Despite weighing 120 pounds more than the GXP, the LS1 GTO has about 50 more horsepower, available MT, and is RWD... seems strange that they'd run about the same. I mean, it'd be a good race for sure, but 13.8-13.9 is among the best plausible time for the GXP, while that seems to be closer to the 'common' times for a GTO.

But yeah... all things considered that's impressive.

 

I would have thought that the GTO had a bigger weight difference. Also...the 04 is a very difficult car to launch....but I can imagine the GXP is.

My point is....the GTO may be RWD...but in the GXP...you get a car that is tenths of a second slower....but has many more options and is cheaper.

 

Right... well I used that same arguement with other cars made in the last few years that weren't made by GM and just got people telling me that it didn't matter because it was FWD and FWD sucks.

Not that I agree with them; I'm just saying it's possible you giving this perfectly plausible arguement may fall on def ears.

 

I agree. I love a RWD car as much as anyone...from an enthusiast standpoint is is the perfect solution.

Unfortunatly, it is not the perfect all weather or manufacturing solution. There is a reason there are so many FWD cars on the roads. Automakers build what the public demands.

 

Yeah, I gotta say I wouldn't want the GTO to be FWD and I wouldn't want the GXP to be RWD... the GXP is meant to be the more practical and versatile car and thus FWD is the better solution.

My Audi is FWD and I had a heck of a lot easier time driving it on the ice these last few days then I did my GS4 about a year and 2 months ago when we had our last ice storm.

 

Very true.

My arguement for being in favor of the GXP over the GTO is that for the same money, you can get:

1. FWD (For REAL Winters)
2. Four Doors (Not always needed, but a plus with more than two people)
3. Remote Start
4. TapShift
5. Split-Folding rear seat with fold down front seat
6. HUD
7. DVD Navigation*
8. XM*
9. Cross Drilled Rotors
10. OnStar
11. Stablitrak
12. Dual Zone A/C*
13. Sunroof*
14. Heated Seats*
15. Head Curtain Air Bags*
16. Std. Polished 18" Forged Alcoa Wheels

*Optional

And this is off the top of my head. All for the same $$$ too, even with the options. Seems like a steal in comparison. So long as an everyday car is a priority.

 

Exactly my thought process. Plus you can get every option on the GXP and it is still cheaper than the GTO.

 

How does the Monte Carlo measure up in all this performance wise?

I recall the Impala SS is a fraction quicker than the GXP, and I'd imagine the MC is a fraction quicker still.

(BTW: FWIW, GXP Grand Prixs are growing on me )

 

13.8-13.9 the best plausable time?


Actually, 13.8-13.9 are the norms for GXP's. I dont know how magazines got 14.3 in the 1/4th, but most of the owners are able to pull 13.8-13.9 and their are a couple that have went 13.6's-13.7's.
So i would say the GXP and 04 GTO are pretty even in the 1/4th.

Also, DOD only works at cruising speeds when the engine isnt under load. So if your at cruising speeds with ur foot in and out of the throttle..your not going to see the MPG increase.

 

There shouldn't be much, if any, difference between the three:

Impala SS~~~~~ 3695 lbs

Grand Prix GXP~~ 3569 lbs

Monte SS~~~~~ 3487 lbs

These are the actual shipping weights of the three examples. Give or take a few pounds for one with more or less equipment, but these three were very even.

Even so, the specialized and wider front tires of the GXP would, in theory, provide better traction and less torque steer than the SS's.

According to GM advertising information, they list the GXP and Impy SS at 5.7 sec to sixty and the Monte SS at 5.6 sec.

Nothing a good diet can't even up....

 

What I like the most about the GXP is how Pontiac went the extra mile with it. From the suede seat inserts, to the split sized wheels/tires, specific fenders, brakes, suspension, etc. People like Roger Sears (rlsedition), really pushed the limits, to bring an incredibly comprehensive performance package for Grand Prix. And it shows.

Now just imagine how nice the GXP would have been, had the GP it was based on, been a more pleasing car to start with.

 

I agree on everything except the split-sized wheels and tires...

I doubt many people are going to buy this car as a "toy-only" car... it'll be a driver.

Now I can't rotate the tires... which means replacing them more often.

I think split sized, or directional tires are fine on "toy cars" like Corvette... but not on daily drivers. It's just not practical.

 

They claim that because the tire is properly sized for the weight distribution, they wear at the same rate and thus rotation is not needed to extend treadlife.

 

I do leases or smartbuys anymore. No need to worry about tires

 

Aside from the front on the GXP...I think the Grand Prix is a pretty pleasing car. Most of the interior gripes have been fixed with the 06 changes.