Ken Garff - Your Used Pontiac Salt Lake Dealer

Pontiac G5 vs. Ford Mustang

2008 Pontiac G5 Overview

The 2008 Pontiac G5 is available exclusively as a compact coupe, offering a choice of peppy engines, good fuel economy, and sporty styling that Pontiac is known for. Sharing the same platform and powertrains as the Chevrolet Cobalt, the G5 coupe offers its own unique style and body shape.

Available in two trim levels – base and GT – it offers a choice of dependable, sprightly engines. The base G5 Coupe features a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower which supplies adequate acceleration. The GT Coupe, however, boasts a larger, 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine with 171 horsepower for nice off-the-line pickup. Both engines are mated to a standard crisp-shifting 5-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. Both trim levels offer standard amenities like an AM/FM CD player, iPod® input jack, air conditioning with air filtration system, and a theft deterrent system.

A variety of option packages, interior amenities, and wheel choices help differentiate the two models. An available Personal Audio Link allows full read functionality for personal MP3 players. The optional Sun and Sound Package includes a power sunroof and Pioneer® premium 7-speaker audio system. More powerful audio options include an in-dash six-disc CD changer and MP3 player and XM® satellite radio. The G5 has a wide range of active safety features available, including four-wheel anti-lock brakes for added stopping power and an optional traction control system to minimize wheel spin in slippery conditions or quick takeoffs. Front dual airbags are standard across the line, with optional head-curtain side-impact airbags for added front and rear seat passenger protection. OnStar® service is optional, with available turn-by-turn navigation, 24-hour access to helpful advisors, and automatic crash notification to assist you in a variety of driving situations.

Offering sporty styling, excellent fuel efficiency, and solid performance, the 2008 Pontiac G5 is a sweet compact coupe that will satisfy your everyday needs.

Ford Mustang & Pontiac G5 Comparison

Performance

In terms of horsepower, the Ford Mustang packs quite a punch and will knock the Pontiac G5 down a few rungs. On the other hand, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling

The Ford's rear-wheel drive layout likely gives it better weight distribution than the Pontiac G5; on the flip side, the Pontiac G5's front-wheel drive layout likely provides better traction in rain, snow or ice. The Ford has quite a bit bigger tires than the Pontiac G5. Keep in mind that bigger tires might look and feel better, while smaller tires can improve gas mileage. With its tighter turning radius, the Pontiac is definitely sprier than the Ford Mustang, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; however, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain

The Ford Mustang's engine is tremendously more massive than the Pontiac G5's. Remember that larger engines may use more gas than smaller ones. Torque equals pickup, and the Mustang will have picked up and gone by the time the Pontiac G5 finally gets moving. The Ford Mustang packs quite a punch compared to the Pontiac as far as torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly.

Utility

Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Pontiac G5 over the Ford Mustang.

Convenience

You'll likely take the Ford Mustang for a fill-up roughly as often as the Pontiac G5. The Ford Mustang's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Pontiac G5.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the Ford Mustang offers a bit more head room than the Pontiac G5, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Pontiac G5 make it roomier for your passengers than the Ford.

Dimensions

The Ford Mustang is considerably heavier than the G5. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Ford Mustang than the Pontiac G5 because of its bigger tank. The Pontiac and the Ford Mustang compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Pontiac is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Ford Mustang. The Pontiac G5 will save you money at the pump compared to the Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang guzzles a lot of gasoline compared to the Pontiac G5. In terms of gas mileage, the Pontiac G5 has the Mustang beat. The Ford Mustang will tax your gas budget markedly more than the G5 will. In terms of MSRP, the Ford costs considerably more than the Pontiac G5. When it comes to final price, the Pontiac G5 costs tremendously less than the Ford Mustang. The Mustang will cost you a bundle in gasoline every year compared to the G5. The Pontiac G5 will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Mustang.

Overview

The Pontiac and the Mustang have the same basic warranty.

• MSRP $15,675 to $19,850
• Invoice Price $14,813 to $18,758
• Vehicle Details
• EPA Fuel Economy
• • City: 22 - 24, Highway: 32 - 33
• Available Engines
• • 148-hp, 2.2-liter I-4
  • 171-hp, 2.4-liter I-4
• Available Transmissions
• • 4-speed automatic w/OD
  • 5-speed manual w/OD

Ken Garff - Your Used Pontiac Salt Lake Dealer

Thank you for visiting the Ken Garff Ford Auto Review site - your used Pontiac Salt Lake Dealer. This site has been designed to assist you in your automotive sales, service and parts experience, as well as provide easy, low-pressure, online buying. At Ken Garff, you can find your used Pontiac in Salt Lake here since we aim to please!