- #58 of 75
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Re: 24 hr. test drive [vic10]
by sls002
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Dec 31, 2007 (11:06 am)
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Replying to: vic10 (Dec 27, 2007 12:27 pm)
Five speed transmissions are now somewhat behind the times too. As far as comparing the 300C 5 speed to the Cadillac's 4 speed, there are some considerations: you tested the base engine/axle ratio in the Cadillac.
The 300C transmission has a 3.58:1 low gear with a 2.82:1 axle ratio
The Cadillac has a 2.95:1 low gear and either a 3.11:1 or a 3.71:1(performance) axle ratio. So either the low gear on the Cadillac is not quite as low, or is lower. Second and third gears on the 300C are lower and higher than 2nd on the base Cadillac, while the performance Cadillac is about the same as the 300C 2nd.
I have a six speed automatic in my SRX and I do think that it is better overall than the 4 speed was in the 2002 Seville that I had. But the basic 4 speed will do the job quite well, but I found that I had to help it along with selecting 3rd on climbing long grades. My SRX seems to be much better at picking the right gear.
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- #59 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [bremertong]
by coolrunning
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Mar 09, 2008 (10:31 am)
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Replying to: bremertong (Jun 16, 2006 8:12 pm)
I considered buying a Caddy STS back in 2006, until I test drove a Chrysler 300C. For those who want a big, comfortable sedan either car appears to be a good choice. Parked side by side, there was no contest. The Cadillac looked old even though it was new. The 300C was so fresh it turns heads when parked. I drove both cars and decided that although the Caddy was covered with fake wood and shiny stuff inside, it did not make up for the lack of fun behind the wheel. The 300C feels and sounds so good when buzzing around town I hate to get out of the car. I highly recommend the 300C Heritage Edition in Inferno Red. The contrast between the deep metallic red paint and all the stainless and chrome make the car a real beauty. It runs as good as it looks. I have put over 20,000 miles on mine and it has never had to go to the shop for anything. I have relatives who are stuck on Cadillacs that know thier service writers by first name like a concierge at the Hyatt Regency. I don't want that kind of relationship with anyone at my dealership! The new Chryslers have a LIFETIME powertrain warranty standard. They could not afford to offer such a warranty unless the cars were as reliable as I think they are. Feature for feature, dollar for dollar the Chrysler 300C is a much better value and choice. I recommend the touch screen Navigation system combined with the Sirius MyGig entertainment system. It is so cool! I have used my system to navigate through some really hairy highway interchanges in Dallas, Houston and Austin. I would have ended up lost many times had it not been for the excellent interactive navigation system. I feel that the interior of the 300C is no different than that of a Mercedes or BMW, but if you have to have the "wood style trim", there are numerous after market kits to install on a 300C to give you the look you are looking for. In fact there are more accessories designed for the 300C than any other car iIever seen. I recommend the stainless window trim kit and the stainless rocker panel kit, for starters. You can get carried away, since so much is available, but chrome tail and head light bezels look great. Stainless billet ribbed fog light covers are dual purpose adding some flash and also protecting the fog light lense from rocks. The 300C appeals to a broad range of age groups, where the Caddys are "your parents car"...
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- #60 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [coolrunning]
by sls002
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Mar 11, 2008 (12:07 pm)
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Replying to: coolrunning (Mar 09, 2008 10:31 am)
It is my understanding that the wood trim in Cadillac's is real. A very thin veneer mounted on a plastic probably, covered with a protective coating. Still what you see is real wood.
I did look at a Chrysler 300 (the limited I think) and I thought the interior was mostly hard plastic. Still the 300 is a lot of car for the money. While the interior is not luxury class, the suspension is based on a Mercedes design I think. I don't know if you were looking at the RWD STS or an older FWD STS.
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- #61 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [sls002]
by coolrunning
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Mar 12, 2008 (6:34 am)
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Replying to: sls002 (Mar 11, 2008 12:07 pm)
It is really not a fair comparison when you compare a Chrysler 300 and a Cadillac STS. A 300 Limited is limited alright. It has a 3.5L or a 2.7L V-6, compared to a Northstar V-8. The interior of the 300 is also rather entry level, and overall the economy version of the model. There is a huge difference between a 300 and a 300C. The 300C comes standard with the 5.7L MDS HEMI V-8 (340 HP) and a Mercedes 5-speed autostick transmission for starters. The general trim level is tastefully built, with lots of leather. Loaded with accessories a 300C is about $12,000 to $15,000 cheaper than a similarly equipped Caddy. I guess it all amounts to personal preference. Still, I think either car would be the best choice for road trips compared to an SUV. You just can't beat the feel of a decent sedan for comfort and handling.
