VE SV6 vs VE SS

[Jeffro1]

Hi All,

I am thinking of buying either a SV6 or SS in the next couple of months & was wondering if anyone can give me some feedback on these 2 cars. Unfortunately i will have to get an auto as my wife doesn't want a manual. Any feedback would be apreciated.

Jeff

[Brandonsdad]

Hi All,

I am thinking of buying either a SV6 or SS in the next couple of months & was wondering if anyone can give me some feedback on these 2 cars. Unfortunately i will have to get an auto as my wife doesn't want a manual. Any feedback would be apreciated.

Jeff

Get the auto for your wife and the SS for you. That way you both win. You can pick up some good demo SS"s for the same as a new SV6 or even cheaper and the difference in fuel isnt that much.

[planetdavo]

Here's one this forum prepared earlier.....
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=71481&highlight=sv6

[Jeffro1]

Thanks guys, sorry i am a newbie so didn't know about the prev thread.

Some good feedback on that link....cheers.

Jeff

[planetdavo]

Probably not the easiest to search for, as two letter words like "SS" can't be searched for (min 3 letters), but yeah, practising with the search feature will help with a lot of questions.

[Jeffro1]

Thanks davo.... will get the hang of it in time i am sure.

Cheers,

Jeff

[AFAR]

In a short and sweet way.
If you can afford it. The SS is always going to be the better option.

[crYnOid]

I own an SSV auto and have had a retal SV6 auto for 2 weeks while in Sydney.

The only real difference is in the drivetrain and it is a huge difference!! I find that the V8 will pull from very low rpm, whereas the V6 doesn't seem to have anything under 1500rpm.

If your in top gear with the V6, with the engine running below 1500rpm, the engine will struggle if you hit a small incline and will either unlock the torque converter, or drop to 4th for a bigger hill.

After having the V8, the lack of torque from the V6 really sucks!

Having said that the A5 is better behaved than the A6 mostly due to software.

[Swordie]

Get the one you want if affordable. If buying new and not with a fleet discount wait till the new year when many more discounts are available. 07 stock will be classed as 1 year old and discounted accordingly.

[Carby]

Mate the SS would be the better car but with petrol about $93/barrel as soon as the AUD starts to move down again to say it's old levels of 0.66/USD1.00 in lieu of current figure of around 0.90/usd1.00 it will be mayhem. I'd wait, when the slide starts, petrol could very easily be 40% more /litre than now - people will be flogging the V8's and V6's for a song!! :bawl:

But by then we might all be considering 4's or diesels!:spew:

[Marco]

I have the opposite view to Carby! As I keep telling people, if you want a performance car, go out today and buy one before it's too late. So if you're considering a V8, now is the time, wait no longer.

When petrol costs $3+ a litre in five years' time you'll look back and say "I'm glad I did it when I had the chance". That was my philosophy and I've had nine incredible months so far with my SS :)

[planetdavo]

It's following a fairly predictable path here, but there is another way to look at it.
An SV6 is quicker than a VS-VT 5 litre of only ten years ago...
Take it all on board, but this forum will ALWAYS have a heavy V8 slant in any answers, so you have to be able to look through all that to keep it objective. Many people are actually quite happy with their reasonably well performing, more economical, cheaper to run and insure 6 cylinder cars!

[paul05]

hi jeefro1,as has been said make up your mind and don't be swayed by the fuel prices if you can afford it.there is a differance no doubt and it can be as big as 10 lt per for the v6 and 15 to 16 plus for the v8 depending on conditions.i look back 2 years ago and find a weeks worth of fuel for me was 350 km a week and a fill up on monday morning of about $38 ,now the same k's a week a refill of $45dollars.hardly a big rise is it,so the v6 v8 fuel issue realy is'nt a big deal .i am comming around to the same decisions but mine has been made easier buy my wifes company aurion,i have driven all 4,aurion,sv6,ss and xr8 in the end i'm swaying the aurion sportivo way but thats me .good luck with your decision.:)

[Finney]

Drive the SS like a Granny and the fuel economy will be fine and it will still out perform the SV6. The SS range puts a smile on ya dial everytime you or your wife will drive it!

Cheers Finney

[Jeffro1]

Thanks to everyone who replied..... I think i have been convinced to go the SS but i will wait until the new year as Swordie said there could be a bargain or 2 to be had.

Jeffro

[CSP]

Hey mate... When the VEs came out last year I was hooked and had to have one. Like you I was struggling for a long time with which one to go for. I was tossing up between the SV6 / SSV.

I figured 195kw was a hell of a lot of power and test drove both. I do like the torque of the V8 but the responsiveness of the V6 in the mid/upper rev range is equally impressive.

Then someone threw a spanner in the works. They said "have you looked at the Calais?"

