Pontiac G8 versus the BMW 5-Series: An Unlikely Fight

BMWBlog submitted on 04/30/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 8:17 AM
from: www.bmwblog.com

[34] user comments | category: Reviews

Tags: bmw, pontiac, pontiac g8, bmw 5 series

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Pontiac G8 versus the BMW 5-Series: An Unlikely Fight

When I think American versus German, I usually ponder the essence of a V8 Corvette Z06 racing down a back road, hot on the heels of a Porsche 911 GT3. Or I think of a Corvette in a dead heat with an E92 M3, going from straight to straight and both breaking their rear-ends out through each hard turn. But that is sports cars. These days, there is a whole other type of back road racing going on.

Pontiac has recently brought on the market their G8 GT with 361hp and 385lb-ft of torque coming from a 6.0L V8. They reckon their car is better than the BMW 5-series for less money. I’m sure you have seen the current advertisement for the new G8 versus the BMW 5er. But is it really the car that they say it is? Well, let’s look at the facts.

The G8 GT is a true muscle car with 4-doors. It will haul itself to 60 in just 5.3s and while still weighing in at a rather robust 3995lbs. That alone is an amazing accomplishment. And, where the BMW 5-Series is amazing in its pursuit of perfection for the dollar, the G8 tries to be just as good for under $30,000. Not bad I would say for a big heavy American car.

Finally, Pontiac have made themselves a great blend of performance with function before form. Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention that this one is rear-wheel drive. This is a first for Pontiac in a long time. The Grand Prix is a front-wheel drive, and pretty much every car since the original GTO has been front-wheel drive as well. In fact, the only car that Pontiac currently makes with rear-wheel drive is the Solstice. So, this than, is a great achievement for them.

The BMW 535i and 550i are both extremely nice and fast sport luxury cars. The BMW 550i makes due with a rather small 4.8L V8 making 360hp and 360lb-ft of torque, while the 535i makes 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque from its 335i derived twin-turbo I-6. The 550 tips the scales at 3968lbs in automatic form, with the 535 weighing a lot less at 3703lbs in auto trim as well.

Where the G8 may be fast for its size and rather comfortable, the BMW 5-Series is the top of the line. So while Pontiac may think it’s doing its new car justice by attacking “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” they may actually be hurting themselves. See, not many cars try and question the reign of the BMW’s, at least not until recently. The Cadillac CTS has been trying to challenge the BMW 5er’s as well lately. The automotive magazines have not fed into this, as they still test it against the BMW 3-Series.

Let us also remember that Car and Driver tested the BMW 550i back in 2007, and came up with a 5.2s 0-60 time. This is not even the current 2008 550i that has a revised sport suspension and much quicker reacting automatic gearbox, along with much more beautifully sculpted lines. Car and Driver also believes that the new 535i will hit 60 in 5.2s as well, since the 535xi that they last tested did it in 5.4s.

Let’s talk quick horsepower and performance numbers here between the 535i and the G8 GT real quick. The 535’s twin-turbo inline-6 makes 300hp at 5800 rpm and 300lb-ft of torque from 1400-5000 rpm. This is in comparison to the G8 GT that makes 361hp at 5300 rpm and 385lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. So the BMW makes 61 less peak power 300 rpm later, and 85 less peak torque all over the range. The 550i is still even more confusing when it makes 360hp at 6300 rpm and 360lb-ft of torque at 3400 rpm, and still manages to be faster. Confusing stuff.

Still though, you can’t count the G8 out. At least it is trying to hold its own. But, its own isn’t much match for two BMW’s that perform almost identical to one another. I prefer the BMW 5-Series all day long. I personally haven’t driven the G8 GT yet, and I plan to soon, I still think the 5 is a totally different car, for a totally different customer. BMW is just ahead of the competition, especially when they competition is still trying to be as good as BMW’s that are 10 years old. But, it is ultimately up to you guys to decide. BMW 535/550i versus the Pontiac G8 GT muscle saloon. Which one would you rather have?

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Shredmo - 4/30/2008 9:41:49 AM

+10 Boost

While I don't disagree with any of the perfomance stats given here, I think this article was a waste of time to read. If you are going to take the time to compare the 5 series to the G8, at least take the time to drive both of them.

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pushrod27 - 4/30/2008 1:39:49 PM

+4 Boost

here, here!

ILikeLambo - 5/1/2008 3:25:24 AM

+3 Boost

the G8 GT isn't American, it's Australian!

