2004 cts-v

[sequoiasoon]

The G8 GXP is SWEET and looks awesome. I drove my co-workers GTO and since Holden was already making that and a 4 door it was a matter of time (they also make a wagon version in Australia) hopefully they find a way to keep it. CTS-V is a nice car but "available" choices I'd probably look at the Acura TL-S. Perfect tim for the lease turn ins right now. Great write ups on it, not quite as fast as the other 2 but definitely not a slouch. '06 Maxima nice option also.

[PMoth]

Originally Posted by sequoiasoon

The G8 GXP is SWEET and looks awesome. I drove my co-workers GTO and since Holden was already making that and a 4 door it was a matter of time (they also make a wagon version in Australia) hopefully they find a way to keep it. CTS-V is a nice car but "available" choices I'd probably look at the Acura TL-S. Perfect tim for the lease turn ins right now. Great write ups on it, not quite as fast as the other 2 but definitely not a slouch. '06 Maxima nice option also.

Acura TL-S and Maxima = regular cars. There is more to life than going straight. no homo! Real men attack those corners and they have fun doing it. Front drivers almost always limit this. Not saying fwd isn't capable, newer turbo Cobalt and new Focus RS are really capable machines and great examples of what can be expected with enough effort. You just won't be able to power slide like you can in most of the other cars listed. The OPs first two choices are awesome. Gotta suggest something just as awesome. Just my $.05...

[JDS]

If you're really serious about much more than straight-line performance, I doubt whether a big full-sized Pontiac sedan is going to be your best option, even with RWD.

[PMoth]

Originally Posted by JDS

If you're really serious about much more than straight-line performance, I doubt whether a big full-sized Pontiac sedan is going to be your best option, even with RWD.

It'll definitely hand almost every car mentioned above it's @ss where it counts though. M5 and CTS-v will probably run away from it.

[JDS]

Originally Posted by PMoth

It'll definitely hand almost every car mentioned above it's @ss where it counts though. M5 and CTS-v will probably run away from it.

Which ones? Cobalt SS, Audi S4, MazdaSpeed6? I dunno, I think all of those cars could PROBABLY pull a faster lap around, say, PBIR.

Acura TL-S and Maxima? They wouldn't stand a chance.

[sequoiasoon]

Originally Posted by PMoth

Acura TL-S and Maxima = regular cars. There is more to life than going straight. no homo! Real men attack those corners and they have fun doing it. Front drivers almost always limit this. Not saying fwd isn't capable, newer turbo Cobalt and new Focus RS are really capable machines and great examples of what can be expected with enough effort. You just won't be able to power slide like you can in most of the other cars listed. The OPs first two choices are awesome. Gotta suggest something just as awesome. Just my $.05...

Why is it erickonphoenix suggests TL-S and Mazda speed 6 first but I get the homo comment, WTF?

For the price, an older CTS-V is probably the only choice pending finding a decent one in price range. Not knowing his wife and if like Z1NONLY's if she will be autocrossing it or using it as a DD. In first post he said it needs to haul family of 4 cross country. Not gonna be attacking the curves at that point. Sometimes the compromise has to be looked at. Give many wives a choice (mine prefers stick also ) between a 9-10 year old BMW, 6 year old Caddy or 3 year old Acura and I can tell you where most will fall knowing they need to drive it everyday. Will it track the same and have same potential, obviously not. I wanted a WRX- STi or EVO but the reality of 2 young kids that are growing fast, being the main vehicle for many years, safety, reliabilty, fuel costs, purchase/insurance costs sometimes the toy wants need to wait. If I could justify paying 3 times the payment while half my workers just got told they need to change shifts or get out and 2 managers with the least seniority (15-16 years!) are job hunting, I'd have the G8 GXP tomorrow. Obviously OP is in a different position and good for him that he has choices.

[PMoth]

Originally Posted by JDS

Which ones? Cobalt SS, Audi S4, MazdaSpeed6? I dunno, I think all of those cars could PROBABLY pull a faster lap around, say, PBIR.

Acura TL-S and Maxima? They wouldn't stand a chance.

Not familiar with that track but I am familiar with Limerock and every backroad leading up to the track. There, the G8 would probably hand almost everyone of those cars their @ss. Being the Euro snob that I am though, I'd still pick the M5 or S4.

Originally Posted by sequoiasoon

Why is it erickonphoenix suggests TL-S and Mazda speed 6 first but I get the homo comment, WTF?

For the price, an older CTS-V is probably the only choice pending finding a decent one in price range. Not knowing his wife and if like Z1NONLY's if she will be autocrossing it or using it as a DD. In first post he said it needs to haul family of 4 cross country. Not gonna be attacking the curves at that point. Sometimes the compromise has to be looked at. Give many wives a choice (mine prefers stick also ) between a 9-10 year old BMW, 6 year old Caddy or 3 year old Acura and I can tell you where most will fall knowing they need to drive it everyday. Will it track the same and have same potential, obviously not. I wanted a WRX- STi or EVO but the reality of 2 young kids that are growing fast, being the main vehicle for many years, safety, reliabilty, fuel costs, purchase/insurance costs sometimes the toy wants need to wait. If I could justify paying 3 times the payment while half my workers just got told they need to change shifts or get out and 2 managers with the least seniority (15-16 years!) are job hunting, I'd have the G8 GXP tomorrow. Obviously OP is in a different position and good for him that he has choices.

Sorry, I should've quoted both of you. Point taken.

[JDS]

Originally Posted by PMoth

Not familiar with that track but I am familiar with Limerock and every backroad leading up to the track. There, the G8 would probably hand almost everyone of those cars their @ss. Being the Euro snob that I am though, I'd still pick the M5 or S4.

I've never driven Lime Rock but you could take any small, tight track as the example.

Have you driven the G8 personally? Maybe you're right, I haven't driven it myself, but I doubt the absolute power advantage of the GT is enough to make up for the fact that the S4 and Cobalt SS have slightly better power to weight ratios at lower absolute weights, and in the case of the S4, AWD. It probably would have the best shot at beating the Speed6.

The GXP, probably a different story. RS4 would still be faster, though.

Of course if an E39 M5 is in the picture...there's no question at all

Might I suggest another option? If you're willing to look at slightly older cars, consider either a Jaguar XJ Sport or XJR, from the 1997-2003 model range. The XJ Sport mostly combines the XJR's chassis with the XJ8's naturally aspirated 4.0 V8, for the same handling with less cost and lower fuel consumption. It's a truly beautiful car, one of the best-styled sedans ever built, handles well, and is powerful with either engine.

[sequoiasoon]

Originally Posted by JDS

Might I suggest another option? If you're willing to look at slightly older cars, consider either a Jaguar XJ Sport or XJR, from the 1997-2003 model range. The XJ Sport mostly combines the XJR's chassis with the XJ8's naturally aspirated 4.0 V8, for the same handling with less cost and lower fuel consumption. It's a truly beautiful car, one of the best-styled sedans ever built, handles well, and is powerful with either engine.

Does it come in a stick? That was a mandatory!!!

[JDS]

Originally Posted by sequoiasoon

Does it come in a stick? That was a mandatory!!!

I'm not sure, I've only driven it in auto. I think you might have to get the XJR to get a stick?