- #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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- #68 of 75
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As One of The folks That Suggested This Forum
by bremertong
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Apr 01, 2008 (9:42 pm)
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May I now suggest that the name be updated to Cadillac DTS and STS VS. Chrysler 300C and SRT.
While there is nothing perfect in life I think as many posters have suggested that to compare the 300 series other than 300 C or SRT with Cadillac is a mismatch. My intention was always the 300 C and not the 6 cylinder engines found in the other Chrysler 300 cars. I also feel that a comparison including the the STS would widen the discussion and make for more interesting comparisons.
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- #69 of 75
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0-60 in 5.6 Sec.
by sumitomotype65
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Apr 04, 2008 (4:30 pm)
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Replying to: bremertong (Apr 01, 2008 9:42 pm)
An older Corvette? A turbo charged Asian screamer? Maybe an older Porsche? My old beloved '90 Eagle Talon TSI/AWD turbo? Nope. I bought a 2008 Chrysler 300C AWD with the 5.7L Hemi. I was set on the Limited model with the 3.5L V6. But when I found one with the options I wanted: color, nav, satellite, dual zone climate, sunroof, etc., it was a 300C V8 with AWD. The mileage (15/23) isn't that much worse vs. the V6 and the V8 runs on 4 cyls. 85% of the time and you can't detect it at all other than the "Fuel Saver Mode" read-out in the dash. Chrysler claims 10-20% increase in MPG. Nothing at all like the old GM V8-6-4 nightmare. MDS (multi-displacement system) has been in use since the '05 300C and has proven to be bullet proof. 340 hp. is more than enough for me in a family sedan. The SRT8 w/425hp. must be unbelievable. The Mercedes DNA is obvious. The 5-speed w/auto stick, the rear suspension, the seats, the steering, the AWD (Mercedes 4Matic), the bank-vault like quiet, are from the previous E-class. Big cube V8 gives effortless thrust at any rpm. I drove it in a light rain on deserted road/parking lot to get a feel for it. With the AWD system, ABS, traction control, and brake assist you must really try to lose traction because I couldn't. A neat feature in the dash among the 120+ read-outs available is a 0-60 timer. The only thing that kept me from buying one 2-3 yrs. ago was the interior. I thought it was a little cheap (for it's price). It has been addressed in '08. The interior has a similar design with a new console & Nav. system but the materials are higher quality. Real wood, leather, LED lighting throughout and every luxury option you could want. This is the one Chrysler to actually benefit from the Daimler merger (takeover) and IMO looks like nothing else on the road.
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