2009 Vibe GT vs. Base 2.4L?

[Gunner]

What's the consensus choice between: (a) Straight up GT vs. (b) Base 2.4 with selected optionsLooking at the price sheets, it looks to me like (b) could drive off the lot substantially lower priced than a comparably optioned GT.The only real GT advantage I can see is the independent rear suspension. Everything else looks like cosmetic trim. Does that provide sufficient added benefit to warrant the price jump to the GT?What am I missing?

[CountryVibe]

The GT sounds faster

[northvibe]

The base isnt a 2.4, it should be a 1.8l with dual vvt. the AWD is a 2.4 though, so maybe the awd base is what you were thinking of?

[Dzone]

Go for the Gt Vibeno need to upgrade for more Hp and all disk brakes.the only thing is that the AWD has idependent suspension.Now if you are talking about 2009 Vibe thats a dif story

[engineertwin2]

I say, since everything is selectable independently, go for the AWD GT...or at least the AWD with the bigger motor.

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by Dzone »Go for the Gt Vibeno need to upgrade for more Hp and all disk brakes.the only thing is that the AWD has idependent suspension.Now if you are talking about 2009 Vibe thats a dif storyGunner is talking 2009. The problem is on pontiacs website they dont show you the different models, just list all the features in 1 list but not which feature is on which model.What should be isbase = 1.8l dual vvtgt = 2.4l vvt which has a SC availableawd = 2.4l w/ independent rear

[NascarXprt]

i think north, that pontiac said you can get the 2.4 in the base 09 vibe, but yea the only dif would be 6-speed manual and independent rear suspension vs. only a 4speed auto/5speed manual and no independent rear suspension.

[northvibe]

wth...i think you guys are right...why on earth offer the 2.4 as option for the base...thats just...(removed) its going to screw up sales.

[Whelan]

I wonder if they will offer the S/C for the AWD this time around as an option. That would be frigin awesome!

[northvibe]

whelan - i think they may but who cares the SC will fit one way or another

[NascarXprt]

i dont know but thats what i think i remember from the reveal, if someone wants to go back and watch the reveal and tells us for sure, so we can get it all straighten out.

[Gunner]

Check Edmund's web page: http://www.edmunds.com/pontiac...96163It shows the following alternatives for the 2009 Vibe:Base FWD1.8L I4 ManualAuto$15,310Base FWD2.4L I4 ManualAuto$15,710Base AWD2.4L I4 Auto$18,910GT FWD2.4L I4 ManualAuto$19,310 Now, I ask again: What is the value added on the FWD GT over the FWD Base 2.4L besides independent rear suspension (and 18 inch wheels) to justify $3600 more???? Does the Base not have 4 wheel disc brakes? Does that make the GT worth $3600 more?Sounds like I need to wait and physically see them side by side on the lot instead of speculating.

[RIT]

First off, the base vibe does NOT include A/C as standard equipment, and the GT does.

[Gunner]

OK. We add A/C (Edmunds MSRP $950) and 17" wheels (Edmunds MSRP $450) just to bring Base's handling more in line w/GT. That brings the Base 2009 Vibe 2.4L up to $17115, still $2195 less than the GT.Does 2009 GT have a sport suspension package, perhaps? If so, how much value does that add? $500? $1000?Extra trim, ground effects bodywork (if any) is worth maybe another $500 or so. For example, I think the GT has the rear spoiler standard.We're working our way closer to an answer to my original question. Keep up the advice on what's on the GT that's not on the Base 2.4L. We may get me convinced to spring for the GT yet. Any dealers/salespersons want to chime in to influence my decision? ??

[RIT]

Fold down seat, nicer seats, and I think the GT also includes PW/PL, but not positive. Oh, and the GT badge - that's worth a few HP !

[northvibe]

i know for sure the gt will have a appearance package, aka skirts and a spoiler.

[Atomic]

Quote, originally posted by RIT »First off, the base vibe does NOT include A/C as standard equipment, and the GT does.Are you sure the base doesn't include AC as a standard?I have an 09 Matrix HVAC unit sitting on my desk right now, and I have been told that the only difference is either manual controls or automatic (Climate control maybe?).All the cooling guts are in there, which leads me to believe that AC will be a standard.I kinda like my job, so I won't be posting any pics.

