G8 V6 or Malibu LTZ....?

[The O.C.]

So.....loaded G8 V6 is $30,665....with leather, sunroof, everything......

Loaded Malibu LTZ is $28,495......without the extra-cost paint.....

So roughly a $2K difference......is it worth it...? Well, I'd say "yes"......

Of course if you are looking at a lesser-equipped Malibu, there is really no G8 alternative......but it is an interesting question to ponder......

[Camino LS6]

Man, I'd be so unhappy with either choice it isn't funny.

If I had to choose, the G8 would win hands down. I would never compare the two, however.

[Cremazie]

At those prices it is clear that the G8 would be the best

[Robert Hall]

I'd take the G8, of course. The Malibu is fine for what it is, but it's a mainstream FWD family sedan. Not my thing.

[Northstar]

G8 would win for me, but the Malibu may win for many people in the snowbelt that simply don't want RWD.

[NOS2006]

Yeah, but we're all guys. How many females and non-enthusiasts would take the FWD car over the RWD? Many.

[jcgable]

Would love them both!

I'd spend the extra cash for the G8 though... (assuming I wasn't already in debt to my eyeballs from student loans)

[lakefire]

actually I am thinking about shopping the G8 and the malibu.

I prefer the G8, but I think the Malibu LT2 would be perfect for our family for the price ($24k). So it's a matter if the G8 is worth that extra bling or not. Or extra $100/month or whatever it turns out to be.

They don't have a hood scoop delete option do they?

Edited March 19, 2008 by lakefire

[C.H.U.D.]

I see the Malibu more as "affordable luxury". I'm pretty sure that the Malibu has nicer leathers and a more luxurious feel to the interior. The G8 is more of a purpose-built sport sedan. The interior, while nice enough, isn't as rich-looking as the Malibu. It is simply a question of what features you value more.

[Northstar]

I think it's great that GM has the market covered. If you want FWD, the Malibu is a great choice, if you want RWD for under $30k, the G8 is top of the class.

[Camino LS6]

actually I am thinking about shopping the G8 and the malibu.

I prefer the G8, but I think the Malibu LT2 would be perfect for our family for the price ($24k). So it's a matter if the G8 is worth that extra bling or not. Or extra $100/month or whatever it turns out to be.

They don't have a hood scoop delete option do they?

It surprises me that the two cars would be cross-shopped.

I'm all for the scoop delete option, but I wouldn't hold your breath expecting it.

[lakefire]

It surprises me that the two cars would be cross-shopped.

I'm all for the scoop delete option, but I wouldn't hold your breath expecting it.

That's the thing that dealers don't realize. Is that people cross shop different cars in different categories all the time. I once was shopping a Malibu or a Mazda 3 or something against an Altima and the Nissan sales rep told me they aren't even in the same class and can't compare them. I'm like, you better believe I can compare them when I am looking to buy one of those.

I'll try to wait a year or so before buying so the price might drop a little bit or there might be some slight incentives. We don't need the car now. Damn that word "want."

[Robert Hall]

That's the thing that dealers don't realize. Is that people cross shop different cars in different categories all the time. I once was shopping a Malibu or a Mazda 3 or something against an Altima and the Nissan sales rep told me they aren't even in the same class and can't compare them. I'm like, you better believe I can compare them when I am looking to buy one of those.

I'll try to wait a year or so before buying so the price might drop a little bit or there might be some slight incentives. We don't need the car now. Damn that word "want."

Some do, definitely... I can see myself cross-shopping the G8, CTS, TL and Town Car...4 very different cars, but they all appeal to me.. (yes, I'm wierd).

[regfootball]

Yeah, but we're all guys. How many females and non-enthusiasts would take the FWD car over the RWD? Many.

exactly. how many times do we need to remind that women and wussies that read CR drive the car market.

I sat in a g8 today (comments on a thread in the pontiac section). The malibu comes off as crap in comparison. The presentation of the G8 is so much more of substance and restraint and good taste.

Not knocking the malibu, just saying the G8 is probably as well done as anything GM has right now. I saw some CTS and STS on the way back from lunch and thought, who would buy that at more $$$$?

[CARBIZ]

Some do, definitely... I can see myself cross-shopping the G8, CTS, TL and Town Car...4 very different cars, but they all appeal to me.. (yes, I'm wierd).

HA! I see you your G8, CTS, TL and Town Car, and raise you one Previa, Thunderbird SC, Transsport SSE and Caprice wagon! (The wagon won - in January '91) How's that for wierd?

Edited March 20, 2008 by CARBIZ

[Robert Hall]

HA! I see you your G8, CTS, TL and Town Car, and raise you one Previa, Thunderbird SC, Transsport SSE and Caprice wagon! (The wagon won - in January '90) How's that for wierd?

