I used to have a 99 v8sho before it totalled and I got my 95 MTX. I personally like both cars equally. It's extremely unfair to compare the v8sho vs. an MTX SHO because it's really two totally different cars. If you were comparing a v8sho vs. an ATX V6 SHO, then hands down, the v8sho is the better car IMHO. I love the refinement and interior quality of my v8sho, but I love having the pure speed, revs, and control of a 5 speed. I've only had my MTX for almost 2 months now, so I can't say much about the transmission.
Have you driven an ATX V6 June?
Fact of the matter is, it's all personal preference. Each car has it's merits/drawbacks whether it's ATX, MTX, V6, V8... They actually share more in common than not. The V8 has a *larger* more substantial feel to it. The best way I can think of to describe it is heavier? The V6 feels more nimble but, not quiet as *tight* as the Gen 3. Funny thing is, they are all very close in weight (minus the '89 which was a fair amount lighter).
Performance wise, the ATX V6 and the V8 are almost identical. There's much more upside potential to the V6 due to the large (comparatively speaking) aftermarket. The aftermarket for the V8 doesn't exist. The MTX V6 is a good bit quicker than either ATX though. Thats due to more power getting to the wheels and to a smaller extent, less weight.
Handling edge goes to the V8 outta the box but, again the aftermarket for the V6 cars is much greater. A V6 car can be made to handle as well or better than the V8 depending on how far you go with it.
In the end it's like I said, preference. They each have a unique personality and are different enough to warrant mention! But, they are ALL SHO's and they are all high-winding small displacement screamers!
Take your pick!!
Dave
Pittsburgh, PA
'95 MTX
Formerly '97, white
True Duals
K&N Cone
TB Bypass
SHO door badges
I have both an 89 and a 97. I think its like comparing apples and oranges. If I was going on a long or even not so long trip, the 97 is THE car. It's great on the highway. The V8 sound is wonderful. I also like the control available from the 5 speed in the 89. It is a great canyon car. I'm hard on things so I have been through several clutches, axles, motor mounts and even a spun rod bearing. I've done all the work myself except the last clutch (lazy). I need another axle now and think the manual trans may be on the way out. Still, I love these cars. Now, if I could only get my 428CJ Mach 1 painted...
Gordon
Boy, looks like you feel it's time to open the can of worms again!!!!! ;-)
Without belaboring my love of my former MTX car.....and the MTX car I will buy in a year or two, I'll mention the MTX tranny.
The MTX tranny is near bulletproof, but older ones are blowing diff pins. One solution is a standard rebuild for $1,000-$1,500. The BEST solution is a rebuild with a Quaife for $2,500, which will make the tranny last near forever. An ATX rebuild is near $2,500, and will be ready for another rebuild in a few years.
Nick Chrimes is putting 447 HP to the wheels on his blown Gen 1, plus there are other s/c cars out there, and trannies have not been a problem with them.
Ron Porter
Lake Orion, MI
'99 black 33K
Just have to change the clutch every 8-10k!!!!!!
Define what you mean by "handling". I feel the Gen 3 does very
well.
At Road Atlanta, in my run group, only one Gen 1/2 car passed me, I was all over
the trunks of the rest.
At Hallett, I was the only Gen 3 in the Advanced group, and the car did very
well. Two of the three s/c cars passed me, as did John Qualich in his '90 (he's
an excellent driver), and one other Gen 1/2 in the second session when my brakes
were going away. They catch up in the straights, but I pull away in the turns.
My car has a stock suspension & tires, BTW (well, with what's left of the
now thoroughly trashed RSAs!!). It also depends on which suspension. Early
('96-'98) Gen 3s had the SARC, mine does not. Guys are switching off the SARC
for handling (to go to full stiff).
A Gen 1/2 with all of the suspension & frame stiffeners may very well do
better, but that stuff can also be added to a Gen 3. This is one area where the
Gen 3 does shine.
Ron Porter
Lake Orion, MI
'99 black 33K
Tony,
I drove a Gen III last summer, and was unimpressed. It seemed, well.. slow in
comparison to my Gen II. The chassis felt much stiffer, but the suspension was
softer than my Eibach'd and Tokico'd MTX, so it didn't handle as well. The
steering was better, but that's not saying much :). The exhaust note is
intoxicating, but the car can't back it up.
John Vitamvas
95 MTX
Tony Faye
You LIKE the GEN III? OK, get off the list! Just leave. I'm kidding of course.
Does the GEN III really corner that well? They look a lot bigger, and ummmm
floatier? They just look like they'd be better in a straight line. I drove one,
and hated it, but I can't remember why. If anyone wants one, I know a guy who's
selling one for $17,500. It's in awesome shape. (for sale in San Diego)
Tony Faye
Without racing on the twisties against a Gen 1 or Gen2 I do not know, from
experience. Doug in my Office was the guy who had the 93 MTX and talked me into
buying mine. Has been in the car numerous times and swears his felt like a wet
noodle. both being stock chassis. He said you could actually feel the floor
flexing in his under you feet. Thinks my car stock is just as stiff as his M3
and his modded 300zx convertible. Company prez also compliments on the ride and
handling and he has had numerous high-end sports cars over his 42 years. Someday
I will pull the SARC fuse to see what the hype is about but on our very shitty
city roads I'll live with any failings it might produce...
Clare Allenby
96 TR w/Graphite Cloth Interior
35% Window Tint
Chrome Explorer V8 Badges
P225/55/16 94V Yokohama Avid V4
Cherry Bomb Turbo II Mufflers
London, ON
Funny how some things change, A lot of early SHO owners were disappointed by Gen III styling and lack of a manual box back in 96'. Now we are getting a little respect and appreciation. The above dialogue is remarkable for its tone. No flames!!
The Gen III is coming into its own. It is not a Gen I, II direct replacement but is a great car in its own way. In my own experience I can (mod for mod) stay with a ATX Gen II SHO. I just can't touch the guys with the 5 speed advantage at any speed.
Buford