Convince Me To Keep My Stinger GT1

[Molatte]

Hello,

First and foremost, before anyone flames me or anything of the sort let me just go ahead and say that I love the Stinger. I love how it drives and I love the styling of it. I love how it has 'mystique' do to the fact that there's not many Stingers out there on the road and I love how many people on the road (at least ones that I've encountered) have all basically tried to 'play' with my Stinger whenever they see it. G37/Q60s, Mustang GTs, M2, C63, RS3, 370Z and even RC-Fs are some of the cars that I've had the pleasure of playing with on the road. I love all the attention that it gets, I really do.

BUT!

Sadly to say, it looks like I might have to give up my Stinger GT in place of something more comfortable. While I do have lots of fun driving the Stinger around, my soon-to-be wife is the one that is against it. I do lots of last minute vacation out of state and when we drive the Stinger we always end up being really banged up. Its just too stiff.

Now I don't know if this is because the suspension in the GT1 is different than the ones in GT2, which I doubt, but its definitely stiff. Every time I hit anything that's not smooth on the road, I can really feel it slam the car. I drive the Stinger in comfort mode 85% of the time because the other 15% I only do for quick accelerations or for launch control for when I wanna have some fun. Maybe the seats? Because I do know that the leather in the GT1 is like faux leather that are similar to what Lexus uses on some of their lineup (IS/RC) but I can't imagine Nappa Leather being a factor in how stiff the seats are?

But nevertheless, the vote is towards letting go of the Stinger once we hit one year anniversary on the car, which is this upcoming May.

We have some choices that I've considered:

1) Lexus RC-F (trying to find CPO)
2) Lexus RC 350 FSport (even though its a big downgrade in terms of power, its actually very fun to drive)
3) Audi S5 Coupe (unlikely)
4) Infiniti Q60 RS
5) Mercedes C43 AMG (unlikely given how I've heard its stiff as well)
6) Mustang GT
7) A lightly used Shelby GT350

I haven't included any BMWs because the other car that I have is a 440i GC M-Sport so I don't want to feel like I have one only 1 car lol

But the point is....it is extremely confusing to find a proper replacement for the Stinger. It really is.

So please, convince me with some modification ideas or something that'll make me stay with the Stinger. Otherwise, give me ideas for a proper replacement.

Thank you!

 

[OliverNuther]

Don’t even try to keep it. If the wife is against the car, your life is never going to be the same again. Let her test drive the cars on your list and buy the one she likes best.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Or if you love it, keep it as your DD & buy the one your wife likes & use that for vacations as well as her DD, win win for you both.

 

[Molatte]

Don’t even try to keep it. If the wife is against the car, your life is never going to be the same again. Let her test drive the cars on your list and buy the one she likes best.

Haha yeah I know what you mean. When I first bought it for her, she loved it! She said that it was the perfect combination of sexy and sporty-ish (she doesn't really understand cars lol) but when I took the first long trip with the Stinger from Atlanta to Destin (which was around 600 miles round trip?) her perception changed. She immediately said the car is not comfortable because her back is killing her from sitting in the Stinger. Now, in comparison, I took the 440i from Atlanta to Clearwater (which is around 700 miles round trip I believe) all she did was just sleep the whole trip and never complained about her back hurting or anything.

...I drive mostly in comfort because she gets real scared easily in Sport mode lol.

She's tried the RC350 and she liked how smooth and sexy it was but hated how small it was inside. She hasn't tried the AMG but I guess when I tell her its stiffer than the Stinger she'll hate it (personally I haven't tried it yet). Mustangs she doesn't care for, that's me lol.

I told her maybe we can change the springs and it'll get comfortable and she didn't believe me.

Or if you love it, keep it as your DD & buy the one your wife likes & use that for vacations as well as her DD, win win for you both.

We both work together so we take the same car together. Sometimes we drive the Stinger sometimes we use the 440i on our commutes. So as far as buying another car goes, we don't another car lol.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Nope. Go by a flippin Kia.




Oh. Wait. Uhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[Molatte]

Nope. Go by a flippin Kia.




Oh. Wait. Uhhhhhhhhhhhh

If someone can actually prove to me the GT2 is actually less stiff than the GT1 I'll be willing to test drive it and swap out LOL

 

[nhcowboy28]

If someone can actually prove to me the GT2 is actually less stiff than the GT1 I'll be willing to test drive it and swap out LOL

I believe the GT1 / GT2 both have the electronically controls dampers. So if you drive in eco/comfort, they are the same between the two trims.

So no, won’t be any different

Go buy a suv. Enjoy the boat/disconnected feel!!

