View Full Version : SSV Vs Calais
rick77
22-02-2007, 07:58 PM
Hey guys first post - wondering if anyone knows the difference in the setup of the ssv and calais v8. The auto version if that matters. Have found the ssv seems to have a quicker throttle response and gives the feeling of more urgency and acceleration. Am looking at the calais but prefer the way the ssv drives. I know the basics are identical no one at holden can seem to explain.
Mr Moosh
22-02-2007, 08:09 PM
As far as im aware they are the same. Same engine, same auto box, and same suspension. Although the Calais is heavier, so that would change a lot. I dont know much else, but im sure heaps of others on here will help you out.
Welcome to the forums
cheers
-HSV-
22-02-2007, 08:19 PM
Hey guys first post - wondering if anyone knows the difference in the setup of the ssv and calais v8. The auto version if that matters. Have found the ssv seems to have a quicker throttle response and gives the feeling of more urgency and acceleration. Am looking at the calais but prefer the way the ssv drives. I know the basics are identical no one at holden can seem to explain.
as said, driveline all remains much the same, biggest difference is calais is "supposed" to be the luxary model - although IMO the SS-V is pretty much on a par as far as interior treatment goes. personally i would chose the SS-V, not that that probabaly helps you much :o
Marco
22-02-2007, 08:20 PM
Maybe the SS V you drove has been driven harder and the box has learnt that style?
rick77
22-02-2007, 09:45 PM
Thanks guys some good points. Pretty sure calais is only about 20kgs heavier
and have compared 3 different ones with 3 ssv's same story. Took mates with me and they had same opinion.
Pilbara SSV
22-02-2007, 09:48 PM
Go the SSV and buy the calais when you don't want a boot spoiler anymore!
I have had my SSV a week and I'm lovin' it..:yahoo:
CV860L
22-02-2007, 09:48 PM
I know on past models the calais has had the FE1.5 suspension compared to the SS's FE2, don't know about VE's but would guess that the Calais has a softer set-up.
SSV 6 Lt auto:
Power to Weight: 150kw/T
0-60: 2.9
0-80: 4.3
0-100: 5.8
0-120: 7.8
0-140: 10.1
0-160: 12.9
80-120: 3.5
0-400m: 14 @ 166km/h
Calais 6 Lt
Power to Weight: 148kw/T
0-60: 2.9
0-80: 4.2
0-100: 5.6
0-120: 7.6
0-140: 9.8
0-160: 12.6
80-120: 3.5
0-400m: 13.9 @ 168km/h
Source: Wheels VE special - can't find a date on it...assume late 06....another write up I read in Wheels said the Calais rides a bit hard for a luxury unit - using the same suspension as the SS....
Surprising figures I agree.....
Going for the SSV myself....unless you're over 50 would do the same ;-)
Wonky
23-02-2007, 01:24 AM
Going for the SSV myself....unless you're over 50 would do the same ;-)
Here's one over 50 going SSV!! ....... and it will get dual 3" system, lowered and different rims. I'm a bloody individual!! :D
jas_the_ace
23-02-2007, 06:59 AM
It's weird... times in Wheels are always slower than the times recorded in Motor magazine?
No mechanical sympathy?
Mr Moosh
23-02-2007, 07:52 AM
I know on past models the calais has had the FE1.5 suspension compared to the SS's FE2, don't know about VE's but would guess that the Calais has a softer set-up.
You're right. In the past Calais V has run a softer set up. But NOW, the Calais is running the same as the SS, as part of transforming the image of a Calais into driving like a sports car but looking like a luxury car (along with all the gear).
Calais Vs SS weights from Holden.com.au:
SS:
V8 6sp Auto 1785kg
V8 6sp Man 1770kg
SS V:
V8 6sp Auto 1805kg
V8 6sp Man 1790kg
CALAIS:
V6 5sp Auto 1750kg
V8 6sp Auto 1790kg
CALAIS V:
V6 5sp Auto 1780kg
V8 6sp Auto 1825kg
nudenut
23-02-2007, 12:24 PM
Could the auto shifts be programmed a bit differently in the Calais? A bit softer maybe?
milkojnr
23-02-2007, 01:20 PM
I looked at both cars.
