[Ghetto Prince]

Hemi just gives more power right? At least that's what the dealer(s) told me while I was shopping around. I do notice that around here, though, it seems like more of a status symbol.

I have a limited with all of the hemi options, except chrome mirror moulding and chrome door handles (but those are on the way).

While researching this, I came to the conclusion to get the model that I did based on gas mileage. I spoke to other 300 owners that I knew and I was going off of the gas projections on the stickers themselves.

So, is the hemi about more power and less gas mileage or is it about status? Or is it both? Or neither?

 

[jjs]

It's not just the power...

http://www-5.chrysler.com/vehsuite/VehicleCompare.jsp?vehicle=300&pid=u&adid=u&rid=u

 

[II kings 9:20]

Power, good mpg esp. on the freeway (I get 26-27.5)with the cruise on. I ordered a Limited and changed it two days later to a Hemi. For me not the prestige (some even removed thier Hemi badges), it's the 340hp and all the features you don't get on other models, my 05 odyssey makes 255 so for me why have a large sedan that makes less than my minivan for $30K. I also like the MDS technology (same as the Odyssey in 6cyl/3cyl mode). I would not buy a car based on gas mileage alone, kind of like not making investment decisions based on taxes. The V6 is rated at a whopping 2mpg better than the Hemi (who cares). If it's about mpg, then I would buy another car, save $10K and get better mpg, a Passat Diesel comes to mind (not sarcastic, a fine car and I love diesels, I have owned three, Citroen, Peugeot, and MB)

 

[jcsganga34]

While the Hemi is reasonable on the highway (I get 22-23 mpg)for gas mileage I think it is a DOG in the city (13-14mpg). I have about 6800 miles on the car and don't know if the numbers will improve anymore. I have always been accustomed to driving V8's so I never even looked at the V6. Do you ever really need all that power...probably not, but its nice to know you have it. I agree with II Kings in the extra options you get with the C is one of reason lots of people go with the C. The 5 speed tranny is great as well as the other performace enhancements (tires/brakes/suspension). For me when choosing this car, how it drove is what was most important to me. The adrenaline rush from the Hemi was enough to have me sold on the test drive. If you have no intentions of buying a Hemi then do NOT drive one because you will change your mind. As far as the limited and touring go, I hear the powerplants are very much adequate for everyday driving (the base model too). I think the people who are more performance driven opt for the C, while those who want a car to drive around and look nice in (who don't need or want the additional power) opt for the other two models. Fuel usage was not an issue for me when purchasing the car, I do believe the EPA numbers for the Hemi are on the high side. If you are worried about fuel consumption then I would say that the C is probably not for you.

 

[CITADELGRAD87]

Yeah, I could care less what they call it, most performance minded cars don't "name" the engine, anyway.

There is, however, the power of a V8 in an honest American RWD sedan.

I have owned a few cars, my favorite was a 67 Chevelle SS. From that and the gearhead circles I ran with, I learned that they offer more powerplant options for a reason, the more powerful cars are ALWAYS more fun to drive.

They are also far more collectible. And like the power options in the musclecars of the past, it's really not that much more to load it up with as many cubic inches as Detroit will agree to stuff under the hood. I mean, it's less than 3-5 thousand for WAY more horsepower.

I drive my car every single day. There is nothing nicer than spending a little more money on things you really use and enjoy. I have friends with $$$ tied up in boats that they hardly ever take out. Not so with my car.

I could care less about fuel economy. I really only care aobut fuel consumption in relation to the size of the tank, I would rather have a bigger tank in the C and fill it up less, but I will not sacrifice acceleration to skip a trip to the pump.

The added standard features and trim packages are simply Detroits' time honored nod to the buyer who wants the most available features, and will pay for it.

 

[Ghetto Prince]

Thanx for the replies everyone.

 

[foodybat]

word HEMI....

Hemi just gives more power right? At least that's what the dealer(s) told me while I was shopping around. I do notice that around here, though, it seems like more of a status symbol.

I have a limited with all of the hemi options, except chrome mirror moulding and chrome door handles (but those are on the way).

While researching this, I came to the conclusion to get the model that I did based on gas mileage. I spoke to other 300 owners that I knew and I was going off of the gas projections on the stickers themselves.

So, is the hemi about more power and less gas mileage or is it about status? Or is it both? Or neither?