 

[Molatte]

I believe the GT1 / GT2 both have the electronically controls dampers. So if you drive in eco/comfort, they are the same between the two trims.

So no, won’t be any different

Go buy a suv. Enjoy the boat/disconnected feel!!

Wife hates SUVS LOL.

 

[Flameangel]

Don’t even try to keep it. If the wife is against the car, your life is never going to be the same again. Let her test drive the cars on your list and buy the one she likes best.

Yes, you know what they say " Happy Wife, Happy Life " my hubby knows this down pat.

 

[Dennis]

Interesting thread! Hearing the Stinger is too stiff for long trips...maybe different folks have different strokes I actually do find the Stinger relatively comfortable but not luxury comfort. IMHO the seats of the Stinger is way more comfortable to the 440i in terms of size, stiffness and support. I am probably thinking that the comfort you are mentioning is related to the suspension. The Stinger generally have a shorter stroke versus the 440i therefore the damping is probably lesser and have a higher spring rate to compensate. The Stinger is setup to be sportier even its a GT type of car. For me I enjoy it every minute as having a car with more travel and isolation will be great for comfort but when time for some involvement this is where the latter disappoints... in fact its a good combination for me as I prefer a car to be more invloving but not over the top.

Lets see those you shortlisted:
1) RCF I am pretty sure its not as comfy or maybe worst in comparison to Stinger in terms of ride..
2) RC350 luxury version probably will be decent but I believe you will miss the Stinger after a couple of months even though it may ride slightly better. Especially in terms of vehicle dynamics.
3) Audi suspension travel has always been shorter and the rebound of Audis in general is quicker therefore if you value comfort maybe you can give this a miss in comparison to the Stinger.
4) Infiniti Q60RS its a great car on paper, looks, engine note but The redspoort is still a sportier version of the regular Q60 why not just get a regular version? Since comfort was a determining factor in changing. Getting a redsport maybe a slight compromise on the ride quality too.
5) C43 is a car that sounds musical and a very exciting drive but hampers in the ride and drone from the exhaust when you are doing long distances.
6) Mustang no experience on this.
7) Shelby GT350 no experience on this.

Even with with the long lists of choices there is always compromises its just which drive characteristic you value more. If a car generally suits you in normal mode whether in ride, performance and steering feel its probably the correct car for you. If you need to fumble with the drive modes to alter the characteristic to suit your driving style than in my opinion it will not last you long. Happy hunting

 

[mhal8876]

@Molatte Have you search the forum why stinger owner complaints the ride of the car that it's floaty and loose not stiff. That's why they changed the springs and sway bars to make it ride better. And your the opposite lol.

 

[Molatte]

Interesting thread! Hearing the Stinger is too stiff for long trips...maybe different folks have different strokes I actually do find the Stinger relatively comfortable but not luxury comfort. IMHO the seats of the Stinger is way more comfortable to the 440i in terms of size, stiffness and support. I am probably thinking that the comfort you are mentioning is related to the suspension. The Stinger generally have a shorter stroke versus the 440i therefore the damping is probably lesser and have a higher spring rate to compensate. The Stinger is setup to be sportier even its a GT type of car. For me I enjoy it every minute as having a car with more travel and isolation will be great for comfort but when time for some involvement this is where the latter disappoints... in fact its a good combination for me as I prefer a car to be more invloving but not over the top.

Lets see those you shortlisted:
1) RCF I am pretty sure its not as comfy or maybe worst in comparison to Stinger in terms of ride..
2) RC350 luxury version probably will be decent but I believe you will miss the Stinger after a couple of months even though it may ride slightly better. Especially in terms of vehicle dynamics.
3) Audi suspension travel has always been shorter and the rebound of Audis in general is quicker therefore if you value comfort maybe you can give this a miss in comparison to the Stinger.
4) Infiniti Q60RS its a great car on paper, looks, engine note but The redspoort is still a sportier version of the regular Q60 why not just get a regular version? Since comfort was a determining factor in changing. Getting a redsport maybe a slight compromise on the ride quality too.
5) C43 is a car that sounds musical and a very exciting drive but hampers in the ride and drone from the exhaust when you are doing long distances.
6) Mustang no experience on this.
7) Shelby GT350 no experience on this.

Even with with the long lists of choices there is always compromises its just which drive characteristic you value more. If a car generally suits you in normal mode whether in ride, performance and steering feel its probably the correct car for you. If you need to fumble with the drive modes to alter the characteristic to suit your driving style than in my opinion it will not last you long. Happy hunting

Don't get me wrong, I do think that the seats in the Stinger are better than the ones in 440i. But its just that when I take long trips or so, my lower back always screams in pain LOL but I guess that damping explanation you provided makes sense and thank you for that!

