My Omega Experience

[Road_Warrior]

The Omega I drove for a while was an 06 or an 07 so it had the standard V6 and 4 speed auto in it. Whilst I would say that it was marginally screwed together better than the Falcon it had a nice steering feel but the 3.6 V6 and 4 speed auto combo was woeful and you noticed it. It also pinged its box off.

For me if I was a buyer, that engine and trans combo would be a total deal breaker if I was looking at a Commodore.

[Hulsty]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Wow, they STILL don't have split/fold rear seats????
And i thought my list was down to 'fuel filler on the wrong side' and 'why do they insist on using strut front ends' and 'why aren't the electric window switches on the doors'

I am pretty sure the reason for no split fold rear seat is that the Commodore is/was sold in the world market and to meet North American safety standards the fuel tank was moved from the boot floor to be more up behind the rear seats.

Earlier commodores had the center seat fold down to allow carrying of long items.

My mums Mitsubishi Lancer has a totally solid rear seat, no fuel tank behind it either, stupid design I reckon.

[phillyc]

The lack of split fold rear seat. GMHolden have long said it was to do with structural integrity. I read about 2 weeks ago in a review (where that was escapes me), that the decision has in fact been about cost cutting alone...

[GS608]

Originally Posted by Hulsty

I am pretty sure the reason for no split fold rear seat is that the Commodore is/was sold in the world market and to meet North American safety standards the fuel tank was moved from the boot floor to be more up behind the rear seats.

Earlier commodores had the center seat fold down to allow carrying of long items.

My mums Mitsubishi Lancer has a totally solid rear seat, no fuel tank behind it either, stupid design I reckon.

The center seat still does fold down..its just not 60/40

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Rapid_Axe

Maybe I should purposefully get hold of an FG and nitpick that to bits and see how many people I get crying about it.

Like you would be the first.....AFF bagging the Falcon is now a sport on here. But criticise another make and your one eyed.

[Ford17]

I seem to recall the boot opener being placed in the glove box, being because the glove box can be locked with a key; and the boot can thus become a protected area of the car.

[TheInterceptor]

Originally Posted by Forda

I seem to recall the boot opener being placed in the glove box, being because the glove box can be locked with a key; and the boot can thus become a protected area of the car.

Not if i can just fold down the rear seats to gain access

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by Forda

I seem to recall the boot opener being placed in the glove box, being because the glove box can be locked with a key; and the boot can thus become a protected area of the car.

Or you can just do a ford an not provide power to the boot release button if you don't have a key in or recently in

[GK]

Originally Posted by Forda

I seem to recall the boot opener being placed in the glove box, being because the glove box can be locked with a key; and the boot can thus become a protected area of the car.

Not sure about B and F series Falcons, but my good old AU wagon won't let me open the rear gate with the release button if the car has been off for a while, that is with the keys removed.

So, I park the car at the local shopping centre and know that if some low life decides to go for a lookie in the back, they won't get in there with the boot release. Good design I reckon. The perspex cargo barrier just seals the deal! LOL!

GK

[Ford17]

I'm sure it was originally a security idea in the early days (1980's); and it may have since become the default or legacy location for the Commodore since.

There also used to be a separate 'service key' IIRC, which openly opened the main locks/ignition; but not the glove box or boot. You gave that key to someone who you didn't completely trust, no doubt.

Yep, the Falcon system is easier/simpler/better either way.

[almostsane]

I'm just not a fan of the interior of the commies, new or old... i can't really comment on the newer stuff, but I found that my friends older Commie (the equivalent to an EA falcon, not sure of the models etc with holdens.) was really uncomfortable to ride in, specially compared to my old EA falcon. It wouldn’t be far to compare it against my XR50.

[kinksta]

My mate has just bought a VE Omega, and put some nice 16 inch rims on it. He isn't a car enthusiast, but loves his car. He looked at other cars in the price range but there wasn't anything else that interested him and he is super happy with it.

I have been in it quite a few times and it is a good car for what it is made to do.

