VF SSV- Redline vs SC FPV GT-P

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

If you put 250-300rwkw you will need to get a 340 R8 or the GTS, the rest of the red teams cars will be under 250 killa wasps at the wheels. That is unless you get a tune, which is unlikely.
Whilst the itch needs to be scratched dropping back to Holden from FPV is a step backwards in terms of status, just get a Jag and be done with it. The VF is a step forward in terms of what can be had in a car I dont think you will be truly happy after the initial new car feeling wears off. The interior is not as great as ost would have you believe. The back of the VF is a sea of cheap black plastics, same goes for the door jambs. Its not as hard wearing as the FG. It all looks very nice but thats where it stops. FG is dated now in comparison but not in actually quality. FG1 to FG2 there were quite a few interior parts that were changed for better quality.
As much as I would like to say wait for the XR8 but I dont think that will work for you either. It will be lacking in Tech, not much of an upgrade, will have the same engine and wont be priced right in NZ. Get the Jag.

Happy to tune with the Walkingshaw 310 driveline warranty, they've been around for a while so should be all good. XFR has been around for a long time now and is starting to date IMO although still a very capable, good looking and highly desireable car. If I scratch the itch and do a really good job of it as you're suggesting I'm more inclined this way to be honest. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=698981023
You could well be right, do the job properly, you only live once.

[Motorbreath310]

Is the SRT8 still on your radar, Rodge? While you're out, you should go and look at a 2012 one (if there are any around) and see how the interior has held up wear-wise.

Also - if you wanted to start looking at GTS's, or anything around that price point;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-684905127.htm

NZ new, still under warranty AND! it'll kinda look like an FH albeit with everything we all wish Falcon had.

Edit: scratch the Jag. Plenty of M5's and E63's around. I"d be inclinced to lean toward the M5.

Do RS Audi's interest you at all? Plenty of room for the Yorkie in the back of an RS4

[GQ_Smooth]

For what it's worth, late last year I test drove a 2012 GT-E and new SSV Redline on the same day. Apart from the " ambiance" of the SSV interior ( and maybe the HUD) I found the GT-E better in every way. The parking assist worked 1 in 5 times ( and that's with the salesman driving it). If you're concerned about the price of petrol any performance V8 shouldn't be on your shopping list. I've never driven a 310WP but I imagine it doers everything a little bit quicker and sounds substantially better. Personally I'm a fan of forced induction, the "shove" they generate is addictive and smile enducing (for me anyway) interested to hear your comments on the car. On another point in 3 years time your GTP will be worth more than a SSV.


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[rancidpunx]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Happy to tune with the Walkingshaw 310 driveline warranty, they've been around for a while so should be all good. XFR has been around for a long time now and is starting to date IMO although still a very capable, good looking and highly desireable car. If I scratch the itch and do a really good job of it as you're suggesting I'm more inclined this way to be honest. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=698981023
You could well be right, do the job properly, you only live once.

That also works. There are DB9s floating round at that money as well. Not as quick or as new but still its an Aston Martin.

[usernametaken]

You'd be mad not to get the M5.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

Is the SRT8 still on your radar, Rodge? While you're out, you should go and look at a 2012 one (if there are any around) and see how the interior has held up wear-wise.

Also - if you wanted to start looking at GTS's, or anything around that price point;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-684905127.htm

NZ new, still under warranty AND! it'll kinda look like an FH albeit with everything we all wish Falcon had.

Edit: scratch the Jag. Plenty of M5's and E63's around. I"d be inclinced to lean toward the M5.

Do RS Audi's interest you at all? Plenty of room for the Yorkie in the back of an RS4

Yeah SRT8 is still in the frame, sort of, I've kind of put it on the backburner as an option but to be honest I've grown sick of the time its taking for the updated model to come out with the new 8 speed gearbox. I think all the demo full fruit versions with the existing five speed box in Auckland are sold.

Thanks for that XFR link.

