firebird vs. trans-am... 3.8 vs. 5.7?

[knightryda01]

Hey guys I am new to the forum and was not really sure where to post this. I am very torn right now. I am looking at two identical 99 black birds with t-tops, leather power all my requirements.... The only thing I can't figure out is what I want more... Power or milage. v-6 or v-8

Now I suppose for most of you mechanically inclined guys You could do get the best out of either worlds but for me it's not that easy.

I am the type of person who is very competitive and I know I would be no where the fastest out there with a v-8 but at the same time I don't want a cobalt blowing my doors off eitherin a v-6. i am just really torn with the decision I have to make.

HOnestly I have loved the trans-am ever since I was a 5 year old watching knight rider and have dreamed of owning one of these bad ass cars.

I think I would get the same thrill out of both. Driving down the road with the tops off but the competitve side of me wants the power and sound and the economical side of me wants the gas millage and all the savings that come with it.... Help

[Kup98ss]

A V-8 with a manual will get just as good gas mileage as a v-6 auto
I get 19-20 mpg from my auto V-8
A Manual V-8 will get you as much as 30mpg highway.

Get the V-8!!!

[Cutlass]

V8 V8 V8 V8 V8 V8
Yeah there isn't a whole lot of gas mileage to gain from a V6 'bird over a M6 V8 but the V8 takes Premium gas. But so what, that ends up being a whole $3.00 more per fill up. Also the V8 will run on regular gas. The computer will compensate and detune the engine's power some by running a less aggressive timing curve.

[tigersport14]

ls1 ftw!! trust me you will LOVE it. but if your driving down the road in a v6, you may look cool, but you will always have the bad feeling in the gut of your stomache knowing your driving a slow pussy car.

[deepblue]

I agree with the V8, But I just bought my 16 year old daughter a 2000 Firebird V6 for her birthday. I look nice and has plenty of power of a first time driver, not mention the difference in insurance. Anyway I say get the v8 if you can.

[raynor139]

I drove a Firebird for a few years then switched to a Trans Am and I have not looked back since. I couldnt be happier since making the switch.

[Mr. Luos]

I honestly think you should avoid either if mileage is even a consideration.

[RandomOmen]

But the V8! Stay away from the V6!!!!!

[Kup98ss]

ls1 ftw!! trust me you will LOVE it. but if your driving down the road in a v6, you may look cool, but you will always have the bad feeling in the gut of your stomache knowing your driving a slow pussy car.

My first f-body was a 95 v-6 camaro. That car was damn sexy, 'till you floored it. I felt like a poser most of the time.

[knightryda01]

Thank god for carfax.... The v-8 i was looking at turned out to be a salvage titled car. I would have been the lucky 8th owner... The car only had 85,000 miles on it. I just got back from a hour and a half drive to go check out the v-6. I had an appointment at the dealership... Turns out they sold it... lol.
Just my luck I suppose. Back to square one.


As far as gas mileage goes... Anything is better then my tahoe

[RandomOmen]

That's good you checked carfax on that V8.. and I'm glad they sold that V6 away from you. Don't buy the V6!

[intheclouds1977]

Better to drive a ricer than be a poser in an F-body. Go buy a Civic if you want gas mileage IMO. The LS1 manual gets pretty good mileage though.

[tigersport14]

My first f-body was a 95 v-6 camaro. That car was damn sexy, 'till you floored it. I felt like a poser most of the time.

mine was a 95 v6 firebird lol. i felt the same way til i floored it then i was like dang im a poser. so a year later i bought my ls1 =) now i dont care about looking good i just love the power

[LIGHTNINGMCQUEEN]

The v8 is it. It is not bad on gas mileage whether its a M6 or A4. Thats a myth. As long as you just cruise around and dont haul ass everywhere you go cause then it will drink gas BUT! then again what car doesnt suck gas under hard acceleration? an example: My A4 Trans am i fill it up on a monday and dont have to fill up again till the Tuesday or Wednesday of the next week. Within that time i drive to work and back every day (30 miles) going 60mph on cruise control back and forth. on my days off i go 60 miles away and sometimes more going 70mph or 75mph with t- tops down. So im happy with my fuel economy and my Trans am. So get a V8!!

[suede]

im runnin the LS1 with a manual and bolt-ons to free up some power, and get a solid 30-31 with as much as 35 mpg. Thats driving 27 miles hiway and intown a bit over lunch and stuff for school.

[Kup98ss]

mine was a 95 v6 firebird lol. i felt the same way til i floored it then i was like dang im a poser. so a year later i bought my ls1 =) now i dont care about looking good i just love the power

I kept mine for exactly 1 year then I got a 98ss. I loved that car.

[muteki]

Well,I owned a V-6 for 8 years and loved it. I never upgraded due to the fear of gas. I finally upgraded to the V-8 and found that I get almost the same gas milage due to the 6th gear. I don't know what I was waiting for.

[fbird777]

I purchased my 2002 M6 WS6 about 8 months ago and I am pretty happy with my gas mileage, I average about 20-23 mpg with 50/50 city and highway. I consider my myself a spirited driver as well. I also still have my 1998 M5 Firebird, I may get a couple more mpg with the V6. I suggest you get a V8 as well especially if it is an M6.

[vannatte]

I have an auto V8 and do most city driving (with the occasional spirited romp) and I just 19 MPG on my last tank. I'd like to see what I get on the highway, but I usually never get over 50 MPH to and from work! I hate it.

[Boomer Sooner]

i had a 99 3.8 camaro i drove for over a year before i got my 99 z28. never looked back. yea they both looked good but its whats under the hood that matters. i wouldnt even consider another 3.8 for anything else nowdays

p.s.- you dont buy these cars for gas mileage.