GTO vs. Firebird Trans AM WS6

[YogsVR4]

You guys and your power to weight There is a whole lot more in play then that in determining a cars performance.

[Joseph1082]

yea, but considering we are comparing two cars with IDENTICAL drivetrains, the ONLY difference is their weight.

[flylwsi]

in straight line?
no, there's not much more...
suspension is important, yes...

but in a STRAIGHT line, power to weight is hella important...

but of course, who would say it's not an issue, but a guy who has a car that is definitely *heavy* in the weight side of that ratio...

power to weight is part of the reason that cars like the lotus (caterham) super 7 is so quick in straight lines, and the elise...
both of which have under 200hp, and have 0-60 times equal/better than cars with twice that power...

[YogsVR4]

Originally Posted by Joseph1082

yea, but considering we are comparing two cars with IDENTICAL drivetrains, the ONLY difference is their weight.

Really? The tires are the same? Weight distribution is the same? Air resistance is the same? .....

[Joseph1082]

Ok, but y do you have to be a nitpicker like that, damn... basically the same.

[YogsVR4]

Originally Posted by Joseph1082

Ok, but y do you have to be a nitpicker like that, damn... basically the same.

Sorry if it came off a bit too nit picky. I've read to many threads where people got hung up on the weight of the cars without taking other things into account. Even with cars that are basically the same as you said, have differences that contribute to different times. Believe me - owning a VR4 has left me reminding people quite often that there is a lot more at play.

[Joseph1082]

No... if you have read my posts and gotten to know me, you will know I am a very exact person as well, so I can appreciate what you said... But for the most part, the both have the Same LS1, same T-56 tranny, and the same GU6 LSD rear. Of course then the Firebird is faster, it is lighter, more areodynamic, prolly has a stiffer suspension (better for launches), as for tires, I think they both have 16s not sure of width though.

[stangvette1]

Trans am for me. Looks a whole lot better.

[kman10587]

Trans Am. I can't stand the new GTO, and the Trans Am is quicker.

[Layla's Keeper]

I'd have a hard time choosing one over the other. From a pure performance perspective, the Trans-Am is the way to go. Lighter (even if only by 200lbs) and the solid rear axle suspension is actually a proven killer on road courses (just ask Grand Am Cup GS1 competitors who were staring at Trans-Am taillights up until the Sunoco team got Z06 Corvettes). However, by no means is the GTO a slouch. It's fairly nimble for a car of its size (not to mention you cannot compare the ride quality of a GTO against that of the Trans-Am) and there's plenty of acceleration and braking for anyone.

The styling is a matter of taste, and can waver from day to day. The Trans-Am is an extrovert. It's scoops and spoilers from here to Timbuktu. The GTO is much more understated. It's very clean and presentable. The Trans-Am is for the drive-in. The GTO for the country club.

Hell, they're both so relatively inexpensive compared to other cars in their class that you should just have one of each in your driveway.

[Jimster]

Originally Posted by Joseph1082

No... if you have read my posts and gotten to know me, you will know I am a very exact person as well, so I can appreciate what you said... But for the most part, the both have the Same LS1, same T-56 tranny, and the same GU6 LSD rear. Of course then the Firebird is faster, it is lighter, more areodynamic, prolly has a stiffer suspension (better for launches), as for tires, I think they both have 16s not sure of width though.

The Tranmission, diff and engine is where the similarities end. The Suspension is chalk and cheese, the GTO is light years ahead in fit and finish, the GTO's ride quality is far better on crap roads than a TA, the interior of the GTO goes for luxury over crap plastics, Air con and a Radio.

Etcetera, etcetera.

[Joseph1082]

Yes... this is what I said, but the Firebird is the true performer if you are buying the car for that reason, the GTO is a purchase for a powerful monster that is still able to haul kids, groceries, etc.