For some strange reason my dogs don't like going in the car with me, I wonder why ...so no need for the RS4 / 6 and they don't really do it for me, although the new RS7 doesn't look too bad

I like the look of the new Mustang but waiting till 2015

[Auslandau]

I reckon 329rwkw is about perfect for me.

On the subject of comparisons ...... comparing VF to FG is the same as comparing a Nokia 6300 to an IPhone 5. Alot happens in 6 years hey!

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

Is the SRT8 still on your radar, Rodge?

Speaking of the SRT8, Motortrend very recently did a head to head review and the SS obliterated it. For those that don't know, the Chevrolet SS they get over there is a Redline with the 6.2. So apart from slightly more power, it's the same car. As a driving machine it has received nothing but critical acclaim.

Some other fast facts about the handling ability of these cars. Road & Track tested the SS, it lapped their track faster than the all wheel drive E63 AMG and they likened the car to a BMW M5. Car and Driver also tested the SS, they found that it had more lateral grip than the Cadillac CTS-V, Audi S6 and BMW M5. The VF is a serious handling machine.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by usernametaken

You'd be mad not to get the M5.

I must admitt that particular one is an absolutly stunning example.
Not sure I want to spend $130K...

[Trump]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Speaking of the SRT8, Motortrend very recently did a head to head review and the SS obliterated it. For those that don't know, the Chevrolet SS they get over there is a Redline with the 6.2. So apart from slightly more power, it's the same car. As a driving machine it has received nothing but critical acclaim.

Some other fast facts about the handling ability of these cars. Road & Track tested the SS, it lapped their track faster than the all wheel drive E63 AMG and they likened the car to a BMW M5. Car and Driver also tested the SS, they found that it had more lateral grip than the Cadillac CTS-V, Audi S6 and BMW M5. The VF is a serious handling machine.

Its why I bought a manual SS-V (that and the $41k drive away price tag)

The XR has a stable mate...

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

I reckon 329rwkw is about perfect for me.

On the subject of comparisons ...... comparing VF to FG is the same as comparing a Nokia 6300 to an IPhone 5. Alot happens in 6 years hey!

Yeah, funny you say that, I'm very content with stock SC 335 power too, but the technology feels soooo old now. Bingo, you've hit the nail on the head perfectly

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Speaking of the SRT8, Motortrend very recently did a head to head review and the SS obliterated it. For those that don't know, the Chevrolet SS they get over there is a Redline with the 6.2. So apart from slightly more power, it's the same car. As a driving machine it has received nothing but critical acclaim.

Some other fast facts about the handling ability of these cars. Road & Track tested the SS, it lapped their track faster than the all wheel drive E63 AMG and they likened the car to a BMW M5. Car and Driver also tested the SS, they found that it had more lateral grip than the Cadillac CTS-V, Audi S6 and BMW M5. The VF is a serious handling machine.

WOW, it does look really good. I really owe it to myself to have a good look at the Redline. A W310 tune woukld see it lineball with the outputs of the 6.2 engine, maybe a little fraction more ? Having driven an SRT8 before, I have to conceed that although I love its technology, especially the Harmon Kardon 900 watt stereo system and adaptive cruise control e.t.c. it is a little boorish both in terms of its looks and handling.

[Jaxon]

Just tune you're current car, no need to think about tuning a car you don't have.

[GTP534]

Originally Posted by Rodge

I like the look of the new Mustang but waiting till 2015

It's only 18 months or so away Rodge for the Mustang.

I'm sure it will come with plenty of the tech goodies you're seeking and will be the latest generation.

I'm waiting for Mustang!

The bulk of depreciation has probably already hit your GTP and you won't lose too much more over the next year or so.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Good points you've made especially the highlighted one and being arguably the top model the SC GT-P and with only 23,000 km's on the clock and fresh good quality rubber there isn't a lot of logic in changing at the present time, I'm happy to acknowledge that.
Its true that manufacturers have been making billions off us hapless enthusiasts that get bored easily and change over on a regular basis ever since the automobile was invented. There's a lot of logic to what you've said so I'll have a good think about things after i've test driven the SSV, (won't rush into anything on the day that's for sure).