[Windsor342ci]

Well yesterday to my suprise I found myself driving a goods supplier of ours SV6 with 5,***kms on it.
Honestly, 1st thing I noticed was the crappy mirrors on it, but he performance blew me away! For a 3.6L this thing roared! Can easily match any 5.0L standard and believe it really is in a league above the XR6 range.
Though I find the Falcons to handle slightly better, I was truely blown away but its performance in a straight line!

Am I right to say, a solid 14 second car???

[Mr Hardware]

I just have to say I think this is the most unbaised, factual and informative Holden thread we've ever had on the forums. Good show lads, keep up the good work.

[wrongwaynorris]

Originally Posted by ray38l

if i was running a business the last person i would have test a potential fleet car is a car enthusiast.
One things for sure you will never get an unbiased view from a car enthusiast.

So if you needed brain surgery youd use a dentist would you ? God forbid we would actually have someone who knows what they are talking about involved .

[ray38l]

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

So if you needed brain surgery youd use a dentist would you ? God forbid we would actually have someone who knows what they are talking about involved .

stupid comment about brain surgeon and dentist. Both of those jobs require specific qualifications and experience for there jobs.
other then having an interest in cars and being a member here what qualifications/skills do you have that makes you someone who knows what they are talking about?

[Happymate]

Good to see the falcons are so perfect! The boot is just inspirational

[TheSneakiness]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

I just have to say I think this is the most unbaised, factual and informative Holden thread we've ever had on the forums. Good show lads, keep up the good work.

I reckon.

Thought I'd get the usual comments but seems very civilised.

[EgoFG]

Originally Posted by Happymate

Good to see the falcons are so perfect! The boot is just inspirational

Negative comment on the boot's non flat floor - is this your second or third post.

Never had to carry a loaded boot and driven a Falcon then ?


Hmmm Flat floor and lower capacity, or contoured floor and greater capacity ?

Most Falcon Drivers call the boot floor an asset, those that have not used it dont like it.

[Happymate]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

Negative comment on the boot's non flat floor - is this your second or third post.

Never had to carry a loaded boot and driven a Falcon then ?


Hmmm Flat floor and lower capacity, or contoured floor and greater capacity ?

Most Falcon Drivers call the boot floor an asset, those that have not used it dont like it.

1: Yes. Sorry I am not entitled to make a seemingly harmless comment because its my first or hundredth post.
2: Yes
3: I see your point, but it is an engineering oversight, yet a smart way of making the best use of space available.
4: I didnt like it... And maybe sales reflect a majority thought? Or maybe people think they are not worthy?

I do like falcons, they are quite a handsome car and are surprisingly pleasant to drive, just not one eyed supporters of any manufacturer.

[EgoFG]

Originally Posted by Happymate

1: Yes. Sorry I am not entitled to make a seemingly harmless comment because its my first or hundredth post.
2: Yes
3: I see your point, but it is an engineering oversight, yet a smart way of making the best use of space available.
4: I didnt like it... And maybe sales reflect a majority thought? Or maybe people think they are not worthy?

I do like falcons, they are quite a handsome car and are surprisingly pleasant to drive, just not one eyed supporters of any manufacturer.

Dude your point is understood, sorry to bring up the lack of posts.

I have a good friend who recently switched from being a commodore enthusiast - bagging anything that starts with an F - to a BFII. One of his favourite points about the Falcon is the uneven boot floor.
I told him in advance of the switch he would love it, and he did.

If you always need to carry a flat load, fill the hollows with towels and you will still have a larger boot that the competition (excluding the cavernous 380).

It is not an engineering oversight, it is a design feature.

Sales volumes reflect the success of marketing for volume sales - not necessarily related to the qualities of the car - Otherwise a Commodore is better than a 7-series.

[Happymate]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

Dude your point is understood, sorry to bring up the lack of posts.

I have a good friend who recently switched from being a commodore enthusiast - bagging anything that starts with an F - to a BFII. One of his favourite points about the Falcon is the uneven boot floor.
I told him in advance of the switch he would love it, and he did.

If you always need to carry a flat load, fill the hollows with towels and you will still have a larger boot that the competition (excluding the cavernous 380).

It is not an engineering oversight, it is a design feature.

Sales volumes reflect the success of marketing for volume sales - not necessarily related to the qualities of the car - Otherwise a Commodore is better than a 7-series.

