wheels with 255 front/285 rear tires. And it looks so much better....
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    Monaro/GTO does NOT have heated mirrors or heated seats because in Austrailia they aren't needed. Not sure why GM didn't add them here, but doesn't bother me at all. I never needed them. I'm glad I didn't have to pay extra for them.

    The G35 only has a 298hp V6 and useless backseat , interior is so-so. Bose stereo is part of a $2500 ooption pkge! I cross-shopped it and found the GTO better for me.

    Do any of these cars in the GTO's price range have a 400hp V8 engine and sub 5 second 0-60 times? Sonata, no matter how many gadgets they throw in, isn't a GTO, not close, not to mention POOR hyundai resale.

    Remember that the BEST F body cars in 2002 were about the same price as the GTO now. F body's don't even come close to GTO's refinement/interior/build quality.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    the goats come with 245/45-17s - no snow chains possible! stay away from donner pass this winter, california goat boys & girls!
    i bet the GT stangs look way nice with beefier treads. 255 fronts & 285 back, yow.
    i miss freddie mercury. he helped the world go 'round too.
  • musclecars4memusclecars4me Member Posts: 47
    The Goats have OPTONAL 18 inch tire-rim size. P235/40-18. I believe it's a cheap option, $500?
  • kevm14kevm14 Member Posts: 423
    Remember that the BEST F body cars in 2002 were about the same price as the GTO now. F body's don't even come close to GTO's refinement/interior/build quality

    You know what's funny about that? GM sold 72,467 2002 F-Bodies. Before you say "most were V6," a full 62.8% of them were the V8. What does this say about the GTO? Remember, I'm a GM guy and have defended the GTO before but....

    Sonata, no matter how many gadgets they throw in, isn't a GTO, not close, not to mention POOR hyundai resale

    I think a lot of the things I am talking about would have made the GTO sell more. But, here's the thing - I think GTO owners don't give a squat if more people didn't buy their car! That's the difference between a GTO owner and like....almost any other given car model enthusiast. It's a compliment, guys.
  • vppreachervppreacher Member Posts: 72
    I don't disagree with that, but by the same logic I wouldn't say Mustang owners are any different. I don't know anyone who bought the new style just to follow the pack.
This discussion has been closed.