You should stick to this line of thought more often rodge. Otherwise you will end up in a very nice 'commadore'. . Seriously...get a hobby till the xr8 or the mustang arrive
Or buy the Ssv.....they are packed with tech. too slow for me tho. I don't track my car....hence I only feel its power on the street mostly in a straightish line. Even my g6et puts vf Ssv away. Had another long run against one on the highway this time for nearly half n hour.....and let's just say all it's tech doesn't make it any faster.....or make it sound any good either. Very quiet.
Big descision this one.....

[HULK_I6T]

I understand the OP pretty well, every car I have moved on has not been because the car is no good, it's because you get over it. Largely irrational to sell them and buy something "different" but not necessarily better. Sometimes with a monetary penalty.

I recently moved on a 400+rwkw supercharged xr8 for a xr6t. I never thought you could get sick of a 400+rwkw car.. It seems the OP is somewhat bored of the s/c GT, just needs a change, good bad or ugly.

I think a possible solution to the OP is to get a second performance car?? Otherwise this itch will keep coming back until the OP finally trades the GT. Keep the s/c GT and grab a used xr6t / LS powered car as a 2nd car. Then you can drive which one you feel like that day..

[jimt3te50]

GTS all the way for you Rodge- buy one myself if I had the money. The Redline? Nice package for a lowly salesman like myself, but not for an esteemed gentleman the likes of yourself.

And at the end of the day, you do have that Mercedes Benz S Class sitting next to Wolfie stuffed full of awesome gadgets. Going to go out on a limb though and presume it's probably not the rewarding drive Wolfie is?

And what do they say about not knowing what you've got til it's gone, though?

Good luck Rodge, report back ASAP on the Redline, I won't log off just so I can be the first to read it. Be sure to send us your contact details over at ls1.com.au too, so we can keep in touch mate.

Oh, and I voted 300-350. That's a rewarding drive in a rwd saloon IMO. But I don't need the tech and that's just me.

[Rodge]

Merc's starting to get old, tired and muddling Jim, (like me ) and while its a super luxury drive its a real cruiser with its 173 kw diesel and quite soft with ts air suspension. Mrs likes it a LOT and I'm quite fond of it too. Rewarding in its own unique way but not as full of tech as you'd think for a 2007 car.

After running FPV's and that Merc side by side for 7 years I'm a bit over running two expensive cars...it would be good to find something that did everything, luxury, performance, handling. New XJR Jaguar or BMW 750i Motorsport probably do that but having experienced the way top end Euro's depreciate from new first hand...its definitly a case of once badly bitten, twice shy.

Not knowing what you've got till its gone...is something I'm really losing sleep over to be honest.

GTS...hmmm. I would have thought you were a certainty to vote for 350 rwkw's plus with the work you've done on your car . Here I've been for all this time labouring under the misapprehension from all you younger blokes that Wolfie is useless without a tune..who would have thought that they're actually very good stock standard

It's only 18 months or so away Rodge for the Mustang.

Hi Jim my old mate. How's things buddy ?
Trouble is I've just sold my boat so I'm as liquid as I've ever been in years. Ever been in a lolly shop and seen a spoilt brat with far too much pocket money to spend ? I honestly don't think I can wait 18 months.

Getting another hobby ? Only thing other than cars that I really love is boats and the ones I like of them are more expensive than cars so a new / demo car is the lesser of two financial sins. I think i just need too start test driving some cars and see what happens.

[MAGPIE]

So far in just 2 pages of this thread you've quibbled about 98 being $2.33 a litre but you can afford a $125k GTS but don't want to spend $130k on a M5 and you like the SS's cylinder de-activation due to the price of 98 and it's ability to run cheaper 91 fuel...

Bugger me I thought women were indecisive

[jimmyxr6t04]

Rodge - My 2c for ya mate.

