Surprising performance differences between stock GT and SE

Jason E · 02-22-2003, 06:50 PM

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!

02-22-2003, 07:16 PM

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 · 02-22-2003, 08:16 PM

2.7 seconds faster...i highy highy doubt it

Doug · 02-22-2003, 09:49 PM

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

Jason E · 02-22-2003, 10:29 PM

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 · 02-22-2003, 10:38 PM

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

EBlend · 02-23-2003, 12:35 AM

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 · 02-23-2003, 07:00 AM

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

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 · 02-23-2003, 07:48 AM

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

Jason E · 02-23-2003, 08:03 AM

Just what I was hoping to hear

RedGrandTour · 02-23-2003, 08:51 AM

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

Doug · 02-23-2003, 10:00 AM

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

02-23-2003, 10:09 AM

boy oh boy do i hate my SE now.

MikeSilverGT · 02-23-2003, 10:43 AM

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 · 02-23-2003, 10:49 AM

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

peeps · 02-23-2003, 10:50 AM

Quote:

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 · 02-23-2003, 10:52 AM

Nope we have the exact same ones as the GT

MikeSilverGT · 02-23-2003, 10:55 AM

well, then its all in the brushings, baby!

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 · 02-23-2003, 10:57 AM

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

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

timpontiac19 · 02-24-2003, 07:20 AM

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

02-22-2003, 06:50 PM	#1
Jason E SHIFT_Domestic AKA: Jason Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South Deerfield, Ma Age: 41 Posts: 365 Vehicle: '01 GPGT/ '97 30th Z28	Surprising performance differences between stock GT and SE 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! __________________ -'01 Grand Prix GT Coupe 61k miles, moonroof, 17" chrome AR Fusions -'97 30th Anniversary Camaro Z28 62k miles, t-tops, 6 speed, SLP exhaust, intake, etc. -'99 Grand Am SE1 Sedan (Girlfriend's car) 71k miles, 2.4, moonroof, all stock '95 Grand Am SE 3100 Coupe (sold) '02 Grand Am GT Coupe (sold)

02-22-2003, 09:49 PM	#4
Doug Hairdryer Power Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dublin, OH Age: 36 Posts: 623 Vehicle: 2000 SE-T	They also only ran a 16.4 in the Se and 16.0 in the GT what does taht tell you __________________ http://www.n-body.net/registry/yeahdoug/ 2000 Grand Am SE1 ex-turbo 1987 Supra Turbo 5 spd Targa 14.2 @100 with only I/E

02-22-2003, 10:29 PM	#5
Jason E SHIFT_Domestic AKA: Jason Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South Deerfield, Ma Age: 41 Posts: 365 Vehicle: '01 GPGT/ '97 30th Z28	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! __________________ -'01 Grand Prix GT Coupe 61k miles, moonroof, 17" chrome AR Fusions -'97 30th Anniversary Camaro Z28 62k miles, t-tops, 6 speed, SLP exhaust, intake, etc. -'99 Grand Am SE1 Sedan (Girlfriend's car) 71k miles, 2.4, moonroof, all stock '95 Grand Am SE 3100 Coupe (sold) '02 Grand Am GT Coupe (sold)

02-22-2003, 10:38 PM	#6
Blackrider Ifeast Upon The Weak AKA: Jordie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Victoria B.C. Age: 36 Posts: 3,048 Vehicle: 06 GTP 6Speed	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 __________________ 60DegreeGTP

02-23-2003, 07:00 AM	#8
Jason E SHIFT_Domestic AKA: Jason Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South Deerfield, Ma Age: 41 Posts: 365 Vehicle: '01 GPGT/ '97 30th Z28	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 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. __________________ -'01 Grand Prix GT Coupe 61k miles, moonroof, 17" chrome AR Fusions -'97 30th Anniversary Camaro Z28 62k miles, t-tops, 6 speed, SLP exhaust, intake, etc. -'99 Grand Am SE1 Sedan (Girlfriend's car) 71k miles, 2.4, moonroof, all stock '95 Grand Am SE 3100 Coupe (sold) '02 Grand Am GT Coupe (sold)

02-22-2003, 07:16 PM	#2
shutter27 Guest Posts: n/a	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!

