Chrysler 300...Hemi vs SRT8
Discussion
No idea if this is the right place to post, but I'm looking at one of the above, and have seen a rather nice looking Hemi and an equally nice looking SRT8. Anyone know what are the major differences? Would I be right in thinking a few cc and bhp, but apart from that they're the same?
Which one would you go for?
Cheers.
Which one would you go for?
Cheers.
The SRT8 is also a Hemi (though neither is actually a "real" Hemi), just the 6.1 litre version. The SRT benefits from alcantara seats rather than the cheap leather used in a standard 5.7 Hemi 300C's and more toys, plus better handling and brakes.
There's some nice 2 and 3 year old ones around at good prices at the moment. Mrs Mighty is after going to have a look at a couple of SRT's before she finally decides on what she wants in the next few days although F150 Lightning/HD is currently top of the list.
There's some nice 2 and 3 year old ones around at good prices at the moment. Mrs Mighty is after going to have a look at a couple of SRT's before she finally decides on what she wants in the next few days although F150 Lightning/HD is currently top of the list.
Cool, thanks for that. Lucky you having a Mrs that actually wants one. Mine is horrified with the thought of having to try and drive one! I must admit, I quite fancied a HUGE 4x4, but can't find one that has that bit of "luxury" inside!
SRT sounds worth the extra few quid then.
Thanks again, very helpful.
SRT sounds worth the extra few quid then.
Thanks again, very helpful.
Sadly it shocks all too many people but especially car dealers, who immediately lose a sale the second they decide to patronise. She went to look at a Charger RT last week (not far from you down there actually). The dealer decided to treat her like "the little lady" which immediately didn't go down well and she just immediately comes back with "I think my Camaro is a bit more of a handfull to be honest". He didn't have much to say to that. This though was closely followed by our mate Nick finding half a Charger which had been on its roof with no motor sat at the back of the forecourt, needless to say there wasn't much need for further conversation.
The biggest issue with her buying a quadcab truck is that although she works from home most of the time she does occasionally have to go into the office in Wakefield and although she would have not really much more trouble parking it than me, I've got more experience with bigger cars thats all, but you do still have to find a space that it will fit in. She loves the Harley Davidson Centenery edition Supercharged F150 but it really is debateable how practical it would be. Hence she's now seriously considering something considerably smaller like a 300C or the single cab Lightning.
Huge 4x4? I know it might be a bit "pimp" but there's a couple of very nice looking Cadillac Escalades on Ebay/Autotrader
The biggest issue with her buying a quadcab truck is that although she works from home most of the time she does occasionally have to go into the office in Wakefield and although she would have not really much more trouble parking it than me, I've got more experience with bigger cars thats all, but you do still have to find a space that it will fit in. She loves the Harley Davidson Centenery edition Supercharged F150 but it really is debateable how practical it would be. Hence she's now seriously considering something considerably smaller like a 300C or the single cab Lightning.
Huge 4x4? I know it might be a bit "pimp" but there's a couple of very nice looking Cadillac Escalades on Ebay/Autotrader
Edited by TheMighty on Sunday 20th December 20:23
TheMighty said:
She loves the Harley Davidson Centenery edition Supercharged F150 but it really is debateable how practical it would be. Hence she's now seriously considering something considerably smaller like a 300C or the single cab Lightning.
You'd be surprised....I have a 2007 Harley F150 with the Saleen supercharger option and when I mentioned to my wife I was thinking of selling she had a go at talking me out of it. When I first got it she wouldnt drive it out of the drive....Edited by TheMighty on Sunday 20th December 20:23
Now when she does, the only comments she makes is how much more poke it has over her Discovery.
The F150 is no wider than the Disco its just the slight extra length but the parking sensors and reversing camera help loads. Also the three kids love being in it to......
You know it makes sense....only thing is I dont know what to change it for .......yet..!!!!
What I find is that most people prefer the trucks in LHD because the visibility is so much better than in a lower down car. We have a few single or extended cab trucks at the moment and maybe she should think along those lines as theres no point in having the extra length of a quad cab if you dont need the extra seating. The earlier F150s in quad cab are no longer than the later single cabs so that is also a realistic option. I always think the 03 Harley is one of the most practical US trucks around (except for the lack of 4x4).
TheMighty said:
Sadly it shocks all too many people but especially car dealers, who immediately lose a sale the second they decide to patronise. She went to look at a Charger RT last week (not far from you down there actually). The dealer decided to treat her like "the little lady" which immediately didn't go down well and she just immediately comes back with "I think my Camaro is a bit more of a handfull to be honest". He didn't have much to say to that. This though was closely followed by our mate Nick finding half a Charger which had been on its roof with no motor sat at the back of the forecourt, needless to say there wasn't much need for further conversation.