Heh-heh... pretty wierd. If I go with a Town Car, then I'm becoming like my father (who drove them the last 20 years of his life) and I'm a bit young for one (under 40), but I love their old school land yacht American-style luxoboat charms (my favorite rental, along with the Grand Marquis). The CTS I really like for the styling and the interior...it's very ultramodern and high tech, which is appropriate for me since I work in high tech...similar with the TL (and both aren't the predicable BMW choice which my peers often go for). The G8 has an old-school yet modern muscle appeal that I like...etc, etc..

My sister is considering a new car, and she's talked about 3 very different cars--the CTS, the FJCruiser, the Passat.

I was the same way when I bought my last car---in the summer of '00, around my 30th birthday, I was seriously looking at the Grand Cherokee, Jetta, Golf, A4, Passat, 4Runner, and Mustang GT. The Jeep ended up being my choice, primarily because my Bronco was worn out by then and needed replacing, and I wanted the off-road capability (which I have used).

Edited March 20, 2008 by moltar

[balthazar]

I would never compare the two, however.

What he said. Are we comparing the FWD Malibu 4/6 to the RWD G8 6/8 merely because they are from the same corporation, or does the G8 trump every other 4-dr within a $4-5K range and the Malibu is the top contender ?? :wink:

[knightfan26917]

So roughly a $2K difference......is it worth it...? Well, I'd say "yes"......

Yes, I agree.

I'd take the G8 for sure.

And, as others, I'm not sure about comparing the G8 to the malibu.......

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"Money can't buy happiness" ... Don Williams ... 'One Good Well'

[daves87rs]

I would like a G8 or a Mailbu LT..

The only way I would get a G6 was if I needed a cheap car (SV package)

[2005 EquinoxLS]

Malibu. Call me a sissy if you wish. I dont want to deal with a RWD car in winter. Did that for a awhile when I had no choice. But I wouldnt do it now. Plus I like the Malibu better of the two. Though give me the choice of any and I would take an Impala.

[Drew Dowdell]

Yeah, but we're all guys. How many females and non-enthusiasts would take the FWD car over the RWD? Many.

Mom won't buy anything but FWD or AWD.... and she lived in South Florida.

For me? One of each please.

[intrigued]

For me it would be the malibu vs the g8 v6. The v6 g8 just isnt going to be that quick. Too heavy, not enough power. The Bu' ripps it to 60 by comparisson. Now a G8GT vs a Bu' LTZ, Thats hands down G8. They should get the 3.6 DI in the base g8.

[VenSeattle]

That's the thing that dealers don't realize. Is that people cross shop different cars in different categories all the time. I once was shopping a Malibu or a Mazda 3 or something against an Altima and the Nissan sales rep told me they aren't even in the same class and can't compare them. I'm like, you better believe I can compare them when I am looking to buy one of those.

I'll try to wait a year or so before buying so the price might drop a little bit or there might be some slight incentives. We don't need the car now. Damn that word "want."

I'm in that exact same spot... I'm trying to determine my favorites in different vehicle segments and classes. I'll then see which accomodates the most of my wants and needs. We'll see.

I will say that the fact that this comparison exists illustrates the problem of selling an Impala. It would not only compete with the G8, but possibly be priced higher if it was using the LWB-platform.

[regfootball]

having been in the g8, and touching it, and all, if you park the g8 next to the malibu your desire will be immediately obvious, the g8 stands out well above the malibu.

that said, if RWD is the deal breaker than the Malibu is a good fallback.

[toesuf94]

G8 - proper wheels are being driven for the first time in a GM Sedan since 1996. I like the looks of the 'bu, the G6, the Aura...but will never buy one due to the FWD and I live in the snow belt. I cannot wait to see the G8 in person.

[Robert Hall]

G8 - proper wheels are being driven for the first time in a GM Sedan since 1996.

Hmmm..not exactly..Cadillac never gave up RWD.

[The O.C.]

Hmmm..not exactly..Cadillac never gave up RWD.

Well.....Cadillac didn't really take it seriously until the '02 CTS. Catera was a stop-gap....and the B-body Brougham could hardly use it's RWD to a performance advantage....before that, it was all FWD for quite some time....

[Robert Hall]

Well.....Cadillac didn't really take it seriously until the '02 CTS. Catera was a stop-gap....and the B-body Brougham could hardly use it's RWD to a performance advantage....before that, it was all FWD for quite some time....

True...but at least the Brougham and Catera were RWD, not the usual GM FWD generics..

[Camino LS6]

Catera was Opel junk which, unlike Holden, Caddy didn't fix before foisting it on an unsuspecting public.

[regfootball]

your desire for a cts is even questioned after sit in the g8. the cts is a nice car, but the g8 just looks more right.