1) I never test drove the RCF, I want to though. That glorious V8.
2) I haven't let go of the Stinger and sometimes miss it already. I DD the Stinger more than the 440i because I like driving it more honestly. Lol.
3) Well the Wifey did say that the S5 we test drove was kind of boring...lol..
4) Because the regular Q60 is terrible in comparison to the Stinger. The RS is a worthy replacement and when we test drove it she loved it because of how sexy and comfortable the seats were. I actually put my foot on the floor on a RS when I test drove it and she wasn't scared for some reason.
5) If I'm not mistaken, I read somewhere that between the 440i / S5 / C43, the C43 is actually the stiffest of em all but I'll have rto try.
6) I took the Ecoboost version of the Mustang from Vegas to LA and she hated hated it lol. Maybe if it sounds louder she'll like it? She does like loud exhaust sounds (she likes burbles lol)
7) I'm sure she'll complain about this one. I just wanted a GT350.

Thanks for your reply man!

 

[Molatte]

@Molatte Have you search the forum why stinger owner complaints the ride of the car that it's floaty and loose not stiff. That's why they changed the springs and sway bars to make it ride better. And your the opposite lol.

I do feel its floaty and loose whenever I do drive it hard. Its just that over long drives my back hurts when driving lol

 

[Dennis]

Floaty maybe too strong a statement and it depends on your expectation and the ride you are comparing to. For me removing the slight floatiness will have immediate effect on the way the car rides as its a slight compromise KIA had to dial in to engage yet having some form of GT ride. I do understand and agree that during spirited driving the rear end can be slightly more button down.... maybe as the rest whom had use the sway bars to compensate maybe a viable option but like most will drive it as it is...

 

[Molatte]

Guys don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to nitpick about the Stinger or anything. In fact, I have a full list of mods waiting to put on this baby its just that wife said hold on and consider. So yeah.

 

[Dennis]

Dont get me wrong too... I am just sharing my experiences... no personal agenda or towards others！ Just chipping in some words thats all lol....

I do feel its floaty and loose whenever I do drive it hard. Its just that over long drives my back hurts when driving lol

Guys don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to nitpick about the Stinger or anything. In fact, I have a full list of mods waiting to put on this baby its just that wife said hold on and consider. So yeah.

 

[Waynerm002]

2 things I can think of, the tire pressure is probably too high and you might want to get some tires that aren’t as stiff as the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (i’m Assuming this is what you have on the car). My Stinger’s ride isn’t harsh since I changed the tires to some Nitto Motivo’s, now they aren’t the best in inclement weather and my sliding off the road proved to me Saturday night but, as a 3 season tire, they are certainly some of the most comfortable I and others here, have ever driven on. I’ve been up to NY with the Nittos and if you have been up there, you know they have some crappy roads however, those tires make the car feel the best so far.

As far as the having back aches, maybe you haven’t adjusted the seats correctly. I say this as the first few weeks, I was trying to adjust mine similar to how I would in the Optima. It wasn’t until after a car wash and my wife saved her setting in my position that I had to drive in that new position from the wash and then slightly tune it that I finally got it right. I zeroed out everything (found the lumbar was set forward too much) and started fresh. Ended up tuning it on a long road trip and then I found the right position. You could just go to a dealer to try a GT2 to see if it any different but I would also remind you to check the tire pressure as they tend to over inflate them, up to 50 psi, make sure it is set to 38/36 (F/R) for the 19” setup. Not sure what the 18’s are but you can check the plaque at the door for that info. Keep us posted.

Oh yeah, you might want to also look at the 2019 K900 if Comfort is your thing. It has the same engine, is a lot more luxurious, rides softer but is a tad slower and has a few more creature comforts. Just a thought.

 

[Jimmer]

My wife and I took a 7 hour trip and we felt great when we got out of the car. To me, the seats are incredibly comfy and the ride is incredibly smooth. Then again, my wife and I are in our forties (I can only say that about myself for 7+ months).

Like the poster before me, I'd suggest the K900 for you and your wife though.

 

[Soca Boy]

Very car on that list aren’t going to be any better then the Stinger. You should test drive them but, I think you might be looking for a family car or SUV.

 

[Chark]

The Genesis G70 shares the same mechanical platform, but tuned differently and higher level of luxury. You could also consider the Genesis G80 Sport - same engine, but even more luxury. Good luck.