The biggest issue with her buying a quadcab truck is that although she works from home most of the time she does occasionally have to go into the office in Wakefield and although she would have not really much more trouble parking it than me, I've got more experience with bigger cars thats all, but you do still have to find a space that it will fit in. She loves the Harley Davidson Centenery edition Supercharged F150 but it really is debateable how practical it would be. Hence she's now seriously considering something considerably smaller like a 300C or the single cab Lightning.
Huge 4x4? I know it might be a bit "pimp" but there's a couple of very nice looking Cadillac Escalades on Ebay/Autotrader
The biggest issue with her buying a quadcab truck is that although she works from home most of the time she does occasionally have to go into the office in Wakefield and although she would have not really much more trouble parking it than me, I've got more experience with bigger cars thats all, but you do still have to find a space that it will fit in. She loves the Harley Davidson Centenery edition Supercharged F150 but it really is debateable how practical it would be. Hence she's now seriously considering something considerably smaller like a 300C or the single cab Lightning.
Huge 4x4? I know it might be a bit "pimp" but there's a couple of very nice looking Cadillac Escalades on Ebay/Autotrader
Edited by TheMighty on Sunday 20th December 20:23
The 03 HD F150 is very practical although it only has 2 seats in the rear.
I have seen quite a few conversions where people have removed the rear center console and bolted a spare seat in there if that's what you need.
The lack of 4wd doesn't bother me and I'd rather not have it from a performance point of view.
If you really can't live without the 4wd though, you might want to consider the 4x4 Lariat model, which is virtually as pimpy on the inside.
The HD is barely longer than the Lightning model as it only has the 5.5' bed instead of the 6.5' so don't let that bother you either.
Go on, get one like mine. You know you want to
I have seen quite a few conversions where people have removed the rear center console and bolted a spare seat in there if that's what you need.
The lack of 4wd doesn't bother me and I'd rather not have it from a performance point of view.
If you really can't live without the 4wd though, you might want to consider the 4x4 Lariat model, which is virtually as pimpy on the inside.
The HD is barely longer than the Lightning model as it only has the 5.5' bed instead of the 6.5' so don't let that bother you either.
Go on, get one like mine. You know you want to
MrCP said:
What I find is that most people prefer the trucks in LHD because the visibility is so much better than in a lower down car. We have a few single or extended cab trucks at the moment and maybe she should think along those lines as theres no point in having the extra length of a quad cab if you dont need the extra seating. The earlier F150s in quad cab are no longer than the later single cabs so that is also a realistic option. I always think the 03 Harley is one of the most practical US trucks around (except for the lack of 4x4).
Obviously neither of us have prob with driving LHD, visibility or not! The 4th Gen isn't the best when it comes to seeing out when you're both only hobbits, but we both do ok! The only thing that we know does cause a problem is that Mrs Mighty really doesn't like trying to see over the Dodge Ram hood. That hump really does create issues with seeing the opposite front corner and whats in front of it when you're only our size. Totally with Adam on the lack of 4wd! We'd both rather have the extra performance and a few mpg than the 4x4. The extra 16" on the HD isn't really a problem in everyday use to either of us, and with my mum to transport about on occasion it would be nice to have the extra seating of an HD over a Lightning. She's got quite severe spondylosis and finds it impossible to go anywhere with us in the Camaro 'cos once she's in she can't get out!
The issue is really just Mrs Mighty's carparking situation at work where its already a pain in the backside to try and get parked in our little FIAT daily hack. The spaces are that tight they make your average Sainsbury's carpark space look like the empty deck of the USS Nimitz. I've driven over there on the odd occasion and its a nightmare. She's virtually never in the office until the middle of the day when she does have to go over thre so its not even like she can get there early and grab some space before anyone else.
We've been offered a really nice 2003 HD by a friend at a really good price and although its got 80,000 miles on it, its better than most we've seen with 30,000. All the others we've seen for sale just don't come close and its only actually for sale to us at the current time as he really doesn't want to lose it. Its really a great truck in every way, but the 16" shorter Lightning may just work out better for doing the bit of commuting that will be required. Of course then the only issue is finding a good Lightning as we all know most have hard a very hard life, even the low milers, and have been messed with in the blower drive department!
Are there any particular issues with HD's/Lightnings that I should be looking out for when buying?
Not really too many issues, but as you rightly say good well looked after lightnings are increasingly difficult to find. There is one I hope to get soon which is in fabulous condition but it is by no means guaranteed when or indeed whether it will come back to us. There is a lot to be said for buying one whose history you know well and it sounds like your mates Harley may be just the job if the price is right on it.
