It's funny how Evo drivers in the U.S. look down on domestics because they're only straight-line performers when most of what they do themselves is stop-light or 1/4 mile racing. What percentage of you guys actually take the Evo to a road course or a rally course? Probably a very low percentage. The rest of you are just duking it out with the Mustangs and other domestics in straight lines. So, in short, yes, the only real day-to-day "performance" factor in the U.S. is straight line speed. That's why I say the GTO is a real contender for the price.

As for looks, I don't really care. I could drive an Aztec if it performed like an Evo.

 

We're not looking down on domestics, we're giving an accurate comparison between the two, which is what you wanted. And I'd say more members that you'd think either AutoCross, track, or rally their cars, or want a car that handles. But it sounds like you've made up your mind, so whatever. Trust me...I totally respect any car that deserves it, and I know the GTO is a beast...I just wouldn't get one.

 

 

I like the 05 GTO. I considered getting one a while back.

 

Made up my mind? Not at all. That's why I was asking for some real-world impressions of the car. Don't get me wrong, I love the Evo. My test drive impressions were very positive. Great handling, great acceleration, decent looks. But I know very little about the GTO and was wondering whether anyone took the time to test drive one.

 

i went for a ride in one......i was impressed they are alot of fun with the T/C off, and they are fast. i wouldn't want to drive it is the rain or snow......... all in all i like the GTO but i would not give up the EVO for it..............i would like to have both!!!!!

 

Obviously very different cars in their approach to "performance". I bought an evo but I have respect for the GTO. Persoanlly I think the evo makes quite a few sacrifices in comfort and looks as well. As far as coupes go, the GTO is pretty bland...but to me the evo lookes like a riced out econobox. And evo owners immediately get tagged as immature high school "ricers". Whereas the GTO still has plenty of punch, yet maintaines an acceptable look to mainstream society.

Basically, if you want the better "race ready" car of the two, get the evo. But only if you dont mind people pointing and laughing as you drive by....while you slightly embarrass your GF/wife who is sitting in the car with you.

The GTO will do most things you can do on city/suburb roads just as well as the evo...i.e. mostly straight line with some bends and the occasional traffic light turn....and maintain a more civilized feel and look. And it will pull harder stock vs stock.

Just depends on what you want. Go drive one and find out. Pontiac is dying to sell you one, im sure you can test drive one for hours and they wouldnt mind.

 

My good friends dad has an 05 GTO that runs a 10.4's with 3or 4 mods!!!! its a sick ride guys.. Again there two diff beast but in a straight line man the GTO is NICE!!! Not to mention its not shy around a turn aswell.

 

I actually was about to trade my 03 evo for an 05 GTO...had the money lined up and everything.....then I hit a deer, and spent my money modding the EVO. I test drove an 04 GTO and absolutely fell in love with it. The interior was sweet. The only thing I didnt like about the car was the slot machine rod for a shifter. Other than that, it was awesome, and I would have definitely traded if i hadnt hit the deer.....glad i didnt trade now though

 

uhhh, buying a gto? never crossed my mind, im not too much into american cars, besides american suvs thats about it. but also the evo and the gto are two complete different catergories.

 

I personally think the GTO is ugly. As for highway speed, for about the same budget, I'll take a used Z06 over a GTO anyday.

 

I believe the 05 or maybe 06 is bumped up to 400 HP. GM has come a long way on interior quality that's for sure.

 

hell no! : gto = ugly = slow = never

 

The 2005 GTO has a 400hp LS2 6.0L V8. Curb weight is around 3700 lbs., though. I just stopped by the Pontiac dealer today to look at the car. It's not a big car at all -- just a few inches longer and wider than the Evo.

 

i beg to differ. my dad has been a pontiac fan since his original GTO days, so he's had pontiacs through most of my life. the first bonneville sse interior was freaking pimp; one of the first on the market with 9-way adjustable driver AND passenger seats, good gauges (at the time), heads up display and a killer bose system.

i have sat in a GTO (at the NAIAS) and LOVED the interior. really comfortable and slick layout, with great gauges. just a clean look all around. face it, mitsubishi is not one to compare interiors to.

one huge reason i'm not a fan of the GTO was because i think pontiac sold out when they made it. they didn't do any design work to be inspired by the classic original (which was a great move for the new mustang). no, they just pulled the monaro from holden in australia, slapped a GTO badge on it and called it a day. with moves like that i'm happy that GM is going under and hope they continue on that path till they pull their head out of their @$$.