[SRT**8]

since ride quality seems to be the only area some reviewers have nitpicked and maybe wind noise and road noise from the tires, can owners please give their thoughts.

JMatt - since you owned the 540 and looks as though you extensively test drove the 545, i am particularly interested in your thoughts. Most (all) of us prosepctive buyers have not been able to actually test drive an SRT8 of course.

My thoughts have been that with such a big car, and having test driven a 300C, the ride will be fine despite the larger, lower profile tires and suspension changes.

I would think the ride would be as good as or close to a 540/545 or an E55 AMG. Noise level is a tougher call as i could see the shape of the 300 causing some problems on the highway as far as wind noise.

thanks to all that respond.

 

[JMatt]

It feels very firm and tight, much like the 540 does. However, it feels more solid as well. What I mean by this, is the 540i felt cheaper, and more tin-canish (is that a word?) by comparison. It's hard to explain.

Even though I can still feel the cracks in the road, I seem more isolated from the road in the SRT-8. I think that goes along with size/weight. However, by no means do I want to imply that this car is not a driver's car, or that it has no road feel - it definitely does. The SRT-8 feels much more substantial when you drive. Also, I think the SRT-8 tracks flatter through corners than the 540 or the 545 does.

The 5 series feels more nimble I guess (but I doubt it really is). I'd guess the sensation is due to the smaller size of th 5 series compared to the SRT-8.

The big deal for me, is that I wanted a sport sedan that would feel classy taking four adults to dinner comfortably. The 5 series is just too small in the back seat. The new 7 series is awesome, but not nearly as sporty (and $30,000 MORE). For anyone who considers themself to be a "driver" and want a "driver's car" I'm sure the SRT-8 will not dissappoint.

If you allow for the cost difference, I don't think its even close.

 

[My Hemi]

Well, I have never driven any comparible car as you mention, since I have always been a Jeep/Viper guy. So, I am not able to give a comparison from experience.

But my impressions are that it rides great on fairly smooth roads, especially compared to those cars, and the road noise is not a bother to me. Matter of fact, I would never have thought of road noise if it hadn't been brought up. You certainly can feel the harsh roads though, but I guess it is part of the car shock and tire setup. But that's what we wanted, right, a car with sports car ride ---- and LOTS of room. It handles very good on corners and winding roads, not like a Viper of course, but certainly better than any other car I have owned (again, Jeeps, trucks, etc.). When I first drove it with the wife, I immediately said how good it rides and isn't rough riding like the Viper --- very smooth and quiet. The car stays planted and doesn't hunt on the road, doesn't follow groves, etc. Wind noise --- didn't notice any to speak of. If you want wind noise, try driving my 05 Jeep GC. The rack above howls.

Seeing is believing, and when you all get yours, it will be obvious what a fine vehicle this is.