Just Commodores Forum Community

It takes just a moment to join our fantastic community

Register

E Series Clubsport or Monaro

Discussion in 'VE Holden Commodore (2006 - 2013)' started by John Williams, Jan 21, 2011.

  1. John Williams

    John Williams New Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2011
    Location:
    SA
    Members Ride:
    -
    Hi all,
    This is my first post, and it's on behalf of my dad. Firstly, after over a decade or so of having Ford Lasers and dreaming about getting a Monaro, the day of a new car is coming very soon. I'm his 'helper', which basically means I'm all over Carsales AU looking for something that he could get. He's always loved Holdens and had a couple of 8-cylinder models pre 1990s, and really likes the 3rd gen Monaro. He has no idea about the different variants and model updates, but ideally we'd be looking at a VZ or V2 Series III (or late V2 Series II) CV8.

    However, I've been attracted to the HSV Clubsport E Series R8 more recently, for a few reasons. Firstly, my sister is within a few years going to be over 6 ft, and I'm about 6 ft already, and my dad is 6ft 3. Whilst I understand the Monaro isn't a matchbox, having a sedan with 4 doors and greater rear head and leg room would probably be a benefit. Secondly, even though it is a classic, the third generation Monaro is old. It's based on a last gen Commodore platform which is already out of date by 5 years. The R8 has lots of new features and tech. Thirdly, safety is a priority. While the Monaro still has 4 airbags and a 4-star ANCAP rating, the VE Commodores have 5 star safety ratings and many have at least 6 airbags. And finally, while the current Clubsport on offer has had several tweaks, it basically is the same car as the original E Series R8.

    Now, the major question, something I need help with purely because I can't answer (having never driven a Monaro or anything made by HSV). What is the driving experience like when you're in a VZ Monaro CV8 compared to a E Series Clubsport R8, in terms of handling, performance etc.? What would be the better purchase? I've thought about suggesting the SS V but it's very common and to most on the road, it's just a Commodore.

    Thanks all for your help,
    John
     
  2. cds

    cds New Member

    Messages:
    309
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2008
    Location:
    Frankston, VIC
    Members Ride:
    VE SSV Ute & WM Statesman
    Hi John,

    Welcome to the forum, enjoy your stay here!

    I've driven the R8 E Series 1 myself only once or twice which belonged to my work mate and I tell you they are a golden drive. The electronics and even transmission has advanced since the Cv8z Monaro days. The car feels incredibly larger and the in cabin tone is much more rich like. I also belive the R8 has other features such as ESP and heaps more sensors that can tell you stuff about the cars running preformance than the Cv8z Monaro.

    If you take a Cv8z for a test drive, then take a E Series 1 R8 you will find the great difference and likely go for the R8. Price tag between the two are fairly different though I would think almost 15-20k in difference I think? Depends what your after, been wanting to finally get a piece of decent technology and drive chain I'd go for the R8 if the pocket is that deep, some R8 E1's going for under $42,0000. Just watch for the 2006 models and early 2007 models as there was a few recall issues. Check car history and service history etc.

    Good Luck & I want to see pictures after purchase.
     
  3. TinSnips

    TinSnips Polish all the things...

    Messages:
    4,865
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2010
    Location:
    Hills District, Sydney
    Members Ride:
    VF SSV Ute
    Two schools of thought spring to mind. Do you want the car as a driver's car or a collector's car? If you're after the driver's car, grab the clubby. If you're after the collector's get the munro. Not that the munro is a bad drive, it isn't. at all. It's better balanced than the commodores of that gen but doesn't stack up to the handling of the E series. At least not without some serious mods, which reduces the collectable nature of it.
     
  4. soop

    soop Banned

    Messages:
    3,847
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Location:
    Smithton, Tasmania.
    Members Ride:
    2003 SS Commodore Series II
    Monaro is by far the better investment.
     
  5. UFO

    UFO I Believe

    Messages:
    1,860
    Likes Received:
    18
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Location:
    Canberra
    Members Ride:
    MY10 VE International Sportwagon SIDI 3L
    ^ as stated above.... 2 different cars for 2 different purposes.

    If you plan to drive it daily, want better features, handling, safety (basically the lot).... the R8 is the way to go hands down.