Hemi is how the motor is designed....it is shaped as a Hemisphere... that's where the name hemi originated from.....

 

[Northern Rider]

Hemi just gives more power right? At least that's what the dealer(s) told me while I was shopping around. I do notice that around here, though, it seems like more of a status symbol.

I have a limited with all of the hemi options, except chrome mirror moulding and chrome door handles (but those are on the way).

While researching this, I came to the conclusion to get the model that I did based on gas mileage. I spoke to other 300 owners that I knew and I was going off of the gas projections on the stickers themselves.

So, is the hemi about more power and less gas mileage or is it about status? Or is it both? Or neither?

Yeah, GP - more power - lots more power. That's about it -unless you want to include:

Getrag 5 speed transmission
stiffer springs
larger anti-roll bars
larger discs and brakes
18" light wheels and tires
different interior trim
25% thicker glass; excellent sound deadening
dual zone air conditioning
heated seats
express up and down windows
EVIC center
auto dimming mirrors
home link remote
steering mounted audio controls
2 setting memory positions
a pile of extra air bags
self sealing tires
security system
premier audio system
power tilt steering column
leather wrapped steering wheel, shifter
rain sensitive wipers
headlight washers
tortoise shell trim (faux)
....and more options that you cannot get on the base C

Other than that, I guess it's just about the same. Sorta looks the same, anyway.

IMO, its not power, gas mileage, or status. The C is an automobile where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. To find similar cars that are as pleasurable to drive, you need to look at makes that are at least $10K more.

 

[300Con23s]

Bumper and lights are different as well.

 

[Tha187um]

When I took my car in to put in the alarm, the guy goes to me, man, so many around here that are getting hooked up with the 22" wheels and all... BUT DON'T worry, they got nothing on you, yours is the only HEMI I've seen around here...

SO I guess the word HEMI means a lot more to some than to others Another example..

When I go out with my wife, she is always pointing out 300's that we see on the streets (yes, plenty of them in Miami) and she goes, look, there goes your car, and every single time, I say "They wish" so I had to explain to her the differences between the trims... so she laughs at me and says Im like a big baby, so now she just role plays it on her own... she goes, look, your car, and she answers right back "They wish" heheeh...

Just like I said on another threat, the same thing will happen when the patient ones get the SRT8 when it comes out, they will look at the C as the inferior trim

 

[II kings 9:20]

Inferior trim of the Hemi vis a vis the SRT8 or base to Hemi C perhaps, but there is one other thing inferior and that is the price, it all boils down to you get what you pay for, more money=more car.. Hemi is indeed short for hemispherical combustion, da neu Hemi some have said is not a real hemi because it is not a perfect dome but rather has rectangle "bumps" within the hemisphere. This is silly of course, it still has a hemi shape and those modifications are to prevent exhaust gasses fouling up the valves something hemis of yore were known for ( or so I hear). I am not envious of the SRT8 at all, I got a great car for 34K, I have 6,000 reasons to smile every time I think of an SRT8, same for those who have base vs da Hemi C. I enjoy this car as much as the day I bought it 6/26/04, a first for a new car for me, I am usually tired after 6 weeks or so. Whatever model you have, the reasons are varied and many, frankly it does'nt matter what others drive, enjoy yours for all those reasons you bought it.

P.s. JSG you are right, city mpg is doggish, did you notice I avoided commenting about it and only mentioned my hwy cruise number (very sly). For reference though, my 3100lb 6spd manual 238hp RX8 got 13 city and 23 hwy! That does not ease anyone's city mpg pain, just food for thought.

 

[kangol99]

I reason I'm getting the "C" with the Hemi isn't because it has a Hemi at all. Its the other features I like that come with the "C" I wouldn't even care if it came with a 340hp Magnum V8. I just like that a big heavy luxury car is RWD with a V8 no matter what they call it. I don't like the front bumpers or the headlight housings on the non hemi 300's. I also dont like the fact that you can't get HID's unless you have the "C" What really sold me on getting a "C" was the tough 5 speed auto with autostick, the suspension, Bigger breaks, and 18" Chrome wheels. I plan on putting 22's on my 300 and it will be a little rough on the Big brakes and tough suspension that the "C" already has, imagine 22's on a limited or touring 300...that could definately cause some problems. that's just my 2cents. To all you limited and touring 300 owners, you may have a few less options and paid a little less than use but you're still rollin' a Chrysler 300 and you're rollin' in style Ps, I bought a dropstars 300c today at walmart, best 4 bucks i've spent in a long time

 

[rogue]

One of the reasons you're feeling like the Hemi is a status symbol is the purpose of this site. 300 *C* forums dot com. I didn't buy the car because its a big four door that looks like a ghetto bentley. I bought it because with the HEMI it hauls ass like nobodies business, and compares to cars way outside its class.

