*sigh* I guess I'm out

[Mike_TX]

Thanks for not beating me up too bad ... I know how internet enthusiast forums are. lol.

As to why I don't want the GT, it's partly the cost factor. I can afford it, but I just don't want to spend that kind of money right now. But it's mostly because I don't want 19" wheels (ride penalty), summer rubber (It does actually get cold in North Texas), nor staggered wheels (which seem to me to be an unnecessary complication and make 4-wheel rotation impossible). But in addition, that extra performance of the 3.3 is something I'd rarely get to use much in real life.

I may be over-analytical, but there were several other things I didn't mention that I didn't particularly like. But berating the car wasn't my objective.

As much as anything, I guess I was looking for something fresh and new. The Stinger has basically the same technology as my 2-year-old Optima, the controls are the same, the performance (of the 2.0) is the same, the feel is basically the same, and while the sheetmetal is new, I have to look twice at passing cars to distinguish a Stinger from an Optima.

I have no bad words for Stinger enthusiasts. You guys and girls love your Stingers, and I'm glad you do. It just somehow fails to stir ME.

Like the lady above said, different horses for different courses.

 

[ScottE]

I agree on the missing 360 camera - I really miss that, and rearward visibility isn't great. However, the Stinger does have a heated steering wheel with the right trim level.

But... You forget all that in a millisecond when you wake up the 3.3. Yeah, I'll keep my GT. ;-)

 

[MerlintheMad]

Thanks for not beating me up too bad ... I know how internet enthusiast forums are. lol.

As to why I don't want the GT, it's partly the cost factor. I can afford it, but I just don't want to spend that kind of money right now. But it's mostly because I don't want 19" wheels (ride penalty), summer rubber (It does actually get cold in North Texas), nor staggered wheels (which seem to me to be an unnecessary complication and make 4-wheel rotation impossible). But in addition, that extra performance of the 3.3 is something I'd rarely get to use much in real life.

I may be over-analytical, but there were several other things I didn't mention that I didn't particularly like. But berating the car wasn't my objective.

As much as anything, I guess I was looking for something fresh and new. The Stinger has basically the same technology as my 2-year-old Optima, the controls are the same, the performance (of the 2.0) is the same, the feel is basically the same, and while the sheetmetal is new, I have to look twice at passing cars to distinguish a Stinger from an Optima.

I have no bad words for Stinger enthusiasts. You guys and girls love your Stingers, and I'm glad you do. It just somehow fails to stir ME.

Like the lady above said, different horses for different courses.

Thanks for adding more details (answering my question).

Just to clarify, you don't have to have 19" rims, or go staggered, in other words.

"Fresh and new" was focused on the concept, the "gran turismo redefined"; which the Stinger pulls off very well. The tech, not so much; but it is adequate (and way beyond anything I've ever experienced in a car).

Optima or Stinger? Yes, I did that the first few weeks I had my car. The Optima even fooled my car crazy grandson at first, just once though. But looks can be deceptive. They are nothing alike as drives. And now the US MY19 Stinger has the missing stuff that the Optima (and Canadian Stingers) have.

I can understand the money qualms, especially if the car isn't "calling to you", which by your words it definitely is not. The universe is in balance: because this car called to me softly and insistently for months. Timing in my life has a lot to do with it too. My first road trip in the Stinger, one month after the previous road trip, was to a funeral in TX. I had made the previous trip to TX to see our battling daughter-in-law (one last time, every cell in my body told me; but I refused to believe outwardly). Within a few days of returning home, I bought the Stinger. And then a couple of weeks later, retraced my journey for her obsequies. The drive down and back was fantastic, underscoring the rightness of my decision to get this car. (Not exactly your typical car buying story, I know.)

