Guys I need your thoughts-

To accompany my wife's Z4 in the MAR, I've been looking for something able to carry 4/5 in speed and comfort, and be my daily driver. I'd been looking for an E39 M5 for a while, but after reading about the CTS-V and 300C SRT-8 it didn't make sense to pay 10-15k more for a 3-4 year old car (although it is the supreme 4 door sport sedan) :buttrock

I had my heart set on the 'V' and would have already bought one but my Grand Cherokee won't sell :help. Then the 300C SRT-8 came out. They are very difficult to find, there is one that I know of locally and the stealer wants $5k over MSRP for it. Out west it's double digits over MSRP for a CHRYSLER :rolleyes. Then a few weeks ago a good friend of mine in Michigan, who is the sales manager at his dad's Chrysler dealership, offered me his one allocated 300c-8. Not until today did he tell me what he'd sell it to me for.......$275 over invoice :evil2 So now the price for teh CTS-V and the SRT-8 are nearly the same.

The dilema which one would you get?!

I've driven the V, it's awesome, great transmission, bulletproof drivetrain, good looking, and for about $8000 you can add a supercharger, exhaust, tune, and put another 125 hp on the 400 already there. The con's, it has a lousy rear end (it's not strong enough for the power and weight of the V), and it's slower out of the box.

I haven't seen, let a lone driven an 300C-8, but from what I've read in the forums and in articles, it's a freight train. One guy on 300c.com ran 12.9 seconds completely stock. I haven't read of any problems YET, but again, it is a Chrysler. It's also a slushbox and if I wanted to go FI the consensus is that the tranny won't be able to take it. Is the 300C ghetto?! If it is do I give a crap :shifty Plus it'll take several months to be built

It's a toss up, anybody have any subjective thoughts?! The guys on 300c.com and cadilacforums are a bit biased :stickoutt

Incidently he's offering me $275 over invoice on ALL SRT models...I'm not buying a viper, but the Magnum SRT-8 is bad ass too :devillook

Here are some pix:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=43903&item=4560151209 - CTS V

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=6175&item=4561767782&sspagename=WDVW - 300C

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=84155&item=4560875249&sspagename=WDVW - Magnum

The Magnum looks bad ass. I couldn't buy one without driving it first though.

CTS-V. It's manual and an LS6 which means a huge aftermarket. I dont think you can lose with either car though.

Do you have a winter car?

CTS-V. It's manual and an LS6 which means a huge aftermarket. I dont think you can lose with either car though.

Do you have a winter car?

That is true there is a much larger aftermarket with the V, Mopar seems to be the only substantial aftermarket player. The CAI is new big thing :confused , although a supercharger has been installed at least one 300c-8, however the forum group seems to think that the compression is to high to run FI. But as I mentiond bolting on a SC to the LS6 is a no brainer :alright

I do have a winter car, Jeep GC Ltd :redspot

CTS-V is an LS-6 or an LS-2??? :confused

I thought it was the same as in the GTO -- in which case it is the LS2 and there is not much aftermarket at all yet.


If it were me -- I'd go CTS-V strictly for the 6 speed. With equal transmissions i'd go 300.... so if the tranny is not a big deal to you , go 300. As for FI, how much hp are you looking for? I'm sure with a good tune, a set of headers and some mufflers the 300 will pick up another half a second (like the new mustamgs are doing.) 12.5 is damn fast -- if you want faster than that you should start with something else.

Personally, if I were going to put a blower on it, I'd go with a GTO. $30k out the door for the LS2 6 speed GTO -- interior is awesome, it will run 13.0 - 13.1 stock, guys with blowers are seeing close to 500 whp.

:dunno

Can't lose with any of them.

Another thought -- the 300C srt gets whacked with the gas guzzler tax (no cylinder disabbling like the regular 300). The GTO automatic pays the GG tax, but the 6 speed does not. I don't know about the CTS-v...

e39 M5 owns...I dunno why people just don't buy it. Its the best.

cts-v

if this is for a daily driver.... y not get something a little more ... practical? :stickoutt

I was in the same boat not too long ago... E39 M5, E39 5 series, CTSV, etc etc... but when it came down to it... I got an Audi 1.8T

Sure it isnt the fastest thing out there.. but for a daily driver, it gets real good gas mileage, insurance is relatively cheap.. and the car itself was cheap... spend your $ elsewhere, like on a WEEKEND car.. or track car.

