why is GT more $1k than XRS, torsional beam in both?

[Deslock]

1) Why is the Vibe GT $1000 more than the Matrix XRS? (when you add cruise control package to the GT, which is standard on the XRS) As far as I can tell, the only additional feature the Vibe has is the roof rack.2) Why do the GT/XRS have torsional beams for rear suspension instead of the wishbone found on the AWD models? (I assume to save money) Also, how much does this affect handling? (I haven't seen any comprehensive comparisons yet)Thanks!

[mlevine]

I have sent both questions to a contact at Pontiac. Let's see what comes back, hopefully in the next day or so.- Mike

[Fformula88]

Thats a good question! Here is my own analysis of it... The actual base price difference isn't that much, and I think Content is probably the main reason for the higher MSRP on the Vibe GT.First, base prices:Matrix XRS 6-speed $19,235Vibe GT $19,900Difference, $665There are three main items on the Vibe that the Matrix does not have, or is optional:1) Roof rack/luggage carier: Standard on Vibe GT, a $277 option on XRS2) Floor mats, I cannot figure out why, but they are standard on the Vibe GT and the cheapest floor mat option on the XRS is $76These two account for $353 of the $665 difference3) The Vibe GT body cladding. I think the remaining $312 difference left after subtracting the above two is a reasonable guess at where the rest of the higher price resides. I am interested in hearing Pontiac's response. Since both are built in different plants and countries, salary, currency exchange, and how far components have to be shipped could figure into it too. Thanks for posting, and thanks for asking the big cheeses at Pontiac!

[Fformula88]

The suspension.... I should have included it in my last post.This month's Motor Trend did a comparo between the Protege5 WRX wagon and Matrix XRS. Matrix handled best thru the slalom, somewhere in the 66+ MPH range and did better than the other two. I think it had the optional 17's.As for not using the IRS, weight maybe, or just the bulkiness, or simply cost... hard to say.

[mlevine]

Deslock - here are the answers to your questions. We spoke with James Hunter, Assistant Brand Manager for the Vibe.1) Why is the Vibe GT $1000 more than the Matrix XRS? (when you add cruise control package to the GT, which is standard on the XRS) As far as I can tell, the only additional feature the Vibe has is the roof rack.Pontiac knows that differences in price is evident when you compare some of the Matrix models to how the Vibe models are configured and that some of these differences are unfavorable. However, where Pontiac intends to sell upwards of 80% its volume, the price difference works out to under $200 on a buildable basis.2) Why do the GT/XRS have torsional beams for rear suspension instead of the wishbone found on the AWD models? (I assume to save money) Also, how much does this affect handling? (I haven't seen any comprehensive comparisons yet)In regards to the powertrain question, the wishbone suspension system is unique to the all-wheel drive system. The Vibe GT model is full time front wheel drive with a sport supension calibration that does not require a wishbone set-up. The torsion beam provides stability and allows Pontiac to meet its ride and handling targets for the Vibe.- Mike

[Deslock]

Thanks for the quick responses everyone. FFormual88, if you add the power package ($1000) to the Vibe (cruise, remote power locks, etc... come standard with the Matrix) then the price difference is $1665! As you pointed out, the cost of the roof rack and floor mats brings the difference down a bit... but it's still $1312. And I certainly would buy a roof rack elsewhere, making the difference more like $1500 for me.I just read that Pontiac has a "manufacturer's discount on the power package, reducing it by $400 (maybe because the XRS is so much cheaper?). But even with that, the price difference still seems way too high to me.mlevine, thanks for getting to official word. Unfortunately, their response leaves me scratching my head... I guess they're just shrugging and saying that if I want a Vibe GT with cruise control, I should get a Matrix XRS instead.As far as the suspension question goes, I'll have to check out that Motor Trend article, however, I wouldn't be getting 17" rims as I'd want the sunroof, so I dunno how applicable it'll be to me.Their response on this also puzzles me a bit. Basically they're saying "we think the torsional beam is good enough" (translated from their marketing speak). Well, maybe that's true for the base models, but I have my doubts about using it on the GT. I know they had to cut corners to be able to offer the 180hp engines + 6 speed at that price, but I'm a little reluctant to go with a torsional beam setup.

[lopers]

Jeff, does GMAC offer competitive rates for the car loan when you are a credit card member? The lowest APR the finance guy at the dealership where I got my Vibe was about 8% through GMAC vs. a much lower rate through a different financial institution. Just asking to determine whether it would be worth my time to look into the program for the future.

[Fformula88]

I hadn't thought od the power package. Maybe the usual GM incentive is the reasoning... but then the incentive would only bring the cost in line with the competition. Since they are not offering any on the Vibe right now, its a moot point anyway.Suspension: I have a feeling it boils down to cost. To try to keep the vehicles cost down, they just went with the twist beam. Its a little odd tgey wouldn't offer an IRS on the GT/XRS since they are supposed to be more "sporty" but that doesn't mean the twist beam is bad either. Yeah, I agree they may be saying its "good enough" but they aren't selling a sports car here either. As a sporty um.. crossover foit probably is good enough for most buyers.