Ve Gts

[REV-IT]

g'day, I'm thinking of trading in my BMW X5 diesel and getting back into performance cars. What I really want is vehicle that is capable to running 13 seconds in stock form. What do you guys think of VE GTS, series 1. Does anyone here have any experience in racing these cars as stock and are they capable of 13 sec 1/4 mile times? The specific car in mind is an auto (not sure of the stock diff gears in these) but it seems to deliver a nice punch. Cheers, REV-IT

[VXSS]

Hi

Go for the VE GTS auto you'll love it, either leave it stock or just add some basic bolt on's like I have.

Cheers

John

[Curtis-R]

simple... plant ur butt into a GTS for a test drive and you won't look back..! OTR and a Tune and they are nice and punchy..

cheers.

[iloveholden]

Yeah above has pretty much said it mate....go for a test drive and im pretty sure you'll love it....bolt on a catback and a OTR accompanied with a tune....you'll be happy.

[Uwish]

What model X5 do you have?
Is it current? My GF might be interested if it is.

[Bandit]

last year I had a BMW 540i, drove the VE GTS and fell in love.
bought pretty much on the spot.

Really good car and alot of fun to drive

what are you waiting for "I just want one"

[Excellent]

How much are they worth on the market as I'm thinking of doing the same?

[Bobo]

Just bought mine and picked it up Friday just gone. Got what I thought was a good deal, White M6 with DVD, Sat Nav and sunroof.

Sold the BMW 735i sport individual which was a nice car but the GTS is A LOT more fun:bravo:. I didnt think it would be that different from the VE SSV work utes I have, but the GTS is imo a far better car.

Sell the BM mate and get the GTS you will love it (and there cheaper to service etc etc than the BMW ).

Good luck

Cheers

[mustanger]

You will love the GTS , go for it :yup: They are an awsome ride and great value for money .
The Auto GTS`s run a 3.27 diff ratio :teach:
I have an X5 as well, but they are a different type of car . You will enjoy driving the GTS :driving:

[REV-IT]

Thanks for your replies--sounds as though GTS is the way to go. Uwish, my
X5 is 2005 update but not the current model. I'll take the VE for a spin tomorrow.

[gmh308]

Way to go guys! VE Commodore = BMW dynamics and better performance for a lot less.

[Uwish]

VE will never be as good.
Go drive a new M5 then tell me the GTS is just as good.

[gmh308]

VE will never be as good.
Go drive a new M5 then tell me the GTS is just as good.

M cars aren't in the same league as regular bimmers Uwish. They are a cut or two above a regular BMW, maybe 3 or 4 cuts above the run flat rubbish. VE Commodores do cut it with the regular bimmers. At least in the dynamics stakes. IMHO :).

[Excellent]

VE will never be as good.
Go drive a new M5 then tell me the GTS is just as good.

I'm keen to know your thoughts on each car, pros and cons.

In what way do you think the M5 is that much better. I hope it's not just about engine power.

[Uwish]

Let me see, I get to drive an M5 on a regular basis.
Build quality is a cut above my HSV, Inside teh cabin.. there is NO contest.
Paint quality on the M5 is 100% better. It steers better, It brakes better ( I think compared to my HSV ) I love the SMG box ( not many know how to drive them properly ) It is an all over better car. But for teh price it should be. But HSV will never be as good as a M car.
This is my opinion. Based on the fact I have driven a E39 m5, E46 M3 and a E60 M5. All more than a couple of times.

All the things that make the BMW better come out after a couple of years.
Ie Take both cars for a drive that are a year or two old and tell me the BMW isn't the tighter car.

[Excellent]

Let me see, I get to drive an M5 on a regular basis.
Build quality is a cut above my HSV, Inside teh cabin.. there is NO contest.
Paint quality on the M5 is 100% better. It steers better, It brakes better ( I think compared to my HSV ) I love the SMG box ( not many know how to drive them properly ) It is an all over better car. But for teh price it should be. But HSV will never be as good as a M car.
This is my opinion. Based on the fact I have driven a E39 m5, E46 M3 and a E60 M5. All more than a couple of times.

All the things that make the BMW better come out after a couple of years.
Ie Take both cars for a drive that are a year or two old and tell me the BMW isn't the tighter car.

Good to get an informed opinion, thanks. Though I wouldn't have a clue, I thought I'd just ask.

It's funny that Holden made a song and dance about the VE being a stiff car and only the privileged few can really make a valid comparison between an HSV and BMW. :)

[Curtis-R]

Let me see, I get to drive an M5 on a regular basis.
Build quality is a cut above my HSV, Inside teh cabin.. there is NO contest.
Paint quality on the M5 is 100% better. It steers better, It brakes better ( I think compared to my HSV ) I love the SMG box ( not many know how to drive them properly ) It is an all over better car. But for teh price it should be. But HSV will never be as good as a M car.
This is my opinion. Based on the fact I have driven a E39 m5, E46 M3 and a E60 M5. All more than a couple of times.

All the things that make the BMW better come out after a couple of years.
Ie Take both cars for a drive that are a year or two old and tell me the BMW isn't the tighter car.


