GXP vs. GTP

I'm looking to pick up a used Grand Prix and can't decide between the GXP and the GTP. Pluses for the GXP is, well, it's a V8 and you can't beat cubes and cylinders for performance. On the other hand the supercharged 3.8L V6 has been out there for a while and doesn't seem to have to bad of a reliability rap as long as it has been well maintained.

I'm looking at the used market as I don't like buying brand new. My driving will be lots of highway miles (33,000 per year, I spend lots of time in my car) and I'm not too worried about gas milage (well, I won't take something that will get under 23 - 25 mpg highway). I like the car to move when I push the go pedal so that is why I like the supercharger or the Northstar V8.

What would you do if you had the extra $20K - $25K and you wanted a performance car like this. I'd really like to hear from anyone who has had a GXP or driven one for any length of time. I've read a lot about the GTP but relatively little about the GXP. They started producing the GXP with the V8 in 2005.

I don't have a GXP, but I did some research before I bought a GTP.

First, the motor in the GXP is not a northstar, but a baby LS2 corvette motor called the LS4. It has 327 cubic inches (5.3 liters) and it is set up for fwd.
Displacement on demand allows the engine to get 28 highway according to the EPA.

Power wise, the V8 has more power out of the box. Road tests show the V8 to be quicker in the quarter mile. No surprise, since it has more horsepower and torque.

From a bolt on standpoint, the GTP can see excellent gains in performance with relatively easy changes such as different size SC pulleys, programming, 3" downpipes and at this time has a better aftermarket backing.

From an economy standpoint, most people that posted about fuel economy said that the V8 fell short of the EPA claims. The GTP can get 22mpg in suburban driving and 30 or so on a trip.

Also from an economy standpoint, the V8 can be run on regular fuel if you desire. The supercharged motor will not tolerate regular if you are into boost.

The last item is cost. The GTPs depreciate a litter better than the GXP at this point in time and many times can be bought very reasonably, new or used.

One closing point. If you decided on the V8, don't exclude the Impala SS 2006 and up. It has the same motor, but a slightly different axle ratio than the GXP. Road tests claim that the SS is a tenth or 2 quicker stock.

A side benefit on the impala, is the fact that all wheels and tires are the same size. If you drive 30,000 miles per year, tire rotation may be an issue.

Good luck.

I guess I thought the "Active Fuel Management" that the GXP uses that uses either 4 cylinders or all 8 depending on demand was the Northstar V8. I re-read the literature I received from Pontiac and you are correct, it is the LS4. Do you know if they've used this displacement on demand or Active Fuel management system all years of the GXP?

I'm starting to lean to the GTP because of the price like you said. I can get a slightly older model and save big $$$. I had't thought about the tire rotation bit. thanks!

I would add that the 97-03 models are a much better looking car. They missed the mark in the exterior redesign starting with the 04 model.

Point taken Richtazz but I like the 04 up better. To each his own but they are both tough looking cars to me.

69goatfarmer:

The GXP's are a better all around car piece for piece. They are supposedly going to make the GXP's RWD in the next few years. I friend of mine who owns a GXP said if they do the resale of the GXPs and the GTPs will suffer.

RT87: The GXP has better suspension than the 06 Impala. Upon test driving both the Impala is soft. It has a big car feel, not as sporty or refined as the GXP is.

From what i understand you can get a 2006 Monte Carlo SS with the same exact setup as a Grand Prix GXP.

Thanx for the tip about the Impala, Hotrod. I'm a Poncho guy so it's a tin indian for me anyway.

Dealer I talked to said '09 is when Pontiac goes back to "all rear wheel drive" (his words, not mine). I think the GXP is probably out of my price range but I really like 'em. Probably going to have to go with an 04 GTP due to finances. The Comp G package is pretty neat. I'm not to worried about resale value, once I get a ride I keep it till I drive it into the ground.

Still want the GXP, maybe one of these days.

How 'bout them WORLD CHAMPION Cards!!!

No Problem. If you go and test drive them one after the other you will see what im talking about. BTW nothin wrong with a gtp. They are pretty nice.

No Problem. If you go and test drive them one after the other you will see what im talking about. BTW nothin wrong with a gtp. They are pretty nice.


yea its true i did hear they are making the grand prix once again and finaly rear wheel drive. i would go with the GXp over the monte carlo or the impala. ive seen and heard a few of them and they are just simply mean cars. the impala SS i dunno i saw one and it just dosent appeal to me

i own a 2000 GTP and im coompletely satisfied with my car. very very easy to work on, and the replacement parts rather they be aftermarket or O.E.M they are pretty cheap and easy to find.

although i do own and love my GTP if i was to chose a GTP or a GXP. i would go with the grand prix GXP. just my :2cents:

I like the GTP better because its a 2 door and the way its styled also appeals to me a little more. But the overall setup of the GXP is awsome for a four door car. And the "heads up" display is awsome

A 2006 Monte Carlo SS has the same exact setup as the 2006 Grand Prix GXP. The difference is the Grand Prix is a 4 door, The Monte is a 2 door.

I like the GTP better because its a 2 door and the way its styled also appeals to me a little more. But the overall setup of the GXP is awsome for a four door car. And the "heads up" display is awsome

A 2006 Monte Carlo SS has the same exact setup as the 2006 Grand Prix GXP. The difference is the Grand Prix is a 4 door, The Monte is a 2 door.

my GTP is a 4-door....:)