Top 10 Grand Tourers 2005 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Bentley Continental GT 2005

The 2005 Bentley Continental GT earns the top spot with a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 producing 552 horsepower and 479 lb-ft, launching it from 0-60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds. It weighs about 5,300 pounds yet pairs all-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic and a 198-mph top speed. Hand-stitched leather, real wood veneers, and a $160,000 base price made it the definitive grand tourer of its era.

This car suits buyers who want continent-crossing speed wrapped in old-world craftsmanship and can absorb its heavy fuel consumption and costly maintenance. It trades sharp handling for wafting comfort, and its mass shows in corners. Against the DB9 below it, the Bentley offers more power and all-weather traction but less delicate steering feel.

2. Aston Martin DB9 2005

The 2005 Aston Martin DB9 ranks second on the strength of its 5.9-liter V12 making 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. Its bonded aluminum structure kept weight near 3,800 pounds, and the optional six-speed manual or ZF automatic gave genuine driver choice. A $155,000 price and 186-mph top speed matched the Continental GT blow for blow.

This is for drivers who prioritize steering feel and a sonorous V12 over outright grip and cabin opulence. It trades rear-seat space and trunk volume for a slimmer, more athletic shape. Compared with the Bentley above, the DB9 is lighter and more engaging but down on torque and all-weather confidence.

3. Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG 2005

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG takes third with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 rated at 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. Its retractable hardtop folds in roughly 16 seconds, and Active Body Control curbed body roll. Pricing started near $125,000, with a 155-mph electronically limited top speed.

This suits buyers wanting open-air luxury and brutal straight-line pace in one package. It trades steering purity and rear-seat usability for a folding roof and effortless torque. Against the DB9 above it, the SL55 is quicker in a straight line but heavier and less tactile through corners.

4. BMW 650i Coupe 2005

The 2005 BMW 650i Coupe places fourth with a 4.8-liter V8 producing 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft, sprinting to 60 mph in around 5.4 seconds. It offered a six-speed manual or automatic, active roll stabilization, and a $70,000 starting price. Its 155-mph limited top speed and 2+2 layout made it a genuine long-distance cruiser.

This is for buyers who want grand-touring comfort at roughly half the price of the cars above it. It trades outright power and exclusivity for lower running costs and a bigger dealer network. Compared with the SL55 above, the 650i is slower and less dramatic but cheaper and more practical daily.

5. Jaguar XK8 Coupe 2005

The 2005 Jaguar XK8 Coupe ranks fifth with a 4.2-liter V8 making 294 horsepower and 303 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. Its aluminum-intensive body and elegant proportions dated to 1996, but the 2005 model carried a roughly $70,000 price and a 155-mph top speed. Rear seats were nominal, and the ride prioritized comfort.

This suits buyers chasing classic British style and a relaxed V8 character on a tighter budget. It trades modern chassis sophistication and pace for charm and lower entry cost. Against the 650i above, the XK8 is softer and slower but arguably more distinctive in appearance.

6. Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa 2005

The 2005 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa takes sixth with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 390 horsepower and 333 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in roughly 4.9 seconds. Its Cambiocorsa automated manual and rear transaxle gave balanced weight distribution, while pricing sat near $85,000. The 186-mph top speed and Ferrari-derived engine gave it real exotic appeal.

This is for buyers wanting Ferrari-adjacent sound and drama at a fraction of Ferrari money. It trades refinement, reliability, and smooth low-speed manners for charisma and a clunky gearbox. Compared with the XK8 above, the Maserati is faster and more exotic but far more demanding to live with.

7. Cadillac XLR 2005

The 2005 Cadillac XLR places seventh with a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 rated at 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Its retractable hardtop, magnetic ride control, and $76,000 price targeted the SL directly. The 155-mph top speed and two-seat layout kept it firmly in grand-tourer territory.

This suits buyers who want American V8 torque and a folding hardtop with distinctive styling. It trades badge prestige, cabin quality, and resale value for exclusivity and low-slung looks. Against the Maserati above, the XLR is more reliable and comfortable but less sonorous and less exotic.

8. Lexus SC430 2005

The 2005 Lexus SC430 ranks eighth with a 4.3-liter V8 making 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in roughly 5.9 seconds. Its retractable hardtop folds in about 25 seconds, and the $65,000 price undercut most rivals. Lexus reliability and a quiet cabin defined the experience, with a 149-mph limited top speed.

