SS vs XR8 and the winner is......

[Brazen]

http://www.carpoint.com.au/reviews/2...mparison-47799

While the Commodore SS is clearly the more sophisticated car, it simply gives too much away in almost every aspect of performance to the Falcon.

The first round of what is shaping up to be a titanic final struggle has a winner on points. Until we can prove otherwise, Australia’s best mass-market muscle car is the brand-new supercharged Falcon XR8.

[Moby Vic]

And how much did the R-Spec and GT-F cost?

[WHYME]

The XR8 is worth getting on the engine alone, it's a no-brainer.

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by Fully6

The XR8 is worth getting on the engine alone, it's a no-brainer.

I don't think it is this clear cut. Some of the car journos that I know personally, that also ride bikes with me from time to time, and can punt pretty well, tell me the Commodore chassis really is something quite brilliant and definitely well ahead of Falcon. I don't know much about Commodores, but I did have a look inside a Clubsport being raffled at a shopping centre recently, and I must say the Clubsport interior really does makes our cars look cheap. Not trying to start arguments, but credit and reality where it is due really.

[Freiherr]

Both XR8 and SS have their pros and cons. We can argue those till the cows come home. Each to their own taste and style, but what matters is that in years to come, both brands will be easily recognised on the roads as Aussie legendary icons.
I bet there are countless young kids today itching to get behind the wheel of a XR8 or SS and who will get that opportunity in 10 or 20 years time. When buyers look for second hand XR8 or SS in 2025, will they care what the interior looks like or whether one is better than the other? Probably not.
I dont know about some of you guys, but when I look at muscle cars from 1967-72, I look at Ford, GM and Chrysler, both Oz and US, and respect and admire each brand for what they are.

[hootar]

Originally Posted by Freiherr

I bet there are countless young kids today itching to get behind the wheel of a XR8 or SS and who will get that opportunity in 10 or 20 years time.

Yeah like my 12 year old son. I sprung him the other night in the GTF with the radio on, practicing his gear changes while making the rev, rev sounds

Ah the apple didn't fall far from the tree. But back when i did it, it was only a 3 speed. 4 speed if I had a good imagination plus I didn't have to try and add in the supercharger whine and crackle, crackle when braking

[suzy_peter]

Originally Posted by Freiherr

Both XR8 and SS have their pros and cons. We can argue those till the cows come home. Each to their own taste and style, but what matters is that in years to come, both brands will be easily recognised on the roads as Aussie legendary icons.
I bet there are countless young kids today itching to get behind the wheel of a XR8 or SS and who will get that opportunity in 10 or 20 years time. When buyers look for second hand XR8 or SS in 2025, will they care what the interior looks like or whether one is better than the other? Probably not.
I dont know about some of you guys, but when I look at muscle cars from 1967-72, I look at Ford, GM and Chrysler, both Oz and US, and respect and admire each brand for what they are.

Absolutely correct and couldn't have said it better myself. I've been a Ford fan for 40 years... as a kid, I just never told anyone I loved Holdens as well. Whatever the case, they're both going which is a real shame. I must have had 15 V8 Fords in my time... when the Series II VE came out, I bought a manual SS Sportwagon for me and a sedan for my wife. I got 30% off the new car prices, so at $39K for a 6 speed 6.0 with leather off the showroom floor, there was nothing in existence that represented such brilliant value. We both love them. I don't give a rats what's faster... when I want to go for a cruise, I take my XD V8 out and in the next 6 months will be cruising in the XW as well. What irks me is when people openly bag Australian cars in the comments section of reviews, then in the next sentence start on about their Lexus/Honda/Kia etc.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by mcnews

I don't think it is this clear cut. Some of the car journos that I know personally, that also ride bikes with me from time to time, and can punt pretty well, tell me the Commodore chassis really is something quite brilliant and definitely well ahead of Falcon. I don't know much about Commodores, but I did have a look inside a Clubsport being raffled at a shopping centre recently, and I must say the Clubsport interior really does makes our cars look cheap. Not trying to start arguments, but credit and reality where it is due really.

Your friends are right, although I don't think this review actually said that the XR8 handled better. Although on that point, the term "R Spec" alone seems to have an effect on some journos, I've even read one review calling it high end suspension. It's not high end at all, just slightly firmer shocks and bushes with a larger rear sway bar. I've driven an R Spec car, not impressed. You're much better off adding a decent spring/shock combination or coilover to a standard car. The FG chassis responds really nicely, although the "R Spec" never went far enough from my driving experience.