I went the SS-V with Sat Nav. I love it. I have had it for about 3 months now.
I have a couple of mates who went the Calais instead and when they see my SS-V they both wish the picked the SS-V instead.
They both just like the look of the SS-V better.
I think it comes down to the look you want to have.
Plus I really didn't care about the DVD player. I have to put up with enough Wiggles and Playschool at home I don't need it in my car too.
Janus
23-02-2007, 05:03 PM
Thanks guys some good points. Pretty sure calais is only about 20kgs heavier
and have compared 3 different ones with 3 ssv's same story. Took mates with me and they had same opinion.
Sounds psychosomatic. As far as I know, and as the figures have shown, both are pretty much the same.
EXCESSV
23-02-2007, 05:04 PM
I have to put up with enough Wiggles and Playschool at home I don't need it in my car too.
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
thats gold....
back on topic go the SSV...although i am biased :driving:
planetdavo
23-02-2007, 05:22 PM
It's weird... times in Wheels are always slower than the times recorded in Motor magazine?
No mechanical sympathy?
Motor test with just the driver.
Wheels test with a driver AND a passenger. More weight.
Main reason for doing that is that Wheels aims for the slightly more "mature" market, where two people is more realistic, whereas Motor aims more for the "w@nker" market, where the fastest figure possible to print is the main priority, no matter how it's achieved.
FLANGE-SSV
23-02-2007, 05:23 PM
Current Age: 40 = SS V
Future Age: 50+ = Calais V or equivalent
IMHO
CalaisRider
23-02-2007, 06:37 PM
Could the auto shifts be programmed a bit differently in the Calais? A bit softer maybe?
You could be right with this one. Since 2006 I have had pacemaker headers, custom sorst, diff gears ratio changed and PT Tune/Edit. Ended up with some good rwkw improvements and particularlty low/midrange/torque.
With the tune I had some serious requirements of the A6 - shift speed now set far quicker/firmer, and re-calibrated kickdown points way up high in rev/downshift range supported by new diff ratio. Then I had sport shift mode altered have shift points to occur exactly "at" 6,500 with engine limiter now upped to 6,600. PT had no probs meeting my request..
In all its a major difference to stock A6 I can assure you (maybe a tad too savage for a Calais V, but it sure cranks up at any speed). With the new CAI and K&N filter it now sounds like a V8 inside when the hammer drops LOL..
If an edit can do the above A6 changes, then maybe the shifts for both SS and Calais are different settings making one feel stronger than the other.
CV860L
23-02-2007, 08:17 PM
Motor test with just the driver.
Wheels test with a driver AND a passenger. More weight.
Main reason for doing that is that Wheels aims for the slightly more "mature" market, where two people is more realistic, whereas Motor aims more for the "w@nker" market, where the fastest figure possible to print is the main priority, no matter how it's achieved.
Some of the figures that come out of wheels are laughable, I remember back in '01 they tested a WRX and posted a time of 7.5 secs while other mags were getting 5.9's.
I know they test with a certain amount of fuel in the tank and passenger but sometimes their discrepencies are too big.
I think they may run 0-100 times while sipping devonshire teas, eating scones and trying to remove their cardigans.
rofl - Wheels must be the sophisticants mag then eh.....
When all is said and done though whether they're thrashing the crap out of it or eating scones, sipping Earl Grey and struggling with the cardi......relatively speaking the Calais looks a tad quicker....
CalaisRider
23-02-2007, 11:08 PM
Could the auto shifts be programmed a bit differently in the Calais? A bit softer maybe?
Current Age: 40 = SS V
Future Age: 50+ = Calais V or equivalent
IMHO
Bad luck for me that ur in Perth. Age wise I am nearly 50. No probs as it would be good to have run between mine and an SSV LOL... Spoilers and bodywork is for looks, not go JMO.
In bygone days there was a massive difference between SS and Calais, but I can assure you there are many out there who have seen my old fart driver Calais V actually perform; and most are in awe... Reality is not rwkw on a bloody tuning tool such as a dyno, but a well thought out package that delivers the goods...
CV860L
23-02-2007, 11:26 PM
Spoilers and bodywork is for looks, not go JMO.