Theres nothing better than dusting an AC Schnitzer tricked out BMW 740 on the freeway at 70 on up, but for $30k less. The 740 and 300c are the same size about. Park next to one and you'll see.

 

[kangol99]

The name of this website is 300cforums.com So obviously it will be filled with members who own the "C" and we do get a little defensive when people compare ours to a limited or touring and say that the only difference is a Hemi. Anyone who owns and "C" has done their research and knows that our cars have much much more than just a V8.

 

[LOTHP]

I agree with Rogue.

But as a *certified* arrogant pr**ck, I feel no affinity for base, touring, or limiteds, regardless of how much money the owner spends on extra unsprung weight and video equipment. The only similarity, IMHO, is the sheet metal.

Is there a HEMI-only forum anywhere around? I got here based on the name, which does indeed have a "C". But apparently this site cares more about the number of members and stereo-show attendees than the subject matter.

 

[abendx]

ah.... you are all covering up the real truth here.... GP, it is simply an issue of compensation.

C = HEMI = COMPENSATION = short in the pants

so.... you should be proud of yourself that you don't have to make up for what the rest of us here have to make up for.....

this does bring up an obvious question..... what are the ladies here with the Cs making up for?? is it an envy issue???

haha

 

[kidcoastal]

ha ha ha!!! LOTHP you are a crack up!! You are sure about one thing.. you are DEFINITELY certified.

 

[Ghetto Prince]

Yeah, GP - more power - lots more power. That's about it -unless you want to include:

Getrag 5 speed transmission
stiffer springs
larger anti-roll bars
larger discs and brakes
18" light wheels and tires
different interior trim
25% thicker glass; excellent sound deadening
dual zone air conditioning
heated seats
express up and down windows
EVIC center
auto dimming mirrors
home link remote
steering mounted audio controls
2 setting memory positions
a pile of extra air bags
self sealing tires
security system
premier audio system
power tilt steering column
leather wrapped steering wheel, shifter
rain sensitive wipers
headlight washers
tortoise shell trim (faux)
....and more options that you cannot get on the base C

Other than that, I guess it's just about the same. Sorta looks the same, anyway.

IMO, its not power, gas mileage, or status. The C is an automobile where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts. To find similar cars that are as pleasurable to drive, you need to look at makes that are at least $10K more.

I have

• larger discs and brakes
• dual zone air conditioning
• heated seats
• express up and down windows
• EVIC center
• auto dimming mirrors
• home link remote
• steering mounted audio controls
• 2 setting memory positions
• a pile of extra air bags
• self sealing tires
• security system
• premier audio system
• power tilt steering column
• leather wrapped steering wheel, shifter
• and others that you didn't list

on my limited.

 

[Northern Rider]

GP, the loaded limited is a very nice car. It also gets up close to the price of the C. A lot of the C owners buy the C for the performance first and appearance second. Not just straight line acceleration, but the handling and scary quiet, comfortable cruising. A Luxury Muscle Car.

I see a lot of extreme customs that grow out of the base car. A smart move, IMO. Since the looks for these folks far exceed the driving qualities, why not start with a base unit? Some of the extreme appearance mods often comprimise roadability, performance, and comfort. And since the mods are mucho dinero, unless you are incredibly weathy, what's the point of degrading the performance of a BMW eater like the C?

All that matters is that you enjoy what you got, regardless of what opinion others may have.

 

[Hemi57]

I made my decision based on the performance/power foremost. I have been a V8 owner for many years, the last V8 (HSV GTS with 295 HP, 6-speed) was replaced with the supercharged V6. The V6 is just not in the same league.

In the US you have great Interstate highways. Here in Australia we still have mostly 2 lane highways and safe overtaking requires the grunt of the V8. I am sick of saying to the V6, "come on, get going"