SRT 8 or CTS-V

[The Vigg]

Hello all,

I am very interested in purchasing one of these in the near term. I have driven the CTS-V and found the power to be great, but the thing I like more was the driving dynamics and handling. The car felt like a laser and would go straight where and when you pointed it. The aftermarket potentional also intrigues me as there are a huge number of offerings for it due to the z06 following. I love the look of the 300 series and think it does have the nicer interior and build quality of the two. I have driven a 300C and will be purchasing one for my father shortly, however I found it very loose in the handling dept, and the 340hp seemed to just be enough to get the 4200 lb beast moving but not perticularly fast in my point of view. Has anybody driven both, who can offer an objective opinion here? I know it will be tough considering the forum I am on, but so is finding someone who has driven an SRT8. I would be basically having to buy a car without ever test driving it, and this puts me off somewhat. However I do like the 20K price differance between the 2 (I am in Toronto Canada) and that money would be nicely spent on mods. Also does anybody know if mopar performance will be offering any sort of parts for the SRT8 like their other series of vehicles(ie srt 4). Granted if I did order I am sure I would be stalking our good friends at the Brampton plant for 6-8 weeks!

[iwanna300c]

Originally Posted by The Vigg

Hello all,

I am very interested in purchasing one of these in the near term. I have driven the CTS-V and found the power to be great, but the thing I like more was the driving dynamics and handling. The car felt like a laser and would go straight where and when you pointed it. The aftermarket potentional also intrigues me as there are a huge number of offerings for it due to the z06 following. I love the look of the 300 series and think it does have the nicer interior and build quality of the two. I have driven a 300C and will be purchasing one for my father shortly, however I found it very loose in the handling dept, and the 340hp seemed to just be enough to get the 4200 lb beast moving but not perticularly fast in my point of view. Has anybody driven both, who can offer an objective opinion here? I know it will be tough considering the forum I am on, but so is finding someone who has driven an SRT8. I would be basically having to buy a car without ever test driving it, and this puts me off somewhat. However I do like the 20K price differance between the 2 (I am in Toronto Canada) and that money would be nicely spent on mods. Also does anybody know if mopar performance will be offering any sort of parts for the SRT8 like their other series of vehicles(ie srt 4). Granted if I did order I am sure I would be stalking our good friends at the Brampton plant for 6-8 weeks!

You should get the Cadillac. It's potential for mods is MUCH greater. Rumor has it that the SRT8 tranny can't take any more torque than what the car is dishing out.

[stang]

Things to consider: Do Not Launch This Car... This is from a friend of mine that owns a cts-v!! Don't worry about srt-8 tranny, worry about the rear end and rear suspension on cts-v!!!!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have an 05 CTS-V and have broke my rear end twice trying to launch it. 1st time i did a few burn outs and left aboutt 25ft strips of rubber and the axels slammed in. Then i tried to launch the car at about 3500rpm and it had massive wheel hop and the differential split. I mean it just tore it apart. This car is not meant to launch. you can only feather it off the line and punch it. Take it from me i am still waiting for my car to be fixed

[Redman]

Drove both the C and V extensively before buying.
Aside from the 4 drs, two different animals really.
Engines in both are phenomenal, but the V has the edge.
Stroking through the 6 speeds is a blast, but will prove tiresome in commuter traffic.
With its 120 inch wheelbase (incredible), the C is the limo and really provides the more comfortable ride with its SLA front suspension. I've never driven in such a quiet car.
I also thought it had the edge in materials (especially the quality dashboard and headliner/pillars) - but the Cadillac certainly has a comparable build quality.
The V is the sports machine, what with the G-meter and more supportive seating.
Either way, you cannot go wrong (ps - the V launches just fine) - but you will save $15 large with the C. Multiple mods are increasingly available for both cars.
You might consider waiting for the "next" interation of the V (LS7/500hp motor?) or just get a C today. Heck, split the difference and get the 6.1 L SRT-8 (the best of all worldz?).
Tough choices, tough choices.

[stang]

I think that the 300c SRT-8 is a better comparison to the cts-v than the regular 300c!!

[ekool]

I think they are both going to be excellent cars, and I might as well let the cat out of the bag that I am a CTS-V owner.

