2005 CTS-V vs. 2006 300C SRT-8
If some are hoping that I’m going to bash the CTS-V or have some axe to grind you can stop reading here. This will be a discussion of the finer points of each vehicle.
Amenities – The SRT-8 has everything the CTS-V has plus the following; uConnect cell phone, voice commands, bluetooth compatible, auto stick (more on this later), Sirius Satellite radio 1 year service vs. 3 months, back-up sensors, adjustable pedals, tilt and telescope with unlimited positions, steering wheel controls for just about everything. I like the layout, look and feel of the dash better in the SRT-8 as well. I do miss the V’s digital speedo, digital climate control vs. analog in the SRT, G-meter and larger NAV screen. The seats are infinitely adjustable in both and easy to find a comfortable position. The SRT is larger and feels it, especially when you’re carrying 4 adults.
Fit, Finish & Materials – Again the SRT has some very nice touches that really don’t convey with pictures. You have to feel them. The SRT seats are much nicer, with bolsters that actually hold you. Center counsel feels sturdy and substantial vs. flimsy in the V. The SRT dash layout is easy to navigate and the buttons are classy, as are the materials. The center stack overlay frankly looks like a cheap add-on though and looks out of place. The V’s buttons are not as nice, especially on the NAV system. (Which peeled twice on my V’s) The tach and speedo in the V are easier to read, especially at speed. Door panels in both cars are laughable and should not be on ANY vehicle commanding over $47,000! Carpet in the V is MUCH better, thick and lush. The SRT’s looks fresh out of a Neon. Paint on both cars shows orange peel, although subtle, it’s there. The metal flake on the Brilliant Black SRT-8 is a nice touch. Exhaust tips on the SRT look like thin aftermarket add-ons vs. the classy, though small stock V’s.
Wheels and Tires – Both Companies should be bitch slapped here. GM for using a 6 lug wheel and eliminating all hopes of an aftermarket. Chrysler for using 20" rims with only 2 choices available for replacement. Think I’m kidding? Go search 245/45/20 and 255/45/20. RSA’s and F1’s THAT’S IT! GM’s EMT’s give up the ghost at 5,000 miles. Chrysler’s mighty meats offer little grip vs. 425 ft.lbs. of torque while roasting themselves to the rims and offering no hint that they’re spinning.
Engine and Transmission – Both vehicles have done amazing things with these American V8’s. The V’s power with 3.73 gears and 6 speed is ALWAYS on. Unlimited power is available when and where you need it. The much-lamented stock shifter in the V is inexcusable. Vague and rubbery it will betray you when you’re trying hard to shift quickly. The SRT’s power is more discreet. 3.08 rear gears and a mountain of torque that just keeps pulling until you look down and can’t believe you’re doing 100 mph in 11 seconds. Ahh, behold the power of torque. The transmission does nothing to let you know you just went from 1st to 2nd to 3rd. Only the rpm changes and exhaust note give it away. Both cars are civil and quiet when needed and both can bark loudly when asked. Anyone who hasn’t driven the new generation auto-stick will be pleasantly surprised. Unlike the old system, this one will actually hold the gear up to and including your bouncing off the rev limiter. Tool down the highway at just under 60 and you can downshift into 2nd, catch rubber and launch the SRT on a highway blast. You can also shift the SRT like a manual all the time and it’s almost as rewarding as perfectly shifting the V. Almost.
Handling and Stability Control vs. ESP - The V’s four modes of ALL ON, ALL OFF, TRACTION OFF and COMPETITIVE DRIVING are superior to the SRT’s. The Competitive Mode in the V is the most confidence inspiring electrical co-pilot I’ve ever experienced. This mode will allow you to spin the wheels, get sideways (but not too sideways) and literally throw this car around. The V is also MUCH happier being tossed around a track than the SRT is. The SRT will do fine and perform at nearly the level of the V. It’s just not happy about it. The ESP is good and does a fine job of keeping you from over driving a corner and embarrassing yourself at a stoplight by literally sitting and spinning. Turn it off and you can dial in some more fun, but wait, what just happened? It’s not really all the way off. ESP is still watching and lying in wait and if it doesn’t like what the yaw sensor just felt your getting dialed back. Damn it! It’s my $47,000 car and if I want to wreck it I should damned well be allowed to. Hmph!
Price and Warranty – The Caddy’s warranty is better with 4yr/50,000 miles of worry free driving including roadside assistance. A loaner is also readily available on any service visit. The Chrysler warranty is 3yr/36,000 miles, a loaner for the first year only and roadside assistance for 3 years. We all heard the early rumors of a $39,995 SRT and I’m sure that car exists. But to option it up to the Caddy’s level you’ll be in the $46,500 range. Mine did not have the rear DVD system which adds another $1,150. You can find V’s all day long for $47,500 vs. their $51,000 msrp or should be able to by now. My SRT-8 stickered at $46,745, which I talked down to $46,245. Not my best work, but considering all the circumstances a good deal. I opted for a 4yr/100,000 mile warranty for an additional $1,500. So out the door minus TTT was $47,745. So it’s virtually a wash on price.
Final Thoughts – These really are two completely different vehicles in character, styling, power delivery, handling, etc. Comparing the two is inevitable because the performance is so close as to be negligible. The cars will be cross-shopped and the new owners loving each for completely different reasons. In fact, my guess would be that what you love about one you’d hate about the other. Ultimately I’d love to own one of each, as I don’t think either can fully satisfy every need I have in a performance sedan. For instance I can’t see taking the SRT to the track although I know I could. At times I wished the V had an automatic because the 6 speed was nearly impossible to drive smoothly. All in all they are both great cars. Drive them both and you’ll immediately know where you belong.
