RE: Blood Brothers: Mercedes E55 AMG vs Chrysler 300C
Discussion
whoaaaa.......E55 on a my "top 10 must-drive" list? don't think so.
in no particular order, my top 10 would be:
-any modern F1 car
-Porsche 917
-AC Cobra
-Jag D-type
-Blower Bentley
-Ferrari 250GTO
-Porsche 911 2.7RS
-McLaren F1
-Lancia Stratos
and last but not least:
-Thrust SSC
I think I could die happy after sampling that lot.
in no particular order, my top 10 would be:
-any modern F1 car
-Porsche 917
-AC Cobra
-Jag D-type
-Blower Bentley
-Ferrari 250GTO
-Porsche 911 2.7RS
-McLaren F1
-Lancia Stratos
and last but not least:
-Thrust SSC
I think I could die happy after sampling that lot.
canucklehead said:
whoaaaa.......E55 on a my "top 10 must-drive" list? don't think so.
in no particular order, my top 10 would be:
-any modern F1 car
-Porsche 917
-AC Cobra
-Jag D-type
-Blower Bentley
-Ferrari 250GTO
-Porsche 911 2.7RS
-McLaren F1
-Lancia Stratos
and last but not least:
-Thrust SSC
I think I could die happy after sampling that lot.
oops. misread "must own' as 'must drive'. soz. still don't agree. but then i'm not a merc fan.in no particular order, my top 10 would be:
-any modern F1 car
-Porsche 917
-AC Cobra
-Jag D-type
-Blower Bentley
-Ferrari 250GTO
-Porsche 911 2.7RS
-McLaren F1
-Lancia Stratos
and last but not least:
-Thrust SSC
I think I could die happy after sampling that lot.
E55 - very nice.
300C - no. Just no. Unless you're trading your yellow Hummer in for one.
Really, V8s apart, there is no comparison - power, handling, touchy-feely build quality, looks - it's all a bit one sided. The Merc even has the nascar soundtrack.
Although I suspect the Chrysler's lower tech approach might mean cheaper running costs long term - the Merc is from the scary accountant-led period of design.
For a few dollars more...
300C - no. Just no. Unless you're trading your yellow Hummer in for one.
Really, V8s apart, there is no comparison - power, handling, touchy-feely build quality, looks - it's all a bit one sided. The Merc even has the nascar soundtrack.
Although I suspect the Chrysler's lower tech approach might mean cheaper running costs long term - the Merc is from the scary accountant-led period of design.
For a few dollars more...
soad said:
turboman786 said:
It's absolutely a non-contest....e55 every time....Chrylser is just a heap of yank carp....
Yes - lighter, faster; plus 300C is not a looker.Amirhussain said:
pSyCoSiS said:
Quality, performance, q-car looks - it has to be the Merc.
Hardly a Q car with 4 exhausts popping out from the rear.Only the exhausts / Kompressor badges really give it away. Apart from them, it looks relatively subtle and just another E Class with bigger wheels.. In the same way, an E39 M5 is a subtle car.
This 300c, even if it isn't the SRT version, still looks more 'in your face' than the E55, and would turn more heads. If you didn't know what the Merc was, then you wouldn't expect it to have that sort of power and pace.
That's all.
Edited by pSyCoSiS on Wednesday 20th February 19:53
The Chrysler is much better looking as an estate I feel. It is also very colour sensitive, i.e. black or nothing. Perhaps I've been affected by the number of bog standard light coloured ones that rental firms in the USA would have!
It is the individual choise, but the Mercedes is in a different class (especially inside).
It is the individual choise, but the Mercedes is in a different class (especially inside).
Dan I have a 300C SRT8 Saloon if you want to borrow it for the day and update the article?
I own a vehicle tuning company and a vehicle sales company and I currently have 2 Chrysler 300C's in stock, one a 3.0CRD which I've made into a full SRT8 replica and a genuine SRT8.
The 6.1 Hemi is a stunning engine, the power delivery feels very different to most German high revving V8's, it's much more linear through out the rev range and the lazy traction system actually lets you push on without too much interference because it can't quite keep up with the brake of traction and the reapplication of power and therefore it actually does nothing except throw up the occasional amber dash light.
I've owned W210 and W211 E55 AMG's and whilst they are an amazing machine they don't feel as dramatic as the SRT8 or say an E60 M5. I think the E55 is the perfect car for someone who does a few miles but isn't worrying about mpg and wants something more useable the an E60 M5 and less outlandish than the SRT8. The big plus of the SRT8 is everywhere you go people have an opinion, some good, some bad, but hey, all publicity is good publicity.
My daily drivers are always 4 wheel drives and I've just moved from a 2006 Grand Cherokee to a 2007 Mercedes ML and the one thing you do notice is difference in the quality of plastics. Both brands went through a period of plastic-fantastic but ze Germans certainly do it best using soft plastics throughout including places the eye doesn't see.
