SnaggS

Heya, I'm new and naieve to aussie V8's. I currently have a Alfa GTV Coupe, but with kiddies on the agenda, my next car needs to be something a bit more practical. My back could also do with a break ;p

Anyways, was originally looking at a SS, cause they do look horny and has a more modern motor etc etc. However, after reading the motor XR8 vs SS article I figured I had to give the XR8 a go... my reaction being. So I went for a test drive in a Auto;

XR8 trim is MUCH nicer and more tastefull than the holden "I spewed on my seat" trim
XR8 steering wheel is MUCH sportier than the holden fat bulbous piece of crap. (I mean, my alfa has a drivers air bag in the wheel and it doesnt have to look like that)
XR8 ride was better and more sporty
SS still looked better than the XR8, which still looked very high of the ground, but the new rebel cures that ;p

The only thing thats still a bit of a problem is the SS has a 6-speed. I really like having a uber-long 6th gear for highway driving. Also, the SS has better fuel economy than the XR8 it would appear & the SS doesnt have to have premium fuel (not a real biggie except when in the bush)

So if you guys could tell me;

1. What fuel economy you get with the XR8
2. What revs it sits at in 5th gear at 100 k's
3. What the premium sound system is like
4. If there is a good exhaust that can make it a bit noiser under throttle, but still quiet when cruising.
5. Are the manuals much faster than the auto's ?

then I'd appreciate it.

Brendan

Get the Holden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nah, kidding - choice is up to you, but don't forget VXII update is out in a month or 2.

puts99

Don't listen to that nut case!!!:p :p :p
Get the XR8, just ask Laminge for a few pics of his beast, it'll give you a few ideas

SnaggS

Yeh, but isnt the VXII suposed to be bugger all different from the current VX ?

Switch gear in the ford was nicer as well. Like to see the XR8 Rebel in the flesh.. looks real nice. Another thing with the XR8, is that its motor and gearbox seem to be close to the limit of how much power they can put out/withstand.

Whilst with the SS I could just out a few bolt-ons to get 255kw

laminge

Hiya and Welcome

The choice remains yours as either way you gotto be comfortable with the drive..

I have and au2 xr8 with a few bolt ons and achive 245kws at the REAR wheels, that 330kws at the fly.

http://www.fordforums.com/discussion...?threadid=4388

The choice of power enhancement is determined to Dollar value you are willing to spend!

Yes the rebel looks hot, and I have applied that body kit to my xr

I drove the hsv before the xr and felt more comfortable in the XR due to handling, style and ability to make modifications!

http://www.fordforums.com/discussion...+digital+snaps

laminge

1) Country Driving upto 700ks on a tank
City driving due to mods and performance approx 340ks
2) 2000 at 100ks
3) Sound system was great and it lasted over 6 month for me before I upgraded, and thats saying something cause now I have a 8grand system in the car
4) Herrods exhaust makes in sound like a sweet V8 supercar, but without drone.
5) No choice.... DONT GET AUTO!

puts99

And trust me, he should know!!!

ED Manual

I think the SS looks very bland, way to close to a blobby executive.
The XR8 look great, looks like it should for what it does.

GT351

Dont want to help the other side but if you want some fair facts. The ls1 can get around 280kw with boltons and with a bit of extra money the handling can be easily fixed up.But on the other hand the xr8 has good handling standard and if your not aiming to get 450kw you can easily put a hairdrier on and make good power with the xr8.

By the way what year is your Alfa and do you have any pics?

Brendan

Still not confirmed exactly what the changes for VXII are but the extra toe control link from the GTS is supposed to be standard.