Supercharged HSV this year?....I say yes.

[NickS]

Funny how the hsv guys said for years that the performance kills FPV v8. FPV always had
the better package though (handling and suspension/chasis) according to the mags.

So when the FPV supposedly had the better package you drove an HSV ...

Now the HSV is supposedly the better package you drive an FPV ...



I can at least blame one eyed brand loyalty for my decisions ... you just seem to be buying the wrong car at the wrong time!

[NickS]

Some valid points Nick. What specifically about build quality and what did you notice most from hsv to merc?

Paint quality is probably the biggest difference ... when bird shit lands on an HSV no matter how fast you wash it off you get a shadow / outline where it dried. My HSVs have always been prone to light scratching from the weekly wash / dry too, the Merc is washed weekly and has been since new, it basically has no marks on it anywhere, the paint looks like new.

Every HSV I've had has had small quality issues throughout, lose trim, plugs falling out of boot liners, noises / squeaks in the dash, doors, vents, speakers etc. These things have never particularly worried me as every car I have ever owned has suffered the same things throughout it's life. The Merc is 18 months old now and has done 15,000 kms ... it's still like new. No marks in the paint, no marks on the trim, no lose bits of bodywork or trim, no noises in the cabin anywhere. Granted it's still pretty new ... but they would have started by now in an HSV.

As I said ... it doesn't particularly worry me, with an HSV you're paying for other things ... but it'd be nice if it improved.

[bouka]

I buy the quickest local performance car manufactured. Always have.

I am not blinded by brand loyalty or status. When hsv had the quickest cars, I owned them. And lots of them. As soon as FPV had the quicker car, I bought it.

I don't really see your point but have answered your querie. Very simply and concisely.

[macca_779]

IMO the mechanical components of the "overall package" weigh very heavily to an enthusiast. That why I would take an FPV over a HSV too if buying new


iPhone

[shaneooo]

I buy the quickest local performance car manufactured. Always have.

I am not blinded by brand loyalty or status. When hsv had the quickest cars, I owned them. And lots of them. As soon as FPV had the quicker car, I bought it.

I don't really see your point but have answered your querie. Very simply and concisely.

Spot on, same here!!!!

HSV may provide a better package according to some from the factory, however as I have previously noted, it doesn't take much to fine tune the FPV ride and handling, and the same can be said for the HSV.

I never buy a car based on car mag reviews about who has a better package, I more consider new HSV's and FPV's as a starting point for a car to be modified and at the moment for me the FPV is a better car to play with.

[bouka]

I agree with your comments about the paint and build quality. The FPV is even more poorly built.

If the local guys would address this it would go a long way to stop me considering other manufacturers. I have always supported the local market and am fortunate enough to be able to consider the amg and m cars but value for money and tightassness and a Passion for buying local has seen me stay in the Holden / Ford camp.

Would you consider a better built local hsv product or is it a case of once you go euro you can't come back. That is a genuine question. And one hsv/FPV need to ask themselves.

[bouka]

Couldn't agree more macca.

[NickS]

I buy the quickest local performance car manufactured. Always have.

I am not blinded by brand loyalty or status. When hsv had the quickest cars, I owned them. And lots of them. As soon as FPV had the quicker car, I bought it.

I don't really see your point but have answered your querie. Very simply and concisely.

No real point ... just being a smart arse, hence the at the end.

I can see why you buy what you buy and it probably makes more sense than sticking with one brand ... but I'll never buy a Ford, they just do nothing for me, been that way since I was old enough to know what a car was!

However illogical that may seem!

[Roonstain]

If I was buying new, I would get a HSV over a FPV
The ergonomics of the FPV product just dont work for me - and the FG chassis hasn't impressed me in my experience with them

Also, a single cam motor represents something easier to work on for me, which is part of buying a car - the modern day campfire to gather mates around to work on.

[bouka]

Good to see Nick. Tongue has been firmly planted in cheek for most it.

It has gotten me through the morning and has served a purpose.

Although the info provided has been accurate. No charged hsv this year. It will come though and it will be bloody good.

Then both FPV and hsv will be quicker than the c63.

[Samurai Trader]

Paint quality is probably the biggest difference ... when bird shit lands on an HSV no matter how fast you wash it off you get a shadow / outline where it dried. My HSVs have always been prone to light scratching from the weekly wash / dry too, the Merc is washed weekly and has been since new, it basically has no marks on it anywhere, the paint looks like new.

Every HSV I've had has had small quality issues throughout, lose trim, plugs falling out of boot liners, noises / squeaks in the dash, doors, vents, speakers etc. These things have never particularly worried me as every car I have ever owned has suffered the same things throughout it's life. The Merc is 18 months old now and has done 15,000 kms ... it's still like new. No marks in the paint, no marks on the trim, no lose bits of bodywork or trim, no noises in the cabin anywhere. Granted it's still pretty new ... but they would have started by now in an HSV.

As I said ... it doesn't particularly worry me, with an HSV you're paying for other things ... but it'd be nice if it improved.

my merc is a piece of shit.... both interior door handles have broken, centre console is jammed shut, sunvisor keeps falling down, it constantly loses the rear number plate light.. and the climate control does that thing were it cant decide were to send the air do it just keeps opening and closing the vents... you know.

and the funny thing is the passenger interior door handle went the same time as the drivers - although it had been used heaps less..

i must admit though in the merc you only notice the diference when you need it.. almost hit a bull the other week at night travelling at 100k/h... i dont think i would have been able to dodge it in the clubby.. the way the merc reacts when stessed is amazing.. still a massive piece of shit thought. should have bought a grange..

[NickS]

still a massive piece of shit thought. should have bought a grange..

Funny you say that ... I've had the C63 for 18 months and not one single thing has come even close to going wrong on it ... except the bloody tyres wear out too fast, but I can live with that.

I've had a Grange for 3 years ... I'd need a few hours to list the amount of things that have been fixed under warranty on that! Still ... love the car anyway.

[NickS]

Would you consider a better built local hsv product or is it a case of once you go euro you can't come back.

Absolutely I'd consider it ... we still have an HSV and have a replacement on order.

As long as I have the kids to cart around I'll be doing it in an HSV ... IMO nothing comes close for the size, power, equipment etc. Except maybe an FPV ... but we've already covered that!

[NickS]

Then both FPV and hsv will be quicker than the c63.

Without a doubt ... also without a doubt is the fact that I'll still have a smile on my face every time I start up the C63.

I can't really explain it, every car I've ever owned I've been bored with within 6 months (except the Coupe 4 ... but if that had stayed stock it'd be the same) ... not the C63, not even close.

[steve_t]

Sorry to interrupt lads but how much is a new C63 over there and how much is a new GTS?