View Poll Results: Ford Econoline vs Pontiac G8
Econoline? What's that?
2
4.00%
There's nothing wrong with comparing 2 different V8 vehicles, so where's the problem?
1
2.00%
Next: Going to a Mustang website with a poll between a GT500 and a Grand Marquis
11
22.00%
I'd have actually made a choice if you put G8 and Econoline as a poll option
10
20.00%
Tough choice
7
14.00%
This is a CHEVROLET CAMARO website..... so of course, I'd choose the PONTIAC G8.
19
38.00%
Voters: 50. You may not vote on this poll
Which would you rather buy? A Pontiac G8 or a Ford Econoline Van?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,650
From: Indianapolis, IN
Super Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 2,026
From: Japan
...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.
When was the last time you personally bought a new car?
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Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,887
From: northeast Miss.
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?...
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?...
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
I disagree with this pretty strongly. I think that many people go into a car purchase a lot more open minded then you allude to, and many times the fact that 2 vehicles "have a V8, or are RWD, or is fast, or handles, or has a manual" do place them in the same market.
I had a number of "ideal" parameters in mind when I bought my new car. RWD, manual trans, V8, great handling, 5 passenger capacity, and no more than $30 -$35,000 out the door price. Oh, and I also had $3,500 in GM points which were expiring.
I seriously considered:
GTO
Mustang GT
GP GXP
Charger R/T
Trailblazer SS
BMW 3
CTS
None of them had everything I wanted. And as you can see, they are a very disparate group of vehicles. But the six speed, 3.6, 18" wheel performance pkg, CTS came the closest to what I was looking for.
It's combo of available manual trans (this was the clincher, actually), chassis dynamics, 5 passenger capacity, and with my GM points and under invoice price - affordability - made it my choice.
Last edited by Z284ever; Jan 31, 2007 at 11:55 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
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? 
This is a Camaro site, with Camaro fans and loyalists. Mustang is a direct competitor to Camaro.
Of course, Camaro would win every time. But if a Mustang rates high enough to pull a large number of votes here, that means Ford is doing something right, and would be useful in the real world of conquest sales.
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...
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...
Seriously though, I see your points. But we still are on the same page. It boils down to need-want-afford. Do you really need 4 doors? Do you really want a coupe? Which vehicle has the best value based on what your tastes are?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
That would have made more sense. The G8 and Camaro will be cross shopped to an extent and already proven by at least 3 or 4 posts by people saying theyd take it over the Camaro after seeing it. Both sport cars, Both stylish go fast cars that handle with trunks. Camaro seats 4, G8 seats 4 or 5, both are close in size and the difference being how bad do you need 2 extra doors and the extra space?
When I bought my Camaro.... I wanted a Camaro.
Realistically, the G8 is going to pull older more practical buyers than Camaro will. The G8 buyer may have owned a Camaro or Firebird in the past, and would get one today if they hadn't "outgrown" them, either via family, change in taste, or needing a sole car to do everything.
A person buying a Camaro will tend to be either young or if they are not, will have the Camaro as a 2nd car. That's not likely to be the case with G8.
Well, I think this thread is kind of retarded..... Of course there are going to be people that cross shop the G8 and Camaro. Remember, (guionM) when people were polled after buying a mustang what other cars they were looking at? I bet you do remember... a f'ing Grand Am. Interesting... (scratching head)
I seriously considered buying a WRX instead of my old trans am. I almost bought a TBSS instead of my silverado...
I seriously considered buying a WRX instead of my old trans am. I almost bought a TBSS instead of my silverado...
2. Yes, Grand Ams (especially coupes) were often cross shopped with V6 Mustangs.
3. There are going to be people who read a sticker that says keep fingers away from fan who put their fingers in anyway. Doesn't make it the norm.
4. What made the Silverado win over the TBSS? I'd be willing to bet that you bought the type of vehicle you initially planned to buy (something with a bed at a particular price point and earlier the 2 door sports car), despite looking at and "considering" other options. It's typical with buyers, but it's not cross shopping (setting out to buy a sedan or trucks and comparing sedans or trucks).
Of course if I end up with a G8 or CTS over the Camaro it will be because I needed the 4 doors.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 689
We probably aren't typical of the mass market, but we can't be the only two guys in that boat.
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Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 171
From: New Lenox, IL