GTS $77k - M5 $250k

Say no more... Is it $177k better? Not sure why comparing these two cars
is even a discussion point with the exception they are both V8 sedans.. :confused:

[Uwish]

LOL true true!! M5= V10 :)

[Excellent]

GTS $77k - M5 $250k

Say no more... Is it $177k better? Not sure why comparing these two cars
is even a discussion point with the exception they are both V8 sedans.. :confused:

I guess it's always a good comparison to make given HSV tend to target would be BMW owners. I gather some BMW owners do give the HSV a look see before making up their own minds on the subject of value.

The fact is the M5 is a good yardstick. The fact that the M5 is $250K is due to import taxes which the GTS is not subject to so it's a bit extreme to compare solely on prices when both cars are made of metal and plastics and both are very much sports sedans.

It's good to know the tangible differences as to where the HSV is inferior. At least to someone like me it is. :)

[iloveholden]

GTS $77k - M5 $250k

Say no more... Is it $177k better? Not sure why comparing these two cars
is even a discussion point with the exception they are both V8 sedans.. :confused:

I was waiting for some one to post that...best point made (btw M5 is a V10)...

HSV needs to strive to always improve but will never be in the league of M BMW's such as the M5 based on the fact they have different target markets and different asking prices which are seen as acceptable. :)

[Alex(AUS)]

For 250K you can have 3 HSV GTS' and change! With an extra 170K a piece I am sure Holden/HSV could make a much improved car in every way probably just as good or better than the M5 (at the same volumes). If you have the money to spend on a M5, buy it. But in real quality terms, the difference is not worth $170K+ ...

Alex

[Excellent]

But in real quality terms, the difference is not worth $170K+ ...

Alex

We all know that. If money were no object, where is the HSV deficient next to the M5 is the question?

Out of interest.

[jxanon]

buy an xr6t, theyre the best lol :) for price wise,
but if u can spend by gts they look better + nothing beats 6ltr v8

[aedeau]

nothing beats 6ltr v8

except for a 6.2 or 7.0L V8 :)

[Alex(AUS)]

We all know that. If money were no object, where is the HSV deficient next to the M5 is the question?

Out of interest.

M5 has;
- I would say more power (but not torque).
- A great power spread ... rev ability / engine flexibility at high rpm (V10)
- Features and quality (in some areas .. and surprisingly not in others). Look at panel gaps on a BMW M5 not as "high" quality as you would expect even compared to the VE. I dont think the paint is that flash either. To me, the design isnt quite right ...
- SMG not as refined as you would think ... but neither is the A6.
- The badge (BMW) and the other badge ("M")
- The bullshit factor (very important).

Thats about it I would say.

Alex

[jxanon]

add in the fact its made in germany by germans

which means its gotta be good

+ you look like a rich guy driving it.
+ gearbox is awesome

[Uwish]

m5 Paint is by far alot better than my hsv.
SMG is good. Just idiots don't understand to lift off during gear changes.
power = Stock m5 runs 12.3 @ WSID with heavy as fu(k 21" Hartage rims.
Launch control ftmfw.
Panel gap is alot better than the R8

[berroca]

this thread was never even about an arugment between whether an m5 is better than an hsv
who gives a **** seriously!!

to the OP, stock VE gts will do 13's
def get in one and take ti for a decent drive and see what you think
a few little cheap mods will see you in the 12's

[Uwish]

I can't wait to take the Clubbie out to WSID.
They are good value for the $$$

[Bandit]

look at the end of the day both cars are good in their respectable ways.

It purely boils down to what you feel and enjoy driving?

If you are a M5 driver then so be it, if it is GTS then thats ok.

Without a doubt the BMW build quality is better and the engineering is well thought.

But if you want something brutish and muscle car possibly the HSV options are just as good.

opinions are like assholes everyone has got one

"just get out there and drive the car" choose which one you like the best.

[Holden Man]

Yeah but a veyron is SSSSSOOOOO much betterer than a M5.

Better paint, better finish, higher quality interior, better re-sale oh and WWWWAAAYYYY faster.

GTS or F6 < the true bargains

[macca_779]

Back to the original post.. Why do you want a gts. If it's just for the performance why don't you look into a Senator. The Senator runs identical drivetrain, suspension and braking hardware all be it with the luxury MRC mode which is just a software load and you get all the better luxuries. To me if you had to have an auto the gts represents a nonsense of a car. It's not like they are unique like they used to be.

[ebbett21]

Go the GTS , senators for the grandad

[macca_779]

Go the GTS , senators for the grandad

No Statesmans are for Grandads. Senators are for connoisseurs. GTS's are for racetracks.. O no wait they used to be. Now the R8's are for racing. The GTS really has no place. Its a conundrum if you will.

[ebbett21]

No Statesmans are for Grandads. Senators are for connoisseurs. GTS's are for racetracks.. O no wait they used to be. Now the R8's are for racing. The GTS really has no place. Its a conundrum if you will.

Just a badge so the 317 kw GTS and the 317 Senator are the same with different badges? I thought the GTS was the grandaddy

[_MetalliX_]

If you are intent on an auto I'd give an F6 a drive first, the ZF is right up there with the world's best performance cars.

