So what's the difference in GT and GTP besides more HP?

[kat75]

So I'm looking at getting a GP sooner than I expected...was planning on getting one in the next year or so (after we pay off our other car) but I got sideswiped Saturday, and my current car is a 95 and not really worth that much--I wondered if the other guy's insurance adjustor would total it out. (If they dont, no problem for me--I need this GP info for the future anyway. )

So I've done some research but I'm picking up the pace now just in case my 95 does get totaled--it drives fine but body damage is pretty bad--almost the whole right side is going to have to be replaced (rear door, front door, right front quarter panel).

My question is, is there really any difference between the GT and GTP besides the supercharged engine? I ask because I'm looking for a used one, around 2004-2006, and it's GOT to be black. Which kind of limits my choices in the area, lol. So I wanted to be sure if I got a GT I didnt regret it. I like a fast car and would love to have the GTP but if I cant find one I'm trying to keep my options as open as possible.

I thought at first the GTPs came with leather and a bunch of extra options but all the ones I've seen on Autotrader etc. had cloth seats. I'd love to have leather but from what I've heard the GP leather isnt that good quality. I dont mind cloth, if I had to.

How about the difference in the base model and the GT? I looked at a base model yesterday that looked pretty nice--clean, CD player, etc.

Sorry this was so long. Thanks for your help!

[GTP Dad]

The GT and GTP are basically the same cars with the exception of the engines as you already stated. The platforms are the same as are the options. The only difference is in the engine compartment. The Engine is beafier to make more HP as is the transmission and the axle shafts. Of course the computer programming is different but as for the basic cars there isn't much difference. Of course the badging is different too.

[kat75]

Thanks for the reply! That helps a lot. Really narrows (widens!) my choices out.

I noticed there's no SE anymore, and has been replaced in recent models with the "base sedan". Is there much of a difference in the base and the GT? I think I saw where both the Base and GT both have the 3.8L V6, so that can't be it. (??) They seem to look the same in body styling.

[BNaylor]

Are you referring to the 2004 and up models? If so you have to split the years and differentiate. Between 04-'05 and the '06-'07 models because Pontiac re-did the naming and badging. On 2006-2007 models the GT which used to be the GTP/Comp G in '04 - '05 models has the supercharged SIII 3800 whereas the base model "Sedan" has the normally aspirated SIII 3800 engine so there is a big difference. 260 HP!

[kat75]

Yes, sorry! 2004 and up. I was thinking the 04-06 were all similar, and the 07 was the new version.

Okay, so the 04-05 GTP is the 06-07 GT, and the 04-05 GT is the 06-07 base model. Did I get that right?

Why did they have to overlap the names like that? LOL

[BNaylor]

lol.

Thats close enough. I really do not know why Pontiac did that. It is very confusing. The main reason was probably the introduction of the GXP in 2006 which has the 5.3L 303 hp V8. Had they kept the badging similar to the '97-'03 models years we would not have problems identifying them.

Then some pea brained idiot at GM decided to confuse us more by dreaming up the Pontiac G models.....like G5, G6. I heard there is a plan to call the Grand Prix a G? something. I think I'll buy Japanese this time around and get a real G car like an Infinity G35 or similar. GM has lost its way.

[kat75]

Are there any body style differences in 04-06? I know the old SE's before that was a LOT different than the GT or GTP.

[69goatfarmer]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

lol.
The main reason was probably the introduction of the GXP in 2006 which has the 5.3L 303 hp V8.

I've seen some 2005 GXPs that do have the 303hp V8. I'd like to have one but can't afford the extra $$$$ wanted for the GXP. Since the GXP came out I haven't seen any GTP (or any other GP) with the Comp-G badging. The only units since '05 with the TAP Shift were the GXPs unless everyone with an '05 and up GTP Comp-G is hanging on to it and won't sell.

I'm almost in the same boat except no one side swiped my car (yet). I'm looking for '04 and up GP. I really like the supercharger on the GTP but gas milage does suffer. I've seen some posts here that seem to think a GT can get as good performance as a GTP with some mods. Now these same mods would probably also help the GTP too but ...

I'm interested in your comment about the poorer quality leather in the GPs. I've not heard that and had my heart set on leather as I really want the heated seats. What have you heard about the leather?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 69goatfarmer

I've seen some 2005 GXPs that do have the 303hp V8. I'd like to have one but can't afford the extra $$$$ wanted for the GXP. Since the GXP came out I haven't seen any GTP (or any other GP) with the Comp-G badging. The only units since '05 with the TAP Shift were the GXPs unless everyone with an '05 and up GTP Comp-G is hanging on to it and won't sell.

I'm almost in the same boat except no one side swiped my car (yet). I'm looking for '04 and up GP. I really like the supercharger on the GTP but gas milage does suffer. I've seen some posts here that seem to think a GT can get as good performance as a GTP with some mods. Now these same mods would probably also help the GTP too but ...

I'm interested in your comment about the poorer quality leather in the GPs. I've not heard that and had my heart set on leather as I really want the heated seats. What have you heard about the leather?

Actually the GXP model was first introduced as a 2005 model but due to production delays didn't come out to the showroom floors until later in 2005 instead of in the fall of 2004 as usual. All GXPs have the 5.3L which is OK but nothing to brag about. Still nothing like a LS1 or LS2 engine. I like the GTO but can't stand the way it looks.

2006 was the first year Pontiac canned the GTP badging and called it the GT. In 2005 the GTP and Competition Group option (Comp G) were still available.

As far as GT versus GTP, a GT can be modded to outperform a GTP. More than just some mods. You'll most likely need a turbo kit preferably twin turbo. There are street driven GTPs that turn 11 second quarter miles with Stage III mods like an intercooler, etc. The main advantage of a L36 engine is the higher compression ratio versus the lower of the L67. The same is applicable to the GPs '04 and up with the L26 and L32 Series III 3800 engines. ZZP has the SS M90 Eaton M90 supercharger kit that is doable and cost effective. GT owners with the kits have claimed to beat either stock or modestly modded GTPs. But the bottom line is a GTP is easier and cheaper to mod.

Although the leather seats are not the best around I haven't had any problems and mine are going on 10 years old plus they are heated. I use custom seat covers to help protect the leather.