AU XR8 or AU Ghia V8. Which would you buy, and why ? - Page 2

JC · 18-01-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcrackers

thanks for the responses guys. i should have clarified in the first post..

yes a t series would be awesome, but it's not in the options list

reason for this is, this car would be a cruiser & daily. nothing more than that. Thus, power isn't a huge concern!

If power is out of the equation, and cruising is what you're after, what about a V8 LTD or Fairlane Ghia. But given the 2 choices you limited us to, then I would say the Fairmont for cruising and daily duties - just far more comfort than an XR (though the XRs are good too). You could always transplant the EBs motor & running gear into it too, so power really wouldn't be an issue!

JC · 18-01-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairmontPom

The Ghia's didn't have 17" rims as standard, and don't forget the single spinner!!

Maybe, but lots came out with 17s anyway, and LSD was an option (might actually have been standard for series 1 AU Ghias).

Also, if the car was optioned with 17s, it copped sports suspension as well (it was an option bundle), and vice versa. And I also thought that if it was a V8, it got the LSD - I know my Forte did.

**DJM83** · 18-01-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcrackers

thanks for the responses guys. i should have clarified in the first post..

yes a t series would be awesome, but it's not in the options list

reason for this is, this car would be a cruiser & daily. nothing more than that. Thus, power isn't a huge concern!

My T is a daily driver, although not much lol. Id probably go the XR8 220 with leather and premo sound only if your refering to S2 and S3 in S1 id go the ghia with full kit 17's and lowered. Fantz you have way to much money and spare time good to see u looking at an AU

**Professor Farnsworth** · 18-01-2007, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TE50 056

My T is a daily driver, although not much lol. Id probably go the XR8 220 with leather and premo sound only if your refering to S2 and S3 in S1 id go the ghia with full kit 17's and lowered. Fantz you have way to much money and spare time good to see u looking at an AU

spare time maybe, money ? nope - i just jump on bargains whenever i see em ;p

SSVPom · 18-01-2007, 05:03 PM

You might be right... but the BA XT V8's don't get an LSD as standard these days (as G&D had to retro-fit one to their blue XT V8)

What relevance that has to this topic I dont' know, just thought I'd throw that in there!!

I've fitted the 17" Tickfords to my Ghia and now require that Ford Sports Suspension kit to get it down an inch or so.. would that therefore be the XR ride height I'm wondering?

Anyway, back on topic - as a cruiser/family car then the Ghia would be the go, but for fun, then an XR8 220 would be the one.

**DJM83** · 18-01-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcrackers

spare time maybe, money ? nope - i just jump on bargains whenever i see em ;p

I know what u mean mate, but if you look hard enough you could find a T!/T2 doesnt matter if its drivin daily keep us informed

Sledgehammer · 18-01-2007, 06:30 PM

The Au XR8 has an excellent look about it. Thats my 2cents.

GK · 18-01-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairmontPom

I've fitted the 17" Tickfords to my Ghia and now require that Ford Sports Suspension kit to get it down an inch or so.. would that therefore be the XR ride height I'm wondering?

Yep, XR springs would get you the inch or so you're after.

Kings do a Low Comfort (equivalent height as XR) but a little more supple than the XR. That would be my choice for the Ghia. Being a Ghia, you'd be used to a more supple ride.

Cheers! BTW, we want pics of the 17's.

GK

SSVPom · 18-01-2007, 08:33 PM

LOL - I know, I've been meaning to get a few snaps of the car since the new rims, but it just seems to be dirty all of the time!

I need a decent ride height as its the family car, and can't spend out much cash, so lowering may have to wait.. but when i do go for it i'd rather stick to modifying the car from the "Ford parts catalogue" if that makes sense.

I've always been like that, even back in England with my previous cars (a couple of Vauxhalls and finally a Mondeo with RS kit just before I left) - pinching bits from newer or higher spec models.

Cheers.

boxy351 · 18-01-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairmontPom

The Ghia's didn't have 17" rims as standard, and don't forget the single spinner!!

Mine Did was an Executive Special full Tickford Rims, V8, Full Leather, GT steering wheel, Sunroof,Full body Kit,Premium Sound.
Its an awesome car goes ok But 2-3K on the motor & she would go well.
Yeah I'd Rather have a Fairmont Ghia they are sports but classy..

Boxy

XR8-260 · 18-01-2007, 10:10 PM

XR8 II&III for sure. The ghia only has 175kw (or there abouts). Performance is everything :evil3:

andrewts · 19-01-2007, 12:03 AM

I'd get the Ghia. I'm only 15, but I still have more of a taste for luxury.

EL8TED · 19-01-2007, 12:21 AM

did the au ghia's have gt40's heads ?

JC · 19-01-2007, 12:44 AM

All AUs got the GT40P heads (though some later on got the alloy version, and then back to the 40Ps). Anyway, the only difference between the 175kw jobbie and the rest is basically exhaust and tune. The 220 has some unique parts, but it's not as if most of them are not bolt on to get to the same objective. The 220 XR8 motor may be the best Ford/tickford made, but you can build a better engine starting from the same 175kw base (331/347 stroker, 200 to 250 rwkw).

SSVPom · 19-01-2007, 09:09 AM

Boxy351, your car is everything mine wants to be when it grows up!

