What is the better spec 3.2? GSi or Elite?

**Elite2.2DTi** · 23rd August 2006, 09:28

Been asked which is better from a friend of mine, and to be honest i cant really tell the difference, apart from the alloys.

No doubt the endless amount of knowledge on here will come to a decision.

**Harry** · 23rd August 2006, 09:38

there are a few styling differences aswell isn't there??! the gsi's have got the sri styling of smoke front and rear lights, different bumpers, boot lip spoiler etc.

also the suspension setup is different, gsi is stiffer than the elite.

but you get alot more electrical toys on the elite as standard along with the leather

**Andy** · 23rd August 2006, 09:46

They are totally different specced cars following different routes so comparing ‘spec’ is like asking which is the better colour ‘red or blue’….

Forget engines, as both models came with the same engine options, so it comes down to trim and suspension.

If you want a more sporty ride, slightly firmer over bumps then the Gsi wins. If you want soft suspension, go with the elite.

Trim wise, the elite has full leather as standard, although not sport styled. The Gsi has half leather as standard but in more figure hugging style. To confuse things, the Sri and Gsi actually have full leather as an option.

Toys wise, the spec changes depending on what year the car is and what options the owner picked. As a guide, the elite comes with 4 CD in dash changer, rear interior light, auto wipers, dimming mirror etc (all an option only on later cars), dual climate control rather than aircon, heated leather,elec windows allround, not just front etc. Basically its more luxury orientated but lose out on external eqiupment like sport styling from the bumpers, spoilers etc.

But as been said many times, its easier to 'Sri' an Elite than to 'elite' an sri.

**Bainie** · 23rd August 2006, 10:42

I am a sporty car man through and through so the GSi would appeal to me as I am a badge snob *lol*, But as Andy says it is easier to GSi an Elite than the other way, so I reckon if I were buying another Vec, and the VXR was out of the picture, I would buy an Elite and Lower it & change the wood effect trim, body kit and 19`s ... Bobs your uncle ...

**AJA** · 23rd August 2006, 11:15

Originally Posted by Andy

Forget engines, as both models came with the same engine options, so it comes down to trim and suspension.

GSI is strictly a 3.2 V6

. I think Andy has grouped the SRI and GSI together

.

If I was advising anyone, and fuel economy wasn't an issue for them, I'd tell them to go for the GSI. In my opinion it will become a cult car as Vx have dropped the badge in favour of VXR.

**Andy** · 23rd August 2006, 11:17

Originally Posted by AJA

GSI is strictly a 3.2 V6

Thanks Alex.

**MalcGSI** · 23rd August 2006, 12:45

My late model GSI 05 plate still has 6 CD autochanger, rear interior light, all round elec windows and dual climate control.

**yorkshireborn** · 16th September 2006, 10:31

my 53 reg GSi has sunglasses holder, rear interior light, auto dimming rear mirror, auto wipers, night light, 4CD auto changer, duel climate control, elictric windows all round, i dont think the elite has much more

**Elite2.2DTi** · 16th September 2006, 23:28

I know that my Elite has all the above, i think that as said before the GSI is more sporty and the Elite is more luxurious.

**neilgsi** · 17th September 2006, 08:50

Depends on what the car has on it. I looked at both the elite & GSI. Prefered the sportier GSI looks wise and the fact the one i found had all the gadgets (colour screen, sat nav, in dash changer, dual zone climate, all round electrics etc.) swung it for me.

Its worth looking around and finding the exact spec you want. It took me 2 months, but i was happy in the end.