[kunkstyle]

If it does have a sport body kit on it, that would crank up the price. Wasn't the kit from GM for the 1st gen around $1700? (That was CDN, mind you)

[jake75]

It's for sure that the 2009 base Vibe does not include a/c. It does include 4 wheel antilock disk brakes.

[Atomic]

It's got to be Friday.This is a RAV4 unit. I'm ready to go home now.

[engineertwin2]

Are you sure the GT doesn't get a 6 speed manual instead of the base model 5-speed? That would be worth more...if you can't justify the cost, then don't do it. But until they actually come out and you can get a line item difference, you'll have to just choose based on current knowledge.

[Gunner]

Quote, originally posted by engineertwin2 »...until they actually come out and you can get a line item difference, you'll have to just choose based on current knowledge.Engineertwin2, you're implying that there is no one on this forum with direct knowledge of all the differences between the 2009 Vibe Base 2.4L and the 2009 Vibe GT.Actually, responses so far lead me to believe that either (a) you're right, or (b) if there is anyone who actually knows the answer, they're not replying. It appears we're all hostages to what has been released piecemeal so far.Yes, you're right - I will, in fact, wait until I can make a direct comparison based on empirical data before signing the actual purchase agreement. In the meantime, I continue to collect all advance information I can.Can anyone offer a definitive listing of the differences?In particular, can anyone with sufficient automotive engineering expertise, please advise me if the differences in rear suspension between the Base and the GT are significant enough to make a $2000 - $3000 difference? That appears to be the only real mechanical difference so far.

[vibolista]

Hey Gunner, the only way to really find out what the suspension differences will be, is to go out and drive both versions back to back, once the 09s become available. If you're going to auto-cross or race your Vibe, the independent rear suspension on the GT would probably a better choice. If you are only going to use your Vibe as a daily driver, then it might be ok to settle for the less expensive set up, and use the saved cash for any upgrades you might want to make. Seat of the pants will tell you right away the one you like most. Good luck, should be a fun test drive or two, or three!

[VivaVibe]

Well, I'm not anymore informed than others. But, the GT will have sport tuned suspension which I gather means stiffer, and the engine would be tuned differently, and probably an upgraded clutch too, spoilers and body kit. I think the GT also has different headers. And of course the independent rear suspension. The GT comes standard with 18" wheels, leather interior, variable speed wipers and power locks. I seem to recall it also has an upgraded sound system. Granted some of those standards are options on the Base. I suspect you will need to wait to see what actually hits the showroom for a diffinitive answer to your questions.

[Gunner]

AHA! I think I have the answer - at least enough to satisfy me. For the sake of those interested enough to still be following this thread, here are my findings. (All MSRP prices are according to Edmund's web page.)I want the sunroof. That's $700 on the GT, but available on the Base only with Option PCJ (Sun and sound package) at $1285, which also includes Monsoon sound system, which is standard on the GT.A/C is $950 on the Base, not listed on the GT, which implies that it's standard.I do want power door locks, windows, remote entry, cruise control, and intermittent wipers. On the Base, that's Option PCM (Preferred Package) at $1070. Since PCM is not listed as an option for the GT, it must be standard.I want (at least) 17" wheels. On the Base that's Option P24 at $495. The GT has 18" wheels standard.So the Base 2.4L optioned as I want it is $19510 ($15710 + $950 + $1285 + $1070 + $495)The GT optioned as I want it is $20010 ($19310 + $700).Difference between Base and GT, optioned as I want = $500.For $500 extra, GT also adds (that we know of so far): independent rear suspension, leather trimmed interior, 18" wheels, and extra exterior trim (body kit, spoiler etc).BINGO! An answer I can work with. "Bottom Line": For an extra $500, the GT does, in fact, appear to me to have substantial value added.Thank you for all your inputs. **Note: Edited to reflect correct Edmund's prices for Base A/C, Base 17" wheels, and GT sunroof**

[bull77]

that makes my decision easier since I want the same options that you want