05 GTO vs 05 Mustang GT

[Injuneer]

Not sure if anyone posted this info yet, my apologies if its "old news".

Interesting road test comparison in the 1/05 issue of Car & Driver.

Mustang GT:
$28,865
3,575#
0-60 - 5.1 seconds
1/4-mile - 13.8 @ 103mph

GTO:
$33,500 (est.)
3,787#
0-60 - 4.8 seconds
1/4-mile - 13.3 @ 107mph

The GTO engine is obviously now the LS2, 400HP@6,000rpm, 400 lb-ft@4,400rpm, 6,500rpm red-line. The T56 also has the deeper gear ratios from the Corvette M12 1st-2.97, 2nd-2.07, 3rd-1.43, 4th-1.00, 5th-0.84, 6th-0.57. Rear axle is a 3.46:1

They rate the Mustang as the "winner" based on "gotta-have it factor".

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

That's wierd. GM usually doesn't put a Vette motor in another car until a year after it came out in the Vette. That does make it one fast GTO, but unless they have changed the body styling, I would have to side with the Mustang.

[Injuneer]

The 2005 SS-R pickup/convertible also has the LS2 engine, but its downrated to 390HP. But its a 5,000+# boat anchor.

I think GM is desparate to increase the poor sales on these things. Maybe they will pump up the Silverado SS as well - another huge marketing blunder.

[95z28]

i think the mustang would look alot better if it lost those ugly lights

[Joe 1320]

hmmmm........

ya know, that LS2 would be a nice drop-in for any 4th gen f-body. Hate to say it, but I can't wait for some of those powertrains to start popping up from dismantlers.

[fastTa]

hmmmm........

ya know, that LS2 would be a nice drop-in for any 4th gen f-body. Hate to say it, but I can't wait for some of those powertrains to start popping up from dismantlers.

That's exactly what I am holding out for. 102mm single turbo on a LS7 should make the fun-factor meter go up a little.

[Joe 1320]

That's exactly what I am holding out for. 102mm single turbo on a LS7 should make the fun-factor meter go up a little.

That's what I'm sayin' One of these days, when I've finally got all this hurricane damage crap out of the way and my house gets put back together, I am in dire need of a re-birth. Call it a mid life crisis, who knows..... I know that I have a renewed craving for what I did 20 years ago. Something that can still be driven on the street, but serious enough to get me to a buck fifty in the quarter if the need arises. Anything more than that is still in the death wish catagory. Gotta be seriously tubbed, but a full apolstered interior and some sound deadening mat. Stereo too. I already know weight is going to be the problem. I may just have to tub the ol' GN......

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

The 2005 SS-R pickup/convertible also has the LS2 engine, but its downrated to 390HP. But its a 5,000+# boat anchor.

I think GM is desparate to increase the poor sales on these things. Maybe they will pump up the Silverado SS as well - another huge marketing blunder.

The Silverado SS was idiotic. They take the heaviest body style truck they have, do a half-ass job with the engine, add some sleeker body panels and fascia and throw it up against the Ford Lightning and Ram SRT-10... two absolute MONSTERS that outperform it in every conceivable way. What did they think was going to happen?

The SSR is an utterly useless vehicle. It's kinda cool... if you have $40K that you can just throw at a useless vehicle.

The GTO I don't understand though... I think it's pretty awesome. It has far and away the nicest interior that GM has ever put in a car this side of Cadillac. It's sleek, it's fast, it handles well... It doesn't have the "in-your-face" styling that the f-bodies had, but it isn't an "ugly" car. I would love a GTO if it didn't cost the same as a used Z06 does...

[1sickbird]

i'm not so sure but i hear 05 GTO judge coming too. LS2 575 HP and looking alot better than 04 and 05 GTO. and make that 05 judge VS 05 mustang cobra.and do you guys think GM car will a lot better if the car like grand prix, monte carlo have rear wheel drive ?

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

i'm not so sure but i hear 05 GTO judge coming too. LS2 575 HP and looking alot better than 04 and 05 GTO. and make that 05 judge VS 05 mustang cobra.and do you guys think GM car will a lot better if the car like grand prix, monte carlo have rear wheel drive ?

That 575 HP GTO was a tuner car built by GM employees in some sort of "employee enthusiasm" program. It used the LS7 block and biuts and pieces of the LS1 and LS2 motors.

I think the Grand Prix and Monte Carlo need an identity first and foremost. The Grand Prix has one moreso, but let's talk about the Monte... it's a coupe. A FWD, 200 and some-odd horsepower coupe that is supposed to be a "family car". On top of that, it's interior is pretty awful. Fully loaded, it will run close to $30K. A base Infiniti G35 will run close to that as well. Who in their RIGHT MIND would buy a Monte Carlo over a G35?????? If the Monte wants to keep its two-door "sporty" type styling, then it needs to back it up. They need to offer a manual transmission, a higher output engine, and above all, A NICER INTERIOR. I'm sorry to anyone on this board who might own one, but it is an ugly, bubbly looking boat that doesn't do anything that it tries to do well. It is easily my most hated GM car. The Grand Prix is pretty cool, but it needs a transmission upgrade and a better interior too...

[SS_CarGuy]

In that same Car and Driver, Pontiac has an add for the 2005 GTO with a picture of the front end that is a lot different than the 2004 model. They refer to it as the "Sport Apperance" package. Here is a copy of the ad:

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

In that same Car and Driver, Pontiac has an add for the 2005 GTO with a picture of the front end that is a lot different than the 2004 model. They refer to it as the "Sport Apperance" package. Here is a copy of the ad:

That is HOTTTTT!!!!!

[Joe 1320]

Unfortunately, the only item from that front fascia to make production was the hood. Everything else is a caryover.

[SS_CarGuy]

Unfortunately, the only item from that front fascia to make production was the hood. Everything else is a caryover.

Joe.....I may not be understanding you properly but there are numerous differences with this sport appearance package between the 04 and 05. The fascia is different under the grille, the grille is inset and different, and then there is the hood with the scoops. The rear end is styled differently too now because the duals exit on both sides of the rear fascia. And there are larger wheels available too. I would say it's a big improvement appearance wise. Whether that's enough to bolster sales though is anyones guess.

[Joe 1320]

I was under the impression that the recessed grill was killed, leaving the same grill as a carryover. The rear end does get the split exhaust to both sides.