Got this idea from another thread that pits a practical, roomy, 4 door, full sized family sports sedan with a 2+2 pony car that will fit 2 people, 2 more less comfortably, and is in an entirely different market.

I figured I'd go with the flow, adopt the same logic, and make up a poll of my own that's even closer in relationship.

Since we've had Camaros vs full sized sedans, 2 passenger 4 cylinder Solstices vs 4 passenger V8 Camaros, Sports cars like Corvettes vs 4 passenger coupes like Mustangs, and a whole sort of other baffling comparisons, what about something no one's come up with yet (though not for a lack of trying). Here's 2 very different vehicles, both with RWD, both can be had in the same price range, and both just as different as other comparison polls that often crop up.

Ford Econoline van has a V8, rear drive, can fit more people and their luggage (or their entire life's belongings), rides pretty nice, is assembled with pretty good quality for an American vehicle, and will no doubt last for many, many miles, years (or lifetimes).

Sure, it won't outhandle or out accelerate a V8 5th gen Camaro, but neither will a G8. But it will be quick enough for the market it was intended for. To top it off, you can even get a V10 (an option not available with the G8!).

So..... which would you choose?...

 

Econoline. It's like an apartment you can drive.

 

Econoline! Assuming of course i can put some **** carpeting and other crazy fixtures in side

 

I am calling dibbs on the Sosltice vs Kodiak thread!!!

 

Well, Guy, your post is kinda funny, but kinda lame.

Yes, they're two different cars, but they're both going to be fast, good handling vehicles. Both available with the coveted 6spd manual.

Finally, the new G8 has alot of excitement going for it in this community.

IMO, people are excited because it's RWD, has a V8, and Manaual trans is available. (all things it shares w/ the Camaro) Oh, and it'll have sports car characteristics.

Mike

 

I get the point, but I think alot more people will cross shop these two cars then you may think...not everyone is looking for a car in a specific mold.

Take me for example, and I think I resemble alot of us on this board. I've had lots of sports cars, even sporty sedans, even an Econoline to boot! I recently sold my S4, for a Silverado. I also have a Jeep Rubicon. I'm not just a coupe guy, or sedan guy, or truck guy, etc. Most of us aren't. I want something sporty, and love the Camaro, as it hearkens back to the 1st gen's I've owned, not to mention the 3rd and 4th gens I've had.

But, I also realize the practicality of a 4-dr...after owning the S4, having a 4-dr that drives/handles/accelerates better than most so-called 'sports' cars, its quite a thrill.

The G8 gives guys the Camaro performance aspect, with a practical side.

Since I'm finally getting married and starting a family...I don't think I have a lot of choice.

And I don't think I'm the only guy out there that can't justify a coupe, no matter how much I'd want one.

With that being said, I WILL own a 5th gen someday...but probably not until it's a weekend bruiser once the mark-ups are gone and the me-too's have had their fun. In the meantime, that G8 looks like it'll do the job quite nicely!

 

I see your point.

If 2 vehicles have a V8, a manual, rear wheel drive, are fast, handle great compared with other vehicles in their class, generate excitement, and say.. seats 2 people, regardless as to the types of vehicle we're comparing or the market they're targeting, it's perfectly OK to have a poll comparing the 2?

Point proven & point taken.

I should have done it between a Dodge Rumble Bee Pickup truck and a Corvette.


(You do realize you just played into the purpose of this thread, don't you? )

 

You realize you just did an entire loop and ended back at my point, right?

You started off trying to make the point that people will cross shop Camaro and G8.

You then went through your personal car history, which like everyone else, is a combination of what you liked at the time + what you needed divided by what you could afford.

Then you finally state that you have no choice but to have a sedan because you're planning to have a family. In short, you AREN'T cross shopping a Camaro & G8. But you ARE in the market for a sedan, and might be intrested in how a G8 compares with a Charger SRT8, or a BMW 5 series, right?


Sure, most everyone here (on a site like this) who has a family wants a sedan that is fast, handles, & is affordable. If I did alot of hauling, I'd want something fast that handles, but with a bed. If I needed the occasional AWD, I'd want an SUV. If fuel economy was a concern, I'd have those qualities in an econobox. Or if I was single or had no kids or small kids or wanted a 2nd car, I'd buy a Camaro or Mustang.

If 2 vehicles have a V8, or are RWD, or is fast, or handles, or has a manual, doesn't automatically place it before the same market. It's one thing to compare performance capabilities, which is fun. Having a G8 that compares favorably to a Mustang, Camaro, or even a Corvette gives someone who is in the market for a sedan something to get excited about. But thinking that same person is going to sit at a table late night trying to pick between a Camaro and a G8 is pretty unrealistic.

A Charger, a 300, even a new Impala SS would be good alternatives to a G8, and will have alot of cross shoppers. But saying a G8 will be cross shopped with a Camaro is like saying a a G8 will be crossshopped with a Tahoe. Sure, some people looking at the Tahoe will look at the G8 & vice versa. But in the end, you're going to buy what fits you and what your needs.

Otherwise, we'd all be driving the same type of cars.

Now..... what about that Econoline?

 

We're talking about polls in the fantasy land of the Internet where "which would you buy?" puts you in debt one index finger click and not $30,000. Are you saying that if the poll entrants were Camaro and Mustang, you'd observe the results as having some serious credibility or usefulness?

Who cares if it's apples-to-candy apples or sport sedan-to-pony car? For this site's limited audience (performance enthusiasts, armchair racers, GM loyalists), the conversation piece isn't irrelevant. It's just as silly to poll, "now that you've seen half the grille of the G8, are you going to buy one?"

Yes, I would be surprised to see a survey in Consumer Reports asking, "Which $30,000 car would you buy? A) Camaro SS, B) Pontiac G8, C) Used Corvette Z06, D) Saturn Sky RL, E) Holden Ute." But for CamaroZ28.com, that sounds par for the course. If that means you can't include the results in your thesis research...

 

I agree with your point, but for precisely opposite reasons from the ones you laid out. Unlike the Econoline, the G8 will have a lot in common with the Camaro - in fact, a whole lot. Same basic drive train, same basic platform, same company, similar price. In fact, the only real difference between these cars is number of doors and styling. In fact, with the G8, Pontiac has something better than a Firebird replacement. It has, in effect, a version of the Camaro that will actually attract people the Camaro does not. It should do well.

 

I do see where I lost you...my point is, that I'm a viable customer for the Camaro..and I'll have to decide if I like it enough to warrant the lack of convenience, or if the G8 has enough appeal and performance to sway me.

So yes, I am cross-shopping them. Not many people in this world can live with a Camaro as their only transportation. Like me, those people will be deciding on what they really want, versus what they need and what they can live with/without within their budget.

So, to an extent, it's all relative...

Oh yes, I did love the Econoline...sold it with 178K on the clock with not a single mechanical failure in it's life...only to have the next owner burn it to the ground (ignited paint supplies in the back) with 240K on it.

Hmm....maybe I should be looking at one of those again instead...

 

You can even get the Econline with a diesel!

 

I think this is comparable to the dilemma one had in 1997 when buying a new M3. You had a choice, either the 4-dr, or the 2-dr. You might like the looks of the coupe, or appreciate the extra doors of the sedan.

In all reality, the G8 is a 4-dr Camaro...same basic platform/layout, powertrain, both with great looks, albeit with more individual styling.

They are similar enough that I think there will be alot of guys who say..Hey, I love that new Camaro...well, looky here, the G8 is about the same package, but with 2 extra doors....decisions, decisions!

 

Does the Econoline come with a Hemi? Oh, wait...

 

E350 with a Powerstroke.