So how big is the rivalry really?

[Dan SS2471]

I don't really submit to the rivalry thing. I'm not a brand loyalist. Do you think GM, Ford, DCX, MB, BMW, etc care for one minute that a person is their brand's cheerleader? I doubt it. Not about the average Joe like most of us here, anyway.

I go with what strikes me as is evidenced in my vehicle history. Note - didn't really become a 'car guy' until the early nineties. Couldn't really afford it:

1985 - '74 Lemans Sport Coupe (played my buddy in quarters one night and told him I'd give him $100 for it the next day..he didn't really remember agreeing to it, but I did. )

1985 - '72 Lemans. Just happened to work out that way. Besides, my homemade lift kit, spray painted black primer paint job and Cragar SS rims looked pretty cool.

1987 - '82 Ford F-100 - straight six 300. Bought it from a guy on my ship who was getting off active duty and didn't want to drive it back home to Texas.

1993 - '72 Mach I Mustang. 'R' code. Detuned Boss 351 from '71. Turned out to be 1 of 398. That was my first real performance vehicle and was my garage queen until '00.

1994 - '87 Dodge Omni. F-100 pretty much quit on me and I needed 'transportation'.

1995 - '96 Impala SS. Things start getting good. My first new car.

1999 - '99 Camaro SS M6. Second 'fast' car I purchased. Mach I ran 12.90s, the SS ran a best of 13.3. Impy wasn't too shabby I suppose. It ran 14.80. Both SSs were stock.

2002 - '01 SVT Lightning. First modded 'new' vehicle I purchased. I continued modding and when I sold it it was at 440 / 534 to the tires. Ran low 12s.

2005 - February was actually when I placed two orders for SRT-8s. Cancelled both in March because of rumors of layoffs.

2005 - '02 F-150 Harley Davidson. Second modded 'new' vehicle I purchased. Built block Kenne Bell putting down 525 / 635 to the tires. Ran low 12s. But....couldn't get the SRT-8 taste out of my mouth....

2006 - SRT-8. Well, here we are. By far the most complete package of a vehicle I've ever owned. And that is in comparison to what I've owned and driven. Not what I read about or what my friends, family, neighbors and co-workers are driving. The one area where I do sort of take a stance is with imported vehicle brands. Not a big fan. It's a bit of a patriotic thing I guess. And yes, I realize where my vehicles are built. I don't judge nor do I have any opinion about those who drive them. Personal taste and to each his/her own.

Good luck and be sure to post pics of your new SRT-8.

[Jakez]

Originally Posted by Dan SS2471

I don't really submit to the rivalry thing. I'm not a brand loyalist. Do you think GM, Ford, DCX, MB, BMW, etc care for one minute that a person is their brand's cheerleader? I doubt it. Not about the average Joe like most of us here, anyway.

IMO they care a lot, that's who buys their Mustangs and Camaros.

If I'm talking to someone with a car from another company I will be loyal to DCx, but when I am looking for a new car I will explore all makes. Neon srt-4 and 300c srt-8 just happened to be my picks.

[Dan SS2471]

Originally Posted by Jakez

IMO they care a lot, that's who buys their Mustangs and Camaros.

Well, unfortunately 99% of the time, that caring isn't demonstrated by Service Departments. That was pretty much where I was going. But I have to say, I've found an AWESOME one for the 8!! So that makes me a 1% er, yo.

[DanRealtor]

Yes, there is some rivalry.

Yes, I think the CTS-V is also a very respectable, fast street "Sedan".

All cars have issues, SRT-8's and CTS-V's included.

Like everyone else, I voted with my wallet. Even though I have always liked GM's and was never a "Chrysler Guy" I voted for the SRT-8 for a multitiude of reasons including asthetics.

When I first got my car I called my buddy (we'll call him Fred) and told him about my new bad ass ride. "You bought a Chrysler? You F'ing traitor!" was his response. 9 days later I showed up unannounced at his GM shop in northern California (just up the road from my house in Scottsdale AZ) and revved my engine of my bone stock SRT-8 in front of his service bay (he is Mr Goodwrench, has been for years, is a die hard GM Guy and owns Corvettes, Caddy's, and a GM Truck) and said "C'mon, let's go for a ride, you drive." After driving my car for 5 minutes he looked over and said "I want one". When we got back to his shop we put my car up on the lift and inspected it from underneath. Every tech stopped and came over to see. Someone asked him what he thought, this (SRT-8) or a CTS-V? Without hesitating he said "After driving this, I wouldn't buy a CTS-V!" His exact words.

Later he had to test drive an XLR (I love the way the hardtop folds up like origami) and he invited me to join him in my car. From a 5mph roll we both mashed the pedals and I just kept pulling away from him. When we got back the other techs asked him how I did. "He dusted me" was his response.

So yes, even with rivalry, and brand loyalty, a real "Car Guy" does appreciate what a bad ass ride DCX made for us.

[bruno]

Nice write up, Dan! Your experience says so much of what is often left unsaid... (does that make sense?). Did 'Fred' ever purchase an SRT8?
bruno

[DanRealtor]

"Fred" picked up a new Z06