Here, here !!!
If they made a Calais with the manual that would be my weapon of choice.
Vulture
24-02-2007, 12:12 AM
If I was buying now and it was going to be auto then Calais V for sure. Interior is much nicer and avoid all the wings but get same mechanicals. If manual then an SS-V.
planetdavo
24-02-2007, 05:42 AM
Some of the figures that come out of wheels are laughable, I remember back in '01 they tested a WRX and posted a time of 7.5 secs while other mags were getting 5.9's.
I know they test with a certain amount of fuel in the tank and passenger but sometimes their discrepencies are too big.
I think they may run 0-100 times while sipping devonshire teas, eating scones and trying to remove their cardigans.
Ultimately (of course), it's up to the driver and the conditions on the day, but the way Motor tests is, for example, to rev a car to 6000rpm and just drop the clutch. Sure it gets a fast time, but do it a few times on the road with your own car, and something will explode. Hardly representative of daily achievable figures, but it turns on the mag buyers, so it achieves it's purpose!
Basically, Wheels is more for the person possibly looking to buy a car, or just keep up with current models, whereas Motor is aimed at people that just want to brag or have fights over which car is faster maaaaaaaate..:werd:
If I was buying now and it was going to be auto then Calais V for sure. Interior is much nicer and avoid all the wings but get same mechanicals. If manual then an SS-V.
I'd agree with this. Calais V's are a great looking car, particularly in some of the colours. Very classy interior.
CalaisRider
24-02-2007, 12:50 PM
Yeh I reken Holden got it wrong by not at least having an option for Manual six speed on the Calais V..
Surely they will wake up and have them available in future versions??
EBMANUL
24-02-2007, 12:55 PM
SSV 6 Lt auto:
Power to Weight: 150kw/T
0-60: 2.9
0-80: 4.3
0-100: 5.8
0-120: 7.8
0-140: 10.1
0-160: 12.9
80-120: 3.5
0-400m: 14 @ 166km/h
Calais 6 Lt
Power to Weight: 148kw/T
0-60: 2.9
0-80: 4.2
0-100: 5.6
0-120: 7.6
0-140: 9.8
0-160: 12.6
80-120: 3.5
0-400m: 13.9 @ 168km/h
Source: Wheels VE special - can't find a date on it...assume late 06....another write up I read in Wheels said the Calais rides a bit hard for a luxury unit - using the same suspension as the SS....
Surprising figures I agree.....
Going for the SSV myself....unless you're over 50 would do the same ;-)
the calais is faster damn v-interesting.
Wonky
24-02-2007, 06:22 PM
SSV 6 Lt auto:
Power to Weight: 150kw/T
0-60: 2.9
0-80: 4.3
0-100: 5.8
0-120: 7.8
0-140: 10.1
0-160: 12.9
80-120: 3.5
0-400m: 14 @ 166km/h
Calais 6 Lt
Power to Weight: 148kw/T
0-60: 2.9
0-80: 4.2
0-100: 5.6
0-120: 7.6
0-140: 9.8
0-160: 12.6
80-120: 3.5
0-400m: 13.9 @ 168km/h
Surprising figures I agree.....
Those differences could be easily accounted for by variations in individual cars. Get another SSV and Calais and it could be the other way around, by an even bigger margin.
CalaisRider
24-02-2007, 08:30 PM
Yep I'd agree with Wonky, its too close to pick or as in my personal belief, it doesn't matter whatsoever. They are both quick in stock form and respond well to mods from there.. Mine is no longer stock by any means and i'm sure those on this forum will dabble to improve in one way or other - so the fugures in the mag don't amount to much , other than a baseline to work off - All good IMHO..
Surely potential buyers wouldn't change their preference just because of the stated times, speed and figures - or would they??
michaels1v8
24-02-2007, 10:55 PM
If I was buying now and it was going to be auto then Calais V for sure. Interior is much nicer and avoid all the wings but get same mechanicals. If manual then an SS-V.
Thats the way I see it too.
I swear if Calais could come in manuals that they would sell like hot cakes. Then you get the sports feel in a sophisticated car:thumbsup:
Vulture
25-02-2007, 08:56 AM
Thats the way I see it too.
