It's not fair to compare a top end model (Torrent GXP) against the base model of any line. When I really have to cure that need for speed, I will just borrow my MIL's Porshe Cayenne Turbo S w/ 500+ Horses!!

Yes, I know the two vehicles aren't even close in comparison (esp price), but, if you're going to compare models, it's gotta be top end vs. top end.

 

Yea... I'd have to agree on that one. It's like comparing the best college football player to the worst NFL player..

 

I don't know if I agree... performance vs. price is a reasonable comparison in my book... So, you don't think it would be reasonable to compare the standard HHR to the HHR SS because they are not both "top end" cars? The BMW and Porsche have similar horsepower, size, and shapes... but the Pontiac comes out on top in that performance comparison. There are even higher end BMW's and Porsche's available, for a TON more cash, and in that comparison the Pontiac is at the bottom of performance. Why can't that comparison be made? Is it because Pontiac doesn't have an "ultra" version? I dunno... better performance for thousands less, car vs. car... I fail to see the problem.

Isn't that what we all do? Car vs. car, performance vs. performance, best performance bang for the buck, etc.?

By the way, research has shown that my new Pontiac Torrent GXP outperforms the best models of Schwinn, Huffy, and my little sister's old top-level tricycle

 

It all depends on the test parameters researched. I bet the Schwinn, etc. get better mileage

 

HAH!

 

Well, you do have a point in making a comparison in terms of Performance to Price ratio. But I still think that comparison should be made with the top-line of that model.. The Torrent GXP is the performance version of the Torrent, and should be compared to the performance version of the Cayenne or Beamer for a more accurate ratio.

I would just like to add, though, that a Pontiac Torrent beating out even the baseline models of the Cayenne and BMW is still pretty amazing.

 

We'll have to agree to disagree. When I look at cars, I take all of the models into my comparisons. I don't exclude cars based on where they fall in the manufacturers tiers. Haven't we all said to ourselves at one point or another something along the lines of "I could get a REALLY GREAT 27 inch TV or a pretty good 32 inch TV"? Of course we have. That's being a consumer and a buyer. In this case, I opted for the REALLY GREAT "lesser" model vs. the pretty good "better" model.

Don't forget, Pontiac was comparing the Torrent GXP V6 to the Porsche and BMW V6's. That seems like a fair comparison to me. The models you think the GXP should be compared to are V8's, one even having a turbo. (Pontiac doesn't even offer a V8 version.) In my book, that's not a fair comparison, but it is a comparison none the less.

I don't know about others, but I too would have expected even the base Porsche and BMW to crush the Pontiac Torrent GXP... WRONG :)

 

One thing GM does offer year after year is bang for your buck horsepower. That's why I bought a Z28 in 1998. You couldn't get better power for the money in a Mustang GT, for example that year, not even CLOSE. The General's cars may not be the highest quality in materials and workmanship but they do offer some kickbutt engines.

 

Hey guys! I just wanted to give you an update on my order. I got a call from the dealer yesterday; they told me that the order got picked up and I should have an estimated build / delivery date soon. I took another Torrent GXP (this time with AWD) for a ride the other night. All I can say is... WOW, what a ride and what acceleration! The real cool thing was that this was the first time I saw the interior at night. I don't know if all Pontiacs do this, but when you turn the key the dash does some sort of a light swirl thing, goes black, and then SLOWLY fades from blackness to a glowing red with white accents. It looks like a freekin' spy plane or something! I swear, I'm going to be sitting in my garage turning it on, turning it off, turning it on, turning it off. You know I've given my props to the HHR SS over the last few months, but seriously, go take a Pontiac Torrent GXP for a ride... you'll be VERY impressed. (There's $1500 cash back right now with a low APR too...). AWD, 3500 lbs. towing, 6 speed with tap shifting, 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, more room, ARMRESTS, etc... it's worth it! (I know, I'm the devil...)

Seriously; if you love the setup of the HHR or HHR SS, the Chevrolet Equinox Sport / Pontiac Torrent GXP is at least worth a look.

 

Hope you will be happier than my neighbor with his nox. It is a big dissappoinment for them (can't come close to listed mileage). I personally don't like SUV's and don't consider the HHR one (it's a wagon, period). I never considered one, and would never buy one.

You have to be happy with your purchase. Good luck with it.