This is for buyers who value dependability, low maintenance, and a serene roof-down cruise above all else. It trades sportiness, steering feedback, and rear-seat space for bulletproof build quality. Compared with the XLR above, the SC430 is softer and slower but cheaper to own and more reliable.

9. Volvo C70 T5 2005

The 2005 Volvo C70 T5 takes ninth with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-five producing 242 horsepower and 243 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. Its four-seat cabin and power soft top made it a practical convertible, priced near $45,000. Safety equipment including side airbags and stability control was standard.

This suits buyers needing four usable seats and winter-capable front-wheel drive in a grand-touring convertible. It trades power, prestige, and rear-drive balance for practicality and value. Against the SC430 above, the C70 is slower and less luxurious but far more usable for families.

10. Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 2005

The 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 places tenth with a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 making 330 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds. Based on Mercedes SLK underpinnings, it cost roughly $45,000 and topped out near 155 mph. Its distinctive styling and short wheelbase divided opinion.

This is for buyers wanting serious performance per dollar and Mercedes mechanicals in a rare package. It trades ride comfort, interior space, and brand cachet for speed and value. Compared with the C70 above, the SRT-6 is much quicker but less practical and far thirstier.

How we ranked these

Each car was scored on a 100-point index weighting performance (0-60, top speed, power-to-weight) at 30%, chassis balance and steering feel at 25%, interior craftsmanship and materials at 20%, real-world usability including trunk space and ride at 15%, and running costs plus parts availability at 10%. Data came from period road tests, manufacturer specs, and current collector-market pricing.

Scores were normalized so a 2005 Ford GT and a used Bentley Continental GT could be compared fairly despite wildly different price brackets.

Deliberately excluded: badge prestige, investment speculation, and celebrity ownership history, because those inflate prices without improving the drive. Also ignored modern infotainment, since every 2005 car predates CarPlay and judging them on that is pointless. Track-only specials and limited-run homologation cars were dropped too, since they are not realistically usable grand tourers. The goal was cars you can actually buy and drive today.

What to look for

The single biggest factor is serviceability, not horsepower. A 2005 Aston DB9 needs a franchised dealer for many jobs, while a C6 Corvette can be maintained by any competent shop. Before buying, price the clutch, the timing service, and the specific tires, because a $4,000 consumable bill can turn a bargain into a trap. Check whether the model has an active owner community and a parts supply chain that still ships.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing the cheapest example of an expensive car. A $28,000 Maserati GranSport will cost more over three years than a $45,000 Porsche 911, because Italian electrics, variators, and clutches eat the difference fast. Buy the best-maintained car with full records, not the lowest odometer. Also budget for insurance and fuel honestly: a 6.0-liter V12 at 15 mpg is a lifestyle commitment, not a weekend toy.

Related questions

What is the best overall grand tourer from 2005?

The 2005 Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S takes it on the strength of usable performance, bulletproof reliability, and a vast parts network. It is fast enough for any road, comfortable over distance, and cheap to run relative to rivals. Nothing else in the class combines pace, build quality, and low ownership risk as cleanly.

Which 2005 grand tourer is the best value?

The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6 offers 400 hp, a 186 mph top speed, and LS2 reliability for a fraction of European prices. Parts are cheap, any mechanic can service it, and the aftermarket is enormous. It gives up interior polish to the Aston and Bentley, but nothing touches its cost-per-thrill ratio.

Is a 2005 Bentley Continental GT expensive to maintain?

Yes. Expect $2,000-plus annual running costs even in good years, with air suspension, W12 turbos, and complex electronics as known weak points. Tires are model-specific and pricey. Buy only with a full dealer history and a pre-purchase inspection by a Bentley specialist, or budget for a painful first year.

How reliable is a 2005 Aston Martin DB9?

Mixed. The 5.9-liter V12 is strong, but coil packs, window regulators, and the automated manual gearbox cause trouble. Early cars had electrical gremlins. A well-sorted DB9 with records is fine as a second car; as a daily driver it demands patience and a specialist nearby.

Can you daily drive a 2005 Ford GT?

Technically yes, practically no. The cabin is tight, visibility is poor, and there is almost no luggage space. Clutch effort is heavy and the ride is stiff. It is a superb event car and appreciating asset, but as a grand tourer for actual touring it is outclassed by a 911 Turbo.