C
I own a vehicle tuning company and a vehicle sales company and I currently have 2 Chrysler 300C's in stock, one a 3.0CRD which I've made into a full SRT8 replica and a genuine SRT8.
The 6.1 Hemi is a stunning engine, the power delivery feels very different to most German high revving V8's, it's much more linear through out the rev range and the lazy traction system actually lets you push on without too much interference because it can't quite keep up with the brake of traction and the reapplication of power and therefore it actually does nothing except throw up the occasional amber dash light.
I've owned W210 and W211 E55 AMG's and whilst they are an amazing machine they don't feel as dramatic as the SRT8 or say an E60 M5. I think the E55 is the perfect car for someone who does a few miles but isn't worrying about mpg and wants something more useable the an E60 M5 and less outlandish than the SRT8. The big plus of the SRT8 is everywhere you go people have an opinion, some good, some bad, but hey, all publicity is good publicity.
My daily drivers are always 4 wheel drives and I've just moved from a 2006 Grand Cherokee to a 2007 Mercedes ML and the one thing you do notice is difference in the quality of plastics. Both brands went through a period of plastic-fantastic but ze Germans certainly do it best using soft plastics throughout including places the eye doesn't see.
C
300bhp/ton said:
The 300C is built on Chrysler LX platform.
The LX platform is Chrysler's full-size rear wheel drive automobile platform for the mid part of the first decade of the 21st century. The LX was developed in America from the previous Chrysler LH platform, which had been designed to allow it to be easily upgraded to rear and all-wheel drive. Many Mercedes components were incorporated, including the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension, the Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class 5-link rear suspension, the firewall and floor pan, the W5A580 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP system. The LX cars are built at Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The European variant and all RHD models are built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr
The platform uses some Merc bits, not sure it's pure 'blood brothers' though more like step brothers.
I'm struggling. The Chrysler LX platform uses Mercedes front and rear suspension, a Mercedes floorpan and bulkhead, Mercedes transmission, and Mercedes ESP. What bit of the platform was actually Chrysler developed apart from the name?The LX platform is Chrysler's full-size rear wheel drive automobile platform for the mid part of the first decade of the 21st century. The LX was developed in America from the previous Chrysler LH platform, which had been designed to allow it to be easily upgraded to rear and all-wheel drive. Many Mercedes components were incorporated, including the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension, the Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class 5-link rear suspension, the firewall and floor pan, the W5A580 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP system. The LX cars are built at Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The European variant and all RHD models are built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr
The platform uses some Merc bits, not sure it's pure 'blood brothers' though more like step brothers.
The 300C also shared other bits from the Mercedes parts bin - cruise control, headlight switch, wiper control and handbrake controls are all straight out of a W210 E class. The diesel had a version of the W211 3 litre engine and the 5 speed auto is W210.
I'd also argue that these cars aren't that close in value. Try and find an E55 AMG with similar mileage and I reckon you'd be paying double;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
And that is for a car 2 years older with 7K higher mileage.
Bimmer528 - good luck with the purchase!
I'd also argue that these cars aren't that close in value. Try and find an E55 AMG with similar mileage and I reckon you'd be paying double;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
And that is for a car 2 years older with 7K higher mileage.
Bimmer528 - good luck with the purchase!
The W210 is really underrated. I totally get what they were trying to do with it. It's light years ahead of the W124 to drive - I've really warmed to the one I've got at the moment. Bimbled back from Herefordshire yesterday - to Bucks via Tewkesbury, Stow, Chipping Norton, Bicester etc. Trafficy, bitty drive. Still got 30MPG out of it just driving normally. Not bad for a big petrol V6 estate car. Those that have had the rust done and been well looked after, or never rusted at all (Some don't) are amazing bargains. It cost less than my guitar. Also, they really are safe cars - MB pushed the safety tech on miles with the 210. The platform lasted ages as well.
2SPN said:
The 300C also shared other bits from the Mercedes parts bin - cruise control, headlight switch, wiper control and handbrake controls are all straight out of a W210 E class. The diesel had a version of the W211 3 litre engine and the 5 speed auto is W210.
I'd also argue that these cars aren't that close in value. Try and find an E55 AMG with similar mileage and I reckon you'd be paying double;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
And that is for a car 2 years older with 7K higher mileage.
Bimmer528 - good luck with the purchase!
Thanks Peter I'd also argue that these cars aren't that close in value. Try and find an E55 AMG with similar mileage and I reckon you'd be paying double;
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
And that is for a car 2 years older with 7K higher mileage.
Bimmer528 - good luck with the purchase!
All going well so far!davepoth said:
I'm struggling. The Chrysler LX platform uses Mercedes front and rear suspension, a Mercedes floorpan and bulkhead, Mercedes transmission, and Mercedes ESP. What bit of the platform was actually Chrysler developed apart from the name?
