Thought you guys would enjoy this:

http://mtfba.org/rrforum/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=835&

 

Very interesting impressions...especially from an autocrosser.

Well, the GTO was never a road racer and Pontiac is aware of that.

But I'm waiting for the revisionists to start any moment now....

 

It's not small or light-weight. The tires aren't that wide or gripy from what i've heard. And it wouldn't be surprising to find the suspension fairly soft since it is a semi-luxury car, and he did mention it had an awesome ride which point at this.

How long have they been out? I've yet to see one on the streets.

 

I finally saw one last week. Same week that I finally saw an SSR.

 

i've seen the same red SSR three times now on my way to or from work...the guy must be commiting in it....

 

I've seen one GTO actually on the road, and this week I saw a whole transport full of 'em. I've seen two CTSv's and a handful of SSR's over the past two months.

 

I've seen one CTS V on the road, one GTO, and I see my yellow SSR every day in my garage.

 

Damn I need to get back to Funky Town, Lubbock doesnt have anything new running around.

 

Nothing against that person who posted, but I have talked to former-fbody owners who now drive GTO's, and they say otherwise. I belive he is so used to his auto-x tuned car that he forgot what the fbody really handled like. I hear that the third gen handles better then a 4th gen, and this is from former third gen owners who now own 4th gens. But yes, with the small tires and heavy weight, I guess it could be a bit slugish around turns.

 

i know this guy too, and had seen him bash the GTO on many occasion on various forums...

seems he had made his mind up about what he would say before even driving it.

 

if thats the case, it could have used the enzo frame and he still probably would bash the car.

 

As an owner of both, I will put it this way.

The GTO will NOT outdo the Camaro in MAXIMUM, to the limit numbers. It just does not have the rubber from the factory to do it. The car itself is is quick on it's feet. It's VERY nimble, agile, and quick to take a set. It's one of those cars where you love to drive it for it's slicing/dicing capability. It has very minimal body roll (very tight) and doesn't punish the driver in the process. It still has excellent ride quality (in another thread I likened it to my Aurora in terms of comfort) and has excellent feedback from the road. The car WILL step out of line just as quick as the Camaro with a goose of the gas pedal. So it's just as fun.

The Camaro on the other hand, while an excellent handler and number generator leaves a little something to be desired in terms of feedback through the front wheels. It has heavy, numb, and lethargic steering rack. At speeds of 100+ I've had a hard time getting it to take a set and am constantly correcting to stay in an arc. THIS IS SOMETHING I DO NOT HAVE TO DO WITH THE GTO. Point the GTO where you want it and it goes there.

There is no doubt that my Camaro will outstick it on a skipad. Simple matter of physics will tell you this. Bigger tires, lower center of gravity and less body roll will generate those superior numbers for you.

In the end, it's really a "6 of one, half dozen of another" scenario. The guys over in Australia race these cars in several road race organizations including the Australian V8 Supercar series.

If you're serious about racing either car, you need to invest in;

Camaro - a Chassis tightneing. This means subframe connectors, strut tower brace, and other bracing. Normal suspension enhancements will be necessary also.

GTO - bigger wheels with bigger and grippier tires. Subframe connectors, no need for a strut tower brace as they come from the factory with one, and perhaps some lowering to reduce the center of gravity.

That's why I say "6 of one, half dozen of another."