Fg F6 Vs. Gs 315 Vs. G6Et

[QikSmurf]

So it came down to a decision between the the FG F6, the GS315 or the G6ET. I had all three cars lined up for back to back test drives - with the hope that there would be a clear stand out to fill the garage.

Before any test drive my preference was to move into the F6 (my 3rd) - stupidly enough mainly due to my Personalised Plates - let's just say they suit the F6 but would need to be replaced if I went the V8. So I drove the F6 first. ZF auto in all three cars. The F6 was great in every way. I am very familiar with the driving characteristics so it was only a 'test' to confirm that everything I love about this car is still true. My only dissapointment again was the brakes. Standard Brembos don't really do it for me but they are fair.

Next was the GS. The dealer had to go put some fuel in it because the DTE was 0. As he drove off I was again impressed by the external sound from the quad pipes. Before I go on I should mention that I have been in a GT around QR and the driver at the time pushed the car to (and beyond) it's mechanical limits, so I was expecting fireworks. My test drive only left me more undecided than before I started. The initial take off from the SC V8 is amazing. It takes off without any hesitation or lag. The power delivery is very linear so the seat-of-pants experience isn't as explosive as the F6. The sound is simply awesome - They should record a sound track and sell it to F6 owners to play. It's weird but the brakes on the GS (which are standard XR I believe) felt as good as the F6 Brembos.

Having driven a couple of BA/BF GTs I was impressed by the GS turn in. The front-heavy feel of the old BOSS 5.4 is not there anymore. Getting power down out of corners is great. The SC V8 launches out without hesitation. I pulled up at the dealer again and drove the G6ET... well almost.

As soon as I sat in the cabin I realised 2 things. 1/. I'm too young to drive a G6ET - I didn't even start the engine. 2/. The GS is just too plain for me and I personally don't feel it's worth $61k. So yes I'm shallow blah blah but in the end I couldn't fork out that money for what looks like a XR8. The brakes look rediculously small (even though they brake very well), the stickers look sh*t, the body kit looks XR8 and the interior looks and feels XR8.

I got back in the F6 and instantly felt satisfied I could live with this choice. I told the sales manager and he went and started the paperwork. $55.5k drive away - demo Euro3 F6 no extras.

Then it hit me - the GT? They had one in the show room that was sold waiting delivery that afternoon. I asked to sit inside and decided I won't chnage cars until I at least give one a proper drive. So I have deferred my new ride until early next year. The guys at the dealership were really good about it (mind you I have spent over $300k over the past 10 years)and said they will contact me when they get 2011 stock.

If I had to choose between the GS and the F6 the decision would be the F6 - no question. The GS deserves to be 5-6K cheaper than what it is. In terms of sheer performance the 2 cars are very similar with no clear stand out. At 10/10ths the F6 is probably a better weapon with better brakes and overall drivability. In day to day driving the GS would be fun - the sound, the bulge, the instant power off the line and drive out of corners.

Here's the rub - the GT offers everything the F6 has plus more. It has all the good points of the GS plus all the good things from the F6 all rolled up into one. My issue is price. It's a work car and the extra 10 - 12k to move into the GT will be a stretch.

In summary the FPV bargain is still the mighty F6. If the budget extends a little more then the GT will tick all the boxes. If I was buying a new F6 Euro4 with leather at $68k then I personally wouldn't hesitate and pay the extra coin to buy the GT. But I'm looking for a demo bargain for under $60k so that puts the GT of my league until mid next year at least.

[tab]

Lucky you didn't take the G6ET for a test drive then or you'd really be torn-up wanting to buy a car that a stereotype doesn't permit!

[Woggster]

Whats wrong with G6E Turbos? haha They aren't that much of an old mans car. Just think of it as a "sleeper" instead of lairy like an F6 :D

[Guest XR09]

Great write up mate.

Pretty much states the obvious. But boys will be boys.

55K for an F6 is hard to walk by. No matter what. And as you say it's a lot of money for a sound track.

I am glad my lease is not up till next August. A demo GS to fix up is going to be the buy of the centuary. Phhffft if I can get one then even.

70K is a good old 2nd hand M3 mmmmm goood lol

[suzuki malisha]

Lucky you didn't take the G6ET for a test drive then or you'd really be torn-up wanting to buy a car that a stereotype doesn't permit!

was thinking the same thing...plus its faster...comfier and more toys....lucky you didnt drive one then haha

[Anchor]

Wow at least one person tells everyone the full story. None of this oh I got a 'brand new' F6 for 55k.

It's a tough choice man, I drove all 3 of the cars today you're talking about + a GT that I was delivering to a guy.. Hold out for the GT. I believe it is worth the extra coin, plus in 2011 they may be willing to move on the price a little more. Keep in mind we only have 'margain.' No bonuses etc, so don't expect 8k off anytime soon :(

Might extend my thoughts on the GS/GT debate, for what you seem to be looking for in a car I wouldn't try sell you a GS. It's not up on par or even close to the F6 in the way of exterior wank factor or interior features. If you hold out till 2011, and decide the F6 is for you, a Euro 3 demo will be even cheaper. And there will be some still around..

If you want any more info/inside sh*t just shoot me a pm. I'd be happy to help out a fellow enthusiast

[Dillz]

You might be able to help me out with this one mate if your a Ford salesmen, why is it that there can be up 8k difference in 2 identical cars from different dealers? How does this "bonus" scheme thing work? Some tell me theres no margin in it for them and there not making any money then another dealer can sell the same car 4k cheaper? Is it just all games or is there some truth to it?

[Anchor]

Pm'd you Dillz

[Rancidpunx]

Well done mate. Good write up and I expect FPV to get a few deals fall through because of the GS povo feel at over 60k. Amazing engine and drive but for me I would need the whole package for that money not just some stickers, although probably plenty of people that will disagree and open their wallet. Now with the GT I think that will be a huge success.

[Anchor]

Plenty of people are opening their wallets to the GS. Most are after the raw performance without the bodykit, wheels, etc. If it was up to me I'd have a GS any day and spend the 15k left over on making it "my" car.