TheMighty said:
MrCP said:
Are there any particular issues with HD's/Lightnings that I should be looking out for when buying?
The 99 Lightnings had a factory recall for the intercooler. They would leak water into the inlet manifold and hydrolock the engine under certain circumstances. If you get a 99, make sure this has been done.The 99/00 only had the 80mm MAF and 360 HP. Not a huge deal but if you want to mod the engine (you will) you need to take this into account.
All Triton engines up to 2002 only had 4 threads per plug in the cylinder head.
Some spit the plugs out, some don't.
If you get an L/HD thats been modded, make sure you get the hand held tuner with it and look for signs of obvious abuse on any of them.
Edited by HD Adam on Tuesday 22 December 18:51
TheMighty said:
Are there any particular issues with HD's/Lightnings that I should be looking out for when buying?
The 99 Lightnings had a factory recall for the intercooler. They would leak water into the inlet manifold and hydrolock the engine under certain circumstances. If you get a 99, make sure this has been done.The 99/00 only had the 80mm MAF and 360 HP. Not a huge deal but if you want to mod the engine (you will) you need to take this into account.
All Triton engines up to 2002 only had 4 threads per plug in the cylinder head.
Some spit the plugs out, some don't.
If you get an L/HD thats been modded, make sure you get the hand held tuner with it and look for signs of obvious abuse on any of them.
Edited by HD Adam on Tuesday 22 December 18:51
In an attempt to drag this thread back on topic, I'll throw in my 2c worth, having driven both and choosing a 2007 SRT-8, which is my daily driver.
The 5.7 is a good car, with lots of torque and MDS which helps with fuel economy, but it must be remembered that the 300C is a brick of a car, weighing more than 4000lbs, so it needs as much urge as you can pay for, to make it a fun package, as well as a comfortable, large 4-door.
The SRT-8 is very different to the 5.7 Hemi.
The original power target was to equal the original 426ci motor in horsepower and torque, which was surpassed with the 6.1 liter engine. The motor internals are bigger, stronger and lighter and the induction system, redesigned and modernised from the musclecar era 'cross-ram' concept, is responsible for a lot of the increased output. The 5.7 has a more conventional, short tube intake.
Most of the other driveline components are the same or similar - the transmission is the same (other than the torque converter), but mapped to suit the torque characteristics of the larger motor. The SRT has a much more free-flowing exhaust than the 5.7 also (albeit a bit louder).
The 5.7 brakes leave a little to be desired also, considering the weight of the car and its on-road capability. The SRT's massive, slotted Brembo's are much more reassuring and fade resistant.
Inside, the main differences are in the (front) seats - the back seat is a bit of a let-down in both cars, if I'm honest. The SRT has a few amusing trinkets that the 5.7 lacks - most gigglesome is the 0-60mph timer - allowing you to perfect your launch/holeshot technique and record your fastest time to 60mph from a standstill.
Outside, the SRT has nicer, bigger 20 spoke wheels, bigger tyres, is lower and has a much deeper front air dam and boot lid spoiler.
The 300 and it's LX platform stablemates (Charger and Challenger in SRT guise) all ride quite firm, but not over-stiff, which is a reflection of their old E class MercBenz origin.
My car has had some very subtle mods. I've installed a colder thermostat and a Zoomer cat-back exhaust and fettled it with a Predator engine/transmission re-map. I didn't want a CAI because of the additional noise (I don't think they add much grunt anyway). It is comfortably capable of 170mph and sub-5 second 0-60. It doesn't handle like a Corvette, but on anything other than a mountain pass is quicker than my 2000 C5 vette - and stops much better too. It's a whole lotta car, for relatively minimal money and I would recommend the SRT-8 enthusiastically, if you need a very fast, big car that costs half as much as it's European rivals.
As stated, you can hog-up a 5.7 by throwing money at it - but when all is said and done, by the time you have bought the necessary mods to equal the SRT's stock output, it would be cheaper just to buy an SRT and get the factory upgrades in the deal.
These cars are very under-rated, cheap to buy (though not to run) and one of the all-time best kept performance secrets, for a conventional looking barge.
The 5.7 is a good car, with lots of torque and MDS which helps with fuel economy, but it must be remembered that the 300C is a brick of a car, weighing more than 4000lbs, so it needs as much urge as you can pay for, to make it a fun package, as well as a comfortable, large 4-door.
The SRT-8 is very different to the 5.7 Hemi.
The original power target was to equal the original 426ci motor in horsepower and torque, which was surpassed with the 6.1 liter engine. The motor internals are bigger, stronger and lighter and the induction system, redesigned and modernised from the musclecar era 'cross-ram' concept, is responsible for a lot of the increased output. The 5.7 has a more conventional, short tube intake.