What should I check before buying a used 2005 Maserati?

Focus on the Cambiocorsa clutch wear reading, variator noise on cold start, and subframe corrosion. Clutch replacement runs several thousand dollars. Verify the F1 pump and actuator have been serviced. These cars reward a thorough specialist inspection more than almost any rival.

Which 2005 GT has the best interior?

The Bentley Continental GT wins on leather, wood, and metal finishes, with the Aston Martin DB9 close behind. Both use real hides and veneers in a way the Corvette and 911 do not. The Bentley feels the most expensive, though its switchgear shares parts with lesser Volkswagen models.

Are 2005 grand tourers a good investment?

Mostly no. Only the Ford GT and certain limited 911 variants have appreciated meaningfully. DB9s, Continental GTs, and Maseratis generally depreciated and now sit near the bottom of their curve. Buy to drive, not to speculate, and treat any appreciation as a bonus rather than a plan.

FAQ

What defines a grand tourer versus a sports car?

A grand tourer prioritizes long-distance comfort, luggage space, and effortless high-speed cruising alongside strong performance. A sports car trades comfort and practicality for agility and feedback. The 2005 class sits between the two, which is why a Bentley Continental GT and a Porsche 911 both qualify despite very different characters.

How much should I budget for a 2005 grand tourer?

Purchase prices range from roughly $25,000 for a clean C6 Corvette to over $400,000 for a Ford GT. Budget an additional 10-15% of the purchase price annually for maintenance on European cars. The cheapest examples usually cost the most to own, so spend more upfront on condition and records.

Which 2005 GT is cheapest to insure?

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is generally the cheapest to insure among this group, followed by the Porsche 911. Bentleys, Aston Martins, and Maseratis carry higher premiums because of repair costs and theft risk. Quotes vary widely by location and driving record, so shop multiple insurers before committing.

Do any 2005 grand tourers come with a manual gearbox?

Yes. The Corvette C6 offered a six-speed manual, the Porsche 911 offered a six-speed manual, and the Ford GT used a six-speed manual exclusively. The Aston DB9, Bentley Continental GT, and most Maseratis used automatics or automated manuals, which limits choice for purists.

What is the most powerful 2005 grand tourer?

The Ford GT leads with 550 hp from its supercharged 5.4-liter V8, followed by the Bentley Continental GT at 552 hp from its twin-turbo W12 depending on tune. The Corvette C6 and Porsche 911 Turbo sit around 400 and 415 hp respectively. Raw power rarely decides which car is best to live with.

How many miles is too many on a 2005 GT?

Condition and maintenance matter more than the number. A 90,000-mile 911 with full records is a safer buy than a 30,000-mile Aston that sat unused. Low mileage can mean dried seals and dead batteries. Look for consistent use, recent major services, and a documented history over a low odometer.

Which 2005 GT is best for tall drivers?

The Bentley Continental GT and Chevrolet Corvette C6 offer the most headroom and legroom. The Ford GT and Porsche 911 are tighter, and the Aston DB9 is snug for anyone over six feet. Always sit in the specific car before buying, since seat options and sunroofs change clearance significantly.

Are parts still available for 2005 grand tourers?

Mainstream models like the Corvette and 911 have excellent parts support through dealers and the aftermarket. Aston Martin and Bentley maintain heritage programs but charge accordingly. Maserati parts for older models can be slow to source. Ford GT parts are scarce and expensive due to low production.

What is the best 2005 GT for a first-time buyer?

A Porsche 911 Carrera S or Chevrolet Corvette C6. Both are reliable, well supported, and forgiving of novice ownership mistakes. They also hold value reasonably and are easy to resell. Save the Bentley, Aston, and Maserati for a second or third classic once you know what you are doing.

Did the 2005 Ford GT win any major races?

The road car itself did not race in period, but it was built to celebrate Ford's 1960s Le Mans wins. Ford later produced racing variants and the GT returned to Le Mans in 2016, winning its class. The 2005 road car's legacy rests on its performance and design rather than a competition record.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15127050/2005-porsche-911-carrera-s-road-test/
• https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2005-chevrolet-corvette-c6-first-test/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a19662179/2005-ford-gt-review/
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/aston-martin/db9
• https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/bentley/continental-gt
• https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/
• https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette/2005/review/
• https://www.hemmings.com/stories/

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