true comparisons

[SRT**8]

given the size of the 300, aren't true comparisons really the 7 series and S500. The interior and trunk dimensions of the 300 are enormous - much bigger than a 5 series (similarly the CTS-V is closer to a 5 series than a 3 series). When people want ot compare the SRT-8 - the 760 and S55 and S500 are probably the best things to compare to along with the STS-V that is on the way.

now I am using size as the starting point for comparison as for most people this is the first consideration - how big of a vehicle do they want. people are not choosing between a Dodge Magnum and a Corvette. Generally, people think about roughly what size car they want and then from there look at all the cars in that size category.

Finally, I was reading the M5 thread on the other site that was linked in a previous thread and several times it talks about people who would consider the M5 would never look at SRT-8, if they could afford an M5. I may be an exception in the range of price points I consider but here are the others i considered (did not test drive all these) before ordering the SRT-8: E55, S4, RS6, C55, 540/545, old M5/new M5, S-class, 7 series, A6, A8, CTS-V, G35X, TL, RL, 300C AWD, M45.

My finalists were the G35X, 300C AWD and the SRT-8. I did not want a stick (wife cannot drive one) and preferred a bigger car, but I wanted it to handle well. Not sure what i am going to do in the snow when I get the SRT-8 (which will probably be pretty important, as hell will have frozen over by the time I get it....).

[Redman]

Yup - itz really a full-sized car that can compete just fine with little sedans (G45s) and big ones too. With 120 inches of wheelbase - its bigger than a E55 and many other competitors. It makes the CTS-V look like a boy racer. Comparing it with the STS, however, seems unfair, considering the 300C superior bang/buck ratio. Guess thatz why Cadillac salesmen hate them so.

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by SRT**8

Not sure what i am going to do in the snow when I get the SRT-8 (which will probably be pretty important, as hell will have frozen over by the time I get it....).

On a side note, since buying bigger wheels is so popular with 300's I'm going to buy some stock wheels off Ebay or someplace and put knobby snow tires on for the winter.

Besides, it will throw people off. They'll think I have a v6 touring. ... That is until they see the SRT-8 badge on the rear deck.

[JMatt]

Originally Posted by vvv90

On a side note, since buying bigger wheels is so popular with 300's I'm going to buy some stock wheels off Ebay or someplace and put knobby snow tires on for the winter.

Great idea, but I'm guessing the SRT-8 brakes won't fit in an 18" wheel.

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by JMatt

Great idea, but I'm guessing the SRT-8 brakes won't fit in an 18" wheel.

Actually the backspacing for the caliper is my biggest concern since they have fat 4 piston calipers. The 18's might be fine since Z06's can fit 14" rotors under their 18's.

I thought I read a thread where someone was upgrading to SRT-8 brakes with standard chrome 18"s

I could be wrong.

[Northern Rider]

given the size of the 300, aren't true comparisons really the 7 series and S500. The interior and trunk dimensions of the 300 are enormous - much bigger than a 5 series (similarly the CTS-V is closer to a 5 series than a 3 series). When people want ot compare the SRT-8 - the 760 and S55 and S500 are probably the best things to compare to along with the STS-V that is on the way.

now I am using size as the starting point for comparison as for most people this is the first consideration - how big of a vehicle do they want. people are not choosing between a Dodge Magnum and a Corvette. Generally, people think about roughly what size car they want and then from there look at all the cars in that size category.

Finally, I was reading the M5 thread on the other site that was linked in a previous thread and several times it talks about people who would consider the M5 would never look at SRT-8, if they could afford an M5. I may be an exception in the range of price points I consider but here are the others i considered (did not test drive all these) before ordering the SRT-8: E55, S4, RS6, C55, 540/545, old M5/new M5, S-class, 7 series, A6, A8, CTS-V, G35X, TL, RL, 300C AWD, M45.

My finalists were the G35X, 300C AWD and the SRT-8. I did not want a stick (wife cannot drive one) and preferred a bigger car, but I wanted it to handle well. Not sure what i am going to do in the snow when I get the SRT-8 (which will probably be pretty important, as hell will have frozen over by the time I get it....).

Your point about size is so true. No one debates between a Yukon and a Miata.

As to winter driving, a set of good ice and snows - I put Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snows on my 300C - will get you through the winter just fine. The traction and skid management system is outstanding.

[ChromeTailfins]

I don't know. I had a budget. So MSRP was first. Then I looked at ALL the kinds of cars in that price range. Those with higher incomes can afford the luxury of ignoring the price, I suppose.

[300CAWD]

Go for the 300CAWD.
Make me proud.

[Redman]

Originally Posted by vvv90

They'll think I have a v6 touring. ... That is until they see the SRT-8 badge on the rear deck.

Sure, mock the dying man...

[Gorgle]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

As to winter driving, a set of good ice and snows - I put Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snows on my 300C - will get you through the winter just fine. The traction and skid management system is outstanding.

I looked at the Pirelli website, and they have a set of 255/45/20 Scorpions, but they're listed as SUV tires. Does this matter, or is it just marketing?