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- #62 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [coolrunning]
by sls002
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Mar 12, 2008 (8:19 am)
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Replying to: coolrunning (Mar 12, 2008 6:34 am)
I did see a 300C also, and I don't think the interior trim was all that much different.
I own a 2007 SRX and find that it is a nice vehicle for road trips. Compared to my 2002 Seville LS (FWD), the SRX handles much better. The ride is a bit firmer as should be expected with lower profile tires rated for 150 MPH.
Cadillac's are much more expensive than the Chrysler 300 and should be more luxurious for the extra money. The 300C does have a lot of performance for the money, and the suspension is good compared to say the Lincoln Town Car or other RWD Ford products. The RWD STS is a good sports sedan, but is very expensive when well equipped. I would have considered the Magnum wagon, but I don't want the hemi engine (too big and thirsty), while the 3.5 liter V6 is probably not quite big enough. If Chrysler had an engine in the 4.2 to 4.5 liter range able to produce about 280 lb-ft of torque in the 3000 to 4000 RPM range, I would have really considered the Magnum. However, I live where snow and ice are winter time problems and I find that the AWD I have to be very useful.
In case you are not aware, Pontiac is set to sell the G8, made by Holden (a GM brand). The G8 has an interior that compares (I think) with the 300C. It also has a 6.2 liter V8 that should compare with the hemi for performance.
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- #63 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [sls002]
by vic10
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Mar 12, 2008 (9:02 am)
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Replying to: sls002 (Mar 12, 2008 8:19 am)
Glad to see this thread has come alive. I've owned a 2005 300C since Sept 04 and in a couple of weeks will take delivery of my first Cadillac--a 2008 DTS Performance. I'm anxious to see what my own reactions will be to the Caddy once the novelty wears off. The 300C has been pretty much a flawless performer--and averages 20 mpg for me--so it will be a tough act to follow. Why the switch? I've always wanted a Caddy (I'm from THAT generation) and just turned 60. Don't want my first Caddy to be the hearse carrying my coffin.....
I agree that the new G8 will be a more direct competitor for the 300C. Remains to be seen what will happen with the powerplants of both those cars now that the new CAFE standards need to be figured in. GM has already dropped the development plans for the Northstar successor as a result. Maybe we'll be seeing some turbo diesels in our future....
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- #64 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [vic10]
by sls002
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Mar 12, 2008 (10:54 am)
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Replying to: vic10 (Mar 12, 2008 9:02 am)
For maximum fuel economy, I think that some sort of electric drive with rechargable batteries and a motor generator are the future. GM is working on LI batteries that can do this at an affordable price.
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- #65 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [sls002]
by coolrunning
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Mar 25, 2008 (11:20 am)
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Replying to: sls002 (Mar 12, 2008 8:19 am)
Have you ever considered a Chrysler Pacifica with the new 4.0L V6 with dual exhaust, four wheel disc brakes, antilock, traction control, leather interior, navigation system, satellite radio, etc. ? These are some of the most useful and fun cars to drive I have experienced in a long time. It is not a van, and its not a SUV. It is a great road vehicle, and it is big enough to do just about anything you need to do. I rented one for a week in Florida, and really enjoyed driving it. 
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- #66 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [coolrunning]
by sls002
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Mar 25, 2008 (1:25 pm)
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Replying to: coolrunning (Mar 25, 2008 11:20 am)
I did sort of look at and considered a Pacifica. However, I now have a 2007 SRX and am quite happy with it.
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- #67 of 75
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Re: DTS VERSUS CHRYSLER 300C AND OR SRT [coolrunning]
by xtec
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Mar 25, 2008 (2:49 pm)
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Replying to: coolrunning (Mar 25, 2008 11:20 am)
Just to let you know the Pacifica is no longer being made.
That should help decision if anybody is thinking about buying one.I heard good things about the Pacifica,but no longer being made.
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