GT vs GT1 Can't decide

[Bobbyd]

If I could only afford the GT vs GT1 what would I be missing out on? Anyone buy a base GT and regret not buying a GT1 instead?

 

[brancky3]

If I could only afford the GT vs GT1 what would I be missing out on? Anyone buy a base GT and regret not buying a GT1 instead?

The interior of the GT1 is quite a bit more 'premium'. You'll get bigger screens, navigation, sunroof, electronic / magnetic suspension, and the premium sound system. Whether or not that's worth $6k (MSRP) to you is your decision. On the GT you could use CarPlay/ Android Auto for navigation and get an aftermarket stereo setup if you desire and be well under $6k extra. Personally I would see what kind of deals your dealer offers for each trim, you may be able to get a heavier discount on a higher trim to bring the prices closer to each other.

 

[Helo58]

I have considered all 3 trims based on early availability of colors and features. I ended up with a "base" GT. I honestly thought I would regret not having some of the features, but I could not justify the cost for me to have them. As it turns out, I love my "base" GT. I am 6' 4" so I am thankful not to have the sunroof. I need the headroom. Android Auto is fantastic with its incorporation of Waze and a variety of music choices and the features in AA make me not mind the smaller screen.

Things I do miss: Little things like the mirrors tilting down in reverse. Doesn't happen in the 2018 base GT. Sound system, I'd like a little more punch that the stock system. The base GT system sounds heavily front biased to be "loud" and although many assert that the subs under the seat work, I don't feel them or the air move. I am still investigating this so the jury is still out. Center screen between the gauges, would like if the blind spot system alerts showed up there but I can't seem to find it if it does.

All in all, I purchased the car for the looks and the powertrain. I enjoy those every single day. I am aware of the things that I would change but they don't bother me enough to spend $500 to fix, much less $6000. Either way, you will be happy but if you are on a budget, I think you can get by without the extras the GT1 package brings. For what it is worth, consider the driver assistance package and AWD regardless of the trim you choose.

 

[Oryan]

The only thing the GT1 has that I like enough to actually part ways with more money for is the upgraded audio system. If that were it's own option for a grand or so I'd happily do it. Pretty much everything else, like the bigger screen, NAV, the driving assists, electronic suspension, etc.. I can take it or leave it. I wouldn't mind the extra features if they happened to come standard, sure, but I don't see the reason to go out of my way to pay an extra 6k for them. I don't want a sunroof personally. I never use it on any car I've had that came with one and I was cross-shopping a couple of verts with the Stinger. If I cared that much about open air while driving I'd have gone with one of those. Honestly, if you can, sit in both, fiddle around with the features and try to notice if there's anything you missed having when you get out of a GT1 and into a GT.

 

[Bobbyd]

Thank you all... your responses are all great. Its nice to know helpful people still exist on the internet
And for anyone else who comes along... please share you thoughts as well. Thanks in advance to you as well.

 

[Josh bourgeois]

I was in the same boat in December. After testing both 2019 GT and GT1, I went with the GT. GT1 price to me was not worth the small extras. Not a sunroof person and i like seeing the full car all in white with out the sunroof. Now if its was a 2018... I may have up to a GT1 but the 2019 base GT now gets blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection and a limited-slip rear differential.

 

[Paihan Lee]

Thank you all... your responses are all great. Its nice to know helpful people still exist on the internet
And for anyone else who comes along... please share you thoughts as well. Thanks in advance to you as well.

I've had my GT for almost a year now and absolutely love it. I do not regret, one bit, about not going with a GT1 or GT2. Honestly, a couple of differences mentioned previously by the other members regarding the GT and GT1, I had no idea about...so I sometimes don't know what I'm missing out on with my GT. I rarely miss not having a sunroof, the stock system ain't bad, and I prefer plugging my phone in and using Waze over the car's navigation system. Good luck with your car shopping, but I'd recommend going with the GT to save some money. The car is amazing.

 

[MerlintheMad]

If I could only afford the GT vs GT1 what would I be missing out on? Anyone buy a base GT and regret not buying a GT1 instead?

