German Car Zone

$42K for a Pontiac? No thanks, I'll rather bye a (E-46) M3 & drive a true-soul car with pure adrenaline rush!

Just as long as your ready to accept the defeat to a G8 at the lights.

Hahaha... that's the money shot right there!

Don't underestimate the abilities of the G8...it's actually not a true Pontiac (ie: wasn't made by American engineers). The G8 is actually an Australian-made vehicle, and been imported to USA, given more power, minor cosmetic changes and a Pontiac badge on the front and back...BUT, the chassis, steering, suspension and all that other engineering-related aspects of the car were carefully done by the Aussies...and from the numerous tests and comparo's of the car, it's a very good handling car for its mass...it's not just a muscle car for the straight roads, and it definitely offers a very enjoyable driving experience from all accounts (minus maybe Jeremy Clarkson's opinion).

Of course if money wasn't an issue I'd take the M3 in a heart-beat, but if I had to think wisely about money and what I was getting in return, it'd be hard to look past the G8 even if it doesn't have anywhere near the level of reputation and ego-boost that owning an M3 provides.

All I have to say to all the anti-Pontiac folks on here is... the G8 ain't American, so that should help you get past the brand bias and allow you to give this car a whole lot more respect.

I know exactly what you mean. The G8 is a sick ass car, but it's not as refined as the M3, that is why I'd take the M3. Of course, if money was an issue then I wouldn't even be thinking about the M3. Screw the cost of acquiring one, but the cost to run one is way more expensive than the G8. I don't think anyone on here should write off American cars (or aussie in this case) because pretty much all of europe got their ass handed to them by the american beast called ZR1, not to mention the other extreme beast that even beat that called the Viper ACR.

Wow...wow... Ramen, watch it!! Don't mention the Viper ACR. The Europeans on this forum will instantly discard that car's credentials because of the massive wing giving the car an unfair downforce advantage.

As for the ZR1... well, that car single-handly put the European's in their place quick-fast! Those guys at GM's performance division (which unfortunately has now been disbanded to focus on fuel-efficient cars) really know their stuff! First the Z06 let everyone know that the Corvette was back, then the ZR1 put many cars in their place...and now the Caddy CTS-V is as good (if not a tad better) than its German competitors (the fact that this Caddy has leaped from a mediocre sports car to near-on the benchmark in the 4-door performance sedan segment).

Now that I've moved to The States, I've very quickly gained more and more respect for the American brands. Of course there are still some crap stuff like Hummers and far too many SUV's models over-lapping, but things have been changing for the better...and with this economic shake-up, they are forced to be more strategic and wiser in their decision-making.

I guess in the G8 segment, I might consider opting for the Chevy Camaro SS since it looks kick-ass (though I'm guessing it has less power and not as good driving dynamics...and ofcourse it's 2-doors).... or if there's some way to shove a V8 Toyota Tundra engine into a Camry with a body kit looking like the NASCAR Cup cars.... mmmm... California Dreaming....

The G8 is branded as a Chev Lumina SS over here and it is a pretty good bang for your buck V8 imo. Its not M3 terrirtory but more like a poor mans M3.

The G8 is branded as a Chev Lumina SS over here and it is a pretty good bang for your buck V8 imo. Its not M3 terrirtory but more like a poor mans M3.

This thread is slowly turning into one of those horrid american vs european arguments. Next up to enter the ring: the Japanese, Korean and what the hell! Bring the Chinese as well!