matt03gls

I am looking at the RX-8 and GTO, both in automatic.
Besides the huge difference in HP, what do you think are advantages and disadvantages to both.
I love the looks and handling of the RX-8
The GTO has the V8 grunt I love
The GTO is a little boring

GotZoom

Love the looks and handling of the 8.
GTO is boring.

Want the grunt on the 8? Get a GReddy exhaust.

Done.

XDEEDUBBX

any particular reason why your choosing automatics? Wifey?

BlueEyes

The GReddy exhaust adds 200 hp?

Go drive them both. The GTO apparently handles really well, well enough for most every driver. We don't have them in Canada so I can't confirm this, but this is what I am told.

cLLcLe

If you are getting a RX-8 in automatic.... I don't think you'd really like it. Stick with the GTO if its auto. Power is pretty bland and space is cramped.

Buut! Who am I to talk.. I gotta get my own RX-8 first =(

galleychief

No matter what the badge on the front says, "It ain't no Goat"! It's a Holden Monaro and there is no comparison between it and the RX8. Power or performance bro', your choice.

matt03gls

My wife cannot drive a stick. I also need a auto for my car to qualify for my company's auto reimbursment program.

GotZoom

To me, a grunt is a sound.

Plus, my GReddy only added about 155 hp.

RotaryManiac

If you must get auto, stick with the GTO. The brute power it has is what auto is for. I have the 6speed 8 and its great though :D . I was thinking of switching to a gto after my lease ended, but i think im going to buy out the car a put in a turbo.

BlueEyes

I don't understand Power in the GTO or Performance in the 8? are you implying that the GTO has no performance

Shoafb

Looks go to the 8 easily, IMO. The back seat is also more accessible via the swing out doors also. The down side is you won't have the big v-8 grunt and nothing sounds like an 8 no matter what exhaust you throw at it. nor the Tourqe/power. Just have to decide what matters most to you.

Is this an 05? In that case I might could overlook the appearance of the car just to get that LS-2 :D If it's an 04 eh.... not sure about that one.

TODreamer

Power is great.. handling is pretty good....

BUT

I just cant get over the GTO looks....it looks like the lovechild from a grand am and a grand prix..... Now theres originality for ya!

Magic8

Go back to your tetrahedral elements, you're making too much sense :D

galleychief

The Pontiac is a muscle car in nice clothes, pure power off the line. The RX8 is a performance sports car. While no slouch in quickness, it can't compare to the Pontiac for power down the track. But watch your back, because when you break through the twisties, I'm going by you holding my line and increasing my speed.
That's what I mean by performance.

BlueEyes

I don't know man, from what I have heard the GTO handles pretty damn well for a big car. Well enough that I would bet on it at a track event. AutoX is a different story, but I don't like autoX so maybe there is some personal preference coming into play here. There is no denying that the 8 handles better, but so much better that the power differnce is gobbled up, I don't think so. For most people, the GTO will handle just fine I would think.

GotZoom

Set them side-by-side in a parking lot. Where will the crowd congregate?

th1rd3y3

Auto GTO...no question.

Hell I'd take an Auto Mazda6 over an Auto RX-8.

Even though the 8 handles better than the GTO, having over 150 hp more (double the hp if you're considering an 05) is certainly nothing to scoff at (straights or twisties).

Plus it's not like the GTO is an 18-wheeler, it handles well despite it's size. Not to mention the ls1/ls2 takes to mods VERY well, if you're into that sort of thing.

DreRX8

Yeah-I have the RX8 auto--if you want a fast auto--then go for the GTO--the auto RX8 handles better and looks better though. If performance is paramount then go for the GTO.

RotaryManiac

No, i am implying that the gto has power. BUt it does look like a grand am on steroids, and not very good ones at that. :D

apotocki

Go drive each of them and then decide.......Basically you are comparing apples to oranges.

A better comparison would be to compare the GTO to a Stang.....

The 8 (IMO) is a better handling car (some say its a 'sports' car) with great styling while the GTO is American muscle that looks alot like other Pontiacs.

BTW - Teach your wife how to drive a stick....there is a big difference between the auto-8 and the mt-8!

BlueEyes

The GTO also has a pretty nice interior. As nice as the 8's? can't say, I haven't seen it in person, but it looks good.

dmp

I test-drove a GTO before deciding against it.

Plusses: Interior. Sound, Torque
Negatives: Heavy. Body Roll. Vague Steering. Numb Brakes. Bland styling. Higher Cost.

khtm

Go for the GTO. Obviously the best choice for you. The mentality difference of the people who buy each of these cars is 180 degrees.

No More Oldsmobiles

What does your wife think? If she loves the looks of the RX-8, go that route. But if she feels safer in a bigger car, that would be the GTO. I'm sure both are fun to drive, but in entirely different ways.

BlackIceGuitar

If it has to be auto, go the the GTO.