Vxr8 gts 2012

[blackadder9570]

Hi Gav, presuming both cars are mechanically sound your in for some huge differences, but it's really a matter of personal preferences as to whether they are pro's or cons. i owned a Vauxhall Cavalier V6 Auto for 14 years before buying my 57 plate VXR8 Auto back in May 2011 and I loved everything about the VXR8. My fastest previous was a Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth running 435bhp which is a bit smaller and lighter than the VXR8 so the VXR8 didn't feel hugely quick, but its the torque and the ease with which the engine does everything and the fact that there is almost unlimited tuning potential if your wallet is big enough. First thing to do is fit a Catback exhaust, its almost criminal not to have that big V8 sound. Most impressive first thing driving the VXR8 is the incredible brakes, then the endless torque which makes just about every driving situation effortless. Then there was the effortless country lane overtakinhg. Your Astra is, I imagine, all top end and gear changes to get it going fast plus you've got the front wheel drive torque steer? All gone, the VXR8 is effortless by comparison. First time you go into town you will realise its a bloody big car and parking takes a little preplanning and practice. And the looks you'll get even above what you used to get in the Astra and the M3 For me the biggest factor though is the huge grin I get every time I take it out for a drive, even 3 years later, sometimes I go out just because i can. Of course i want more, more noise from the exhaust (Monkfish performance pac) and a Supercharger for the whine and extra power and when wallet permits Go get a test drive and let the magic wash over you!

[gavinprince]

Hi Gav, presuming both cars are mechanically sound your in for some huge differences, but it's really a matter of personal preferences as to whether they are pro's or cons. i owned a Vauxhall Cavalier V6 Auto for 14 years before buying my 57 plate VXR8 Auto back in May 2011 and I loved everything about the VXR8. My fastest previous was a Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth running 435bhp which is a bit smaller and lighter than the VXR8 so the VXR8 didn't feel hugely quick, but its the torque and the ease with which the engine does everything and the fact that there is almost unlimited tuning potential if your wallet is big enough. First thing to do is fit a Catback exhaust, its almost criminal not to have that big V8 sound. Most impressive first thing driving the VXR8 is the incredible brakes, then the endless torque which makes just about every driving situation effortless. Then there was the effortless country lane overtakinhg. Your Astra is, I imagine, all top end and gear changes to get it going fast plus you've got the front wheel drive torque steer? All gone, the VXR8 is effortless by comparison. First time you go into town you will realise its a bloody big car and parking takes a little preplanning and practice. And the looks you'll get even above what you used to get in the Astra and the M3 For me the biggest factor though is the huge grin I get every time I take it out for a drive, even 3 years later, sometimes I go out just because i can. Of course i want more, more noise from the exhaust (Monkfish performance pac) and a Supercharger for the whine and extra power and when wallet permits Go get a test drive and let the magic wash over you!

Thanks for the info, great little write up. Looks like I'm going to be in for a real treat then! One thing the car does have is the Bimodal Exhaust System, would you still recommend an exhaust upgrade like Monkfish or Walk ?

[blackadder9570]

Thanks for the info, great little write up. Looks like I'm going to be in for a real treat then! One thing the car does have is the Bimodal Exhaust System, would you still recommend an exhaust upgrade like Monkfish or Walk ?

Hi Gav, never heard a Bimodal Exhaust in the metal but presume they are the same as the Wortec Catback with electronic switch...go have a listen, you'll know straight away. If you can get a listen of both the Walkinshaw and Wortec Catbacks, there is a difference and each member on here has a preference. Personally I love my Wortec, but if I bought the car you've posted the pic of I doubt I would spend the extra dosh to switch over to a Wortec, better spent on more tuning goodies

[gavinprince]

Hi Gav, never heard a Bimodal Exhaust in the metal but presume they are the same as the Wortec Catback with electronic switch...go have a listen, you'll know straight away. If you can get a listen of both the Walkinshaw and Wortec Catbacks, there is a difference and each member on here has a preference. Personally I love my Wortec, but if I bought the car you've posted the pic of I doubt I would spend the extra dosh to switch over to a Wortec, better spent on more tuning goodies

The Bimodal is from Walkinshaw as you know Walkinshaw are the official conversion specialists which means the actuation is run via the on board computer system so the sound can be controlled form the on board computer

[blackadder9570]

The Bimodal is from Walkinshaw as you know Walkinshaw are the official conversion specialists which means the actuation is run via the on board computer system so the sound can be controlled form the on board computer

Hi Gav, not familiar with the Walkinshaw Bi-Modal so I don't know if its a complete exhaust or just a Catback but if its the same as the Wortec Catback I have a manual version with the plates in permanent loud mode then you don't need a controller. If it has headers and Sports Cats you might find you do want the switchability. In my case I took a gamble and went for the cheaper manual version and saved myself £600

[Sarge 4x4]

Ah understood, the Gen F is a marmite car, hope he likes it.

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Had a 2012 GTS and loved it, quite a big step up from my Bathurst S handling and comfort wise, it's (Flying Banana) now owned by Paul (pah250) who I am sure loves it.

Having not owned the Astra it's difficult to comment on pluses and minuses, but have driven quite a few on track. I would say the GTS is going to crack the face paint for sure but two very different cars.

I now own the Gen-F and it's by far the best of the bunch, the upgrades over the GTS is fantastic and now it's been to WP for a little power upgrade it's mind blowing.

Maybe I like Marmite buy maybe I don't, simple thing is maybe it's a bit toooooooooooo new and people sometimes have a job accepting a new'ish shape and maybe they are out of some peoples pockets. This is the very best set of wheels I have ever owned and cannot see me changing unless HSV produce a better one.

I think you will very quickly make up your own mind if the GTS is going to float your boat and I hope whatever you choose you enjoy. Best of luck.

[badboyburt]

Sarge dont get me wrong here but the mazda back end doesnt float my boat lol

[gavinprince]

????????????????????????????????

Had a 2012 GTS and loved it, quite a big step up from my Bathurst S handling and comfort wise, it's (Flying Banana) now owned by Paul (pah250) who I am sure loves it.

Having not owned the Astra it's difficult to comment on pluses and minuses, but have driven quite a few on track. I would say the GTS is going to crack the face paint for sure but two very different cars.

I now own the Gen-F and it's by far the best of the bunch, the upgrades over the GTS is fantastic and now it's been to WP for a little power upgrade it's mind blowing.

Maybe I like Marmite buy maybe I don't, simple thing is maybe it's a bit toooooooooooo new and people sometimes have a job accepting a new'ish shape and maybe they are out of some peoples pockets. This is the very best set of wheels I have ever owned and cannot see me changing unless HSV produce a better one.

I think you will very quickly make up your own mind if the GTS is going to float your boat and I hope whatever you choose you enjoy. Best of luck.

Thanks for the info.

Looking forward to having a go in the car now roll on the next few weeks.

[Sarge 4x4]

Agree, I was not a fan at first but love it now.

We can all pick holes in anything, we like/dislike different things and as they say "it would be a boring old world if we ALL drove VXR8's". Hahaa

I love to own something different from anyone else and of course "beauty is in the eye" and all that.

[gavinprince]

Agree, I was not a fan at first but love it now.

We can all pick holes in anything, we like/dislike different things and as they say "it would be a boring old world if we ALL drove VXR8's". Hahaa

I love to own something different from anyone else and of course "beauty is in the eye" and all that.

I totally agree with you there, thats one of the things I'm looking forward to with the GTS, very rare car and prob the only one in North Wales