Ahhh yes, its finals week. What better way to force myself to study than to look at things I could afford if I had a degree?
I mozied on over to the local Chrysler dealer looking for the new 300s.
Chrysler 300 pics here:http://www.q45.org/300c
The 300 I looked at wasnt the 300C with the 5.7 Hemi, but came with the otherwise pleasant 250hp 3.5L V6. With a smorgasboard of premium options including navigation and a sunroof, this particular black 300 rang up a sticker of $33,950.See sticker:http://q45.spilky.com/300c/100_0543.JPG
As always, when looking at other cars, my benchmark for comparison is my 1992 Q45. Sometimes, this makes me overly critical of otherwise decent cars. Its not easy being fair about other products when you're driving the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering.
First thing that hit me when I opened the passenger door on the 300C was a new car smell, which failed to cover up a low-rent rubber smell. It smelled like a toy factory inside. The inside door handles and door panel surfaces were hollow, rubbery, and extremely cheap. It certainly photorgraphs well, as my camera didnt pick up the deep-grained truck-like cheapness. Frankly, I think Chrysler trucks are a bit nicer inside.
I went around to the driver's side and found the seating moderately comfortable, though spongy. The leather felt cheap too, somewhere between cheap leather and good vinyl. I'm exaggerating a bit when I say this, but it felt like bubble gum was stretched over some foam. But again, it -looked- great.
The steering wheel buttons felt like they were going to pop off, and a lot of other plastic/vinyl surfaces felt like they weren't properly fitted.
The rear seat was commodious, roomier than my Q but not as roomy as the Chrysler LHS. A friend of mine bought a 94 LHS last year, and the leather, plastic surfaces, and switchgear were one step above. Thats sad, because Chrysler wasnt exactly known for high quality interiors ten years ago.
I asked the salesman what the base engine was for the 300, and he said it was the 3.5. I then asked him why the web site listed the 2.7 -- he denied the 2.7 was in production. (Its in the Stratus and Sebring, which were also on this dealer's lot.) I can't blame him -- the 2.7 and the interior are two anchors that will drag the 300's resale value down.
On a positive note, the trunk has room for at least two or three bodies. This is a mafia car, no doubt. Should Lincoln be worried?
I didn't take the 300 for a drive, but based on the review in Car and Driver this month I'll bet its damned impressive with the Hemi.
Banners that said "Inspiration comes standard" were up all over the dealership. What the hell inspired them, a Chevy Cavalier?
To satisfy my own curiosity, I headed over to the Kia dealership to look at the new Amanti. I saw some around the neighborhood, and they didnt look at all out of place in this part of town.
Kia Amanti pics here:http://www.q45.org/amanti
I was pleasantly surprised by how well assembled the interior was. Fit and finish was excellent. The leather wasn't anything special, but didnt feel downscale like the Chrysler. Gauges were nicely decorated, and the atmosphere was very pleasant and bright. I wouldn't mind taking it across the country. Front and rear space was plentiful, and the trunk was huge.
Outside, the ripoff Mercedes-Benz lenses and anonymous looking "big freaking grille" looked quite sharp. The tail was confused.
I took a black one for a drive, and came away from the experience feeling pleased, if not amused. It soaked up bumps like any old Detroit cruiser would, and leaned and rolled around corners... like any old Detroit cruiser would.
Overall, its slow and heavy. 200hp dragging 4000lbs is a recipe for a snoozer of a car. Take the Buick LeSabre, build it in Korea, add new headlights, a -much- nicer interior, and a stellar warranty, and you end up with a Kia Amanti.
If I were 65 years old looking for a plush, affordable luxury car, and I was looking at Buick and Cadillac, Kia just might catch my attention. So, I guess... umm... look out Buick? Yeah, I'm sure they're shaking.Still, its a pretty complete package for $27k.
And yes, I still drive one of the best cars ever put on the road.
-Jesda
Looked at new Chrysler 300 and Kia Amanti
-
GreenQ45a
- Posts: 704
- Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:39 pm
- Car: 2012 Altima 3.5 SR CVT - Dark Slate w\Black Leather Sport\Tech\Premium
2010 Pathfinder 4.0 SE Auto - Red w\Grey Cloth Towing Pkg\Tech 1 - Location: DFW Tx
That Analog clock in the center looks new and orignal never saw that in a car before....... http://q45.spilky.com/300c/100_0546.JPG
Not a fair comparo - I'm always amazed at how crappy so much of the product out there is. I was looking at new Acuras w/my brother - he was picking up a CL. I sat in a new (though not the newst) RL. It was a nice car but felt cheap. Newer Merecedes are the same way as well. The W210 (96-02) E class interior looks & feels like a Honda Accord! For the money, IMO you just can't beat a 1st gen Q.