For not a lot more than an SV6 or an SS, you can get a Calais. Now personally, I think the extras on a Calais V over the Calais are a waist of money. I know when it's raining so don't need rain sensing wipers. Not interested in watching movies in my car! And full leather is just too hot in summer. The only thing I would have liked is the full auto seats (Calais only has a dial for the back rest). Other things to consider... Calais/SV6 share engine, gear box, driveline, exhaust and suspension. The SV6 has 18s opposed to the Calais 17s but I changed the rims to Clubsport size anyway! The things the Calais has over the SV6 though are 6 stacker, dual zone climate control, tripple window trip computer, leather seat bolsters, much better sound deadening, rear park assist, curtain airbags, rear centre arm rest, leather sliding centre console lid (slides over the cup golders), BIGGER front seats (extra length in thigh support)... That's all I can think of. Things you miss out on - sports styling body kit + wing and a manual option. I would have loved a manual Calais!

One of the other important things is resale value. An auto Calais will have a higher percentage resale value than a auto SV6 with the same km and in the same condition.

I went with the VE Calais and have been in love with my car since I got it! I still have my 308 for fun on sunny weekends and getting it ready for summernats so when I feel the need for some torque I'm still satisfied :D

But like all things, go with what makes you happiest! Just thought I'd share my story...

Cheers!

[Jeffro1]

Cheers CSP, that was a good a write up mate....certainly gives me another option to look at re the Calais......just when i thought i had made up my mind

;) How much did you pay for your Calais if you don't mind me asking?

[CSP]

Hey mate... I was lucky enough to be a Federal Government Employee when I bought mine so was heavily discounted.

Cost was (from memory) $38,000 ish drive away with luxury mats, headlight protectors, boot power socket and insect screen insert for front spoiler. I think it was only $1k or $2k more than the SV6!

That was November last year - brand new. Bought out the lease when I changed jobs (back to private sector) for around $30,000 in September this year and today it has 19,000km on it. Certainly far from stock these days too

[COSMOS]

I second the above post re the Calais - I am just finalising the purchase of a Sept 07 VE Calais (3.6lt) as a replacement for my current ride. I considered the SV6, SS etc but for what I want I thought the Calais was the best solution.

Good luck with your decision.

[Jeffro1]

Lucky you CSP...... Can you do much to the V6 to get a bit more grunt?

[CSP]

So far I've installed a CAI from SS inductions, pacemaker headers, high flow cats, full dual 2.25 inch exhaust into quad 3 inch tips and next week it's getting a tune. Will post my sheet once I have it :D

The guys have told me to expect about 160rwkw... Will see... For me though it's more about how it feels (and sounds) to drive, not just huge power. Just the CAI alone made it more responsive.

[Jeffro1]

Sounds good CSP...... got any pics of your ride mate?

You have given me a lot to think about..... Calais v SS????? :confused:

[Carby]

I think CSP makes a good point - not only do they share the same engine and auto but they also have the same suspension, unless they have already gone to FE1.5 on Calais. Calais have a lot of goodies that would make it easier to live with than a SV6.

[CSP]

I only have 6 posts (well this makes 7). Need 10 before I can post links...

OK mate, here's a couple of pics:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/1a.jpg
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/2a.jpg

[Wonky]

Very nice!! :yup:

[HaVQuik]

that is sweet

[Jeffro1]

Nice Ride CSP.....what rims are they? You have all but conviced me to go the Calais mate.....will be going to have a look at a couple over the weekend so i can check them out in person..... thanks again for your input mate.

Jeffro

[CSP]

Nice Ride CSP.....what rims are they? You have all but conviced me to go the Calais mate.....will be going to have a look at a couple over the weekend so i can check them out in person..... thanks again for your input mate.

Jeffro

Thanks Jeffro :D I'm so happy with it. Can't wait for the tune next week!

They're HP Design / Starcorp Racing "Fusion" in shaddow chrom with polished stainless dish (deep dish on rear). The deep dish wide pack gives you a wheel and tyre package identical in size to the clubsport but with a different offset at the rear thanks to the deep dish, the rear end looks PHAT!! Here's a link to Tempe Tyres (where I got mine) and the tyres that come in the $2400 package are Kumo Ecstas: http://www.tempetyres.com.au/products_closeup.asp?part=&part_no=419

Almost convinced hey? I can assure you mate you won't be disappointed! Suggestion, take the SV6 for another drive and then get straight in the Calais and take it out. Will be a whole lot quieter for sure, feel more refined in the cab and the better seats will make it more comfy. You'll get more tyre roll obviously but the Turanzas can more than hold their own.

