Guy, I thought you had the chance to drive the Holden SSV if I recall correctly... and I saw an article somewhere that compared the Holden SSV to the 300 SRT-8 but I can't find it.

The question is general impressions. I recently sold the Camaro but I am (and have been) toying with the idea of a new (2006) 300 SRT-8.

The problem is I am looking forward to the new Pontiac G8, and really looking forward to a potential GXP version equipped with a 6sp and a new LS3 (maybe ).

I have the chance to buy an SRT-8 fairly reasonable, but my issue is I would hate passing myself a dozen times everyday with all of the 300's out there, but the SRT-8 is a solid performer that is here now and is a descent deal.

I am asking for those "in the know" about the current Holden offerings (who may have actualy driven them) since they indicate what Pontiac will be and where they may go (GXP version in the crystal ball).

So what say you..... SRT it now or hold out for a Poncho that rocks (if it happens)?!

 

It was actually a comparo of a plain 'ole SS and the SRT-8, if I recall correctly. The Holden won anyway because of its superior handling.

 

^^You won't be disappointed with the SRT8.

 

Just my opinion... I would take the SRT-8..

 

I'm not bashing you, but that is why I was curious to get the take from someone who has seen the G8 or (even better) has driven the new Holdens.

I admit I have a really big chubby for the SRT8, but I am willing to wait it out for a superior Zeta offering..... if it is a stronger offering inside and out.

I can't deny the performance aspect of the 6.1 HEMI, but the overall package is the thing (read interior and feel/fit/finish).

 

Is a stick important to you? Then there will be only one choice.

 

^^ Not really; a 6sp manual has an initial apeal, but my Camaro was an auto and I enjoyed the hell out of it.

It seems like the 6sp auto in the Mopars have proven to be indestructable AFAIK.

 

I thought they were only 5 speeds?

 

I got a little carried away; thinking about the prospect of a 6sp auto for the G8.

 

You really can't go wrong with either choice. I'd lean towards the G8 myself, but I have a thing for Pontiacs. My brother has a base 2006 300 for his company car, and I've been fairly impressed with it even with the anemic 2.7L V6. I can tell that the V8 versions would be a blast.

 

One thing that you may or may not think about, but I'm sure the G8 gets much better gas mileage.

 

Well, personally I have respect for Chrysler and the 300, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy one. I would greatly prefer a manual though so that would definately be a major factor in my own choice.

But as has been mentioned, they both seem like great cars from the exterior. Maybe you will just have to be patient and try to drive both of them.

 

You would take the SRT-8... NOT because of the test drive! The SS would murder it around the bends.

 

Actually, I drove the Calais V. Had the 6.0, but also had the automatic. It was pretty damn quick too.


However, if I had a choice to wait for the G8 GT or pick up an SRT 8 Charger or 300 at a bargin, I'd pick the SRT-8 hands down for a number of reasons.

First, the SRT-8 is special. It's made by in-house tuner, Chrysler's Street & Racing Technology. Meanwhile, the G8 GT is a regular production vehicle.

Second, much like Ford, Chrysler didn't skimp on the goodies. The engine is fortified, the drivetrain is industrial strength. The huge brakes have a reputation for slamming you to a stop without fail.

Finally, and I will admit that I may be wrong because I crawled through the VE in ways I haven't in a LX, the Chrysler seems to be better put together inside than the VE. Not better styled, just better materials.


All that said, You might want to consider good reasons for getting the G8 GT.

The G8's suspension is BMW like (the 300 tends to plow when violently thrown about, while the VE will handle just about anything you throw at it).

The Commodore looks like a hot rod, not everyone likes the gangster-proportioned, neo-deco styling of the 300.

The interior looks better.

Not everyone needs a car that entitles them into an "exclusive" club. How do I mean? If all things were the same, the G8 would be the Impala SS to the 300 SRT-8's Grand Prix GXP. Both are quick, but only one is special.

If you are holding out for an even hotter G8, perhaps a GXP, then that's a bit tougher. It's easy to compare a couple of cars that actually exist and on sale right now, but it's an entire different matter comparing 2 cars that aren't even out yet. The LX's SRT-8s would have been upgraded by the time any GXP G8 comes out, so we're dealing in 100% pure useless speculation.


The VE I drove was a Holden Calais V, and though I thought the interior materials was a definate step down from the VZ, I still loved it. The strength of the VE (and G8) is in the styling & handling.

I doubt the G8 GT will be quicker than the SRT-8, but it will be cheaper, and almost certainly quicker than comparable Hemi Chargers and 300Cs.


This isn't the SRT8 vs VE article that some people are looking for (I can't seem to find it myself, and I actually read the thing last winter! ), but it gives a good view of how it stacked up against the old HSV.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/toug...524814212.html

 

That's shocking, and disappointing. At least with the Charger R/T I had as a rental on a business trip, the interior was terrible in terms of materials and design. And I don't consider myself to be a dash-fondler.

The question isn't whether or not the SRT-8 should be purchased over a G8 GT, the question is SRT-8 or G8 GXP. The problem is that this GXP is, to this point, theoretical. Who knows what special bits Pontiac is going to give the GXP.