-
elwesso
- Posts: 30810
- Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:52 pm
- Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT - Location: Indiana
- Contact:
Great writeup Jesda...
I like how you end each review. "And yes, I still drive one of the best cars ever put on the road."
So true, drivng anything else isnt the same. I drove my parents GTP to school (my dad took it in for an oil change) and I was ready to get back into the Q. The GTP feels MUCH bigger.....
I like how you end each review. "And yes, I still drive one of the best cars ever put on the road."
So true, drivng anything else isnt the same. I drove my parents GTP to school (my dad took it in for an oil change) and I was ready to get back into the Q. The GTP feels MUCH bigger.....
The 300 is crap.. big suprise.. All chryslers are crap..
Obviously they are using mercedes components and drivetrain, so the chasis has been improved 10000x over typical chryslers..
The 300c is for one thing and one thing only: big time v8 performance..
The HEMI 300c has a 2.82 axle ratio..
Can you IMAGINE what a q diff or a 4.10 would do on this thing? It would be unreal..
The hemi has monster torque, as it should for it's engine size.. It's funny with all the fuel tech it has (cutting off half its cylinders/etc) it's fuel mpg ratings still arn't that great..
Espically when you compare them to the LS line of engines from chevy.
Jesda: I wasn't hating on your writeup. I found it quite interesting, BTW
Always like to hear writeups from Q owners..
One of these days I will post my observations of the 2004 Jag XJ8 I had the opportunity to drive extensively on a road trip.
Obviously they are using mercedes components and drivetrain, so the chasis has been improved 10000x over typical chryslers..
The 300c is for one thing and one thing only: big time v8 performance..
The HEMI 300c has a 2.82 axle ratio..
Can you IMAGINE what a q diff or a 4.10 would do on this thing? It would be unreal..
The hemi has monster torque, as it should for it's engine size.. It's funny with all the fuel tech it has (cutting off half its cylinders/etc) it's fuel mpg ratings still arn't that great..
Espically when you compare them to the LS line of engines from chevy.
Jesda: I wasn't hating on your writeup. I found it quite interesting, BTW
Always like to hear writeups from Q owners..
One of these days I will post my observations of the 2004 Jag XJ8 I had the opportunity to drive extensively on a road trip.
-
GreenQ45a
- Posts: 704
- Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:39 pm
- Car: 2012 Altima 3.5 SR CVT - Dark Slate w\Black Leather Sport\Tech\Premium
2010 Pathfinder 4.0 SE Auto - Red w\Grey Cloth Towing Pkg\Tech 1 - Location: DFW Tx
The only "Real" American cars I would buy are the NEW Caddy's and the CORVETTE G\S 1969 or 1996.
When I bought my first Q45 I went there to buy a 2000 Eldorado ETC drove it and wondered WHY?? 300HP to the front wheels what the F**C.
then I saw the 1993 Q45 on the lot (hidden in the back)looked under the hood and saw 278HPIf they had the nerve the write thatthen it's on.
Pulled off the lot made a right (no dealer never take the dealer) saw a 2001 Pontiac Formula and followed it.the Trans Am states 275HP. the Formula is the same engine with 200lbs taken off (Ground FX's) and it has better gears 4.11's anyway.
The light change he took off the Q was slow @ first ..then VTech (on a V8) kicked in and I started gaining. next red light I put it in 1st and we were less than a 1\2 a car from each other the entire time.
went home and did some info surfing about Q's saw there were American cars V8,Rear wheel drive, more American then the Eldorado.
And remebered my nissan's I've loved 78 280 and 86 300ZX non-turbo. they were RWD too.
the only thing the ELDO had on the Q45 was HEADS-UP DISPLAY!@!!!!!!
When I bought my first Q45 I went there to buy a 2000 Eldorado ETC drove it and wondered WHY?? 300HP to the front wheels what the F**C.
then I saw the 1993 Q45 on the lot (hidden in the back)looked under the hood and saw 278HPIf they had the nerve the write thatthen it's on.
Pulled off the lot made a right (no dealer never take the dealer) saw a 2001 Pontiac Formula and followed it.the Trans Am states 275HP. the Formula is the same engine with 200lbs taken off (Ground FX's) and it has better gears 4.11's anyway.
