- #12 of 35
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Re: Chrysler 300 or Nissan Maxima? [retroeric]
by jerrymax
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Mar 22, 2008 (4:23 pm)
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Replying to: retroeric (Oct 03, 2005 8:55 pm)
My viewpoint may not be that helpfull because I've never driven the newest addition of the Maxima. But I have owned a 1997 Maxima for many years and a couple of years ago I spent a week in Florida driving a rented 2006 Chrysler 300 touring edition so I can make a comparison between these two cars. I enjoyed the Chrysler very much. It had the 3.5 litre 250 hp V6 [250 lb ft of torque also] and despite the sheer bulk of the car it did not feel under-powered. My Maxima is quicker and more nimble, more like a sports car, but the Chrysler 300 was quite fast for its size and easy to control under all circumstances. The braking power, for instance, was very impressive. I'm sure the eight cylinder models are very fast. It was cavernous inside with plenty of room both front and back and the leather seats were very comfortable. I liked the way the dashboard was laid out and of course the car has drop-dead gorgeous good looks; it's a real head turner. At one point I passed a black Bentley at an intersection in a gaited community and you could hardly tell the two cars apart. I can attest to the durability of the Nissan Maxima---I've got 154,500 miles on mine and it runs like it's new---and I sense that this Chrysler 300 is tank solid also. If I buy another car, the 300 will be high on my list. I've never much cared for the styling of the current Maxima model, which debuted in 2004, which is why I've never bothered to drive one yet but I'm sure the quality is very high.
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- #13 of 35
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It's now 2008!
by johnmarco
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Mar 25, 2008 (6:41 am)
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Wow; that took me a second. This post was started in October, 2005. I was wondering why you thought the Maxima was good for a few more years still, considering all the news of the updated 09 model. Anyways, you've probably long-since checked out of this forum, but I wonder what car you ended up choosing and how that worked out for you?
I recently rented a V6 Charger, twin of the 300. Actually enjoyed driving it, but the engine was very underpowered for a car this size. It literally struggled to get up a steep hill with me and two normal-sized passengers.
I've been a fan of the Maxima for years and years; that would get my vote easily. But the style has been just luke warm for me.
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- #14 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [johnmarco]
by shipo
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Mar 25, 2008 (8:46 am)
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Replying to: johnmarco (Mar 25, 2008 6:41 am)
Keep in mind that there are two different V6 engines available with the Charger (i.e. the 190 hp 2.7 liter engine and the 250 hp 3.5). Also keep in mind that a great many of the Chargers in the rental fleets have the smaller of the two engines.
While I haven't driven a 2.7 liter version, I have driven the 3.5 liter 5-Speed AWD version as well as RWD Hemi. Needless to say the Hemi was by far the faster car, however, the 3.5 was no slouch and very much up to the task of climbing the hills around here in southern New Hampshire.
I guess that was a long way of suggesting that you probably rented a 2.7 liter Charger, a car that very few individuals would buy.
Best Regards,
Shipo
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- #15 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [shipo]
by coolrunning
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Mar 25, 2008 (11:40 am)
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Replying to: shipo (Mar 25, 2008 8:46 am)
Good point Shipo. I owned two 300M's (1999 and a 2004 Special), both of which were equipped with the 255 HP 3.5L High Performance V6. This is the same engine you will find in the better equipped Chargers. It is a great engine! Chrysler should never have put the 2.7L V6 in anything bigger than a Sebring. Having said that, one of the main reason for buyiong my 300C was the 340 HP 5.7L MDS HEMI V8 and the Mercedes 5 speed autostick transmission. This combination is available in both the Chrysler 300C and the Dodge Charger R/T. The Daytona Charger also has the same engine, but it has a better exhause system that yields ten more horses bringing it up to 350HP. If I could not afford or justify buying the HEMI, I would absolutely buy the 3.5L V6 again. 
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- #16 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [shipo]
by smithed
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Mar 26, 2008 (5:03 am)
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Replying to: shipo (Mar 25, 2008 8:46 am)
While I have a 5.7, I would not hesitate to buy the 3.5 liter in a 300 or a Charger  . I have a 1999 Intrepid with the 3.2 (same as the 3.5 with a smaller bore) and now have 126,000 miles with no engine difficulties. Good power for that big car.
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- #17 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [shipo]
by johnmarco
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Mar 26, 2008 (4:18 pm)
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Replying to: shipo (Mar 25, 2008 8:46 am)
I definitely didn't know that Dodge offers two V6s for the Charger. You have to be right that I rented the smaller one. I can't overemphasize how weak it felt.
You gotta wonder why they offer up poorly equiped models for rent. That's just terrible advertising. I walked away thinking that I would never in a million years consider buying such a gutless turkey, even though I liked the ride.
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- #18 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [johnmarco]
by shipo
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Mar 26, 2008 (5:50 pm)
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Replying to: johnmarco (Mar 26, 2008 4:18 pm)
Yeah, I've been scratching my head and winding my watch while I've pondered that one as well. Granted, I suppose there are a few (precious few I'm betting) that either don't care about the extra power or who need a car of that size but cannot afford the extra $1,325 that seperates the SE (the 2.7 model) and the SE Plus (the base 3.5 model). Of course the other way to look at the SE Plus is that for that extra dough, you get a far superior motor, Stability Control, ABS, Traction Control, Cast Aluminum wheels, 8-Way Power Seat, Floor mats, and Sirius Radio. Quite a bargain I'm thinking.
Best Regards,
Shipo
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- #20 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [johnmarco]
by xtec
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Mar 26, 2008 (8:23 pm)
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Replying to: johnmarco (Mar 26, 2008 4:18 pm)
I have a 06 Charger SXT with the 3.5,and I can tell you it doesn't lack power.If feels more like a small block V8 instead of a V6.I had borla dual exhaust installed which gave me more power,plus raised my MPG.This is my second 3.5 H.O and think the 3.5 is a great engine.Im very pleased with this car.
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- #21 of 35
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Re: It's now 2008! [shipo]
by coolrunning
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Apr 01, 2008 (2:53 pm)
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Replying to: shipo (Mar 26, 2008 5:50 pm)
I don't think the 2.7L V6 should be mounted in any car bigger than a PT Cruiser or a Sebring. The High Output 3.5L V6 is an excellent engine for many applications, including the Charger and 300. It is great performer, and is economical enough for me. Still, after driving the 340 HP 5.7L HEMI in my 300C, I just couldn't go back. The extreme 425 HP 6.1L HEMI in the SRT was actually a bit too much for the everyday commute. It sure was fun, but not very practical. It always amazes me how saving a thousand bucks on the sticker can strip down a car to where it is not nearly the car it could be. I enjoy all the gadgets and convieniences too much to leave them off the spec sheet. Perhaps that is why the 300 price range is from around $22,000 (base model) to $48,000 (SRT). I was able to land one of my loaded 2006 Heritage Editions for $36,000 though the sticker was over $42,000. I have never found a better car for a better price. 
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