Some of these reviews are doing my head in though. I've read all of them, one says the XR8 still isn't as sharp as the XR6T despite the firmer shocks (heavier engine up front, etc). Another one said the XR6T is a disappointment because it still handles like a boat. Another one compared the nimbleness of the XR8 to a Fiesta ST (would love to try the drugs he was on). I think the firmer ride and less roll in the XR8 has tricked some of them into thinking it's a better outright handler than the I6 models. Whereas in reality the XR6T could be softer but have better limit handling simply because it isn't hauling around that heavier unit over the front end. But I assume most are just driving these cars at 6 tenths though mild bends and never really searching for the limits in the tight stuff. That's where the VF chassis really impresses. My advice to anyone reading is to drive them all, don't listen to the contradictory opinions of a handful of blokes who spend most of their time reviewing Mazda 3s anyway.

Regarding this particular review, it's a bit disappointing how seriously some people are taking it (any excuse to claim a win, no matter how mismatched the comparison). It's a bit like comparing a non turbo XR6 to an SSV- they are 10 grand apart, it was irresponsible to ever compare them (although got plenty of clicks I'm sure). The SS is an XR6 Turbo competitor. While some people seem to be celebrating the fact that a supercharged V8 is quicker than a 10 grand cheaper NA V8 model, I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot they'd cry foul about how the media is biased against Ford. Wait for a proper test against a $55k Redline Commodore, not a base $45k one. The outcome won't stop me from buying an XR8 but it will be more realistic. A bit of maturity, please.

[kypez]

Finally a review that gets a muscle car isnt about how quite the cabin is nor how I can stream music in a car!

[richo77]

Originally Posted by kypez

Finally a review that gets a muscle car isnt about how quite the cabin is nor how I can stream music in a car!

And its that thinking that has led local Ford manufacturing to the predicament it is in today.

[arronm]

Yep I agree the ford has the better performance engine

But there is more to a total package than just power

[SensationFG8]

Yep and the rspec setup has that "more" in spades.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by SensationFG8

Yep and the rspec setup has that "more" in spades.

Not really..package reference is in regards to trim, gizmo's, ride and all the other bits. The VF had more money splashed at it we cant deny that.

But what Ford spent the money on is what is winning the dong for the moment.

People who talk about the overall package are always the ones that are deficient in power because they have nothing else to fall back on.

Same thing happened with the T Series, they went the package route because the poor old 5.0 just couldnt keep up. Then they got the 5.6L and changed their tune..LOL

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Polyal

No really..package reference is in regards to trim, gizmo's, ride and all the other bits. The VF had more money splashed at it we cant deny that.

But what Ford spent the money on is what is winning the dong for the moment.

People who talk about the overall package are always the ones that are deficient in power because they have nothing else to fall back on.

Same thing happened with the T Series, they went the package route because the poor old 5.0 just couldnt keep up. Then they got the 5.6L and changed their tune..LOL

Regardless. These cars are tribal purchases. The commodore could be 5 seconds slower down the 1/4 , the red team faithful will still buy it over the XR8.
Comparisons for these 2 are a moot point.....always have been really.

[kypez]

Originally Posted by Bluey-GT

Regardless. These cars are tribal purchases. The commodore could be 5 seconds slower down the 1/4 , the red team faithful will still buy it over the XR8.
Comparisons for these 2 are a moot point.....always have been really.

I think buyers have become a lot more of the Swingers type. Especially over the last decade.

There will be a few jumping ship, albeit, begrudgingly.

[Sioso]

Originally Posted by kypez

I think buyers have become a lot more of the Swingers type. Especially over the last decade.

There will be a few jumping ship, albeit, begrudgingly.

Agree.
I was never a Ford person until the XR6T came along and in the past 10 years I've owned a lot more Fords than Holdens.

[Mighty Reds]

While the Commodore SS is clearly the more sophisticated car, it simply gives too much away in almost every aspect of performance to the Falcon.

Lol they may as well called the SS a slow ****.

[tut0r]

That as a great write up, actually sounded objective almost!!! Its a hard choice though even as a ford fan. But if you want stupid power and the ability to get more of it its a no brainer!