I swear if Calais could come in manuals that they would sell like hot cakes. Then you get the sports feel in a sophisticated car:thumbsup:
I wonder whether Holden has researched the numbers properly. Just going on this forum alone I would have thought that they would sell enough manual Calais to make it worth while - at least put it on special order, waiting a few months would be worth it.
planetdavo
25-02-2007, 09:08 AM
I wonder whether Holden has researched the numbers properly. Just going on this forum alone I would have thought that they would sell enough manual Calais to make it worth while - at least put it on special order, waiting a few months would be worth it.
The reason they don't do it is because they don't need the extra complexity in the factory, with all the various export countries and all causing enough of that.
You'll find most brands don't offer luxury manuals anymore. If someone can't buy a manual Calais, most will just buy an SS or a HSV manual anyway, so what real incentive is there for them to bother...?
clixanup
25-02-2007, 09:33 AM
Those differences could be easily accounted for by variations in individual cars. Get another SSV and Calais and it could be the other way around, by an even bigger margin.
As has been pointed out many times, they have EXACTLY the same mechanicals. If anything, the Calais has an aerodynamic advantage, because it doesn't have an ironing board on the boot lid. :p
One thing which no-one else has mentioned is that insurance on a Calais is about 25% of the price of the same policy for an SS. I was quoted $1500 for the Calais versus $5500 for an SS. Do some shopping.
planetdavo
25-02-2007, 09:35 AM
One thing which no-one else has mentioned is that insurance on a Calais is about 25% of the price of the same policy for an SS. I was quoted $1500 for the Calais versus $5500 for an SS. Do some shopping.
Maybe that's age related??
For me, an SS is about 20% more, not 400% (over 30)
clixanup
25-02-2007, 09:36 AM
Maybe that's age related??
For me, an SS is about 20% more, not 400% (over 30)
I was 29 when I got that quote.
Edit: And Rating 1.
planetdavo
25-02-2007, 01:53 PM
I was 29 when I got that quote.
Edit: And Rating 1.
Don't know who that quotes off, but when I was 27, AAMI and RACV both quoted under $900 for an SS, which I owned at the time, and about $650 for a Calais. When I crossed over 30, and bought the Monaro, it's now $800 for that, and more than half the insurance companies wont even touch a Monaro! So, $5500 for a 29YO in an SS is almost beyond me, unless it was HEAVILY modified and required special insurance.
EXCESSV
25-02-2007, 02:18 PM
I was 29 when I got that quote.
Edit: And Rating 1.
yeah that sounds odd.....
my new SSV is costing me just over $2K to insure and that my as a 22year old at agreed value with free windscreen replacement.
5 years driving 2 claims (one small accident my fault and the other obviously the recent $38K write off)...add a couple small speeding fines.
think my NCB is 35% or something
macca33
25-02-2007, 02:45 PM
My choice would be the Calais, without doubt. The SS is a tad too gawdy for my liking - I think the bootlid spoiler, spoils some very nice lines.
As for a manual Calais, not since VN I believe, clearly the demand did not make the exercise worthwhile. They also stopped making manual HSV Senators in VY1, because the demand wasn't there - that's why it will be a LONG time before I decide to update.
As for the 'you'd only buy a Calais if you're over 50 comment' - pfft, not everybody wants to drive around in the same 'sports oriented' car as everyone else and having luxury AND performance is a good thing.
To the original poster, good luck with the choice and I'd recommend that you chose the model that YOU most prefer to live with. Don't worry too much about 0.4 of a second here and there, as that can be attributed to variances in manufacturing tolerances and more power is easily extracted, in any event, through the addition of bolt-ons and a tune.
Cheers,
Macca
Tyre biter
25-02-2007, 05:09 PM
yeah that sounds odd.....
my new SSV is costing me just over $2K
Deano,
$2K wow that is a lot! I guess I should stop bitching about a $700 premium for my SSV then! Can't wait to tel my bride, "honey, you know when you were not happy when I told you it would cost $700 to insure the new Commodore, well guess what I saw on ls1 today..." Still, from experience, I don't think I will receive any warmer a response...
