Astra GTC or Focus zetec S

[Jonny ///M]

They use the F40 box which does not have the dodgy bearing like the M32 but can be stiff when cold.

Aye I've heard that's the better box that is used on some saabs?

My M32 is a pile of crap but the Z16LET is a nice enough engine.

 

[MOOGLEYS]

I replaced the bearings in my VXR's M32 before I sold it a few years back. Vauxhall sell the updated bearings with the shim kit as well.

It should have been a recall especially on the VXR models although the failure levels were not as bad as made out tbh.

 

[ADT]

The Astra, much nicer and you won't have to deal with the spaceship orientated instrument clusters in the focus

 

[scrivz69]

I just bought a focus and before buying I tried an astra, went for the focus as the drive was a lot nicer and a lot quieter.

 

[woofercooker]

Does the GTC drive and handle like the regular astra assuming both in sri trim?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Does the GTC drive and handle like the regular astra assuming both in sri trim?

It is a regular Astra, so presumably yes? It's just a cool name for the 3 door.

 

[Joe T]

It has a specifically tuned suspension, plus the addition of HiperStrut front suspension. The handling is very different from the 5 door. The HiperStrut in particular (as fitted to the Insignia VXR) does a great job of quelling understeer - you can really push it through a corner.

 

[MOOGLEYS]

The GTC is quite different to the 5 door mechanically but having owned both I never found the GTC much better than my now 5 door tbh.

 

[Joe T]

The GTC is quite different to the 5 door mechanically but having owned both I never found the GTC much better than my now 5 door tbh.

I reckon if you went the other way (as I did) you'd notice the differences more.

 

[MOOGLEYS]

I reckon if you went the other way (as I did) you'd notice the differences more.

More than likely but I'm not a spirited driver so handling well for me is probably different to others.

 

[Joe T]