04 Grand Prix differences

[mjtr21]

I was wondering if anybody knows what the differences are between a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and the Comp G. I was going to buy one but I wanted to know what options were different on them.

[bricker82]

The big differences are the gear ratio and TAPShift option. The gear ratio on the CompG is 3.29, whereas the ration on the GTP is 2.93. TAP (Touch Activated Power) Shifting is the addition of "paddles" to the stearing wheel where you can "manually" shift by a flick of a finger.

Also, the struts are different due to the Stabilitrak Sport suspension, which allows for better handling.

And the steering is MagnasteerII instead of MagnasteerI which gives you a better feel through turns and "interprets" how far you should have to turn the wheel. I.E. When you drive under 25mph you have to turn the wheel more to complete a same radius turn at 55mph.

If you have the chance, go for the CompG over the GTP.

[mjtr21]

okay well i think the one i was looking at is a comp g because it had the tapshift on the lower right corner of the steering wheel. are there any comp g badges though? also is there a difference between the dic? i've seen some with 3 buttons and some with 5. or are the ones with 5 buttons on newer grand prixs? thanks for clearing that up. one more, does the comp g have the heads up display?

[bricker82]

The TAPShift paddles are located on the upper center steering wheel supports. One on each side of the center also. You can see them here:


There are badges, but only one on my car on the rear lower right hand corner of the trunklid. It says GTP Competition Group. Here ya go:


Yes, the CompG has the HUD and 5 button DIC also.

[kamilkowski]

Hey Bricker

Nice car. I am about to buy similar 2004 Grand Prix GTP (Comp G) but hesitating due to fuel consumption. Can you tell me what averages are you getting?

Thanks

[bricker82]

It really is a matter of how heavy your right foot is! If I drive conservatively, accelerating lightly enough to stay off the S/C'er, my city mileage is around 21-22mpg's. However, if I drive like I usually do, it's more around 19-20mpg city.

Highway all depends on your speed too. If I travel at 70mph, I usually average 28mpg's. If I'm traveling at 80mph, I average closer to 23-24mpg's. 65mph seems to be the magic speed because I generally average 29-30mpg's at that speed.

Hope that helps, not great on gas, but not yoo bad either.

[kamilkowski]

Hey Thank for the answer. I think I will tryto keep it safe and at least start with driving s l o w e r . Also I was wondering if you use PREMIUM only gas?

Thanks

[bricker82]

With a GTP, it is a good idea to only run Premium. These cars come with plenty of burst knock as it is, you don't need to add to it! That's all I use, unfortunately, down here in AZ we only have 91, not 93.

Oh and no problem answering all these Q's!