Surprising performance differences between stock GT and SE

[Jason E]

When going through my Car and Driver collection, I came across a 9/98 issue that had a test of a GA GT. In it, they tested the performance of the GT against an SE2, and some surprising differences showed up.

GT SE

0-60 7.7 8.1
1/4 mi 16.0@86 16.4@85
0-100: GT is 2.7 seconds quicker (does not give raw #s)
Skidpad .82g .75g


Overall, I didn't realize there was such a big spread. The SE2 did have the 16s on it BTW, so that eliminates some variable. I didn't realize a 3.29 axle ratio and 5 more HP did so much for these cars!

[shutter27]

Your right, thats a big difference... the stat I love most is the .82 on the skidpad...
That means were in the company of such cars as:

BMW 540i @ .84
BMW 745i @ .82
Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 @ .82
Lexus IS300 @ .82
Lexus LS430 @ .83
Hyundai Tiburon GT @ .83
Mustang GT @ .82
Chrysler 300M @ .82
Camaro Z28 @ .84
Acura RSX Type-S @ .83
.... and of course the Volkswagen Beetle Turbo S gets .83

Too bad Car and Driver spent too much time slamming the GA's bodywork to notice these... I've subscribed to C&D for 15 years and always agreed with their reviews, till they drove the 99 GA... almost had to cancel my subscription, but we'll get the last laugh when (and if) GM makes the G6 concept a reality!

[EBlend]

2.7 seconds faster...i highy highy doubt it

[Doug]

They also only ran a 16.4 in the Se and 16.0 in the GT what does taht tell you :rolleyes:

[Jason E]

So? Both cars are slower than usual. Thats what happens in most mags. The idea is though, can a stock GT beat a stock SE by .4?? Both were used on the same day at the same track...maybe the same driver too I assume?

Indeed, I was always very impressed with the skidpad # of the GT...one reason I bought it!

[Blackrider]

The GT Hold corners really well but the only problem I find is coming out of a corner hard. The Body whips back to fast (Body Roll) So stuff like an emergency lane change it doesn’t do so well in. But taking a yield fast it does great in. I have impressed a fue people who though it was just a boat lol

[EBlend]

who cares if a gt handels better from factory...if u want it to handle good you prolly wanna drop it and do all teh suspension work to it :)

[Jason E]

Well, I sorta care. I don't feel like dropping a ton of $$ to make the car handle respectably. Nice to know it does, right out of the box :thumbs: I do plan to add Eibach springs and SLP STBs down the road, along with better tires.

What surprised me the most was the acceleration times. Didn't know there was that big of a difference. Take one hard corner with a GT vs an SE, and you can feel the difference immediately, stock vs stock.

[shawn2ktats]

talk about handleing i have stb front and back an eibach drop and zr rated tires and OMG the handleing is unbelieveable:thumbs:

[Jason E]

Just what I was hoping to hear :thumbs:

[RedGrandTour]

I found out that my 12" sub makes the rear end roll when turning. :rolleyes:

[Doug]

Thats funny the handeling was so different. I didn't know bushings made it that much better.

[zeddsdead]

boy oh boy do i hate my SE now. :p

[MikeSilverGT]

Well, the GT does have the "sport tuned suspension" and the SE's is more floaty.. If you can tell the drifference in a test drive it makes sense that there is a noticeable difference at the track.

[Doug]

Look at the part numbers for both cars. They use the same springs, swaybars, struts. The only thing thats different is the bushings.

[peeps]

Originally posted by Doug
Look at the part numbers for both cars. They use the same springs, swaybars, struts. The only thing thats different is the bushings. Isn't there no front or rear sway bar on the SE?

[Doug]

Nope we have the exact same ones as the GT

[MikeSilverGT]

well, then its all in the brushings, baby! :D
I dunno, I thought I noticed the difference. Really though there isn't much,other than the the skid pad, but .04 sec on the 1/4 ain't that big of a deal.

[Doug]

Yeah the bushings do probably make a difference though. Tighten up everything.


http://www.n-body.net/specs/

[timpontiac19]

My se never even came close to a 16.4 first time out was a 15.5
But that was with the slp exhaust and kn. So i dont think the numbers are even close. Bring on a Gt.



Tim

[thakid22]

Just one more variable for you guys to consider. In my experience, the output and response of the 3400 is NOT as consistent as it could be.... Meaning that every 3400 I've driven felt either signifigantly faster or slower than the others. I rent a lot of cars, and Grand Ams/Alero's are what I get. Each time, it's like a gamble if I'm gonna get a fast, slow, or medium car with the 3400. Same engine, Same car, different response.

I recall the fastest 3400 I've driven. It was a Gold 2002 Alero GL2 4-door (rental). That car had some major pull to it. From a rolling start of about 12-17mph, if I hit the gas, it would still spin the tires!!!! Awesome. I hated to part with that at the end of my rental period.

So the point is, some cars come from the factory stronger than others. And this may be the case in C&D's test.

[Craig99SE2]

Don't forget the lower first gear in the GT's. This will make it accelerate quicker thus affecting 0-60 and *could* affect 1/4-mile times as well. But there is NO WAY I can see a .4 sec difference! Maybe .1-.2 ... The skidpad test is interesting! I believe it ... my SE handles like a ton of bricks sprung onto 24" tall coils! :mad:

[Kitt]

Originally posted by Craig99SE2
Don't forget the lower first gear in the GT's. This will make it accelerate quicker thus affecting 0-60 and *could* affect 1/4-mile times as well. But there is NO WAY I can see a .4 sec difference! Maybe .1-.2 ... The skidpad test is interesting! I believe it ... my SE handles like a ton of bricks sprung onto 24" tall coils! :mad:

I thought GTs had the higher ratio FINAL gearing?

[Craig99SE2]

Originally posted by Kitt
I thought GTs had the higher ratio FINAL gearing?

Yeah ... that's what I meant! Sorry ... it's one of those mornings! Too much data ... brain too small ... :p

[Mike3800]

Having "seen" them on the street a few times.... I can "see" the difference, it's not close off the line, but the gT stops gaining at one point and it just stays there. I cant' say how I know this or describe the "event" in greater detail because I'd break the rules.

[SmokinGT00]

Someone taught me a nice trick. One thing to do to improve response, is disconnect your battery for a few minutes and connect it back. When you drive it, drive it like you stole it. My battery was disconnected for doing the CAI, and once it was connected back, I drove it kinda hard, and I have definitely noticed that she has a lot more pep in her, just about immediate response, never as sluggish as it used to be. When the battery is disconnected and then connected back, the car's memory is erased, it actually learns how you drive it and accomadates to it. I had no idea of this and it seriously works, try it sometime. :)

I've had a couple other people drive my car, and they can't believe that for a GA it has that much power. Even people riding comment about it. It's great, I love it! Shoot, once my mom drove it and she loved it! lol People are always like 'why don't you drive her car (BMW)? And I say 'nah, I like my car better.' LOL People just don't understand.