JAXRS6
June 3rd, 2005, 18:31
I drove a 2006 Chrysler 300 SRT-8 today -- 425 hp etc. Got lucky by stopping in local dealer & finding one that had been sold, but financing fell thru so it was available. Not even prepped yet; couldn't get trunk open because of dealer work that had not yet been done. (BTW the battery is in the trunk on this car too!) I drove it because I want to find something I like enough that I might buy one post-RS6.
Acceleration was very impressive -- felt about the same as the RS6 from a stop, and from punching it at 30 mph. One difference: The SRT-8, even with traction control on, lost its grip briefly at launch. Rear end did a little swerving, then settled down & I rocketed forward. Not too scary, tho, cuz I never lost control.
On the Interstate, punching it at 60 or so, the RS6 seems faster.
Ride quality was good -- a bit smoother than the RS6, I thought. But there was more body lean, probably due to the higher stance of the SRT-8. The RS6 is quite a bit lower -- looks sportier, less body roll. The Chrysler is longer, with a bigger back seat, but lighter. Steering was fairly communicative, with less effort at low speeds than the RS6.
Interior looked good, tho not a lot different than the regular 300C. Aftermarket wood is available; saw it on a 300 in Florida and it looked good too.
Warranty-wise, the Chrysler offers only 3 years & 36K miles. Their 7/70 coverage on the drivetrain disappears for 06 models, according to my salesman. Thus my Audi is actually in better shape for warranty, since I have 4+ years and 60K miles left before my extended coverage expires. On the other hand, Chrysler offers several extended warranty packages too. And I'd be close to a dealer in both of my locations, rather than 25 to 40 miles away.
Bottom line: I still prefer the RS6, but if it goes into the shop again for an extended period, the SRT-8 will be on my mind. I would lose exclusivity and AWD by using it to replace the RS6, but I'd also be able to put about $20K in the bank at today's prices -- not a bad trade-off for someone like me who probably won't be able to afford the next RS6.
I know, I know -- "it's a Chrysler." But part of it is Mercedes-Benz, and it's the best Chrysler product I've ever driven.
Acceleration was very impressive -- felt about the same as the RS6 from a stop, and from punching it at 30 mph. One difference: The SRT-8, even with traction control on, lost its grip briefly at launch. Rear end did a little swerving, then settled down & I rocketed forward. Not too scary, tho, cuz I never lost control.
On the Interstate, punching it at 60 or so, the RS6 seems faster.
Ride quality was good -- a bit smoother than the RS6, I thought. But there was more body lean, probably due to the higher stance of the SRT-8. The RS6 is quite a bit lower -- looks sportier, less body roll. The Chrysler is longer, with a bigger back seat, but lighter. Steering was fairly communicative, with less effort at low speeds than the RS6.
Interior looked good, tho not a lot different than the regular 300C. Aftermarket wood is available; saw it on a 300 in Florida and it looked good too.
Warranty-wise, the Chrysler offers only 3 years & 36K miles. Their 7/70 coverage on the drivetrain disappears for 06 models, according to my salesman. Thus my Audi is actually in better shape for warranty, since I have 4+ years and 60K miles left before my extended coverage expires. On the other hand, Chrysler offers several extended warranty packages too. And I'd be close to a dealer in both of my locations, rather than 25 to 40 miles away.
Bottom line: I still prefer the RS6, but if it goes into the shop again for an extended period, the SRT-8 will be on my mind. I would lose exclusivity and AWD by using it to replace the RS6, but I'd also be able to put about $20K in the bank at today's prices -- not a bad trade-off for someone like me who probably won't be able to afford the next RS6.
I know, I know -- "it's a Chrysler." But part of it is Mercedes-Benz, and it's the best Chrysler product I've ever driven.