which is the better GT car?

[Longman]

Hi all,

Just about time to upgrade and I'm after opinions as to which car would be a better GT style car, an SS or a 6L Calais. By GT, I'm talking country drives up to 4+ hrs, occasional mountains and twisty bends. It would also be used for city trips of course. I do a bit of country driving to visit friends and my VT exec is getting to the stage now where I don't really want to take it that far anymore as I'm worried it won't make it back!

Thanks.

[aaronevolution]

Statesman or Caprice are much more comfy. But out of your 2, go the Calais.

[kodez]

I frequently do 6 hour drives in the Calais, never has a trip been more comfortable, it's an excellent touring car in my opinion

[Zerone_V]

In the end, if it is a comfortable ride you are looking for, then go the Calais.
(I am assuming we are not talking V models here, just the SS and Calais)

I am not sure if you are looking at a brand spanking new Series II or Series I

For Series I models
The SS will have the following over the Calais
Limited Slip Diff (This REALLY is a BIG issue with V8s, but can be solved by fitting an LSD diff)
FEII Suspension (Better handling, but a bumpier ride, Matter of personal preference).
Sportier external appearance (Wing, side skirts, front and rear bumpers)

The Calais will have the following over the SS
Colour Infotainment Screen (HVAC/Radio with Dual zone Climate Control) This can be EXPENSIVE to fit to other models, as buying one of these is frequently above $500 on eBay, plus they need to be programmed which can add another couple of hundred bucks.
Triple LCD Instrument Cluster (Not a huge deal, you can swap clusters, but triple LCD clusters cost $200 and above, and need to be programmed also).
Door and Footwell illumination - (Meh, can be added to any model cheaply)
Leather seats, and trims (Which can be optioned on an SS anyway)
Cheaper Insurance in most cases (Calais are seen as Old peoples cars by insurance companies, hence cheaper insurance)

This list is by no means comprehensive, and others will obviously point out other pros and cons.
For me the choice was SS-V or Calais V V8.
I chose the Calais V V8 because it is much easier to add the stuff from an SS-V to a Calais V, than it was to add Calais V stuff to an SS-V
(Oh and the insurance was MASSIVELY cheaper)

[Reaper]

Both cars will do the job very well. It's really a matter of which you like better from the driving position. These days I'd choose a Calais V out of those 2 but that is coming off the back of 2 SSV's in a row. If you can stretch the budget get Senator - leaves both for dead

Reaper

[Zerone_V]

Oh, one other thing that might this a simple choice for you.

Do you prefer a manual or auto ?
If its a manual, then you only have one choice. (Unless you can stretch your budget for a Senator of course )

[Munz]

V8 Calais doesn't have LSD, surely it has to?

[TinSnips]

Only as an option.

[dredrum]

Calais v all the way. Rear DVD for kids or drunken mates, whichever is ya usual passengers.
Better headlights for night driving

Everything else has been mentioned.

[Longman]

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies. to answer a few questions... No drunken mates or kids as passengers, definitely won't buy new, I'll never buy a brand new Holden for depreciation reasons, definitely automatic. I like the look of the SS, it's a great looking car, moreso than the Calais, though some suspension work and good wheels certainly go a long way on the calais. The SS also has better colour choices. I guess I'll test drive and make a decision.

[Gravity]

Calais s2 also can have front park sensors if your wife is a regular driver and not so good with big cars. Also puddle lights under the side mirrors which can be handy for country properties.

If Calais, be sure to get LSD and note carsales.com does not always accurately list if the car has that option or not (even from dealers).

I chose an SS-V wagon because it was cheaper, and the V had the key luxury items I wanted: sat nav, rear camera(kids), leather seats.

[Rufys]

The biggest problem from my pov is that Holden don't provide an M6 option for the Calais or Calais V.

Because between the SSV and the Calais V there is no contest. The Calais V is the better car. There would be a LOT of people in Calais Vs instead of SSVs if they could have ticked a manual option.

But I'd settle for missing out on the M6 and get a Calais V with the FE2+LSD option ticked over an SSV ANY DAY!!!

[dredrum]

If your only wanting a manual purely for the feel of driving stick, then sure get a manual. But if your worried about the performance factor don't cause the A6 is a beautiful box and is not scared of changing hard and fast when prompted!

[Calais57]

Calais V all the way!

[Reaper]

Calais s2 also can have front park sensors if your wife is a regular driver and not so good with big cars. Also puddle lights under the side mirrors which can be handy for country properties.

I've got front (and rear) park assist and its right royally annoying at best. Really, if you need park assist then you shouldn't be driving. I find the reversing camera handy but if I could get rid of the park assist beeping I would.

If Calais, be sure to get LSD and note carsales.com does not always accurately list if the car has that option or not (even from dealers).

I chose an SS-V wagon because it was cheaper, and the V had the key luxury items I wanted: sat nav, rear camera(kids), leather seats.

The SSV is quite nicely appointed but if I were forced into another one, I'd send it to Phreddy or somebody to change the leds to something other than red. I think I'll be over the red dash for a very long time!

Reaper