 

[Waynerm002]

As a fellow Optima owner (hybrid version) and forum member, Mike and I have gone back and forth on this. He like the idea of the Stinger but gets caught up on the tech or lack of it on the Stinger. I was also considering the Stinger Premium but was disappointed on my first few drives of that vehicle. The last one I drove, I was quite happy with, it handled well and was quite nimble and the power was decent, similar to the Volvo T5 R-Design I had and for me the majority of what I have in that car was there. The ride in that car was not jittery, I checked the tire pressure and adjusted before the drive and we might have gotten that one, but after some bad roads and the noise, I couldn't go that route knowing the noise level would be higher than the Optima for a car that costs more. That is also a reason we didn't go for one of the newer Volvos, although word is the upcoming S/V60 should be better, that's another discussion for later.

The GT version was it and I went to a GT2 with all the bells and whistles, 360 camera was not a thing I concerned myself about but I needed the heated steering wheel so I went AWD and I got mine for about what a GT sells for. Visibility I got used to and I don't much use the cameras as I'm used to mirrors, people keep asking me why I don't look at the screen when I am backing up, I'm just used to my way of doing it and it works. In a few years when they add more features in it, Mike will want one but then his next complaint will be why is it so expensive.

 

[eflyguy]

As to why I don't want the GT, it's partly the cost factor. I can afford it, but I just don't want to spend that kind of money right now.

I read your first post and thought "but all of that is different with the '19 AWD GT2", then saw this one.

So, I get it. For me, I was ready to spend twice what my Stinger cost on German (and a couple of Asian) alternatives, and had driven all of them, and now have no regrets. Cost was never a factor - but value was. That's where the Stinger shines, in my opinion. I don't understand why they even offered the Stinger with the 2.0, I don't see any advantage over the Optima, other than styling - but they're being sold, so what do I know.

I smile every time I drive this car. It starts from the moment I settle into the wonderful seat and press that "fun commence" button.. and is amplified every time I see an AMG or M-class rumbling along. SURE! Many are faster in a straight line, but I'm here in my lil' ol' Kia that barely cost more than my Sorento, and there aren't many places I care to drive that those $100k+ cars would shame me - especially considering how freaking huge it is compared to some of that "competition".

So, no hard feelings, to each their own, I would love to hear what you eventually decide on, and why.

 

[Waynerm002]

When this car was announced, I never thought a 2.0T version was in the mix. Once they came to market, I was happy about it but the packaging they did was pushing you to the 3.3T if you wanted it all, even though they showed a 2.0T in GT guise all across the country. Before that I was thinking of getting the A5 Sportback drove it and the and it was no comparison, when I specced it up online, the Stinger GT came out on top. Mike you can get an AWD GT2 (you just need to go all in) with the 18" wheel option, kill the factory tires over time and then get better ones later. This car is a great car to drive, even if you aren't going full tilt. I keep mine out of Sport mode as it just gets going so fast, leaving everything behind that it could make you a target. I cruise in comfort mostly, sometimes in smart, custom is comfort with sport setting on the suspension. Wait a bit longer, the incentives will get better later in the year and you can look then or wait until the mid-cycle refresh to jump in.

 

[Jimmer]

Seems quite a few think the optima and stinger look a lot alike, but I just cant see it. The Optima is good looking, the Stinger is gorgeous and sexy. When I first saw the optima I was like that's nice looking (And it still is) but when I saw the Stinger I was hooked hard and fast. It probably helps that the first time I saw the Stinger it was in person from 3 feet away.

I've parked my car next to optimas a few times, I just cant see a big resemblance.

 

[TwiceStung]

The great thing about cars is each person has a choice to make it their own.....either stock or modified. Personally, while I like the current “cheap” gas, it won’t be this cheap forever. The 2.0 Premium on premium is enough. Also wonder how many owners of Optimas get asked the question.....”wow, what is that?” or get a “thumbs up” from other drivers. Nuff said. The hatchback space is a real seller. The other night I had to pass one of many slow left lane drivers. Looked down and realized I was going 98mph. Don’t need the V6. This car has more tech than any I’ve ever had the privilege to own......not all fine-tuned maybe to their best....but still very nice. The seats are soooo comfy and the handling more than good enough for daily driving. To my friend in Texas....make the choice that is right for YOU and nobody else, well, maybe except for the wife.