But still not a fan of the interior...

[blueoval]

Horses for course really. If you want refinement, the SS is the way to go. If you want performance power and handling, the XR8 wins hands down. That said even though the interior of the XR8 is dated visually, I still like it. It's simple and should have all the mod cons that one needs.

It will be interesting to see who digs deep into their pockets and how this results in sales leading up to the factory doors closing.

[Dr Smith]

Hmmmm..dilemma, sell Territory, upset wife, buy XR8, probably not make wife as happy, keep Territory, buy XR8, knock down front fence to add 3rd parking spot, probably still upset wife...but wow would I have a happy life.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith;526****

Hmmmm..dilemma, sell Territory, upset wife, buy XR8, probably not make wife as happy, keep Territory, buy XR8, knock down front fence to add 3rd parking spot, probably still upset wife...but wow would I have a happy life.

easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

[XBv8mmm!]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith;526****

Hmmmm..dilemma, sell Territory, upset wife, buy XR8, probably not make wife as happy, keep Territory, buy XR8, knock down front fence to add 3rd parking spot, probably still upset wife...but wow would I have a happy life.

G'day Doc.

Do it. Trust me, you will love it.
I've had mine for a week now and it just keeps getting better every time I drive it.


Cheers,
Garry.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by XBv8mmm!

G'day Doc.

Do it. Trust me, you will love it.
I've had mine for a week now and it just keeps getting better every time I drive it.


Cheers,
Garry.

I'm still regretting selling the G6ET for the Terry...and you're not helping........ unless you can build me a carport, lol... happy and safe motoring.

[blackf6]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith;526****

Hmmmm..dilemma, sell Territory, upset wife, buy XR8, probably not make wife as happy, keep Territory, buy XR8, knock down front fence to add 3rd parking spot, probably still upset wife...but wow would I have a happy life.

Happy wife/ happy life.

[mytgxl]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith;526****

Hmmmm..dilemma, sell Territory, upset wife, buy XR8, probably not make wife as happy, keep Territory, buy XR8, knock down front fence to add 3rd parking spot, probably still upset wife...but wow would I have a happy life.

Apart from saying that the xr8 has outstanding performance they forgot to mention the wife silencer that it comes with! The more you put your foot to the floor the quieter the wife gets! I`m sure I`d rather listen to the whining of a supercharger than my wife lol.

[BENT_8]

What a stupid comparison really.

Comparing an entry level SS to a vehicle that's just had the previous generations GT engine put in it.
Its akin to comparing an XA RPO to a HQ SS...
Ones a muscle car, the other an entry level sports sedan.

[hootar]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

What a stupid comparison really.

Comparing an entry level SS to a vehicle that's just had the previous generations GT engine put in it.
Its akin to comparing an XA RPO to a HQ SS...
Ones a muscle car, the other an entry level sports sedan.

tissue for your issue? Different when the boot is on the other foot?

Like it or not, Ford wins this round. Yeah baby.

Whoever wins, we the drivers/owners are the winners!

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by hootar

tissue for your issue? Different when the boot is on the other foot?

Like it or not, Ford wins this round. Yeah baby.

Whoever wins, we the drivers/owners are the winners!

Please, your showing your immaturity.
My comments were not aimed at degrading the XR8, I was simply pointing out that it isn't really a comparison worth considering too closely as the two vehicles are not in the same league.

I actually think the XR8 is an awesome bit of kit and a smack in the face to those who forked out for a few letters, but that's just a personal opinion.

But hey, if coming second for 35 years and finally catching up with 18 months to go is something worth getting excited about then go your hardest.

Actually, having the fastest car at the end of an era and then clinging to that one moment for ever is nothing new to certain followers...

[responsef6]

Whenever I read a motoring review and they pick falcon for obvious reasons, they always bend over backwards to make holden readers feel ok by pumping up their interior and bagging out the fords.

Just say as it is... The falcon smashed the commodore on all the points we actually buy our performance cars for

[responsef6]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith;526****

Hmmmm..dilemma, sell Territory, upset wife, buy XR8, probably not make wife as happy, keep Territory, buy XR8, knock down front fence to add 3rd parking spot, probably still upset wife...but wow would I have a happy life.

Knock down the fence, life is too short to compromise on what you really want. Go buy that xr8 and smile for the rest of your life