GlennBA · 19-01-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwikid10

Easier and cheaper to make a luxury car quicker with the same V8 than it is to make the XR as luxurious as a Ghia.

Whats a ghia really got over an XR? Climate control and fake tacky woodgrain..
I'd rather a 5 speed XR8 with full leather... would be just as nice.

GK · 19-01-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennAUII

Whats a ghia really got over an XR? Climate control and fake tacky woodgrain..
I'd rather a 5 speed XR8 with full leather... would be just as nice.

Another vote for the XR I see! LOL!

GK

nikos · 19-01-2007, 04:24 PM

Ghia for me - i think theyre much more attractive. But bending the poll rules I would deff prefer a ts50 - as they have the performance and the looks. No offence to any au xr owners!

RIPGMH · 19-01-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockoau

T3 TS50....what more could you want

I agree, I'd be going the T-series

**Professor Farnsworth** · 19-01-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcrackers

thanks for the responses guys. i should have clarified in the first post..

yes a t series would be awesome, but it's not in the options list

reason for this is, this car would be a cruiser & daily. nothing more than that. Thus, power isn't a huge concern!

please refer to the above ^^

Allen · 19-01-2007, 04:39 PM

You know my thoughts Chris... V8 Ghia FTW!

I thought you were getting a BA?? :P

kiwikid10 · 19-01-2007, 06:06 PM

"Whats a ghia really got over an XR? Climate control and fake tacky woodgrain..
I'd rather a 5 speed XR8 with full leather... would be just as nice."

Me thinks that they must have more than just those 2 items, otherwise why do people keep upgrading interior bits to the Ghia's spec? i.e chrome door handles, etc.
However I could take great offense at your comment on my "fake tacky woodgrain" A lot of ABS plastic trees had to die to make that.lol.

Also if your comment was true then T series cars have no extra value over a leather equiped XR8! (other than the T3 with the stroker of course).Because it's only climate control with carbon fibre look......thats extra. Not stirring but the Ghias cost extra over taxi packs for a reason......

I drive a BA fairmont for a company car, I prefer my AU Ghia spec for it's interior anyday and the fact it's a V8 with same power as an XR8 (as stated only exhaust, intake, headers and magic 200Kw thanks JMM).
I had a BA Ghia for 2 years as my company car in my previous job, Ghia interior (Tango tan leather option) was far better than any other except FPV IMO.
But each to his/her opinion as I have said. I just like to go fast in luxury for a non-track car. (no offense).

Kenaz · 19-01-2007, 10:40 PM

It doesn't matter what the question is, the answer is always V8 Ghia

FRDTUF · 19-01-2007, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAFIA

I was gonna say the same thing. T series has Sport, Power, Style and luxury. So it beats both of them!

:

Yeah.... i second that

:

GK · 20-01-2007, 09:54 AM

My wife's cousin had (perhaps still does have) a Sparkling Burgandy TE50.

I wonder if he'd like to part with it?

GK

GK · 20-01-2007, 09:58 AM

Sorry!

boxy351 · 20-01-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairmontPom

Boxy351, your car is everything mine wants to be when it grows up!

haha Thanks yeah she is nice but the TS50 is the dux nutz........

jimmy_c · 20-01-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

You haven't driven an auto V8 have you? You don't need a manual with the torque of a V8, though both are fun to drive. Having had both, the manual is great fun some of the time, but the auto is good fun all of the time! At my age, I'd rather take good often, than great occasionally - hang on, were we talking cars?

yep i agree.

Muscle_Inc · 20-01-2007, 08:39 PM

Why not have the aggression like the S3 XR8 bodykit for the exterior and all the ghia goodies on the interior. That way you have the best of both worlds inside and out!

Whether what gearbox tickles your fancy in some respect a auto tranny with some 3.9's will have you pinned back right from the word go! On the other hand a manual is good to play anywhere in the rev range and to hear that fantastic crackling and popping thats happening in the background.

Bottom line is its personal preference and its really if your after a sporty more powerful car or more on the creature comforts side with some oomph to back up the luxury liner!

b2tf · 20-01-2007, 10:46 PM

Thinking about this very topic today.

To be honest, if i had my time over again I would more than likely look for a V8 Ghia with the following options:

Bodykit
MOMO wheel - the woodgrain one.
Leather everything (as per Ghia spec)
Sunroof
Satnav

Liquid Silver or Silhouette in colour, and Id lower it and put TS50 rims on it. Whack a nice exhaust on it and all the usual bolton mods for the windsor, and you would have yourself one very nice cruiser.

If ever I found a car like that with decent kms I'd be tempted :hihi:

The main reason for doing it? Well pretty much the interior. The XR8 is great inside but the Ghia to me just looks that little bit better - and yes I even like the fake woodgrain. My XR8 interior has leather, MOMO etc and Im slowly adding little touches to it but I reckon it'd be just right for me if I had one.

Sure it wouldnt be as fast but speed is not everything.

View Poll Results: Which would you choose ?
AU XR8	43	50.59%
AU Fairmont Ghia V8	31	36.47%
I'd choose either	6	7.06%
I don't like either	5	5.88%
Voters: 85. You may not vote on this poll