I couldnt wait for an SRT-8 any longer, and when the talk here turned into them being delayed until 06, I had a spontaneous moment and picked up an 05 CTS-V from our local dealer.

I am trying to sell my Supra so I can afford an SRT-8 as well, so we'll see how that goes. I'll try to pick one up used.

You can read more about the CTS-V here: Cadillac CTS-V Forums - V-Series Forums - CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V

Also, we've had a slight discussion on it in this thread in particular:

http://www.vseries.net/forums/showthread.php?t=130

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by The Vigg

Hello all,

I am very interested in purchasing one of these in the near term. I have driven the CTS-V and found the power to be great, but the thing I like more was the driving dynamics and handling. The car felt like a laser and would go straight where and when you pointed it. The aftermarket potentional also intrigues me as there are a huge number of offerings for it due to the z06 following. I love the look of the 300 series and think it does have the nicer interior and build quality of the two. I have driven a 300C and will be purchasing one for my father shortly, however I found it very loose in the handling dept, and the 340hp seemed to just be enough to get the 4200 lb beast moving but not perticularly fast in my point of view. Has anybody driven both, who can offer an objective opinion here? I know it will be tough considering the forum I am on, but so is finding someone who has driven an SRT8. I would be basically having to buy a car without ever test driving it, and this puts me off somewhat. However I do like the 20K price differance between the 2 (I am in Toronto Canada) and that money would be nicely spent on mods. Also does anybody know if mopar performance will be offering any sort of parts for the SRT8 like their other series of vehicles(ie srt 4). Granted if I did order I am sure I would be stalking our good friends at the Brampton plant for 6-8 weeks!

Welcome, Vigg. This a great time to be a car enthusiast. What great choices! I love both cars. With either the SRT-8 and the CTS-V, I can't see wanting major performance mods for street driving.

Both are at the top of their game. The SRT-8 handles very well and the 300C handles a lot better than one would think! The looks and interiors are very different and a matter of personal taste. For me, the 300 styling won me away from the Cadillac showroom. And there is a solid toughness to the C that I didn't feel in the CTS-V.

If I were going on a long trip, I'd choose the Chrysler. If I had passengers to carry - the 300 again. A few quick laps around Mosport Speedway (one of my old haunts) I'd probably jump in the V.

....choices, choices ... love to have em all, like Jay Leno - gear chin extraordinaire!

[jcsganga34]

As far as handling goes, I believe that Motor Trend got a better time through the turns with the SRT-8 than the V. I have never driven the V, but its well known that the SRT-8's suspension has been tuned more towards the twisties. Also the SRT-8's ESP is not nearly as intrusive as the C's. At least that is what I've been told, I'm planning on sticking with my C for now and am happy with it.

[The Vigg]

Great information all. Thanks for your input. I would love to take the SRT8 for a long Test drive however I don't forsee getting my hands on one anytime soon with the limited availability. I do like the 6 speed in the V, and would prefer manual, however I am not opposed to an auto. Especially considering it may have to carry passengers, and the damned traffic on the 401 in rush hour. I am very on the fence here. Basically it comes down to liking the styling ( I think it definately looks the classier of the 2) and pricing of the SRT8 more, and the performance of the CTS-V(also quite striking in appearance- but in a more angry purposeful way). As for aftermarket options I am sure the SRT folks have something up their sleeves. Trannies can be easily modified to support high HP(a simple valve body pressure modification should supportand extra 100ft/lbs) and something about a HEMI with 3" flowmaster exhaust and 100 hp shot of nitrous has a good ring to it. I am aware of the breaking diffs in the V's and this is concerning. The rear end wheel hop is of note aswell. Actually that reminds me, is the rear suspension in the SRT8 a live axle, or IRS? Any SRT8 drivers out there want to chime in as to the handling dynamics of it? Does it feel like you are pitching a 2 ton brick into the corners(like it looks like) or is it nimble and belies it size? I am sure oversteer is a short pedal movement away, but how does it feel from a balance standpoint? Any Toronto SRT8 owners want to lend me their ride for a day...............Didn't think so.......

[Redman]

DCX raided the Mercedes parts bin and provided their "old" 5-link independent rear end out of the E-Class - thanx Dieter!