Do they have the same wheelbase? The 300 looks a lot longer, so the floorpan pressing might be of the same origin, but I'm not it's 100% the same in application. The roofline, being a monoque/unibody vehicle also forms part of the 'chassis', which appears different on the 300 also.Maybe there is more in common. But if so, how can one be claimed to great and the other not? Especially when the one that isn't uses a lighter, cheaper to maintain, more compact power unit. And I suspect was sold new for less money.
300bhp/ton said:
Do they have the same wheelbase? The 300 looks a lot longer, so the floorpan pressing might be of the same origin, but I'm not it's 100% the same in application. The roofline, being a monoque/unibody vehicle also forms part of the 'chassis', which appears different on the 300 also.
Maybe there is more in common. But if so, how can one be claimed to great and the other not? Especially when the one that isn't uses a lighter, cheaper to maintain, more compact power unit. And I suspect was sold new for less money.
I don't think people are saying it's NOT a great car.Maybe there is more in common. But if so, how can one be claimed to great and the other not? Especially when the one that isn't uses a lighter, cheaper to maintain, more compact power unit. And I suspect was sold new for less money.
More so the fact that the Mercedes is a BETTER car, with better quality materials, etc, hence why it commands a higher premium.
bimmer528 said:
Seeing as '2 SPN' as it was formally known is the vehicle i bought on Saturday from South London (via a classified on here) i will be biased and say the 300 has more about it (character)
Although the inside of the Merc is far superior.
I guess my car is now famous
I saw that ad last week, it looked an absolute cracker! FWIW the 300C would get my vote. It's got character Although the inside of the Merc is far superior.
I guess my car is now famous
Is now a good time to admit I almost bought a 300C SRT8 a few years ago? It was a nearly new one, less than a year old as far as I recall but had already lost a whopping £15k or so off it's list price.
I was just drawn in by that lovely 6.1 Hemi, the noise was simply awesome, the whole car shook when you revved it at standstill and when you floored it on the move, the nose would hilariously lift up as the rear squatted on it's haunches. It was the epitome of an American Yank tank.
I almost signed on the dotted line there and then but I decided to have a think about it over night and when I got home, cold reason made me realise that the interior was in fact awful, it would continue to depreciate like a lead balloon and I'd look like I was selling drugs in it (it had the big silver grill and blacked out windows as standard) so I came to my senses and called the dealer the next day (where they sold through Vauxhall?) to give him the bad news.
Still that 6.1 Hemi was epic!
I was just drawn in by that lovely 6.1 Hemi, the noise was simply awesome, the whole car shook when you revved it at standstill and when you floored it on the move, the nose would hilariously lift up as the rear squatted on it's haunches. It was the epitome of an American Yank tank.
I almost signed on the dotted line there and then but I decided to have a think about it over night and when I got home, cold reason made me realise that the interior was in fact awful, it would continue to depreciate like a lead balloon and I'd look like I was selling drugs in it (it had the big silver grill and blacked out windows as standard) so I came to my senses and called the dealer the next day (where they sold through Vauxhall?) to give him the bad news.
Still that 6.1 Hemi was epic!
As an ex-300C SRT8 owner I'd have to say that it is so much better than people would imagine.
It was a lot quicker to 60 than the official figure stated, typically they will break 60 in 4.5 seconds as standard, buy a £300 Predator Diablo and that 0-60 time got just above 4 seconds, plus you could remove the 167 mph limit and they are good for 190+ mph.
Add in the standard Brembo brakes and stiffened, lowered Bilstein suspension and they actually handle pretty well too.
Build quality was good being built in Gratz, materials quality was typical American, functional, not plush, although personally I felt the interior was no different than any current offering from Germany I've been in.
Currently they are an absolute bargain and I wouldn't hesitate buying another, the 6.1 Hemi V8 is a truly great and bullet proof engine, add in a proper cold air intake and decent exhaust and they sound simply amazing on wide open throttle!!
Stef
It was a lot quicker to 60 than the official figure stated, typically they will break 60 in 4.5 seconds as standard, buy a £300 Predator Diablo and that 0-60 time got just above 4 seconds, plus you could remove the 167 mph limit and they are good for 190+ mph.
Add in the standard Brembo brakes and stiffened, lowered Bilstein suspension and they actually handle pretty well too.
Build quality was good being built in Gratz, materials quality was typical American, functional, not plush, although personally I felt the interior was no different than any current offering from Germany I've been in.
Currently they are an absolute bargain and I wouldn't hesitate buying another, the 6.1 Hemi V8 is a truly great and bullet proof engine, add in a proper cold air intake and decent exhaust and they sound simply amazing on wide open throttle!!
Stef
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