Active Fuel Management - Don't believe the hype. It does help a bit, but not as much as one would think. As an example, around Canberra my 6L Caprice would see low 12L/100km when driven sedately. When driven with some aggression it would be about 14-15.5L/100. In comparison, my GT gets me high 12L to low 13L/100km when driven sedately, and probably 14-16L when i give the odd squirt. In real term figures, when you evaluate the power of the GT compared to the extra fuel used, it's worth it.

Technology - I completely understand where you are coming from on this front. It was the reason i bought a Caprice over a GS 2 years ago. However, all the creature comforts in the world still couldn't stop my itch for the 5L SC V8. In a sense i've taken a step backwards, but in other ways i've taken 5 steps forwards. The only thing i really miss is auto-dip mirrors.

If i were you, i'd throw a custom made header back exhaust (i know that landing the KPM is expensive for you guys), decent suspension and a mild/safe tune at your car. It will transform the way it drives and sounds. You may just scratch that itch of yours and get a few more years enjoyment out of it. In another 1-2 years you can re-evaluate what else is on the market, be it the Mustang, XR8, Euro, GTS or whatever else tickles your fancy.

I'd give the redline a miss, it's a great car, with great tech and features. But the engine hasn't really been changed for years, it's due for a power upgrade.

Last but not least, i see VF's everywhere. Redline or not, they all look about the same. They're a very common car, i hardly ever see any GT 335's around my area. I'd go the R8 SV over a redline mate.

Either way you go, good luck. But just ask yourself this; is all that tech really 'that' important? You have low kms on your car, so i assume the redline will end up with low kms, just how often is all that tech going to be used. It's nice to have i agree, and i have always been one to criticise FPV for their lack of tech, but i can see past it for the sake of this magnificent engine.

Edit: I mostly used e10 in my caprice, so based on my fuel figures above, i'd agree that it was cheaper to run overall, but it certainly wasn't a huge saving. The loss you make on the GT-P will pay for a lot of fuel for it! For me, the different between e10 and 98 is about $10 per tank, so hardly a killer.

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

So far in just 2 pages of this thread you've quibbled about 98 being $2.33 a litre but you can afford a $125k GTS but don't want to spend $130k on a M5 and you like the SS's cylinder de-activation due to the price of 98 and it's ability to run cheaper 91 fuel...

Bugger me I thought women were indecisive

Do not try and work Rodge out, it is impossible :-)

I like how he bought an aftermarket air filter that could be reuseable so it saved him money, but then instead of cleaning it bought another one instead, LOL.

He will probably sell the GT-P and have $400 worth of oil for it left in the shed that he has bought to save himself $40 on an oil change some time ago.

When I have criticised from day dot, the front end handling woes of ours cars he got all defensive and saying how fantastic they handled etc. Now whinges about the handling....

While running Dunlops months and months on end that were worn with no grip, while having brand new decent rubber in the shed, and is talking about handling :-)

When I mentioned how off the charts better the stability control smarts etc. are in MKII defended his MKI saying the stability control is fine but he just turns it off... Now wants a car with switchable mode stability control that does allow some angle of the dangle (like MKII already does)...

And let's not even go back to the F6 days, lol.

Rodge provides me with endless humour :-)

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

So far in just 2 pages of this thread you've quibbled about 98 being $2.33 a litre but you can afford a $125k GTS but don't want to spend $130k on a M5 and you like the SS's cylinder de-activation due to the price of 98 and it's ability to run cheaper 91 fuel...

Bugger me I thought women were indecisive

To be fair mate, yesterday I listed a long list of attributes / technology the Redline has over a SC GT and cylinder deactivation and flexability with fuel use was only one of many on that list. As suggested in my opening post its a balance of many things that affects one's desire for any particular vehicle.

Thanks Jimmy, plenty of food for thought there. Wolfie does the core driving business very well...main area of slight discontentment, (if you can call it that), is handling, which as you and others have suggested can definitly be improved. Technology is nice, is it necessary ???? I guess not. I've been on 15 L/100 km's give or take a few tenths ever since it was new. 90% driving around the city.

