Well, coming from the world of Saab, who's been turbocharging their cars since 1978, I can say I have an affinity for both the small displacement turbo, as well as the ground-pounder of my GTO. Love 'em both. They're both fun as hell to drive, but very, very different. Both get looks, but from very different crowds.
However what I really love about the GTO is the very european feel -- my alternatives were Audi RS-4, Porsche Caymen or 911, or yet another Saab.
The price/performance equation was what sold it for me. The cheapest of that bunch was still 10 grand over the GTO, and 150 hp less. The Audi was over twice the price of the Goat, but only had 20 more HP. And Porsche, well, they're prices are stratospheric, granted the build quality is next to impossible to match.
I still have two "classic" Saab 900's, and probably won't ever get rid of them. But it's also clear to me that the GTO won't be leaving the stable either. Like I said, love turbo's, but love the "no replacement for displacement" mentality of the GTO just as much. I drive either when the mood strikes...
Oh, and btw, this is coming from the president of the D.C. area Saab Owner's Club, WASSAAB. :lol:
Jim Miller
'06 M6, Phantom Black, 18" wheels
'02 Saab 9-5 Aero SportWagon
'93 Saab 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition #116 of 325, heavily modified
'91 Saab 900 Turbo Special Edition Convertible, presently undergoing restoration