Manual XR8 or Auto GT

BroncosXR8 · 18-01-2006, 10:53 AM

Im in the Market for either a BA XR8 or a BA FPV (if i can get one under 40k)
I''d much rather a manual, which there a planty of 5sp around for about 35k,
I've also seen a few FPV for aorund 40k, since they are more scarce, im maybe thinking about a Auto GT.
So what do you guys think would be a better buy 4sp Auto GT or 5sp Manual XR8

gtfpv · 18-01-2006, 12:10 PM

me 4 speed auto gt
the 6 speed manual xr8 is just as fast as the 4speed auto gt.. but the 5 speed manual with the boss 260 doesnt cut it . i drove them all and noticed this .

HSE2 · 18-01-2006, 12:14 PM

You say you much rather a manual. Doesn't that answer the question? If you can’t get a GT in manual for the money you would like to pay you have a couple of choices.

Stick to your budget and buy your preferred transmission

Wait till the car you want comes to your budget

AnthonyQLD · 18-01-2006, 12:41 PM

I would go the auto GT. Not that there is anything wrong with an XR8.

eb91xr6 · 18-01-2006, 12:44 PM

5sp Manual XR8 all the way manual is the only way to go

BroncosXR8 · 18-01-2006, 01:09 PM

As you pointed out HSE2 i much prefer the manual, however im interested to see other peoples view on how these two would match up. Has anyone driven these two vehicles, Thanks guys for your replies.

Steffo · 18-01-2006, 01:27 PM

For me, transmission isn't as relevant as the car being what I want. And in the case of FPV GT or Falcon XR8, the GT would just suit me better. Regardless of trans.

If you do prefer manual though, then you've answered your own question really.

AnthonyQLD · 18-01-2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

For me, transmission isn't as relevant as the car being what I want. And in the case of FPV GT or Falcon XR8, the GT would just suit me better. Regardless of trans.

If you do prefer manual though, then you've answered your own question really.

Thats right if you dont mind the auto then the GT is going to be a better car for u!

Rapid260 · 18-01-2006, 01:40 PM

Manual all the way, look a bit harder & i think you should get be able to pick up a BA XR8 for under 40k, Manual in these bosses are such a driving plessure.

Kev

Des · 18-01-2006, 01:44 PM

Go the manual. If you can find an auto GT in your price bracket, then you'll find a manual as well. If you strongly prefer manuals, then you'll just probably regret getting the auto down the track. By the way, mines a manual and I love it, much better then the auto (to my way of thinking anyway).

EBII Fairmont · 18-01-2006, 06:13 PM

Why not go test drive both cars, and fined which one suits you better. Just because someone on here doesn't like the 5spd manual, doesn't mean you will have the same opinion.

BroncosXR8 · 19-01-2006, 10:56 AM

Its a bit hard to drive the particular vehicles as im in Townsville and the cars im looking at are mostly in Vic or NSW, so when it comes to it i'll fly down and purchase the car.
I suppose i could go to the Ford/FPV dealer here (not that they have any 4sp anymore) however i dont think there to keen on letting a 23yo take a GT for a spin round the block. I have a friend that has a Mk II 6sp and have driven that, of course i liked it, beside it wallows around like a Cadillac. Is the 6sp vastly superior to a 5sp or is just better for handling more power?

Des · 19-01-2006, 01:41 PM

The main difference is the six speed has a better spread of ratios. Never driven a six speed, though they are supposed to have a better shift quality.

WASP · 19-01-2006, 01:57 PM

I have owned a XR8 5 speed manual and now have a Mk2 GT manual.

Some people enjoy manual but don't mind a good auto either. Some hate auto's and love manuals. If you fit that description then the manual XR8 is the only consideration. If you're like me and prefer Manuals but also enjoy a good auto then this is my opinion.

The XR8 was a great car but the GT brings much more to the table in terms of personality, features and even performance in auto form. The only XR8 I would choose over a series 1 GT auto is a BF XR8 with the Mk2 6 speed being a tuff call as well. If we are talking about a series 1 XR8 5 speed then it's GT without a doubt IMO. The 4 speed auto GT with an CAPA edit can be quite a performer.

FPV8U · 19-01-2006, 03:06 PM

Go the GT but if you really want a manual, then wait a little longer one will pop up in your price range, it's just a waiting game...

DanielXR8 · 19-01-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Des

The main difference is the six speed has a better spread of ratios. Never driven a six speed, though they are supposed to have a better shift quality.

I've had both, six speed in my GT and the five in my old XR8. The six speed is a nicer box with less driveline shunt and closer spacing of the gears, but for all that I never did mind the five speed in my old XR8 and was happy with it. Denman Ford in Queensland have it on the lot for 35K and it was well cared for, low mileage and had some extras, so there are some bargains out their at the moment if you dont mind the five speed and look around.

Dan

Rodp · 20-01-2006, 06:30 AM

I'd go an XR8 5 speed over a GT 4 speed but I'm sure you'd be able to get a MkII 6 speed for the price of a GT 4 speed. I'm also sure if you were a little patient a nice 5 speed GT will pop up, then you can have a 5 speed GT

XA-Coupe · 20-01-2006, 08:30 AM

I would get the manual every time ... but that's a personal preference. A GT is just that .. a GT. It will always have the mystique that goes with that name. As much as I like the XR8s they are not a GT.
As for the performance ... generally a well driven XR8 manual is as good as or better than an auto 290 FPV.