I had three "must haves", in order of priority: the 3.3L engine, the Harman Kardon 15 speaker surround sound system and the sunroof. The GT has only the engine, priority number one. I didn't look into anything else, but I did say that I wanted to avoid paying for any of the "driver assist" nannies. I'd be happy as a clam with the GT if it had the HK and sunroof; i.e. all the other GT1 features, NAV, wider tablet, LCD features, are "meh" when it comes down to loving the car. They are all cool, of course, and I am glad I have them as added "toys". But enjoying the Gran Turismo experience (especially the high performance) is not dependent on any of them. AWD was negotiable, but in retrospect, I was glad to get it (and pay for it) in order to get the "must haves" in the color that my wife wanted. AWD has proven to be a great advantage this winter.

The base GT system sounds heavily front biased to be "loud" and although many assert that the subs under the seat work, I don't feel them or the air move. I am still investigating this so the jury is still out.

Did you try the dollar bill test? I can't feel "the air move" or any other feeling that the subs work either. But a dollar bill on a subwoofer test video on YouTube really fluttered the bill. They work! Being mounted in the floor turns the chassis into a sounding board as it were. The subs really kick in on a lot of heavy bass.

Its nice to know helpful people still exist on the internet

We are called "enthusiasts". And enthusiasts are helpful because they luuuv to talk about their cars. But you're welcome all the same.

 

[DarthVaderIX]

Nobody is missing out on any headroom by having the sunroof.. I appreciate all the technology in the top trim car. This is how I look at it..this car is not a rocket ship, as much as people in here tru and make it out to be. So if it’s not going to be fast, it’s going to have all the trimmings. Now if it were an rs3 or something like that and didn’t have ALL the features that’s fine, because it goes fast.

No need to read any further OP.

 

[DiabloStinger]

GT1 in 2019 have ventilated seats. That can be a deal maker for some.

 

[Desslok]

12,000 miles 6 months
very happy with a GT AWD.
happy with the sound system
a sunroof would have been nice, but not for the money, if it was a $1500 add on, i might have gone with it.

i bought it for the drive-train,power,looks,ride, room.

had to suddenly rush out Sunday morning-unexpectedly-with 5 minutes notice -and drive 30 miles on the highway to deliver something to my daughter that she forgot to bring with her to a competition.


---- i was happy about it!!

 

[Goodmang37]

If I could only afford the GT vs GT1 what would I be missing out on? Anyone buy a base GT and regret not buying a GT1 instead?

I purchased a GT and have been totally satisfied. I was really wanting to eliminate paying for things I don't really use...i.e. sunroof. So I really haven't missed anything even coming from an AMG Mercedes. Having Apple Carplay helps. I wouldn't mine having the bigger screen...but don't really miss it. I felt like the best bang for my buck came on the GT.

 

[Maddog2873]

I originally was looking at the GT, but ended up going with a GT1 in the end. As many have said it's completely up to you and what you determine is a "need" for the car you get. If you can enjoy a base GT then save some money and go that route. I had to make the same decision with the GT1. I was alright with the price on the GT1 and getting some of the extra's, but I didn't feel the need to spend more on the GT2 for the extras offered on that trim. It's all personal preference, just make the decision that's right for you.

Good luck!

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

If you can't afford a GT2...

Get an Optima.

Whoop!

 

[jimdr]

I dislike sunroofs in general, and particularly dislike the way it is implemented in the Stinger. What suits me best is a 2018 base GT AWD with Drivewise package. For 2019, Drivewise is only available on GT1 and GT2, both of which have a sunroof. I am very happy with my car.

 

[GenesisG70]

I did not want to have buyers remorse went to the best of the best GT2. Get a GT2 is money is not a big issue.

 

[eflyguy]

The interior of the GT1 is quite a bit more 'premium'. You'll get bigger screens, navigation, sunroof, electronic / magnetic suspension, and the premium sound system. Whether or not that's worth $6k (MSRP) to you is your decision.

That covers it.

 

[Lay]

Got a good deal on a 2018 "base" GT RWD in ceramic silver with rear window tint, limited slip differential, and safety package. I don't regret not getting the GT1 or GT2 unless I could have gotten one used for the same price. However, I love my car and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Only thing I wish I had was the gauges that gave you more info, but not a big deal breaker to me.

 

[Helo58]

Did you try the dollar bill test? I can't feel "the air move" or any other feeling that the subs work either. But a dollar bill on a subwoofer test video on YouTube really fluttered the bill. They work! Being mounted in the floor turns the chassis into a sounding board as it were. The subs really kick in on a lot of heavy bass.

That is a great idea that I will try tomorrow. Thanks!