    For a collecter/investment, and having a car that could very well appreciate in value over the years (if low k's and in mint condition), the Monaro is the way to go.

    If it was me though, there wouldnt be a decision to be made at all.... R8 all the way, every day, and twice on sunday :).
    You want a car you can drive, be safe and comfortable in, and have enough room without having to squat in it like a mini. I'm a little taller/larger as well.... and coupe is definitely what you DONT want if you plan on driving it on a regular basis. The shine of the monaro will fade very quickly- although it is a lovely car in its own right.

    Test drive both to decide for yourself, but no way I'd go past the R8 (if they were my only two options- I'm a wagon fan :)).
     
  6. fuzzy2308

    fuzzy2308 New Member

    Messages:
    963
    Likes Received:
    100
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2008
    Location:
    Gippsland
    Members Ride:
    Plastic datsun
    monaro would hold its value longer and will pull more chicks, but i like the clubby better.
     
  7. Ed

    Ed New Member

    Messages:
    225
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2009
    Location:
    Melbourne, Victoria
    Members Ride:
    TDV8 Landcruiser
    Bank loan, get both... Monaro for your old man, r8 for you!


    But seriously, go with the newer car if after comfort and safety.
     
  8. soop

    soop Banned

    Messages:
    3,847
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Location:
    Smithton, Tasmania.
    Members Ride:
    2003 SS Commodore Series II
    lol, massive difference in safty....

    R8 would be like pissing your money up against the wall, and they're nothing special.

    Monaro, is cool to look at. Might not make the same power as an R8 but is about 200kg lighter so will go just as fast and I doubt you'll notice any difference in handly or comfort.
    Infact, I think the VY VZ's are more comfortable then the VE's.
     
  9. Lumps of cheese

    Lumps of cheese welcome to the machine

    Messages:
    2,770
    Likes Received:
    37
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2005
    Location:
    Warrnambool
    Members Ride:
    83 vh sle, 4x4 hilux, 03 monaro, 07 nightrain
  10. DynoVE

    DynoVE DVSVE

    Messages:
    87
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Location:
    Melbourne VIC
    Members Ride:
    VE SV6
    clubby.. cant go wrong
     
  11. WogBoyz

    WogBoyz 435rkw/590rwhp

    Messages:
    3,151
    Likes Received:
    12
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2009
    Location:
    Cairns, Qld
    Members Ride:
    08 VE SSV M6 Ute
    I have to say go the clubby
     
  12. wikky

    wikky ............

    Messages:
    847
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2008
    Location:
    Here
    Members Ride:
    VZ SSZ
    Having driven both many times (stock to highly modified), my vote is for the Clubby. There's nothing special about the Monaro (to drive). The E series Clubby performs and handles much better. Get your old man to take both for a drive. That's the only way to decide between 2 cars.
     
  13. TinSnips

    TinSnips Polish all the things...

    Messages:
    4,865
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2010
    Location:
    Hills District, Sydney
    Members Ride:
    VF SSV Ute
    Have to disagree on the comfort comment. I find the VEs MUCH more comfortable than the Y/Z series cars. The munro is essentially just a 2 door commy, so mechanically it's nothing special. It's more the stigma attached to the name that is where the investment properties will come in. I don't think they'll ever appreciate as much as the old gen monaros but they WILL appreciate over the next couple of decades based on the badge alone.

    Also, in spite of the weight saving, the 5.7 was notoriously average at low revs when stock, so for day to day driving the clubby will have plenty more kick, even though the actual numbers may not be that different.

    Horses for courses as far as comfort goes, what fits me won't necessarily fit others but the E is definitely a better fit for me. As for handling though, the balance and accuracy of the steering alone in the Es is enough of an improvement to make it the better choice for a driver's car.

    There's no wrong or right choice - as has been said, drive both and make an informed decision. But there's no way I'd be going past the clubby out of those two choices.
     
  14. soop

    soop Banned

    Messages:
    3,847
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Location:
    Smithton, Tasmania.
    Members Ride:
    2003 SS Commodore Series II
    Well the original Monaro was just a two door kingswood...

    I hate VE seats. They're crap.
     
