New Member. Monaro or VXR8?

[Racoon]

Hi I`m a new member here and set upon purchasing a Monaro VXR or VXR8.
Having read quite a lot of your posts it`s clear that a lot of you have experienced both, and basically I`m stuck as to which to go for.
Four doors are not imperative, however everday practicality with user friendly handling at the limit and a little a bit over is what I need.
I`m happy to sacrifice ultimate grip and point to point speed for everyday driving enjoyment and good driver feedback.
Ultimately I know the answer is to test drive both, but sometimes geography, time and understandably some dealers reluctance to let you drive these cars back to back will always be an issue, that is if they have both!
If I`m honest after having read different things I seem to be swinging towards the Monaro, but any helpful input would be appreaciated.
Thanks

[sneakygloworm]

Hi Racoon,

It will ultimately depend on your personal taste. Stock performance for VXR Monaro and VXR8 seems fairly similar. The r8's have better brakes and handling as far as i know, but for me it was price and the sporty coupe look of the Monaro. The guys here are split both ways so you'll get loads of fun conflicting advice. Whatever you choose you will get a fantastic vehicle.

[ringram]

Look in the boot of a late model monaro first too.
The early 04 ones were fine.

As mentioned the vxr8 is better setup for handling, braking etc.
Also it is an HSV, the Monaro is a Holden, so doesnt have any of the nice extra's.

The vxr monaro's are also HSV's however..

Best monaro is 04 vxr 5.7L due to better boot.

Best VXR8 is the LS3 engined one.

For total practicality the VXR8 is better.
Other than that its coupe vs sedan and the benefits of the later model chassis (1998 vs 2006 designs)

[Magic919]

Buy the Monaro. Sounds like it will better fit your needs.

[S WO2TEC]

come to the meeting 2morrow and have a look at them close up mate

regards
s wo2tec

[Bonnie and Clyde]

Hello and welcome
It will come down to which one you fall for For us its the Monaro however we would have a VXR8 as a second car. IMO the VXR8 doesn't have the soul of the Monaro or the sexy shape but again that's just my opinion.

Which ever you choose you will love. They are awesome cars

[motomk]

One of each!!! a four door "Monaro" and a two door "VXR8"!!!

Must admit though the "VXR8" does handle a lot better than the older car. I get into the older car and nearly lose it around corners which the newer car can handle easily.

[J. J.]

OMG!Hate to say it,but the girl is right! Like Bonnie (Mel) I too have a Monaro, both are great. but depends on what you want. If you need 4 doors, then R8, but ro is prettier!

[007 VXR]

J. J. said:

OMG!Hate to say it,but the girl is right! Like Bonnie (Mel) I too have a Monaro, both are great. but depends on what you want. If you need 4 doors, then R8, but ro is prettier!

+1

[sneakygloworm]

Having thunk a bit then thunk some more, it's really a no brainer. It depends how deep you want your pockets to be. If your soully after these cars for looks then it's either or either. If you want balls out power then read the harryoz, crisisjez, ringram and s800vxr and the stroker threads. It is a minefield but if you go for looks first, you won't go wrong. Regardless of what you get you will always be able to make massive power gains on both cars anyway. Very addictive.

[Magic919]

Racoon said:

I`m happy to sacrifice ultimate grip and point to point speed for everyday driving enjoyment and good driver feedback.

Regardless of the nonsense about the looks or the practicality, this is the bit that says Monaro rather than VXR8. Having owned and driven both I can say this is a good description of how the Monaro behaves. It lacks a bit of grip at the rear and lets go in a progressive and manageable way. It tells you it's about to let go and there's no big drama. Under the exact same conditions, same bend, the VXR8 will often not even lose traction. That's my experience of them.

[Racoon]

Thanks for your responses.
What magic said has finally made my mind up. That is exactly what I`m after.
I don`t think power was ever going to be an isuue with either, but controllable fun at sane speeds seem to point in only one direction.
MONARO VXR hunting shall begin.
Thank You
Hope to see you soon

[anonymous-user]

Good choice. I'm with Richard on which one to go for: 04 (V2) VXR; it's the rarest and most interesting of the lot. VZ VXR (6.0) is arguably a better car than the CV8 out of the box but most cars have been modified (brakes, suspension, supercharged etc) to make the difference negligable. Whichever model you choose you'll fall in love with it big time. Good luck

[stigmundfreud]

if you like under age girls then go for the monaro

[Bonnie and Clyde]

stigmundfreud said:

if you like under age girls then go for the monaro

That makes no sense at all. Do you want to elaborate. Col bought our Ro and believe me he has no interest in under age girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stigmundfreud]

i mean monaro = no taste

Edited by stigmundfreud on Sunday 20th September 22:48

[GMV8]

A car is completely subjective in the eyes of the owner. I saw a Monaro at a car show, bought a Monaro two and a half years ago, have loved every day of ownership ever since and will never sell it. On the other hand some people feel the same way about cavaliers.....

[Bonnie and Clyde]

stigmundfreud said:

i mean monaro = no taste

Edited by stigmundfreud on Sunday 20th September 22:48

I know