993Turbo - 5/1/2008 6:32:28 AM

+3 Boost

Shirley, you must be joking!

Shredmo - 5/1/2008 2:37:30 PM

+1 Boost

The GT's motor is made in Mexico, IIRC.

Shredmo - 4/30/2008 9:44:51 AM

+4 Boost

Regarding true RWD Pontiacs, the only time Pontiac was missing a RWD from their porfolio was in 2003. The RWD Firebird ended production in 2002 and the Monaro based GTO debuted in 2004. Why even mention it?

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lexusis350 - 4/30/2008 9:50:46 AM

-1 Boost

Ha ha! Lexus, Audi, and Mercedes, according to 99.99% of the reviews out there, can't hold a candle to BMW's performance. As if Pontiac could even come close.

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lexusis350 - 5/1/2008 9:33:18 AM

+2 Boost

Why am I getting deboosted? Isn't it true?

_43LE - 4/30/2008 9:59:41 AM

+5 Boost

"BMW is just ahead of the competition, especially when they competition is still trying to be as good as BMW’s that are 10 years old."

As much as I respect BMW and believe that the 5 series is a great drive, there are others that are on par or even better...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/
faster_horses_comparison_test+type-reviews_by_make+mode-collection+id-270.html

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=6696

That's what I don't like about some BMW fans, they believe that BMW is the best at everything. FYI, they don't have a monopoly on everything that's good.

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lexusis350 - 4/30/2008 10:01:49 AM

+3 Boost

They're also lacking on luxury and interiors. They're still very nice cars though. I'd get one.

1995e34 - 4/30/2008 10:09:42 AM

+3 Boost

they don't believe they are the best at everything, just the best at more things, and deficient at practically nothing. drive one, you'll get it. you're smart.

_43LE - 4/30/2008 10:53:03 AM

+2 Boost

I only said that some BMW fans believe this. I have driven BMWs, I actually owned one too. For driving, they are great. However, they are not known to be the best at styling, interior, reliability, comfort, technology. And believe me, they do have their deficiencies.

1995e34 - 4/30/2008 12:36:02 PM

+2 Boost

honestly, i only gave them a chance since it's nearly impossible to get a benz with a clutch. i've been hooked since.

bimmer - 4/30/2008 1:16:15 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

@_43LE you have -1 from me. Here is why:

First article you mention is not about a 5 series BMW.

The second one is realy a joke. BMW 550i loses the first place because of :

<<Exasperating iDrive, skimpy small-object stowage, clutch-your-heart price.

The Verdict: A flawless driving machine diminished by pricey options and an infernal device.>>

I don't know what era are they living in, those that are saying iDrive is <<an infernal device>>.

For the pricing and options now... ss a BMW 5 series owner I can tell you I am not even considering going to a Nissan (or Toyota, or Honda) dealer for their "luxury" models. If I would replace my car with something from another manufacturer, then yes I would consider going to a Mercedes dealer...

_43LE - 4/30/2008 3:36:09 PM

0 Boost

^ my point proved.

Why am I not surprised that the second choice of a BMW owner would be a German Machine?

1995e34 - 4/30/2008 9:11:45 PM

+2 Boost

because the germans make the best cars. the japanese make better food. americans...export democracy. everyone has strengths.

_43LE - 5/1/2008 8:40:49 AM

-1 Boost

Yes, the Germans make great cars, but not all of them are the best. It just sounds so arrogant to say that the only other type of car that one would consider is German when there are clearly other makes that are great too.

It's ironic that Americans export democracy when the general population is afraid of the govenment.

evilm - 4/30/2008 10:09:45 AM

0 Boost

Of course you would. Anything is a step up from a Lexus.

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PlanB - 4/30/2008 10:21:25 AM

+7 Boost

I'm pretty sure what Pontiac is saying is that for a lot less money, you can get real close to 5 series performance. And nothing more. 99.9% of the buyers who can afford a 5 Series will still get a 5 Series I'm sure(including me). But this nothing against Pontiac, The G8 seems to be a really good car.

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Shredmo - 4/30/2008 11:14:08 AM

+5 Boost

To put it in perspective, for MSRP on a 2008 BMW 550, you could nearly purchase a new G8GT at MSRP as well as a New Corvette at MSRP. For those on a tight ~ $70K US budget, the choice is yours.