 

[Mike_TX]

Okay, hold the phone. I thought about it some more and said what the hell. I can't beat the deal I'm getting. lol.

My dealer is on his way back from a neighboring dealer right now with my Black/Black 2.0 Premium. They're going to try and get it ready tonight, since after today they're closed until after Christmas.

Don't ban me, bro.

(It HAS been a nice discussion, right?)

 

[jhdc]

I could see an argument that the 2.0 Stinger may be compelling over the Optima just because it has AWD and is a four door hatchback, but I'd feel the same about the 360 camera. It's a hell of a useful feature.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

So I guess your back in...

 

[Mike_TX]

So I guess your back in...View attachment 17004

Yep. In like Flynn. Unless I change my mind or something. (just kidding)

 

[Kamauxx]

Wow, what a difference 23 hours make.

Congrats!

 

[eflyguy]

Lol.. atta boy..

 

[AV8R]

Unfortunately here in Australia, we only get one choice, the RWD but it's better as you said than a FWD Optima. If we could get the AWD Stinger, that is the one I would purchase.
,

AWD is a 80/20 power split to wheels. Whereas a RWD 100% the back wheels. AWD is also heavier.

 

[AV8R]

Okay, hold the phone. I thought about it some more and said what the hell. I can't beat the deal I'm getting. lol.

My dealer is on his way back from a neighboring dealer right now with my Black/Black 2.0 Premium. They're going to try and get it ready tonight, since after today they're closed until after Christmas.

Don't ban me, bro.

(It HAS been a nice discussion, right?)

Yahoo bro, well done! Welcome to the family.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I can't beat the deal I'm getting. lol.

What was your out the door price, if you don't mind sharing (after all this drama)?

 

[TwiceStung]

Way to go! Way to go! Don’t look back and enjoy the smiles per mile.

 

[eflyguy]

AWD is a 80/20 power split to wheels. Whereas a RWD 100% the back wheels. AWD is also heavier.

"Up to" 80/20, but also "down to" 50/50. I'm sure you've driven other AWD cars, but the 50/50 split on a powerful car makes for a fantastic driving experience on twisty roads. The Stinger is not as nimble as a shorter wheelbase vehicle, but the AWD effortlessly out-performs many "American muscle" RWD vehicles on the roads I enjoy most. It's all fun and games throwing the rear end of a performance car around, but when you're making repeated runs on a road with 318 curves in 11 miles with oncoming traffic, you'd better be on top of your game every second. I've done it. I've ridden it dozens of times as well. The Stinger makes it easy to go blisteringly fast, probably faster than I care to ride - but I'm not timing myself.

The only problem is, when you lose it at those speeds - oh boy, you'd better be quick to respond. I've had a couple of those moments as well.

 

[TwiceStung]

"Up to" 80/20, but also "down to" 50/50. I'm sure you've driven other AWD cars, but the 50/50 split on a powerful car makes for a fantastic driving experience on twisty roads. The Stinger is not as nimble as a shorter wheelbase vehicle, but the AWD effortlessly out-performs many "American muscle" RWD vehicles on the roads I enjoy most. It's all fun and games throwing the rear end of a performance car around, but when you're making repeated runs on a road with 318 curves in 11 miles with oncoming traffic, you'd better be on top of your game every second. I've done it. I've ridden it dozens of times as well. The Stinger makes it easy to go blisteringly fast, probably faster than I care to ride - but I'm not timing myself.

The only problem is, when you lose it at those speeds - oh boy, you'd better be quick to respond. I've had a couple of those moments as well.

And if you ever want just RWD, pull the fuse! Lol