Jason,

Check into (and test drive, of course) the MC V8 before you buy it. I think it will not get all the same suspension tuning (and cross drilled brakes, etc.) that the GXP has.

Personally, I think my preferences would be Impala SS, followed closely by the GXP, followed by the MC. But the brakes and suspension tuning and sportier looks of the GXP might put it ahead.

I've also driven one, though unfortunately it was in the rain. I didn't get to flog it much at all. It is a sweet car, I agree. If it had a six speed auto (not to mention a six speed manual) instead of the 4 speed, it would kick serious butt. I'd also love it if it were RWD. But if that is the most important thing, I could walk over and pick up a GTO instead.

Thanks for posting your thoughts on the car.

 

Manufacturers have actually become quite adept at fixing torque steer without overly compensating by limiting engine output. The SRT-4 comes to mind quickly. Since our buddy redzed has already driven the GXP and says there was massive torque steer I'll take his word for it.

 

red is just pissed that Nissan is comming up short in all the recent surveys and the post about the Armada being a rolling POS.

 

I've checked out both the Charger R/T and GXP as well. Both are nice cars, but surprisingly I think that I actually liked the GXP better.To me, the GXP just has more of a bad boy muscle car bravado going on, even with front wheel drive. The R/T felt great, but it just didn't have the same "personality" imo. It felt more mechanical and machine like to me. Anways, I don't really think you can go wrong with either one. They are both a bunch of fun.


-Mike

 

I just read a short review in Autoweek about the GXP. I was really surprised, they really liked the car. I figured they would had trashed it as a weak attemp to boost intersted in a mediocre car...or something like that.

 

Why the Impala over the MC? Just curious.

 

Joe,
I like the MC SS over the GXP because a) I assume the price will be cheaper, and the MC alone is a major stretch for me b) I need 2 doors, not 4! c) I like the dash layout of the MC better, and look forward to the '06 upgrades d) there has always been something sinister about a black, V8 MC SS. I loved the '80s ones, and now I can have a new one! Impala? Not enough attitude for me...GP beats it on the attitude front.

I agree, the GXP is/will be a better car. But it will be pricier, I do not care for the style as much, has 2 too many doors, and I can upgrade the MC anyway. Further, I'm not crazy about the fatter front tires. I can't rotate them, and with a 140 treadwear on those front tires, they'll be toast in less than 20k, I'd guess. Plus, I have 4 beautiful 5 spoke American Racing 17s on my GP now that I will put on it. They won't look right on the GXP with flared front fenders. Sure, the MC comes standard with 18s, but I love these wheels and they'll look sooooo good on a black SS.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

I think the only things holding me back from really liking the GXP is a lack of a manual tranny and that horrendous dash design. Looks like the designers went on an acid trip when they designed it.

 

Why Impala over MC? I dunno. I suppose if I were really going to spend my money on them, I'd have to take a closer look. But just from seeing them around, the current (pre-'06) MC has never quite sat right with me (though the interiors are actually quite nice). I drove an '03 V6 MCSS (N/A) around for a week or two a long time ago. I remember being impressed by the ride, the quiet, the interior, and the guts of the 3800. But the exterior styling just doesn't sit right with me.

I really like the restyle of the Impala a lot; I'm not sure I'm quite as sold on the restyled MC. I think the Impala got fresh sheetmetal everywhere, whereas the MC kept most of the bodywork that was already only so-so (for me). I also think it is a little on the big side for a sporty two door. BUT, I'll also admit that in black they can look pretty sharp (minimizes the impact of the parts I don't like, I guess).

For me, the two door vs. four door thing has never been a problem. For example, I really loved the last gen Grand Prix as a four door (styled better in some ways than the new one, though the GXP touches remove that advantage). But I could never grow to like the proportions on the two door, for whatever reason.

I certainly wouldn't fault someone for choosing the MC over the Impala, though. And when I start seeing them in fully decked out trim with the 18s, I might change my mind some. Part of the problem is that most of the Monte Carlos I've seen up close were still camoflauged, while I got to see several basically production level Impys.

 

I guess that's why so few people are buying G-tech and other performance meters and Car and Driver felt compelled to do a story on performance meters for the two or three people interested in "worthless gizmos" right?

 

Also, no spare for the GXP. The the well for the spare tire in the trunk is not large enough fit a wheel which will clear the GXP's brakes.

 

Good review, Jason. I'd have to agree on all counts. I have to admit to drooling all over our Bleen GXP for the past three weeks or so. We put every single option for our first one, and it sure is sweet! We have the DVD Nav and the whole shebang. All the impressions Jason gave are, IMO, spot on. Though, cough cough, I had to put a few more miles on it.......cough

I'd seriously have to say that to me, it would be a tough decision between the GXP and GTO (I live in Northern Wisconsin and travel much in the Way North U.P of Michigan). Plus, I'd wait for the 2006 GXP anyways.....nothing big folks, buy an '05, I'm picky about the little things.... (you know what I mean Jase, you got the GM CDrom on 2006MY)

GM really has a lot of cool toys currently for sale and in the pipeline that it makes it tough to pick just one to drive! A 2006 Daytona Sunset Orange Vette is calling for me, I must admit.....but that's a story for another time.

 

What's being changed on the '06's?



-Mike

 

Just minor little puny changes. (Hint: think interior, but not a new dash) NOTHING perfomance related, and it won't change the outside appearance. That's all I'm saying...

 

Lew,

Haven't been to work to see the CD yet...look forward to it.

I honestly hope an '06 SS is in my future. But my desire for an IROC is clouding my vision, and the fact is my current GP is almost too nice for a daily driver. I hate pouring a ton of $$ into a daily driver to watch it get scratched and depreciate. A toy though? Especially a nice 350 IROC? Yummy

With that being said, I'll still beg borrow and steal for the MC