Whelan - 4/30/2008 11:04:24 AM

+2 Boost

It's no different a campaign than Hyundai going after the Lexus RX and the Land Rover LR3. Which were great commercials when the woman gets in the Hyundai thinking it's the Lex and the LR3 wins in # of cupholders, LOL!

Either way for the money, the type of car, and what it can do. I would gladly take a G8 if I was in the 30k range for a car. I am actually pondering in 3 years picking one up CPO for mid 20's. Good deal on a great car!

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FerrarisR4me - 4/30/2008 11:13:35 AM

+4 Boost

Obviously everyone would RATHER have a 5 series. This was a pretty pointless article. They are 2 totally different cars and Pontiac likes making these comparisons to make their cars look better. The G8 seems like a hell of a car though and something that a lot more people can afford.

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sholemon - 4/30/2008 12:45:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

This is exactly what pontiac wants. Here it is. Their 30k G8 is even being compared to a twice as expensive BMW. To think that anyone would be offered the keys to both and choose the G8 is nuts. But if someone who is actually paying for a car wants to get a great deal...they need to look no further than the G8. It's a 30k car that is compared to benchmark 60k's. Now imagine. A real person who wants a good car, but also realizes he is on a budget. The G8 looks like a steal.

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amazinBimmer - 4/30/2008 12:55:38 PM

-7 Boost

more idiots. next you will start comparing VWs (audis) with the icon. the 5 series only copmpetes with one car.. the E class.

reply to this comment

_43LE - 4/30/2008 1:12:46 PM

0 Boost

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/
faster_horses_comparison_test+type-reviews_by_make+mode-collection+id-270.html

aussie2u - 4/30/2008 1:13:50 PM

+2 Boost

Having owned 2 540i's and an M5, I am very impressed by this Pontiac. Unless you're driving around South Beach simply to show off the Roundel and badge, the Pontiac G8 is the where the smart money will go. My only complaint? Keep Detroit's "boy racer" marketing depatrment from adding those J.C. Whitney non-functional hood scoops. Good Lord, as much as we try to give them our money for a 1/2 price $60k BMW, they go controversial and add a wing or scoop on it! I guess copying BMW meant cloning a Pontiac equivalent of Chris Bangle too? :)

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Whelan - 4/30/2008 3:54:03 PM

+2 Boost

They were added to the G8 lineup because on the upcoming GXP version they will be functional, so they kept the look across the line. Just like Subaru used to do with the 2.5, even though the scoop was not functional unless you had the turbo version.

The GXP version should put up some good numbers as well. I priced out a brand new G8 GT with all the options I could add and it came to like 30k even. That's with leather, dual auto climate, heated seats, power seats, moonroof, quad tipped dual exhaust, 18" or 19" optional wheels, lcd touch screen for the radio, and on star.

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RobertRyan1 - 4/30/2008 4:44:19 PM

0 Boost

In Australia the Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8) as a basic family sedan, not a BMW fighter. The GXP will be a rebadged the Holden Commodore SS with a 400hp V8.

reply to this comment

ILikeLambo - 5/1/2008 3:30:21 AM

+2 Boost

The GXP is going to be a version of the HSV E-series Clubsport R8

RandyM - 4/30/2008 5:03:00 PM

+2 Boost

amazinBimmer=assclown

He wears BMW underoos, lives in his parents basement and is 30 years old. They don't know what to do with him.

reply to this comment

bmwfan1513 - 4/30/2008 7:30:30 PM

+2 Boost

I like the G8 but I love the 5 Series.

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BMW995 - 4/30/2008 7:56:56 PM

+2 Boost

The only problem with the G8 is the REAL price you will have to pay to get one. a lot of talk is out there on how Pontiac dealers are adding on big dealer surcharges to get a G8 out the door. $5000 to $7000 over list price to buy one is typical, or even higher depending on the dealer.

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Shredmo - 4/30/2008 8:59:56 PM

+3 Boost

My pops lives in south Florida and recently purchased one for ~$2k off MSRP. GM has a few incentives offered, conquest cash and others.

swiff - 5/1/2008 11:48:44 PM

+2 Boost

I liv in Oz and I see the Holden Commodore everyday... And Im gonna get deboosted for this but I'll take an HSV Commodore over a 5-Series anyday... It looks beautiful... The 5 is good but its a bit outdated now whilst the Holden is still fresh.... Performance-wise the BM is on top, but everywhere else im with the G8...

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