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Cadillac DTS vs. Chrysler 300/300C

83 messages,  Last post on Aug 04, 2012 at 9:49 PM

You are in the Chrysler 300/300C/300C SRT-8 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Cadillac DTS, Chrysler 300C SRT-8, Chrysler 300, Cadillac STS, Chrysler, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 5 of 9

#34 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [sls002] by bremertong

Oct 05, 2006 (9:57 pm)

Replying to: sls002 (Oct 05, 2006 7:17 am)
I don't feel this forum is a waste of time for me and that's
why I keep coming back to check. I did not choose the forum title but think it would have been better if they had narrowed the forum to Cadillac DTS VS Chrysler 300C and not included the 300, 300 limited and 300 touring models. As you mentioned the latter models are V6 engines and more comparable to the other cars you referred to in recent posts. My own preference would be a Cadillac CTS in v6 models if that were my choice versus the Chrysler 300, touring, or limited
editions. So far as the Cadillac DTS is concerned, I like the front better than my 2004 Deville but think the side view in 2006 DTS is to plain for an upscale car. On balance the recent model Devilles hold up very well to the new DTS
in appearance, of course that is a matter of personal taste.
As an aside I can say that my Lincoln Town car (in Gold) turns heads all the time, it is by far the most attractive
looking car (to me) that I have ever owned. My 98 Deville
also in Gold being a close second, it also turned heads all the time.

#35 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [bremertong] by sls002

Oct 06, 2006 (7:20 am)

Replying to: bremertong (Oct 05, 2006 9:57 pm)
If you wanted to limit it to only the 300C, then the DTS should be limited to only the performance model. I assume that you are aware that the performance model has a higher performance engine than the base northstar along with a performance axle ratio.
 
Still, even the 300C's interior is made up of too much hard plastic for a luxury car I think. Cadillac is improving their interiors, but still have a long way to go before they are worth the price tags that they have.

#36 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [sls002] by bremertong

Oct 06, 2006 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: sls002 (Oct 06, 2006 7:20 am)
The basis for my comparison was the engines power although I have been aware of the interior, exterior quality issue. The DTS is listed by Edmunds as having 292 horsepower and 288 lbs of torque. The Chrysler 300C as stated by Edmunds has 340 Horsepower and 390 lbs of Torque. The figures for Cadillac were the upper end performance model and for Chrysler the 300C. The price of and auto is often very much a factor of the engine performance and at the above stats the Chrysler is a bargain at about $36,000 vs the DTS at over $48,000. True as you mentioned the 300C has some less expensive materials but given its' shortcomings it is a bargain at $36,000 if the build quality is going to hold up. As a final thought, I don't think the lower end Chryslers should be in this forum in that the price starts at about $ 25,000 vs $ 41000 for the low end DTS and the difference in engine size of V6 and 190 horsepower for 300 and V8 for the base DTS with 275 Horsepower.

#37 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [bremertong] by sls002

Oct 07, 2006 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: bremertong (Oct 06, 2006 8:32 pm)
The 300C's price range is, with options, in the $35,000 to $40,000 range. The performance Cadillac DTS starts at over $50,000, and, with options, will run upwards of $55,000. I am not sure of the fully equipped price might be on either car.
 
I do understand that you have an interest in the 300C, but my point here is that the 300C's interior is not really in the luxury car class. The Cadillac's interior is much nicer I think, if short of true luxury.
 
I think that this forum has run its course, with only a few Chrysler owners responding. I do think that the 300 is a much better car than the RWD Ford/Lincoln/Mercury cars, mainly because of the 300's suspension design.

#38 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [sls002] by bremertong

Oct 07, 2006 (8:56 pm)

Replying to: sls002 (Oct 07, 2006 1:40 pm)
Certainly our messages back and forth are testing the interest levels in this topic and the fact that no one else has joined us is an indicator of recent lack of interest. Hopefully there there will be interest in the future.

#39 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [sls002] by bremertong

Oct 08, 2006 (9:16 pm)

Replying to: sls002 (Oct 07, 2006 1:40 pm)
Owning both a Cadillac and Lincoln I can say that even though a larger car the Lincoln is a much better handling car than either of my Devilles (1998 and 2004). When I have driven my Devilles in the mountains I was always using brakes on steep inclines even in second gear. With my Towncar I put the car in second and it just coasts along at desired speed in cruise control without any breaking. Town car is also has a much more quiet ride than either of my two Devilles. While the Town Car was bought as a second car it has quickly become my favorite and the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. The interior materials in the Lincoln are of noticeably better quality than either Deville. I like both cars but for my purposes the Lincoln is my preference.

#40 of 83 Re: APPLES AND ORANGES [bremertong] by sls002

Oct 09, 2006 (8:19 am)

Replying to: bremertong (Oct 08, 2006 9:16 pm)
Engine braking on hills has more to do with overall gearing than anything else. The cruise control does not change the effective engine braking.
 
Handling has to do with how the car responds to turns in the road and bumps. Mountain highways are a good test of how a car will respond. The Town Car or DeVille is not going to respond like a sports car.
 
As far interior noise goes, tire designs make a big difference in sound. However, the Town Car may have more or better sound insulation than Cadillac. I would guess that the Chrysler 300 will have less sound insulation.

#41 of 83 Pears and grapefruits by vic10

Oct 09, 2006 (1:55 pm)

Just for a change....
This forum is interesting though I do find the comparison to be, well, strange. The two cars have really different personalities. I own a 300C. The exterior, to me, has a much more cohesive look than the DTS, and it's at least as luxurious looking as a DTS, though it does have a more aggressive design. The 300C dash is sweet, and the seats are comfortable and good looking. I don't miss the absence of wood. The console and door panels, however, don't match the lux look of the dash and it's there where it pales compared to the DTS.
 
But the real difference is in the ride. The 300C borders on harsh (and the crummy Conti tires don't help). Anyone use to a Caddy ride won't like the Chrysler. Having said that, I don't think I'd want a softly sprung vehicle with the brute force of the Hemi. But Chrysler could have compromised a bit here. The electronic stability control is intrusive enough that a bit more "soft" could have been safely added. And as long as we're talking about tweaking the suspension, Chrysler could also stand to do something with the sensitivity of the front end: Very road-crown sensitive; very reactive to road imperfections--leading to steering overcorrection. Doesn't take much to end up fighting the car.
 
After 2 years of driving, I still think I made the right choice for me. The design has not grown old in my eyes, nor have I tired of the power. Overall gas mileage has been 20 mpg, with a recent 750 mile trip, which included 100 miles of local driving, giving me 25 mpg. It's stayed rattle free and generally trouble free...so far.

#42 of 83 Re: Pears and grapefruits [vic10] by bremertong

Oct 10, 2006 (9:07 pm)

Replying to: vic10 (Oct 09, 2006 1:55 pm)
Very helpful and informative post, thank you. The comparison of 300C and DTS is relevant to me in that both cars have large powerful V8s are in the luxury category are priced somewhat close, although DTS is somewhat higher. I owned a 1997 LHS before going to Cadillac and found many similarities in the two cars although the Cadillac at that point was quite a bit ahead of that vintage and model of Chrysler. One question I would have for you as a 300C owner is would I need all that Hemi power in an area where the speed limit on 90% of the roads is 55 MPH? What is the fastest you have ever driven your 300C and how did it handle (assume you have an off road place such as a race track to drive at high speeds)? Am I correct that at the price the 300C is an incredibly good value for the package of power, beauty and amenities?

#43 of 83 ARE THERE ANY OWNERS OF BOTH A CADILLAC AND 300C? by bremertong

Jun 16, 2007 (10:14 pm)

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