CTS in Chrysler 300 Ad

[Skuuter]

The introduction of the 300 is what gave me the bug to start looking at a new car. I got an invitation to the premier and figured, what the hey? I was very interested and impressed with the 300. I did not test drive the 300C, because I don't need or want that much power. What I was impressed with was the overall aura and presence the 300 has. It looks very classy yet sinister at the same time. It's exactly what I'd have imagined the Green Hornet to have driven were he a contemporary figure.

I drove the 3.5L Limited and found it quite responsive and well mannered in handling. No, it won't wrench your neck when you floor it, but neither will the CTS 3.6L, IMO. I wasn't completely sold on the exterior design for my self-image so I decided to look at the CTS, Acura TL, Volvo S60, Lincoln LS, etc.

The last time I'd really looked at a CTS was in 2001 when they were very fresh and you saw them everywhere in Vegas with "Win this car!" signs on them. From a midget's perspective (with the cars being on rotating pedestals) the car didn't initally appeal to me, looking exaggerated in it's styling. However, when I went shopping this time around I was immediately drawn to the CTS. The Caddy feels more like a driver's car than I expected and more so than any of the other cars I test drove. That, and the fact that I liked the styling this time around is what sold me on the CTS. Yes, I like the power and the handling, but the 300 was a contender, in my experience. Besides, the 300 Touring and Limited only weigh around 150 pounds more than the CTS, so the power is very similar. The CTS does have a broader and flatter torque curve, but there's not enough difference between the two cars, performance-wise, for the average driver to notice, IMO.

The Chrysler name has no cachet for me though. Owning a Cadillac once again has meaning. Thank you GM!

[gothicaleigh]

Originally Posted by Ralph

Goth: The hemi beats a Northstar in power.

I wasn't speaking of the N* when I mentioned 'our V8'.
The V8 in the CTS-V is a 400hp LS6.


When I test drove the 300C, it didn't feel like a sport sedan to me. It straight lines real nice and is even well planted in the turns, but it reminded me more of driving a stiffer version of my Impala SS than my CTS...
Go test drive one. You'll see what I mean.

[evo]

Originally Posted by miscreant

The 300's a Chrysler, need you say anymore????

yup. no more.

[greyghost04]

Once again, I liked the 300C alot when I drove it. It's a family car. Lots of room and a big car feel. I think it's a great second car after your CTS, which is a true sports car. If you really want a Green Hornet car, look at the Dodge Magnum Hemi. Once again though, most Chrysler products owners over the last 10 years, don't want to buy another one

[Shantanu]

I haven't seen the ad, but this kind of thing can only be good for the CTS. It reinforces in the consumer's mind that the CTS is boss. If any newcomer entry-luxury sedan thinks they're tops, they have to beat the CTS first.

And the boss usually isn't the one that loses sales, no matter how hard others come after it. When the CTS and G35 first came out, the BMW-3 series held its ground, but other cars like the IS300 and Lincoln took a huge hit.

I personally do not like the front end of the Chrysler 300. I actually prefer the Dodge. The main problem I have is one of size. At 190 inches, even the CTS is a bit too big for me. I can count on my hand the number of times I've had 4 people sit in the car (so backseat space is not that big a deal), or that I've come close to filling the trunk. I have difficulty maneuvering the car when I visit big cities with narrow streets and cramped parking garages.

At 196 inches, the 300 is just too big. But I would consider other Chrysler RWD cars if they make smaller ones off the same platform.

[Ralph]

Originally Posted by miscreant

The Chrysler 3.5L sucks. It's got a horrible power band, and anything over 3500lbs just chugs along with it inside. The CTS has 255hp.

I take it you never drove a new Intrepid with the 3.5? I was blown away! It could have almost matched my 4.9 except it lacked a little torque. It would have EASILY blown away my well-maintained Grand Marquis with a 5.0!

[Stoneage_Caddy]

"But I would consider other Chrysler RWD cars if they make smaller ones off the same platform."

be patient , its coming , the dodge charger daytona , coming to nascar for approval next month

[benjet]

Originally Posted by gothicaleigh

When I test drove the 300C, it didn't feel like a sport sedan to me. It straight lines real nice and is even well planted in the turns, but it reminded me more of driving a stiffer version of my Impala SS than my CTS...
Go test drive one. You'll see what I mean.

Amen! I'll second that. Altho the Int is roomy (and it should be) in the 300.

[shaggygrosser]

I liked the 300C when I first saw it... but...

The deal breaker: No manual transmission available.

[BeelzeBob]

The first thing I thought of when I heard about this ad was "The Penalty of Leadership", as posted on page one of this thread. Congratulations, Cadillac. You're back...