Marketing is really annoying these days, dont even like going into it haha. If ford put more effort into their marketing, and simply more of it, it would pay off. Hyundai has got to where they are on marketing.

Actually, I genuinely completely agree with your entire post! I can see what you mean about the design feature, for small items that may roll around? The 380 did not deserve to be discontinued, if they had worked on a few things like the front end heavy feel and lack of visibility in the rear it probably would have gone very well.

The fg's use the volvo front suspension set up dont they? Ford do use the resources they have available very well, I was sorry to hear when they sold volvo because they gave ford alot of good gear, ala xr5's. Same with jaguar, but at least their on the up especially on a global scale.

My apologies though, only having 2 hours sleep last night made me a little snappy.

[Deco28]

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

So if you needed brain surgery youd use a dentist would you ? God forbid we would actually have someone who knows what they are talking about involved .

I resent that. Dental school teaches us brain surgery....

[EgoFG]

Originally Posted by Happymate

...

respect

[My32Doors]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

Wow, they STILL don't have split/fold rear seats????
And i thought my list was down to 'fuel filler on the wrong side' and 'why do they insist on using strut front ends' and 'why aren't the electric window switches on the doors'

I'm guessing window controls are in the centre console because they are exported as LHD. If I remember correctly Galaxies and such had window controls in the centre console

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by onetonfun

I'm guessing window controls are in the centre console because they are exported as LHD. If I remember correctly Galaxies and such had window controls in the centre console

Yes, I suppose that would be one less thing to have to change, keep the same door cards.
But Galaxies were from the 60s where most cars had their switches in the centre console. Electrics in doors? That's preposterous!

[My32Doors]

Electrics in doors? That's preposterous!


Mmm I see your point!

[kpcart]

I currently drive an EB falcon. if i had to pick a VE commodore or FG Falcon, i would chose commodore. In normal driving, the power and torque is about the same in both cars for most common folk driving from home to work, although i would try to get the 3.6 V6, not the 3.0. The Commodore looks better then the Falcon, the FG just looks like a bad copy of the VE. And the commodore will have better resale. I think both will cost similar in maintenance costs over the years.
The general public must agree as falcon sales are down 44 percent this year. The falcon has a good engine and gearbox, but not a world of difference in performance to the VE engine and gearbox to 99% of the population who drive normal speeds from point a to b. the only people who know ford has a better driveline are ford enthusiasts. Because Ford is terrible at marketting. Holden bangs on about SIDI, and they are putting Ford out of business, no one knows what engine a falcon has, they just assume its the same engine since the AU or BA, ford should put a fancy coded label on there engine and market the performance and efficiency, and also build a better looking car then holden, which it hasnt done. if the falcon doesnt collapse before the 4 cyl ecoboost model comes out, then ford better get a marketting strategy in place, and i anticipate the ecoboost will be a costly failure for ford in the falcon unless they get their act together.

[wrongwaynorris]

Originally Posted by ray38l

stupid comment about brain surgeon and dentist. Both of those jobs require specific qualifications and experience for there jobs.
other then having an interest in cars and being a member here what qualifications/skills do you have that makes you someone who knows what they are talking about?

And just why is it a stupid comment ? Nowhere near as stupid as saying you would get someone who knows nothing about cars to pass judgment on ( shock of horrors ) a car . Maybe you'd have Jezza , the Hamster and Capt Slow host MKR due to their total lack of cooking knowledge . When transport companies trial a new truck they generally tend to put it in the hands of an experienced driver who knows a little something about trucks , when Airlines consider a new Airliner funnilly enough they send a Pilot to fly it and I could go on ad infinitum with example after example after example but I strongly suspect it would be totally lost on you . As for my qualifications I'd get into a battle of wits with you but it is unfair to fight an unarmed man .

[XR6_661]

Nothing wrong with Holdens latest offerings at all. My only complaint with the new commodores is the view through the rear window, I find how the boot is quite high it hinders visibility out the rear.

I think the base model offerings for Ford and Holden are pretty good. What more can you expect from a base model 4 door sedan.

Comparing apples with apples...