- 825
- Charlotte, NC
- CosmicMS3
- I2valve
2004 Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe
Introduction
I have been a Gran Turismo fan ever since I first got GT1 for PlayStation. Now I have decided to share my enthusiasm through weekly recommendations on vehicles in Gran Turismo 4. Although some of these vehicles require no introduction, others may often be overlooked when playing. That is why I bring you my weekly recommendation series. The only thing I ask is that while reading, you hold an open mind and remember that this is just one viewpoint stated in the thread. If you have an opinion or comment, feel free to post. After all, that is why this site is here.
First Looks
So you are in the market for a new American muscle car. Well here is the Pontiac GTO, reborn. At a starting cost of only $34490 this RWD coupe is nothing to be laughed at. Stock, its horsepower numbers are an admirable 375 which closely matches its torque rating of 383. This is a near perfect car to buy to begin your American collection. However, power isnt always everything. The 5.7l V8 is heavy and brings the weight of the car to a not-so-light 1690kg. Those Americans could definitely loose some weight! Also, the gearbox seems similar to a C5 Corvette and unless you are on the Test Course 6th gear is no mans land; even 5th is difficult to reach on many tracks.
Test Drive: Nurburgring: 813.607
Unlike our Mirage test car, the GTO gives good power for a suitable price. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. While the GTO excels in the power category, the handling is a different picture. This car understeers like there is no tomorrow and sweeping corners like on the ring sometimes give the GTO a hard time. Under heavy braking, the heavy weight of the car will cause the front wheels to wear quickly, so be wary in later laps when tire wear is important. Despite being RWD, the GTO can hold its ground when driven right. You have to drive it like an American car, FAST to s-l-o-w. A track like Infineon Raceway is much better suited for the GTO with its long straights that lead into hard turns. But for consistency, the Nurburgring is the track of choice.
Like mentioned before, the transmission can also be at fault when driving the car stock. The gearing is set long, perhaps too long for the amount of stock horsepower. 6th gear is hardly ever reached and 5th is only touched upon rarely. On the final straight at the ring, the GTO barely made it to 5th before having to brake hard to enter the Ss. The only advantage to this is you could save about 10K on a different transmission while tuning for more power. Also, regardless of its mild understeer problem, the handling is nothing to laugh at. You can exit many tight corners full throttle and still hold your tires to the ground with little or no spin. However, the front suspension could use some tightening-up but a semi-racing suspension should relieve you of that stress and allow for adjustment.
Final Thoughts
So why should I purchase the GTO, you may ask. There are many good reasons. One is that it is a good amount of horsepower at a price that will help out your wallet. Two is that although Pontiac does not have any One-Make Races, the GTO can compete in many events ranging from the Clubman Cup, RWD Challenge, Race of NA Sport, Stars & Stripes and the (New) Muscle Car Races. Many of these can be accomplished by only spending the 34.5K buying price and maybe some modifications (just for fun).
Overall, the GTO has definitely been reborn as a car that lives up to its name. It is fun to drive and with a few modifications can be an even better car. This car lets you have fun either stock or mildly (or even wildly) tuned. Should this car be in Gran Turismo 4? Most definitely! After the discontinuation of the Camaro a few years back, the GTO brings driving excitement back to GM.
Introduction
I have been a Gran Turismo fan ever since I first got GT1 for PlayStation. Now I have decided to share my enthusiasm through weekly recommendations on vehicles in Gran Turismo 4. Although some of these vehicles require no introduction, others may often be overlooked when playing. That is why I bring you my weekly recommendation series. The only thing I ask is that while reading, you hold an open mind and remember that this is just one viewpoint stated in the thread. If you have an opinion or comment, feel free to post. After all, that is why this site is here.
First Looks
So you are in the market for a new American muscle car. Well here is the Pontiac GTO, reborn. At a starting cost of only $34490 this RWD coupe is nothing to be laughed at. Stock, its horsepower numbers are an admirable 375 which closely matches its torque rating of 383. This is a near perfect car to buy to begin your American collection. However, power isnt always everything. The 5.7l V8 is heavy and brings the weight of the car to a not-so-light 1690kg. Those Americans could definitely loose some weight! Also, the gearbox seems similar to a C5 Corvette and unless you are on the Test Course 6th gear is no mans land; even 5th is difficult to reach on many tracks.
Test Drive: Nurburgring: 813.607
Unlike our Mirage test car, the GTO gives good power for a suitable price. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. While the GTO excels in the power category, the handling is a different picture. This car understeers like there is no tomorrow and sweeping corners like on the ring sometimes give the GTO a hard time. Under heavy braking, the heavy weight of the car will cause the front wheels to wear quickly, so be wary in later laps when tire wear is important. Despite being RWD, the GTO can hold its ground when driven right. You have to drive it like an American car, FAST to s-l-o-w. A track like Infineon Raceway is much better suited for the GTO with its long straights that lead into hard turns. But for consistency, the Nurburgring is the track of choice.
Like mentioned before, the transmission can also be at fault when driving the car stock. The gearing is set long, perhaps too long for the amount of stock horsepower. 6th gear is hardly ever reached and 5th is only touched upon rarely. On the final straight at the ring, the GTO barely made it to 5th before having to brake hard to enter the Ss. The only advantage to this is you could save about 10K on a different transmission while tuning for more power. Also, regardless of its mild understeer problem, the handling is nothing to laugh at. You can exit many tight corners full throttle and still hold your tires to the ground with little or no spin. However, the front suspension could use some tightening-up but a semi-racing suspension should relieve you of that stress and allow for adjustment.
Final Thoughts
So why should I purchase the GTO, you may ask. There are many good reasons. One is that it is a good amount of horsepower at a price that will help out your wallet. Two is that although Pontiac does not have any One-Make Races, the GTO can compete in many events ranging from the Clubman Cup, RWD Challenge, Race of NA Sport, Stars & Stripes and the (New) Muscle Car Races. Many of these can be accomplished by only spending the 34.5K buying price and maybe some modifications (just for fun).
Overall, the GTO has definitely been reborn as a car that lives up to its name. It is fun to drive and with a few modifications can be an even better car. This car lets you have fun either stock or mildly (or even wildly) tuned. Should this car be in Gran Turismo 4? Most definitely! After the discontinuation of the Camaro a few years back, the GTO brings driving excitement back to GM.