  15. kuzman89

    kuzman89 Active Member

    Messages:
    1,903
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2009
    Location:
    vic
    Members Ride:
    VE SV6 ute
    I'd have to say the clubby!! Don't own one, but the few ive been in feel really planted. Plus I'm biased, I think the VE is the sexiest commodore going around.
     
  16. soop

    soop Banned

    Messages:
    3,847
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Location:
    Smithton, Tasmania.
    Members Ride:
    2003 SS Commodore Series II
    LOL, VE's are fat and bulbous. Hate to see ya mrs if you reckon thats sexy!


    (Disclaimer; The above is a joke and in no way is it meant to insinuate your mrs is a heffer.)
     
  17. kuzman89

    kuzman89 Active Member

    Messages:
    1,903
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2009
    Location:
    vic
    Members Ride:
    VE SV6 ute
    haha you funny bastard!!
     
  18. Jesterarts

    Jesterarts Your freedom ends where mine begins

    Messages:
    3,817
    Likes Received:
    98
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2005
    Location:
    Victoria
    Members Ride:
    2010 Nissan X-Trail ST-L
    My vote would go to the monaro.

    My reasons:

    1. It's a future classic
    2. It is a stunning car to look at, even the pre Z ones.
    3. The VZ's are actually a bit better than a VE in a head on collisions. The reason the VE has the 5 stars is due to being a bit better with side on impacts and they have ESP.
    4. I'm 6 foot 4 and I hit in my mates VZ monaro very comfortably
    5. If your old man has been dreaming of a Monaro for years, he will be happier in a monaro.

    The last point it really the big one I think. When you are buying your dream car, you don't care what's better on paper but rather what makes you feel like a 5yo again.

    I'm planning on getting a new car this year, my options are say a VE SSV or a VZ R8. On paper, the VE is a better car as such being safer, a more advanced chassis and it's newer. But I want the older VZ just because that's the one that makes me feel like a 5yo again.

    Hope that makes sense and helps!
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2011
  19. soop

    soop Banned

    Messages:
    3,847
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Location:
    Smithton, Tasmania.
    Members Ride:
    2003 SS Commodore Series II
    Couldn't agree more.

    VY/VZ Is more a drivers car IMO.

    Same as a Torana is more a drivers car then VZ.
     
  20. John Williams

    John Williams New Member

    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2011
    Location:
    SA
    Members Ride:
    -
    Thanks all for your responses and comments - a lot more than I expected and it looks like there's a great community here at Just Commodores.

    Reading through these I see all of you put great detail into your responses.

    (Sorry to bang on a bit :p) I myself have been interested in cars all my life. I'm actually a bit of a Beemer and Merc fan so I see why I was leaning more towards the Clubsport because it really is an Aussie M5 for under a third of the Beemer's price. Also, the whole 'daily driving issue' - this would be the regular runabout car for my dad, not a 'weekend car', so that also caused me to lean towards the Clubsport. I really love Holdens too. I just remember when we had a hire car on a Queensland holiday a year or two ago, a VE SV6, and I was just astounded at what a great car it was for its price-tag. Same basically goes for all of the locally-made Holdens. I think to myself when I see an S-Class Benz or a 7 Series BMW go past - why would you buy that when you can get a 3 Caprice Vs for the same price?

    I think Jesterarts hit the nail on the head though with his 5th point. My dad had a couple of Torana V8s back when he was closer to my age and he's always admired the Monaro, even before the modern version debuted back in '01. I'm sure that I can make him try out a Clubsport R8 when he's shopping about for Monaros and if he loves that, fantastic. I'll give you a bit more background info: my dad was saying only a few years back during one of my rants on about how good German cars are that a "car is to get you from A to B", so you can see it takes something quite special to make him excited. I doubt he'd even know what a Clubsport is :p!!

    With the Monaro (3rd gen), what are the best models to look out for and what should we be cautious of when looking at them? It's difficult to find one in SA as most Monaros for sale at dealerships are based interstate, and I know you can transport it over, but for such a big purchase, my dad'd like to see what you're laying down $30,000-$45,000 on. The remainder are really just private sellers, and my dad doesn't want to go through them :S Is it worth holding out for another 12 months to see if some late model VZs get reduced in price, or does it not really matter when he gets it (within the next 18 months).

    Once again, thanks for the overwhelming response! I'll be sure to put pics up when my dad (finally) gets something!!
     

Share This Page