Wouldn't you know the new kid on the block would make a splash, wresting the title of America's Best Sedan from BMW? This might prove the adage, you don't have to appeal to all the people, just to the right ones.
Chrysler's in-your-face design appeals to the right people, and whether it was the Bentley-esque stance or the powerful Hemi engine, there's something here that pushes the right buttons. This is the hottest thing to come out of Detroit since Aretha, Eminem and the World Champion Pistons combined.
Also of interest is how last year's first three finishers-the BMW 3 Series, Audi A6 and Honda Accord-fared: Only longtime favorite BMW resonated with the crowd.
FINISH LINE
FIRST: Chrysler 300C
SECOND: BMW 3 Series
THIRD: Cadillac CTS
This really makes me feel good about this car. It's about time that an AMERICAN CAR, took the honors of americas fav car. I am looking into getting one in the next year. and if the charger does not look good to me, I will be getting the 300 c . By the way, how does the car feel, comparing it to your e 55? I know the benz puts out a little bit more hp and tq. I am asking cause a freind just got rid of his 02 e 55. He has a CL 55 amg now. So how does it compare to the 55?
By the way, how does the car feel, comparing it to your e 55? I know the benz puts out a little bit more hp and tq. I am asking cause a freind just got rid of his 02 e 55. He has a CL 55 amg now. So how does it compare to the 55?
The 'official' HP rating is 349 - only 9HP more than the 300C Hemi (340). Actually the 2002 E55 has 355HP which is unlisted or published. However, even with such a close HP and both have the same torque @ 390 ft-lbs. The E55 moves out more agressively than the 300C mainly because the rear end gear ratio is better, I believe. The E55 tranny really kicks-down much quicker and harder than the 300C tranny even with the same design. Of course better grip with 275 width tires in back.
If he has a 2003+ CL55 it has 495HP and 516 ft-lbs.
The 'official' HP rating is 349 - only 9HP more than the 300C Hemi (340). Actually the 2002 E55 has 355HP which is unlisted or published. However, even with such a close HP and both have the same torque @ 390 ft-lbs. The E55 moves out more agressively than the 300C mainly because the rear end gear ratio is better. The E55 tranny really kicks-down much quicker and harder than the 300C tranny even with the same design. Of course better grip with 275 width tires in back.
If he has a 2003+ CL55 it has 495HP and 516 ft-lbs.
Yes it does!! I have dirven his cl, and let me tell you this. This thing felt stronger then his 2001 viper acr. As for the 300C hemi, we'll see what dodge comes out with in the next year, as for the charger.
Would that make it quicker. The 300C has 2.82. Does higher the number mean the better and quicker. Thanks.
Numbers for the V6 models:
300 3.5 liter - 3.64 Axle Ratio
300 2.7 liter - 3.90 Axle Ratio
Question!
When I read "Final Drive Ratio - 2.82" is that a spec of the transmission or the rear end? Thanks.
With a higher rear end gear ratio of 3.90 on the Hemi 300C, it would give it a more responsive quicker acceleration from a stand still and shave a few tenths off the 1/4 mile ET. But at the expense of slightly lower MPG on the highway and a lower top speed.
And the 2.82 is the rear end gear ratio, aka final-drive ratio.
Correct me if i am wrong but, isint the 300 elec limited to like 130mph? I think it would be a hell of an improvement with the 3:64's. And besides, it has a 5 sp auto.
The more gear ratios you have the lower (numerically) final drive ratio you can have without sacrificing too much performance, because the ratios in the box are spaced more closely together. The other 300's have numerically higher final drives because they use the 4 sp Chrysler box. The ratios are spread wider apart and their V6's have far less torque and the weight of the car is still almost 4000 lbs. All this means the higher gearing is needed to keep acceleration performance reasonable. As was said earlier, the lower the number of the final drive the "taller" or more relaxed the ratio is, giving better fuel econ. It is also one reason (along with the HEMI MDS), that the V6 car only gets a couple MPG better on the highway. It will be interesting to see if the new SRT8 version of the car or the Dodge Charger will have a lower final drive ratio (higher number) to increase acceleration. Hope that made sense.
Correct me if i am wrong but, isint the 300 elec limited to like 130mph? I think it would be a hell of an improvement with the 3:64's. And besides, it has a 5 sp auto.
Yes (126-MPH).
MY06 will be some releasingof the latest 6-speed autos.
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2004 America's Best Sedan: Chrysler 300c!
I have dirven his cl, and let me tell you this. This thing felt stronger then his 2001 viper acr. As for the 300C hemi, we'll see what dodge comes out with in the next year, as for the charger.
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