The light change he took off the Q was slow @ first ..then VTech (on a V8) kicked in and I started gaining. next red light I put it in 1st and we were less than a 1\2 a car from each other the entire time.
went home and did some info surfing about Q's saw there were American cars V8,Rear wheel drive, more American then the Eldorado.
And remebered my nissan's I've loved 78 280 and 86 300ZX non-turbo. they were RWD too.
the only thing the ELDO had on the Q45 was HEADS-UP DISPLAY!@!!!!!!
Despite the use of cheap parts, I liked the Chrysler LH cars (Intrepid, LHS, Concorde, 300M) from a design standpoint. Plus, theyre all unbelievably roomy. The 300M is a nice car too, if not outstanding. It at least has an interior that meets its price.
The new 300 is like sitting in a tupperware bowl with crappy carpeting.
-Jesda
The new 300 is like sitting in a tupperware bowl with crappy carpeting.
-Jesda
-
Falkdesigns
- Posts: 2738
- Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2004 9:58 am
- Car: 1998 Q45t ~ EXE
- Contact:
-
greg_atlanta
- Posts: 1111
- Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:37 pm
- Car: 2008 G35 Journey Sedan, silver/black (no sunroof), 1992 Q45 (in a past life)
I'm just glad there will be a RWD car in rental fleets... should be plenty roomy too.
I wouldn't rule out leasing a 300C for 2 or 3 years (if the deal was right). It's the first Chrysler with real MB influence.......
Nice interiors are overrated. There's no reason for an interior to have 3 times the durability and design life of the mechanical components. Cars don't become furniture when they die.
I wouldn't rule out leasing a 300C for 2 or 3 years (if the deal was right). It's the first Chrysler with real MB influence.......
Nice interiors are overrated. There's no reason for an interior to have 3 times the durability and design life of the mechanical components. Cars don't become furniture when they die.
may be a little late for my .02 since this thread has ventured from the subject. But seriously, you guys LIKED the interior on the Kia? It's looked like someone built legos in there, the colors seemed cartoony. Its all the flash and no class, and 27K is not as cheap as everyone is making it out to be, i don't know why you wouldn't want a brand new Accord for that.
True. 27k isnt exactly a steal.
I liked the color choices on the Kia, and surface textures. It didnt look "serious" at all, but bright colors and clean surfaces pulled it off. Meanwhile, the inside of a Buick is a bit sleepy.
Its the pesky outside that looks a bit like a satire of europe's offerings.
-Jesda
I liked the color choices on the Kia, and surface textures. It didnt look "serious" at all, but bright colors and clean surfaces pulled it off. Meanwhile, the inside of a Buick is a bit sleepy.
Its the pesky outside that looks a bit like a satire of europe's offerings.
-Jesda
with the hype surrounding the 300c, many people will admire the cars at this moment. Two years from now, they will wake up and smell the coffee, and realize that they bought one of the f#%#ing ugliest cars ever made.
I know some cant see it, but just compare it to a similar sized benz or one of the new cadillacs then it would be easier to see just how unwieldy those things looks.
But then again, some peole think that the chevy ssr is cool so some are definitely past the point of salvation
I know some cant see it, but just compare it to a similar sized benz or one of the new cadillacs then it would be easier to see just how unwieldy those things looks.
But then again, some peole think that the chevy ssr is cool so some are definitely past the point of salvation
-
AZhitman
- Administrator
- Posts: 54542
- Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
- Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
- Location: Surprise, Arizona
- Contact:
Also, what is this OBSESSION with the word "Hemi"? As if it MEANS something? Grrrr..... WAKE UP AMERICA!
Everyone under 35 years old needs to go look it up, and realize it's a marketing ploy (relying on American ignorance to most things automotive) to pass off outdated, inefficient design as something that has somehow been correlated (wrongly) with POWER.
Hemispherical chamber = 70's.
Dodge thinks we're all morons. Be offended.
Everyone under 35 years old needs to go look it up, and realize it's a marketing ploy (relying on American ignorance to most things automotive) to pass off outdated, inefficient design as something that has somehow been correlated (wrongly) with POWER.
Hemispherical chamber = 70's.
Dodge thinks we're all morons. Be offended.
Two things
The 17 inch tire package comes as some sort of "security package" They are run flats..
Porsche has been using the hemi tech forever.. you don't see them trying to use it to sell cars...
Key difference.. The hemi is ALL the 300c has going for it.. while the porsche has everythign else going for it. so while the engine is great, no need to yack about it.. we all know..
