Base (2.0t) or GT (3.3t)?...Can't decide!

[Namuna]

I'm looking to buy a new car and have finally decided it's going to be a Stinger. The practical side of me says go with the perfectly good base(2.0t) version, save the money/gas...But the adventurous side says splurge for the GT and it ain't that much worse on gas!

So I try to break it down...

Arguments for Base:
* Considerably less expensive.
* Reviews say even though it's a smaller engine, it's still got plenty of pep.
* Better on gas.
* Even if I do feel wanting for power later, it seems there are some pretty decent aftermarket upgrades to add the oomph.

Arguments for GT:
* All the (rightful) hype is for the GT.
* Oomph!
* Resale value would be higher.
* Even though not the greatest on MPG, I really don't drive that often.

But still I can't decide! Anyone else been in this spot? How did you finally decide?

 

[MisterMac]

It was easy for me. I can't even make myself settle for less than the most of whatever it is I want. This allows me to enjoy life without regrets. When I was younger, I would settle for less, but always found myself wanting more....more power, more toys, more quiet, more fun....then I'd trade in the less for the best and multiply my costs. I actually save money going all-in to begin with!

 

[Namuna]

...I actually save money going all-in to begin with!

hehe, I like that.

 

[Grizzog]

That's really up to you.

I went with the 3.3T because I missed the effortless power of a turbo 6 and the smoothness. The 2.0 definitely has its benefits and I would imagine it is plenty fast enough for the road.

 

[Davidtt485]

I went Premium i couldn't justify the speeds living in Central FL, So i went for options over speed

 

[BlaydeX15]

GT all the way... As long as it's not killing your budget. The v6 is grin inducing even staying at legal speeds, and the gas mileage difference isn't that big. I'm pulling like 25.5 lifetime mileage on mine according to fuelly, and the 2.0 drivers aren't much better... That being said, city driving murders mileage, and I don't do any of that.

It's not just the engine though. With the GT you get the black chrome accents, the more aggressive looking bumpers, the body color door handles, the GT steering wheel, nicer wheels+tires, better brakes, fancy metal pedals and door sills, 3 more speakers, LED headlights, auto hold, and of course, the bigger engine.

Some of that is just looks, but I like the look of the GT over the 2.0.

 

[JasonC3962]

If you enjoying driving, get the GT!

 

[Namuna]

Thanks for all the replies folks, it's much appreciated.

I've decided I'm going for the GT! Now I gotta get out there and get it!

 

[MerlintheMad]

3 more speakers,

Actually, six more speakers. Three per door, two subs and central. The base stinger and GT have two speakers in the forward doors, two subs, a speaker in each rear door and a central. (I think that's how we determined the nine speaker system layout; it doesn't match what is/was on the website).

 

[BlaydeX15]

Actually, six more speakers. Three per door, two subs and central. The base stinger and GT have two speakers in the forward doors, two subs, a speaker in each rear door and a central. (I think that's how we determined the nine speaker system layout; it doesn't match what is/was on the website).

Nah, the base has 6, the GT has 9, and the H/K system is 12. The base model just has 2 in each front door (one full range, one tweeter), and 1 in each rear door. The GT doesn't match the site, but I think it just adds 2 subs and a center speaker to that config.

 

[SteveCo]

Nah, the base has 6, the GT has 9, and the H/K system is 12. The base model just has 2 in each front door (one full range, one tweeter), and 1 in each rear door. The GT doesn't match the site, but I think it just adds 2 subs and a center speaker to that config.

The top level trim has a total of 15, as @MerlintheMad stated - 3 in each door, 2 subs, and a central speaker in the dash.

 

[brancky3]

Nah, the base has 6, the GT has 9, and the H/K system is 12. The base model just has 2 in each front door (one full range, one tweeter), and 1 in each rear door. The GT doesn't match the site, but I think it just adds 2 subs and a center speaker to that config.

H/K system is listed as 15 speakers.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Nah, the base has 6, the GT has 9, and the H/K system is 12. The base model just has 2 in each front door (one full range, one tweeter), and 1 in each rear door. The GT doesn't match the site, but I think it just adds 2 subs and a center speaker to that config.

This is the first I've heard that the Stinger Base only has six speakers. My understanding is that other than the Harman Kardon 15 speaker system the standard is 9 speakers.

 

[rocket23]

This is the first I've heard that the Stinger Base only has six speakers. My understanding is that other than the Harman Kardon 15 speaker system the standard is 9 speakers.

nope 6...but it's an alright system......I'll add a sub and a separate amp someday.

 

[Ron]

If you can afford the GT2 without it taking away from your other responsibilities go for it.
don't want to say shouda wouda cuda .
Just sayin.
Your not buying the car for just the number of speakers your buying a total experience.

 

[MerlintheMad]

nope 6...but it's an alright system......I'll add a sub and a separate amp someday.

Huh! We had a whole thread on this topic a few months back. And @Waynerm002 pointed out that the Kia "build" feature and the literature for trims said that the non Harman Kardon system was a nine speaker setup with two speakers in each door and a central speaker. But owners began to chime in with, "Nope, mine has two speakers in each front door, a single speaker in each back door, a subwoofer under each front seat and a central speaker." We decided from the discrepancy that Kia had dispensed with the "standard" speaker arrangement and modified it. Apparently there are several non Harman Kardon speaker arrangements in Base and GT Stingers!

 

[rocket23]

yup,no subs or center speaker in mine. It's more like a basement rather than a base!

 

[IndyStinger]

I went with the Premium AWD w/driver assist package. As much as I love me a twin-turbo V6, with the incentives on the Premium at the time it ended up being so much cheaper than a decently equipped GT that I just couldn't justify the price difference. I find that as a daily driver, not only is the 2.0T more than sufficient, but it's really damn fun in its own right.

There is a weight difference between the two, especially up front, and it's apparent when driving. To me, the 2.0T feels a little easier to steer around tight corners. I think it all comes down to which one makes you feel better and doesn't make your wallet cry

 

[rocket23]

you get a lot of car either way....there is no question on that.

 

[Mike_TX]

One consideration might be the tires. The GT comes with summer tires, and in staggered sizes. So unless you live up north and regularly swap out for winter rubber, you'll find those summers aren't real good in the occasional ice and snow ... or even the wet.

And summer rubber has a way of erasing itself faster that all-seasons, so buying 19's in two sizes is gonna hurt the pocketbook. Maybe I'm too practical.