The piston slap isn't as much of an issue that many claim. My SS (not a GTO but similar LS2 powertrain) may sound like a diesel when cold, make duck call noises at startup, have random "squeek" noises from outside when idling.... but its still a beast of a motor. Despite the odd noises it runs like a raped ape even at almost 5000 pounds.

 

GTO is ghey, end of thread

 

Tough to take your post seriously after reading you mod list.

 

Question to OP...why don't you look into finding a used well kept, LS powered Camaro or Trans Am, their styling is more aggressive, the LS1 in them may be rated at less power, but their weight roughly pulls them even to an LS2 GTO or faster, and they are still mod friendly, with probably an even cheaper aftermarket.

I'm sure insurance and overall price would be lower as well, just a question.

 

LOL I liked the comment before the phantom edit

 

I passed a GTO on track at Summit Point a few weeks ago. Felt great knowing he had a bunch more power under the hood. It was a new one.

Quarter-mile times are for homosexuals.

 

 

I wouldn't exactly call it homo... but when you try to compare GTO and Z on performance just solely on the 1/4 is a bit out of line IMO. As a 1/4 fan turned into autox, there is a whole lot of other skills and exciting in not driving in a straight line.

 

Good to know you have no issues with alienating a very large percentage of the 350Z community with this statement.

 

Werd...

 

Are you agreeing with Optimo?

 

I have a GTO for my Primary driver right now, and I personally get 19-22 in town and 28-30 on the highway. One of my friends who doesn't drive his as easily as mine gets about 16 in town and 25 on the highway. While real world driving may change the numbers for the Goat, it is pointless to argue since it will change for the Z as well. The mileage is comparable, as I tend to get similar numbers out of the 350Z as well.

There is an abundance of misinformation in this thread. My GTO has 13k miles and I have had no piston slap, engine problems, or creaks/rattles. The only down side to the GOAT is taking to it Pontiac for service, Holden built a great car, but Pontiac and GM are extremely good at damaging it or being unable to correct small problems.
I also don't see where you all think the GTO doesn't handle well. I'm guessing the vast majority of you have never been in one, and are just talking out your highly opinionated and blind asses, but the cars handle quite well. While 3,700lbs isn't as toss able as a 350Z the car can and will turn, and is extremely easy to control at the limit on a road course.
If you're worried about being bland just swap out the Pontiac body parts for Holden ones. People may not pay any attention to the car in Pontiac trim, but switch the front fascia and the badges and you will get looks.
It's all about what you want in the end. The 350Z is a 2 seat sports car, and the GTO is a 4 seat GT car. Both are rewarding cars to drive, and it all just comes down to preference. I easily prefer the GTO to a stock or basic bolt-on 350Z, especially for driving every day as it is a big comfortable GT car. Just go drive them both, and decide.

 

I've driven one and did not have the confidence I would have in a Z.

 

Before picking up my goat, I looked for 4 months for a 350z (check out some of my thread topics if you wish). Most of the Z's I looked at were in pretty poor condition, inside and out. I even pushed the thought of buying a new 07 enthusiast, and was very close to signing on one, but the dealership wouldn't give me what I wanted for my trade in. Checked out my first GTO a few days later, and shortly after, I was a proud owner of a 2005 black on red goat

If you want to know my opinion, as a GTO owner, I honestly would say that if you were to find a GTO and a Z, similar condition, year and mileage, you CAN'T lose with either one. They each have their own perks. The GTO has gobs of torque, and can even pull considerably in 5th gear at 30-35mph. The interior is very comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. And I love how the exterior looks. It's not boring as some people would put it, but rather, very sleek and smooth.

The Z on the other hand is a totally different car, great in its own respect. It has plenty of pull, handles very well. I love how there's a certain feeling that you get when you sit in it, it's quite different than most other cars out there. Its looks are a given, as I don't know of anyone who would say that they didn't like the Z's appearance.

Each car has its own perks, but the only thing that would push me more toward a GTO is that goat owners, as a whole, take more meticulous care of their cars than 350Z owners, as a whole. Some might want to argue, but before you do, take a look at some used GTO's in your area, at random, then take a look at some used 350Z's (similar year, mileage, etc). I think you will find that the GTO will be in much better shape, inside and out.


Couple pictures of mine, for reference:




Dyno pull, stock (344/352) :
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I'm not too sure if I agree with the taking care of part although but I pretty much agree with everything else.

But then again, I'm basing my opinion from a local stand point considering I've been to plenty of Z meets and a GTO meet

 

I'm with you on this one... There is one group of import owners I meet up with when I get the chance (a rarity these days with my workload). They are made up of 350Z, S2K, & Lexus owners and for the most part, a great group. We mostly just hit different sports bars, etc. and talk story.

I've been to a couple domestics meets (mainly F-body groups). Although fun to talk with, they are heavily in to the organized street racing thing. Which is one thing I will not and cannot get involved with.

 

Hm... I'd just buy an older Z and supercharge it. Then you'll be faster and sexier than the GTO.

 

I was not agreeing with him.

 

Not at all.

 

Me too. I have driven the GTO. I own a Firebird with $2000 worth of suspension upgrades.

Z>Curves
GT0/F-Body>1/4 mile
Z=GTO(LS2)/F-Body over 120mph

All super cars.... choice your poison.