Most of the other driveline components are the same or similar - the transmission is the same (other than the torque converter), but mapped to suit the torque characteristics of the larger motor. The SRT has a much more free-flowing exhaust than the 5.7 also (albeit a bit louder).
The 5.7 brakes leave a little to be desired also, considering the weight of the car and its on-road capability. The SRT's massive, slotted Brembo's are much more reassuring and fade resistant.
Inside, the main differences are in the (front) seats - the back seat is a bit of a let-down in both cars, if I'm honest. The SRT has a few amusing trinkets that the 5.7 lacks - most gigglesome is the 0-60mph timer - allowing you to perfect your launch/holeshot technique and record your fastest time to 60mph from a standstill.
Outside, the SRT has nicer, bigger 20 spoke wheels, bigger tyres, is lower and has a much deeper front air dam and boot lid spoiler.
The 300 and it's LX platform stablemates (Charger and Challenger in SRT guise) all ride quite firm, but not over-stiff, which is a reflection of their old E class MercBenz origin.
My car has had some very subtle mods. I've installed a colder thermostat and a Zoomer cat-back exhaust and fettled it with a Predator engine/transmission re-map. I didn't want a CAI because of the additional noise (I don't think they add much grunt anyway). It is comfortably capable of 170mph and sub-5 second 0-60. It doesn't handle like a Corvette, but on anything other than a mountain pass is quicker than my 2000 C5 vette - and stops much better too. It's a whole lotta car, for relatively minimal money and I would recommend the SRT-8 enthusiastically, if you need a very fast, big car that costs half as much as it's European rivals.
As stated, you can hog-up a 5.7 by throwing money at it - but when all is said and done, by the time you have bought the necessary mods to equal the SRT's stock output, it would be cheaper just to buy an SRT and get the factory upgrades in the deal.
These cars are very under-rated, cheap to buy (though not to run) and one of the all-time best kept performance secrets, for a conventional looking barge.
Edited by Matt Harper on Tuesday 22 December 16:00
Definitely go for the SRT8, it's an amazing car for the money and very rare in the UK which as far as I can see is a definite bonus! Performance is staggering, if you buy one, get yourself a Predator tuner from the USA it will totally transform the car, I've fitted a Predator tune to mine, a K&N CAI, louder exhaust and my best 0-60 time is down to 4.16 seconds which is incredible for a car of that size.
Handling is pretty good too. I did a performance road driving day with a couple of hours on an airfield, the instructor could not believe how it handled, it would do a 45 degree turn at 75 mph without batting an eyelid, the brakes are also on a par with the latest generation M5.
Fuel economy is surprising, I've got as much as 30 MPG on a steady run from mine with most normal motorway stints returning an average of 27 MPG.
The SRT8 compared to a 5.7L Hemi is totally different, it's not just about the bigger engine.
Stef
Handling is pretty good too. I did a performance road driving day with a couple of hours on an airfield, the instructor could not believe how it handled, it would do a 45 degree turn at 75 mph without batting an eyelid, the brakes are also on a par with the latest generation M5.
Fuel economy is surprising, I've got as much as 30 MPG on a steady run from mine with most normal motorway stints returning an average of 27 MPG.
The SRT8 compared to a 5.7L Hemi is totally different, it's not just about the bigger engine.
Stef
Many thanks for the gents. I've offered on an SRT8 so am awaiting a call any time now. I'm currently living in Dubai, and big engines seem the order of the day here...Well, when fuel is the same price as water, why not!
Actually, here's the link if anyone has any thoughts...
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified/autos4x4s/200...
Thanks again.
Actually, here's the link if anyone has any thoughts...
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified/autos4x4s/200...
Thanks again.
Stefan SRT8 said:
Fuel economy is surprising, I've got as much as 30 MPG on a steady run from mine with most normal motorway stints returning an average of 27 MPG.
Stef
Jumping Jesus! How do you manage that Stef? I can't get anywhere near your numbers (even taking smaller US gallon into consideration). I'm averaging about 16mpg. Stef
Matt Harper said:
Stefan SRT8 said:
Fuel economy is surprising, I've got as much as 30 MPG on a steady run from mine with most normal motorway stints returning an average of 27 MPG.
Stef
Jumping Jesus! How do you manage that Stef? I can't get anywhere near your numbers (even taking smaller US gallon into consideration). I'm averaging about 16mpg. Stef
I have to say since installing the CAI, then the 93 CAI Predator tune, then running on 99 octane fuel and finally fitting a 180 thermostat my economy just crept up and up, in fact around town I get about 19 MPG lowest, absolutely astonishing for a big car with a big engine!
Stef
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