02-22-2003, 08:16 PM	#3
EBlend GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 37 Posts: 1,308	2.7 seconds faster...i highy highy doubt it

02-23-2003, 12:35 AM	#7
EBlend GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Age: 37 Posts: 1,308	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

02-23-2003, 07:48 AM	#9
shawn2ktats EvolutionsTattoo Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: behind you Age: 41 Posts: 499 Vehicle: 2000 GT Coupe	talk about handleing i have stb front and back an eibach drop and zr rated tires and OMG the handleing is unbelieveable __________________ SHAWN2K Owner: Evil Inc. Tattoos and ALL NEW!!! Evolution Tattoos Tattoo & Body Piercing www.n-body.net/registry/shawn2ktats

02-23-2003, 08:03 AM	#10
Jason E SHIFT_Domestic AKA: Jason Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South Deerfield, Ma Age: 41 Posts: 365 Vehicle: '01 GPGT/ '97 30th Z28	Just what I was hoping to hear __________________ -'01 Grand Prix GT Coupe 61k miles, moonroof, 17" chrome AR Fusions -'97 30th Anniversary Camaro Z28 62k miles, t-tops, 6 speed, SLP exhaust, intake, etc. -'99 Grand Am SE1 Sedan (Girlfriend's car) 71k miles, 2.4, moonroof, all stock '95 Grand Am SE 3100 Coupe (sold) '02 Grand Am GT Coupe (sold)

02-23-2003, 08:51 AM	#11
RedGrandTour Crashed 99 GT :( Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: IL Age: 43 Posts: 802 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT Coupe	I found out that my 12" sub makes the rear end roll when turning.

02-23-2003, 10:00 AM	#12
Doug Hairdryer Power Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dublin, OH Age: 36 Posts: 623 Vehicle: 2000 SE-T	Thats funny the handeling was so different. I didn't know bushings made it that much better. __________________ http://www.n-body.net/registry/yeahdoug/ 2000 Grand Am SE1 ex-turbo 1987 Supra Turbo 5 spd Targa 14.2 @100 with only I/E

02-23-2003, 10:09 AM	#13
zeddsdead Guest Posts: n/a	boy oh boy do i hate my SE now.

02-23-2003, 10:43 AM	#14
MikeSilverGT Gremlins at work. AKA: Mike Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Douglasville, GA Age: 36 Posts: 108 Vehicle: 02 Grand Am GT Sedan	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.

02-23-2003, 10:49 AM	#15
Doug Hairdryer Power Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dublin, OH Age: 36 Posts: 623 Vehicle: 2000 SE-T	Look at the part numbers for both cars. They use the same springs, swaybars, struts. The only thing thats different is the bushings. __________________ http://www.n-body.net/registry/yeahdoug/ 2000 Grand Am SE1 ex-turbo 1987 Supra Turbo 5 spd Targa 14.2 @100 with only I/E

02-23-2003, 10:52 AM	#17
Doug Hairdryer Power Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dublin, OH Age: 36 Posts: 623 Vehicle: 2000 SE-T	Nope we have the exact same ones as the GT __________________ http://www.n-body.net/registry/yeahdoug/ 2000 Grand Am SE1 ex-turbo 1987 Supra Turbo 5 spd Targa 14.2 @100 with only I/E

02-23-2003, 10:55 AM	#18
MikeSilverGT Gremlins at work. AKA: Mike Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Douglasville, GA Age: 36 Posts: 108 Vehicle: 02 Grand Am GT Sedan	well, then its all in the brushings, baby! 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.

02-23-2003, 10:57 AM	#19
Doug Hairdryer Power Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dublin, OH Age: 36 Posts: 623 Vehicle: 2000 SE-T	Yeah the bushings do probably make a difference though. Tighten up everything. http://www.n-body.net/specs/ __________________ http://www.n-body.net/registry/yeahdoug/ 2000 Grand Am SE1 ex-turbo 1987 Supra Turbo 5 spd Targa 14.2 @100 with only I/E Last edited by Doug; 02-23-2003 at 11:00 AM.

02-24-2003, 07:20 AM	#20
timpontiac19 GAGT - Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Burlington, NJ Age: 40 Posts: 76	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 __________________ 99 Grand am SE Slp exhaust Rat intake Gt wheels Gt bumpers unpainted basslink

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