[macca_779]

Just a badge so the 317 kw GTS and the 317 Senator are the same with different badges? I thought the GTS was the grandaddy

Interior differences and body kit. That's it. Gts isn't what it used to be. It's more what the R8 used to be. The fact that they are 20k cheaper than what a 10 year old one was new says alot too

[tyrhantc]

Yeah but a veyron is SSSSSOOOOO much betterer than a M5.

Better paint, better finish, higher quality interior, better re-sale oh and WWWWAAAYYYY faster.

GTS or F6 < the true bargains

Haha couldnt have said it better myself...I was wondering where this thread was going.

At the end of the day you need to take it for a test drive and see how it feels but I can tell you the VE is vastly better to drive than the previous models. As you said your after a performance car and guessing by your Op that you dont want a "$210k" car otherwise you would have asked...then the GTS or Senator would give you what youre after I think.

[REV-IT]

Hi guys, I've just bought a VE GTS. I guess I'm back in the performance game:woohoo:

[mustanger]

Hi guys, I've just bought a VE GTS. I guess I'm back in the performance game:woohoo:

Congratulations on your purchase :goodjob:

[Uwish]

Congrats. What colour? Is it the new series 2?

[Statesman6L]

Holden/HSV should never be compared to such prestigious cars as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. R&D, Build quality, engineering and aerodynamics are far superior hands down....they will always be a step ahead.

However, you cannot look past what a near new Holden/HSV offers for the price! Find me a European car that has the luxury, power and comfort of my stato for just over 30K.

Mate go for the GTS, I have heard a few with aftermarket exhausts and WOW is all i can say :bow:

[Bobo]

Well done mate, you will love it:goodjob:

[REV-IT]

Thanks guys--colour is sting red, red & black interior and it's series 1. I must say it's got some serious road presence and goes like a dog shot in it's arze :burnout:

[-GTS-]

Sell the BM mate and get the GTS you will love it (and there cheaper to service etc etc than the BMW ).

Good luck

Cheers[/QUOTE]

Amen to that!! (Loving the GTS AND expensive X5 servicing costs) :rofl:

[jai]

If you are intent on an auto I'd give an F6 a drive first, the ZF is right up there with the world's best performance cars.

NEGATIVE. Fords implementation of the ZF is an epic fail, compared to BMWs in the 135i. The F6 doesnt auto blip throttle like the bimmer! Manual downshifts feel terrible!

JK

[gmh308]

m5 Paint is by far alot better than my hsv.
SMG is good. Just idiots don't understand to lift off during gear changes.
power = Stock m5 runs 12.3 @ WSID with heavy as fu(k 21" Hartage rims.
Launch control ftmfw.
Panel gap is alot better than the R8

LOL. Must've been lucky paint on the M's you have seen. I have seen some real odd problems with paint on M's. Bonnet, boot, and rear bumper needed re-painting. Paint fell off the wheels too! :confused:

SMG is good. Just idiots don't understand to lift off during gear changes.

Mate I never needed to "lift off" on changes with my SMG, which i drove for several years, i guess I must be an idiot then! LOL!

The central point with an SMG is to not need to "lift off" :doh:. The freaking ECM does that for you. Never lifted off driving in traffic, general cruising or at full song through the twisties or on the track.

The SMG is a learned reflex, but when learned it is a great box.

M's being "engineered" cars over the stockers, vs bolt ons for HSV's, you pay a premium for that engineering they are in a league of their own. Regular VE's or HSV's dont match M's for dynamics, but they match or exceed regular bimmers, and bang for buck is way in front.

As for quality interiors, for $100k+ more, so they should! Though depreciation of 50-60% ($120k-$150k) in 2-3 years will look after that gap.

[Uwish]

gmh308, I agree flat out you don't lift off.
But I never drive the smg in Auto mode. Also max shift speed for P400 or P500
Driving slow, I always lift off slightly it aids smooth shifts.
But hey each to their own.

[gmh308]

gmh308, I agree flat out you don't lift off.
But I never drive the smg in Auto mode. Also max shift speed for P400 or P500
Driving slow, I always lift off slightly it aids smooth shifts.
But hey each to their own.


You got it there. Auto mode is not good. Manual always! :)

[Sluggy]

No, Statesmans are for Grandads.

Excuse me? My oldest child is 7yo, so I figure (hope) I'm at least 10-15 years from becoming a grandad.

Bought my first Statesman (a VSII) at the tender age of 28 (when they had just been superceded bt the WH), and I chose it over a VR Senator 185i.

Ahhh, sometimes you SWB whippersnappers just don't understand, with your rock 'n' roll music and your 8-track tapes.... :)

Cheers, SLuggy

[boyley]

GTS $77k - M5 $250k

Say no more... Is it $177k better? Not sure why comparing these two cars
is even a discussion point with the exception they are both V8 sedans.. :confused:

End of...........................:)

[Brim]

Hi,

Ive just bought a VE clubsport manual, does any one know what the diff ratio is on those?

[macca_779]

Hi,

Ive just bought a VE clubsport manual, does any one know what the diff ratio is on those?

3.7:1 mate.