As you quite rightly suggest a mild tweak, (even just to suspension), sorry mate, stock power is plenty enough for my tired old muddling brain to cope with, could buy some time and is probably the most common sense thing to do.

Comments by others earlier in the thread about good retained value down the track of my GT-P is something else that's been resonating in my mind. (If I start test driving stuff i'm gone for all money on something...maybe the non-availability of the Redline is a blessing...)

Dealing with the end of life for FPV as a brand and the forthcoming end of Falcon is something i'm clearly struggling with to be honest.
In the back of my mind also is what might be just around the corner with the final limited edition FPV release and the forthcoming XR8 ? The logic in buying some time with some suspension mods is pretty compelling.

Glad I amuse you Trev. Had a lot of fun with the old Dunslops towards the end as you know. Oil will get used in the service in a couple of weeks, likewise coolant. Still have single BMC filter, will upgrade to twin air BMC if I keep the car, (for slight increase in power). Handling is something I've grown less content with over time, in particular after driving the BMW 750i Motorsport last year, which is off the charts better than our SC cars as previously posted. People's opinion's can morph over time based on their changing circumstances and experiences. Anyway I know you're a mate so I take that post as being tongue in cheek.

[mcnews]

The only real gripes I have can be easily fixed when time comes. Front end lack of damping control = Shockworks all round. And coming from torque of F6 I don't like how I need 4500rpm + to get a woody in our blown 8s, and a tune no doubt can fix that rather mundane low-mid range power, they are ballistic up top already but gee they need more balls down low, feels so weak in the low-mid torque department compared to F6. Oh, and I wish I had the manual....But I do love the interior of my Gte heaps still, love the white stitching on black leather etc timelessly classic

[Rodge]

I don't mind the mid range punch in mine Trev, maybe youv'e got a dud :-)

[Smoke Pursuit]

So is it safe to say we have taken the bait here and that the SSV Redline is done and dusted?

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by Rodge

I don't mind the mid range punch in mine Trev, maybe youv'e got a dud :-)

LOL, dud enough to be quickest at the FPV drive day Rodge :-)

[MAGPIE]

I still don't get it Rodge...

Your willing to blow $125k on a Holden but you have issues with paying $2.33 for 98 for the GT-P and so are also looking at a vastly cheaper Holden because it has the ability to run on 91.

Are you sure you want a performance car ?

Maybe you could keep the GT-P and do some handling mods and spend the changeover cash on a Prius.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

So is it safe to say we have taken the bait here and that the SSV Redline is done and dusted?

Very disappointed about being let down by the dealer in terms of their availability of a Redline for evaluation today. I want to have a drive of one ASAP.

Originally Posted by mcnews

LOL, dud enough to be quickest at the FPV drive day Rodge :-)

All that motorcycle gymkana experience finally paying off :-)

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

I still don't get it Rodge...

Your willing to blow $125k on a Holden but you have issues with paying $2.33 for 98 for the GT-P and so are also looking at a vastly cheaper Holden because it has the ability to run on 91.

Are you sure you want a performance car ?

Maybe you could keep the GT-P and do some handling mods and spend the changeover cash on a Prius.

As I said earlier it was just one of many features of the SSV Redline that I noted were different to my car...it was not intended to be an exhaustive list, just what I noted from my observations last weekend from the online Holden brochure. I've never said all those features are critical or highly important but as a whole it makes the car an attractive possible alternative.

GTS - I won't spend $125K Kiwi retail or even $118K, (where deals are being done from what I've heard) as noted above as a matter of principle as the fair price based on current exchange rates and shipping costs is $109K retail here incl N.Z. GST. That is the #1 impediment to buying that car.

Anyway Gents I need to do some work, it would be nice if posting on here paid the bills, but it doesn't.

[mcnews]

Go buy a Cayman S to make me jealous, or a 911 to make me want to kill you :-) Whatever you do, do not drive one of them.