2004 versus 2005 GTO - PY Online Forums

rabon008 · #1 02-17-2005, 05:44 PM

I have now owned my '05 for two full days and approximately 800 miles (about 1/10 of what my '04 has). Here are a few points:

It's alot faster - duh! The acceleration is considerably better and it feels as if it could blow through the 155 MPH electronic limiter (though I haven't had it anywhere near that). It will definitely get sideways in third gear with the traction control ON! I am very impressed by this engine.

The engine even looks noticeably bigger in the engine compartment. This is something that surprised me about the LS2 considering it is only .3 additional liters and all of that coming from boring (not different block). The size (at least appearance wise) difference may have something to do with the sealing system changes in the LS2 as compared with the LS1 although I haven't yet had the hoods open side-by-side to see if it is only my imagination.

Gas mileage is identical in city driving (about 17 mpg) while it suffers just a bit on the freeway (at about 24 mpg). The freeway number may be slightly exaggerated to the low side because I do break in my engines the old fashioned way: a little varied in speed and never on cruise control for long stretches until I get the first oil change.

The suspension appears to be a little firmer (and I had no complaints on the '04 in this regard) giving it even more racecar-like cornering. It corners as good as the C5s I've driven.

The brakes are, of course, more substantial and this is well received since the '04 has what I consider to be slightly undersized brakes for its performance/weight category.

The scoops are functional heat vents as everyone already knew. The actual intake is positioned the same as the '04 but is also noticeably larger (as would be expected) and appears to be slightly different in design.

The inadequate dim lights on the '04 as mentioned by other owners (with whom I agree) has not been completely resolved but there is improvement and, although I haven't tried to adjust them yet, might be more easily corrected with adjustment on the '05.

The fit and finish is better than my '04 and, although I realize there had been complaints in this regard from some on this forum (I believe non-owners), my '04 had excellent, even "luxury sedan level" fit and finish.

On the inside, almost nothing has changed. The only thing I have even noticed is the new warning that popped up on my info center to let me know I should stop for a rest. This notice was a little tree and picnic table with a "rest reminder" message that popped up during an approximate 3 hour stretch of driving.

To put the '05 in direct comparison with the '04: Every change made is an improvement. I don't think anyone would regret the purchase.

rabon008 · #2 02-17-2005, 05:44 PM

I have now owned my '05 for two full days and approximately 800 miles (about 1/10 of what my '04 has). Here are a few points:

It's alot faster - duh! The acceleration is considerably better and it feels as if it could blow through the 155 MPH electronic limiter (though I haven't had it anywhere near that). It will definitely get sideways in third gear with the traction control ON! I am very impressed by this engine.

The engine even looks noticeably bigger in the engine compartment. This is something that surprised me about the LS2 considering it is only .3 additional liters and all of that coming from boring (not different block). The size (at least appearance wise) difference may have something to do with the sealing system changes in the LS2 as compared with the LS1 although I haven't yet had the hoods open side-by-side to see if it is only my imagination.

Gas mileage is identical in city driving (about 17 mpg) while it suffers just a bit on the freeway (at about 24 mpg). The freeway number may be slightly exaggerated to the low side because I do break in my engines the old fashioned way: a little varied in speed and never on cruise control for long stretches until I get the first oil change.

The suspension appears to be a little firmer (and I had no complaints on the '04 in this regard) giving it even more racecar-like cornering. It corners as good as the C5s I've driven.

The brakes are, of course, more substantial and this is well received since the '04 has what I consider to be slightly undersized brakes for its performance/weight category.

The scoops are functional heat vents as everyone already knew. The actual intake is positioned the same as the '04 but is also noticeably larger (as would be expected) and appears to be slightly different in design.

The inadequate dim lights on the '04 as mentioned by other owners (with whom I agree) has not been completely resolved but there is improvement and, although I haven't tried to adjust them yet, might be more easily corrected with adjustment on the '05.

The fit and finish is better than my '04 and, although I realize there had been complaints in this regard from some on this forum (I believe non-owners), my '04 had excellent, even "luxury sedan level" fit and finish.

On the inside, almost nothing has changed. The only thing I have even noticed is the new warning that popped up on my info center to let me know I should stop for a rest. This notice was a little tree and picnic table with a "rest reminder" message that popped up during an approximate 3 hour stretch of driving.

To put the '05 in direct comparison with the '04: Every change made is an improvement. I don't think anyone would regret the purchase.

The Who · #3 02-17-2005, 06:37 PM

lets see pictures of both cars

rabon008 · #4 02-18-2005, 08:33 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TheWho:
lets see pictures of both cars

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How about one picture of them together?

The Who · #5 02-18-2005, 09:36 AM

Thats mainly what I was implying

Which car are you going to drive more, and which one do you prefer? Are you gonna keep them both or your going to sell the 04

rabon008 · #6 02-18-2005, 09:42 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TheWho:
Thats mainly what I was implying

Which car are you going to drive more, and which one do you prefer? Are you gonna keep them both or your going to sell the 04 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Will be selling the '04 to family. Of course I like the '05 best.

rabon008 · #7 02-20-2005, 11:03 AM

Here's another pic of the '05.

rabon008 · #8 03-06-2005, 01:09 AM

A couple more items.

Interior: Forgot to note one change in the interior of the '05. The remote mirror controls, being pre-wired for the Monaro were flipped (upside down) when place in my '04. This was so that the toggle and controls would match to the mirror and direction that is intended. In the '05, the controls are not flipped and the result is that they work in reverse (i.e. toggle left for the right mirror and push up to move the mirror down). This takes a bit of getting used to but is not a real problem.

Performance: The real place that you notice the increased power is once you get to second. There is a "pop" there that really pushes you deeper into your seat as the needle flies past 40 (and I mean flies past it). Approximately 4.6 or 4.7 0-60 times. Can't wait till the local track opens.

jrlichina · #9 03-15-2005, 12:24 PM

How does the car handle in the snow with the stock tires?

rabon008 · #10 03-15-2005, 12:48 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jrlichina:
How does the car handle in the snow with the stock tires? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's all where you're experience lies. I have driven RWD vehicles all my life from icy Michigan to sunny Florida. I have to be careful of the extra torque in the '05 but the cars handle better than most people think (about equal to my previous F-bodies). I am sure that they would handle better with the right rubber, though.

nickvarnalis · #11 03-15-2005, 12:59 PM

FWIW: The 04 GTO also have the rest reminder indicator, which can be turned off thru the DIC. Also the LS1 and LS2 engine are identical in size.

rabon008 · #12 03-15-2005, 01:03 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nvarnalis:
FWIW: The 04 GTO also have the rest reminder indicator, which can be turned off thru the DIC. Also the LS1 and LS2 engine are identical in size. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interesting, I looked for it in my manual and didn't find it. Therefore, I assumed it didn't have it. It must have been turned off by the dealer before I got it and I never played with the settings enough to see it. Thanks. BTW, I don't like it.

As to engine, I realized that, at least as far as the block is concerned. Some of the components between the LS1 and LS2 are slightly different (like the heads, throttle body and some of the sealing systems) and that is to what I attributed the apparent size difference. I still haven't done any measurements though.

rabon008 · #13 03-15-2005, 03:25 PM

For the record, side-by-side comparison shows the throttle-body to be the appearance difference. The electronically controlled throttle-body on the '05 has a much larger housing than the cable controlled one on the '04.