I have always loaned to buy my cars and wondered at the difference in the rate between a car on some sort of loan and one bought outright. I mean, where is the extra risk in insuring the same car to the same person who just merely has loaned the money to buy it? Anyways, this time around I was surprised to learn it is all of $25 cheaper for one owned outright - big deal!
I would like to see insurer's reject claims for folks who are unlicensed, are convicted of driving offences (offences and driving of a malicious / reckless / etc nature) that lead to their prangs, or who's cars are unroadworthy (smooth tyres for an example). In a perfect world one would undoubtedly believe that premiums would be less as a result. However in the real world, I would never expect the insurance companies to shift the premiums one iota should my 'utopian' view ever hold sway.
Cheers, Craig
michaels1v8
25-02-2007, 05:13 PM
Haha a VX SS is going to cost me 2500 a year at 18.... BUT it will be worth it:thumbsup:
rick77
25-02-2007, 06:29 PM
Cheers guys -I think I have what I need now. Some good thorough suggestions. Time to sort it out in the next week.
EXCESSV
25-02-2007, 07:04 PM
Deano,
$2K wow that is a lot! I guess I should stop bitching about a $700 premium for my SSV then! Can't wait to tel my bride, "honey, you know when you were not happy when I told you it would cost $700 to insure the new Commodore, well guess what I saw on ls1 today..." Still, from experience, I don't think I will receive any warmer a response...
I have always loaned to buy my cars and wondered at the difference in the rate between a car on some sort of loan and one bought outright. I mean, where is the extra risk in insuring the same car to the same person who just merely has loaned the money to buy it? Anyways, this time around I was surprised to learn it is all of $25 cheaper for one owned outright - big deal!
I would like to see insurer's reject claims for folks who are unlicensed, are convicted of driving offences (offences and driving of a malicious / reckless / etc nature) that lead to their prangs, or who's cars are unroadworthy (smooth tyres for an example). In a perfect world one would undoubtedly believe that premiums would be less as a result. However in the real world, I would never expect the insurance companies to shift the premiums one iota should my 'utopian' view ever hold sway.
Cheers, Craig
the vxII R8 clubby was just under $1900 when i had it and that was older and insured for $20K less than the SSV.....obviously i didnt have the write off included and the charge that came from it....
for me its worth the money for the insurance and i wouldnt avoid buying a car i want coz of it.
i dont smoke, do drugs, gamble or drink in excess so i prefer to spend the money normally used on that stuff towards insuring my car...just love my commo v8s too much :love:
whether you own the car or buy it outright makes FA difference to the premium.
its just there to let the insurance company know in the case of a total loss or the care being stolen that the finance/lease company needs to be paid first...
lowriding
25-02-2007, 07:34 PM
Deano,
I have always loaned to buy my cars and wondered at the difference in the rate between a car on some sort of loan and one bought outright. I mean, where is the extra risk in insuring the same car to the same person who just merely has loaned the money to buy it? Anyways, this time around I was surprised to learn it is all of $25 cheaper for one owned outright - big deal!
you can play around with the online quotes to see what difference the varibles do actually make .Postcodes vary from surprisingly little difference to "please contact us" . with regards to owned/financed , it was explained to me that in insurers experiance ,the rate in which cars under finance are stolen and never recovered( total loss) was far greater than owned outright .hence higher risk to them=higher premium.
cheers
clixanup
26-02-2007, 08:48 AM
When I crossed over 30, and bought the Monaro, it's now $800 for that
Well, I must be getting ripped off. I just paid $1300 to insure a VYII Calais with RACV for another year. I'm 32 now.
So, $5500 for a 29YO in an SS is almost beyond me
I did have an 'at-fault' claim when I was 25. There have been a few other claims, but none of those were my fault. Also, I live in a low-rent suburb which has a bad reputation for car thievery. We're moving soon, so it'll be interesting to see what effect that has. Anyhow, the cost of the insurance policy is what helped me choose between a Calais and an SS...
My choice would be the Calais, without doubt. The SS is a tad too gawdy for my liking - I think the bootlid spoiler, spoils some very nice lines.
Yeah. The interior is a shocker too. How's that "burn-your-eyeballs-out" red backlit dashboard? A black Calais with black interior is all class, IMO.
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