I didn't mention yesterday either that I also think the tail lights on the Calais make the rear end look a whole lot better (personal preference though). The Exec/Berlina/SV6/SS/SSV lights are too small I think which makes the rear end of the car appear to stick up in the air. The SSV ones looks cool but I like the size of the Calais ones. I priced changing to HSV lights but WOA! They price it so high I guess to keep the HSVs unique. From memory, $1800 or so PER SIDE for the lights and $800 PER SIDE for the un-painted blank panel.

Let us know how it all goes though :D

[Jeffro1]

Thanks again CSP.....Thats a pretty good price for the package.....think i will be in touch with Tempe tyres once i buy my Calais... :)

[CSP]

Hahaha! Better not buy a Passion Red one then :P

AFAIK I'm still unique :D

[Jeffro1]

No worries buddy...... i will make sure i don't copy everything off you. :)

Hey CPS........ Had a look at the Tempe Tyres site & not sure if you know this but they have some pics of your car on there.;)

[Rogues]

Hey Jeffro, go the Calais mate, you wont regret it...............I did the same as CPS,.......had a hard on for the VE last year and was determined to get out of my VZ SV6 into the current model.
Hummed and Haaaared over that sweet bodykit for weeks but after testing both I could not go past the extras in the Calais.
I actually found the SV6 dash very, very plain and underdone after the Calais, in fact prefer the VZ dash to the VE SV6.
January 07 put down the cash for an Odyssey Calais, fitted with CalaisV chrome door moulds, deep window tint and an SV6 spoiler to satisy the 'bodykit love' I had to satisfy.
Sure its no V8 but mate they fly.........pretty sure its quicker than the VZ and doesnt sound like a sewing machine, handles like its on rails and probably better than a V8 without that extra 'nose weight' but thats just my opinion.
The extras you get in a Calais outweigh the bodykit, you have an SV6 in stealth form :) and lets be honest, with the way they priced them at the start they are too common..........everybody has them for god's sake, even the plebs working for the credit unions now have company car SV6's.
Just my opinion, Cheers
Rogues

[Rogues]

CSP,............do you happen to know what the rwkw rating was for the standard Calais,
interested to know what inprovement you could expect just from a cai

[CSP]

Sorry no...

But this Thursday I will know what MINE is :D

[Jeffro1]

Thanks Rogues..... how does the Calais look with the SV6 Spoiler?
Went on the weekend & looked at all 3- SS/SV6/Calais in stock form & have made my decision to go the Calais. The stock SS & SV6 interior just didn't do it for me while the Calais looked very sharp. Will be on the lookout early in 08 for a second hand Calais with low k's at a good price... :)

[Rogues]

Good for you Jeffro,

The stock SS & SV6 interior just didn't do it for me while the Calais looked very sharp. they were my thoughts too on comparison........thought they looked very plain and plastic. At least the SS had a few more gauges but the centre console just does not cut it in the SV6.
Mate, I'm as happy as with the spoiler.......if I reply to you another 3 times I will be allowed to post a pic for you, Ha,Ha,....

[Jeffro1]

Good for you Jeffro,
they were my thoughts too on comparison........thought they looked very plain and plastic. At least the SS had a few more gauges but the centre console just does not cut it in the SV6.
Mate, I'm as happy as with the spoiler.......if I reply to you another 3 times I will be allowed to post a pic for you, Ha,Ha,....

Hahaha..... well would be good to see a pic mate :)

[CSP]

Knew I'd turn you Jeffro! Haha!

Mate you never know what early 08 will bring. I may be looking to upgrade to a Clubsport or GTS (hopefully - not new this time though, but low k's and mint condition)... Depends how my finances are going at the time.

I'll keep you in mind as a possible sale for the Calais :D She's a year old Thursday just gone with 19,000km and driving a lot less now.

[Jeffro1]

Please do keep me in mind CSP..... i will look out for your car in the "for sale " section in the new year or if you prefer PM me when your ready to sell mate :)

Jeffro

[CSP]

Here's another pic for you mate... Just so you can druel some more :D

I need to get a boot lip spoiler. What do you think?

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/IMG_0277.jpg

[Jeffro1]

Here's another pic for you mate... Just so you can druel some more :D

I need to get a boot lip spoiler. What do you think?

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/IMG_0277.jpg

Very Nice CSP....... I don't know what a boot lip spoiler looks like on a VE but it sounds good to me.... :) I can't wait to buy your car off you ;)

[CSP]

Dyno Results... Tuned to 98RON (Caltex Vortex) fuel.

Wish I'd done a run before I did anything to the car - oh well. I'm not complaining. I'm happy with the results :D Not too shabby for a V6. Still, I think next year I'll be upgrading to a Clubby :dunno:

Before (although not stock - this is with SS Inductions 'Growler' CAI, Pacemaker Headers, high flow cats and full 2.25 dual exhaust installed):
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/Before.jpg


After :headbang::
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/After.jpg

[Jeffro1]

Thats a pretty good result CSP :)