Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe VERSUS Ford Mustang GT VERSUS Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5

[roguechameleon]

Like the title says... which car should I get?

[VivienM]

Brand new?

[roguechameleon]

Yes..

2008 Altima Coupe
2007 Mustang GT
2007 G6 GTP

[ES_Revenge]

I would like to say none of them, but if it has to be these choices I would probably somehow end up picking the Mustang.

The current G6 GTP with the LY7 (3.6L DOHC) is better than the old one with the LZ9 (3900) but it's more than just the engine that makes that car a little less than it should be. It's bulky, heavy, and though it's nice it just should have been a better car IMO. It's not a wonder that the GTP model doesn't sell all that well (or at least I haven't seen many of them).

The Altima Coupe is kinda ugly if you ask me--I actually like the sedan better, but that's just me. The venerable Nissan 3.5L updated for 270hp is nice as well, but something about that car just doesn't do it for me. Maybe I've just driven way too many of them, I don't know. Nissan's use of push-button ignition is a little gimmicky if you ask me; their use of Bose "premium" sound systems is as well (though other manufacturers are just as guilty of this). I don't think it's all that bad, but I do like the sedan better--personally I think the coupe has been far too hyped up for what it is.

Mustang GT seems to be the better choice here. Seems to sell well enough (not that sales mean all that much but they do mean something), looks pretty nice, great power (not so hot fuel economy as I'm sure all the crazy Yaris drivers will tell you soon enough), rear drive, and there's probably a pretty good aftermarket for it as well, being a Mustang Though I've never really been a fan of Ford, I'd still pick the Mustang given these choices.

[roguechameleon]

Thanks for your indepth opinions EP!

The Mustang has found itself back on my radar screen mainly because of the family/friends program that Ford is running now:

http://www.ford.ca/main/default.asp?...n=48&menuoff=1

If you punch in the values for a Mustang, this is what you get:

†Total MSRP: $37,849
FORD FAMILY PRICE: $33,514
Delivery Allowance: $ 0
*Final Ford Family Plan Price: $33,514

That is over $4000 off the MSRP!! How can you not give this a second look?

[Sohjonn]

what are you looking for in a car? find out whatyou need and prioritize them. then compare the vehicles to see if which has the most of your requirements and choose that one if it's within your budget.

[roguechameleon]

I know that I'm looking for a coupe that is fun to drive, and falls in the $30K to $35K range. All three of this cars have the exterior styling I like, and I can get good deals on all of them.

I was hoping to gauge opinions from the people who visit this forum to better understand any positive or negative points of each car that I may not be aware of.

For example, I just found out that the Altima requires premium fuel. Something like that will be ongoing cost that exceeds that of the G6 and Mustang. On the flip side, the Mustang will absolutely require snow tires given it is rear wheel drive. And, the G6 has a very basic interior without too many bells/whistles.

Decisions... Decisions...

[VivienM]

And, the G6 has a very basic interior without too many bells/whistles.

What do you mean by bells/whistles? It should have auto climate, heated leather seats, etc., no?

[Gogi]

Def. the Altima coupe. Class & Style...Mustang ?

[TheFuteballer]

Def. the Altima coupe. Class & Style...Mustang ?

i agree... plus i just hate american cars

[frogger]

Front wheel drive VERSUS Rear wheel Drive, figure out which one you prefer/drive them all first.

[roguechameleon]

What do you mean by bells/whistles? It should have auto climate, heated leather seats, etc., no?

Yes, it does, you're right... and to be honest, I haven't even sat in the car. All of my current opinions are based on what I've read and what I've been told. I plan on test driving all 3 cars at the end of the month.

Front wheel drive VERSUS Rear wheel Drive, figure out which one you prefer/drive them all first.

True enough. In general.. is it better to just stay away from Rear Wheel Drive for winter driving though?

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Live Axle = Drift King.

[roguechameleon]

How much of an impact does the "live rear axle" suspension impact the drivability of a mustang day-to-day? Can anyone speak from experience here?

[Zaku_4]

the only gripe i have with american cars are that they are old technology

i mean honestly, 2007 and it still uses a live axle? jesssssus.

the fit and finish of the altima, though not that great to begin with, is STILL better than the mustang. have u seen the "leather" seats in those stangs?

then again, something about that mustang GT is just alluring... its so classical yet modern. without those fogs, it looks kinda reallllly ugly.

not many american cars turn my crank, but this one does.

is a GT stang cheaper than a 3.5se/sl altima coupe?