If some are hoping that I’m going to bash the CTS-V or have some axe to grind you can stop reading here. This will be a discussion of the finer points of each vehicle.
Amenities – The SRT-8 has everything the CTS-V has plus the following; uConnect cell phone, voice commands, bluetooth compatible, auto stick (more on this later), Sirius Satellite radio 1 year service vs. 3 months, back-up sensors, adjustable pedals, tilt and telescope with unlimited positions, steering wheel controls for just about everything. I like the layout, look and feel of the dash better in the SRT-8 as well. I do miss the V’s digital speedo, digital climate control vs. analog in the SRT, G-meter and larger NAV screen. The seats are infinitely adjustable in both and easy to find a comfortable position. The SRT is larger and feels it, especially when you’re carrying 4 adults.
Fit, Finish & Materials – Again the SRT has some very nice touches that really don’t convey with pictures. You have to feel them. The SRT seats are much nicer, with bolsters that actually hold you. Center counsel feels sturdy and substantial vs. flimsy in the V. The SRT dash layout is easy to navigate and the buttons are classy, as are the materials. The center stack overlay frankly looks like a cheap add-on though and looks out of place. The V’s buttons are not as nice, especially on the NAV system. (Which peeled twice on my V’s) The tach and speedo in the V are easier to read, especially at speed. Door panels in both cars are laughable and should not be on ANY vehicle commanding over $47,000! Carpet in the V is MUCH better, thick and lush. The SRT’s looks fresh out of a Neon. Paint on both cars shows orange peel, although subtle, it’s there. The metal flake on the Brilliant Black SRT-8 is a nice touch. Exhaust tips on the SRT look like thin aftermarket add-ons vs. the classy, though small stock V’s.
Wheels and Tires – Both Companies should be bitch slapped here. GM for using a 6 lug wheel and eliminating all hopes of an aftermarket. Chrysler for using 20" rims with only 2 choices available for replacement. Think I’m kidding? Go search 245/45/20 and 255/45/20. RSA’s and F1’s THAT’S IT! GM’s EMT’s give up the ghost at 5,000 miles. Chrysler’s mighty meats offer little grip vs. 425 ft.lbs. of torque while roasting themselves to the rims and offering no hint that they’re spinning.
Engine and Transmission – Both vehicles have done amazing things with these American V8’s. The V’s power with 3.73 gears and 6 speed is ALWAYS on. Unlimited power is available when and where you need it. The much-lamented stock shifter in the V is inexcusable. Vague and rubbery it will betray you when you’re trying hard to shift quickly. The SRT’s power is more discreet. 3.08 rear gears and a mountain of torque that just keeps pulling until you look down and can’t believe you’re doing 100 mph in 11 seconds. Ahh, behold the power of torque. The transmission does nothing to let you know you just went from 1st to 2nd to 3rd. Only the rpm changes and exhaust note give it away. Both cars are civil and quiet when needed and both can bark loudly when asked. Anyone who hasn’t driven the new generation auto-stick will be pleasantly surprised. Unlike the old system, this one will actually hold the gear up to and including your bouncing off the rev limiter. Tool down the highway at just under 60 and you can downshift into 2nd, catch rubber and launch the SRT on a highway blast. You can also shift the SRT like a manual all the time and it’s almost as rewarding as perfectly shifting the V. Almost.
Handling and Stability Control vs. ESP - The V’s four modes of ALL ON, ALL OFF, TRACTION OFF and COMPETITIVE DRIVING are superior to the SRT’s. The Competitive Mode in the V is the most confidence inspiring electrical co-pilot I’ve ever experienced. This mode will allow you to spin the wheels, get sideways (but not too sideways) and literally throw this car around. The V is also MUCH happier being tossed around a track than the SRT is. The SRT will do fine and perform at nearly the level of the V. It’s just not happy about it. The ESP is good and does a fine job of keeping you from over driving a corner and embarrassing yourself at a stoplight by literally sitting and spinning. Turn it off and you can dial in some more fun, but wait, what just happened? It’s not really all the way off. ESP is still watching and lying in wait and if it doesn’t like what the yaw sensor just felt your getting dialed back. Damn it! It’s my $47,000 car and if I want to wreck it I should damned well be allowed to. Hmph!
Price and Warranty – The Caddy’s warranty is better with 4yr/50,000 miles of worry free driving including roadside assistance. A loaner is also readily available on any service visit. The Chrysler warranty is 3yr/36,000 miles, a loaner for the first year only and roadside assistance for 3 years. We all heard the early rumors of a $39,995 SRT and I’m sure that car exists. But to option it up to the Caddy’s level you’ll be in the $46,500 range. Mine did not have the rear DVD system which adds another $1,150. You can find V’s all day long for $47,500 vs. their $51,000 msrp or should be able to by now. My SRT-8 stickered at $46,745, which I talked down to $46,245. Not my best work, but considering all the circumstances a good deal. I opted for a 4yr/100,000 mile warranty for an additional $1,500. So out the door minus TTT was $47,745. So it’s virtually a wash on price.
Final Thoughts – These really are two completely different vehicles in character, styling, power delivery, handling, etc. Comparing the two is inevitable because the performance is so close as to be negligible. The cars will be cross-shopped and the new owners loving each for completely different reasons. In fact, my guess would be that what you love about one you’d hate about the other. Ultimately I’d love to own one of each, as I don’t think either can fully satisfy every need I have in a performance sedan. For instance I can’t see taking the SRT to the track although I know I could. At times I wished the V had an automatic because the 6 speed was nearly impossible to drive smoothly. All in all they are both great cars. Drive them both and you’ll immediately know where you belong.