In fact.. If you take away the Merc drivetrain and the hemi engine, all your left with is one big sack of potatos..
The 17 inch tire package comes as some sort of "security package" They are run flats..
Porsche has been using the hemi tech forever.. you don't see them trying to use it to sell cars...
Key difference.. The hemi is ALL the 300c has going for it.. while the porsche has everythign else going for it. so while the engine is great, no need to yack about it.. we all know..
In fact.. If you take away the Merc drivetrain and the hemi engine, all your left with is one big sack of potatos..
-
AZhitman
- Administrator
- Posts: 54542
- Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
- Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
- Location: Surprise, Arizona
- Contact:
But what I meant is, the fact that it has hemispherical combustion chambers is NOT a plus - it's actually a minus!
Fact of the matter is, it's NOT a great engine, it has NO real relation to the 426 of yesteryear, and if it had HALF the technology of the VH45DE, it'd be puttting out FAR more power.
Continue to be offended. Piss on Dodge, and their insinuation that we're all inbred, NASCAR-watching high-school dropouts who know jack about performance.
Ryan are you sure those 17's are runflats? They have an awfully tall sidewall if they are.... Either way, there's WAY to little rubber on that thing.
Fact of the matter is, it's NOT a great engine, it has NO real relation to the 426 of yesteryear, and if it had HALF the technology of the VH45DE, it'd be puttting out FAR more power.
Continue to be offended. Piss on Dodge, and their insinuation that we're all inbred, NASCAR-watching high-school dropouts who know jack about performance.
Ryan are you sure those 17's are runflats? They have an awfully tall sidewall if they are.... Either way, there's WAY to little rubber on that thing.
So I pull up to work, and what do I see...
A Brand new black chrysler 300c..
It's "gangster" looking. Like the M45 is yakuza, the 300c is definetely american gangster..
It's big and somewhat menacing looking..
I like the chrome mirrors.. For some reason I really like chrome mirrors on black cars..
A Q with the chrome side pillars and chrome mirrors would look really mean.. espically if it was black..
I don't know how the chrome pillars/mirrors would look on red, so I'll probably pass on this mod
I dunno, I still like the sleek design of the Q/7 series etc.. of the 90s.. They actually look like they could handle.. these new big wide sedans just don't look like they would perform well on a road course.. maybe it's just me.. I like the old school designs.
Greg: regarding the tires: The run flats are 18s..
P225/60R18 99T AST Self-Sealing Tires
Are you sure you saw a hemi equiped 300? Was it a 300c? I'm building one at chryslers website, and I Don't see any option for 17 inch tires.. It comes with P225/60R18 Touring Tires, and then the self sealing tires are part of a security option..
I think the 17s only come on the v6 versions..
I think the 300c is the American M45.. Only the m45 doesn't look quite as bulbus.
I totally agree regarding the engine.. It does have monster torque, but this should be expected from the size of the engine..
Also: You can't fully disengage the traction control!!! I was reading a review, and they said to totally ignore the skid pad numbers, because the traction control can't be fully disengaged..
That's one helluva lame feature, if it's true..
A Brand new black chrysler 300c..
It's "gangster" looking. Like the M45 is yakuza, the 300c is definetely american gangster..
It's big and somewhat menacing looking..
I like the chrome mirrors.. For some reason I really like chrome mirrors on black cars..
A Q with the chrome side pillars and chrome mirrors would look really mean.. espically if it was black..
I don't know how the chrome pillars/mirrors would look on red, so I'll probably pass on this mod
I dunno, I still like the sleek design of the Q/7 series etc.. of the 90s.. They actually look like they could handle.. these new big wide sedans just don't look like they would perform well on a road course.. maybe it's just me.. I like the old school designs.
Greg: regarding the tires: The run flats are 18s..
P225/60R18 99T AST Self-Sealing Tires
Are you sure you saw a hemi equiped 300? Was it a 300c? I'm building one at chryslers website, and I Don't see any option for 17 inch tires.. It comes with P225/60R18 Touring Tires, and then the self sealing tires are part of a security option..
I think the 17s only come on the v6 versions..
I think the 300c is the American M45.. Only the m45 doesn't look quite as bulbus.
I totally agree regarding the engine.. It does have monster torque, but this should be expected from the size of the engine..
Also: You can't fully disengage the traction control!!! I was reading a review, and they said to totally ignore the skid pad numbers, because the traction control can't be fully disengaged..
That's one helluva lame feature, if it's true..