I'd get the V, hands down, given those choices. I think the 300C is just horribly ugly.

CTS-V is an LS-6 or an LS-2??? :confused

I thought it was the same as in the GTO -- in which case it is the LS2 and there is not much aftermarket at all yet.

CTS-V still has the LS6 as far as I know. Im not sure if they plan on throwing the LS2 in there or not.

e39 M5 owns...I dunno why people just don't buy it. Its the best.

BMW fanboy much? Have you ever driven one, or the other cars in question?

legacy GT wagon

CTS-V still has the LS6 as far as I know. Im not sure if they plan on throwing the LS2 in there or not.


I thought it went like this:

C5 - LS1
C5 Z06 - LS6
C6, GTO, CTS-v - LS2

I'll llok it up.

I stand corrected -- CTS-V has the LS6..

if this is for a daily driver.... y not get something a little more ... practical? :stickoutt

I was in the same boat not too long ago... E39 M5, E39 5 series, CTSV, etc etc... but when it came down to it... I got an Audi 1.8T

Sure it isnt the fastest thing out there.. but for a daily driver, it gets real good gas mileage, insurance is relatively cheap.. and the car itself was cheap... spend your $ elsewhere, like on a WEEKEND car.. or track car.

Both cars are very practical I think, they'll both get me around nicely and have the best bang for the buck. When it's nice out on the weekend we drive my wife's car, so I want something quick that I can enjoy every day, and these two cars satisfy that desire.

CTS-V is an LS-6 or an LS-2??? :confused

I thought it was the same as in the GTO -- in which case it is the LS2 and there is not much aftermarket at all yet.


If it were me -- I'd go CTS-V strictly for the 6 speed. With equal transmissions i'd go 300.... so if the tranny is not a big deal to you , go 300. As for FI, how much hp are you looking for? I'm sure with a good tune, a set of headers and some mufflers the 300 will pick up another half a second (like the new mustamgs are doing.) 12.5 is damn fast -- if you want faster than that you should start with something else.

Personally, if I were going to put a blower on it, I'd go with a GTO. $30k out the door for the LS2 6 speed GTO -- interior is awesome, it will run 13.0 - 13.1 stock, guys with blowers are seeing close to 500 whp.

:dunno

Can't lose with any of them.

Another thought -- the 300C srt gets whacked with the gas guzzler tax (no cylinder disabbling like the regular 300). The GTO automatic pays the GG tax, but the 6 speed does not. I don't know about the CTS-v...

The speculation is that the LS2 will arrive in the 07' CTS-V...I mention FI just as a future thought, for the relatively little money it costs to SC a 'V' it seems ALMOST worth it, however I'll be the first one to say that I don't NEED it, would I WANT it, probably :evil2

The problem with the GTO is that it's a 2 door, I'm sticking to 4.

From what I've read, in '06 the V's lose the GG tax, unfortunately I would be buying an '05.

Thanks guys

The speculation is that the LS2 will arrive in the 07' CTS-V...I mention FI just as a future thought, for the relatively little money it costs to SC a 'V' it seems ALMOST worth it, however I'll be the first one to say that I don't NEED it, would I WANT it, probably :evil2

The problem with the GTO is that it's a 2 door, I'm sticking to 4.

From what I've read, in '06 the V's lose the GG tax, unfortunately I would be buying an '05.

Thanks guys

Is it really cheap to add a blower? I think it will still run at least $6k-$10k -- that's not cheap to me! :eek: RICH! :stickoutt

Does the CTS-V have the CAGS (the 1- 4 skipshift thing that the vettes have?) If so, the manual tanny CTS-v shouldnt have th GG tax ..

Like I said -- if you can live with an atuo go 300, if not, go CTS

Also -- not sure if it matters to you or not, but the SRT-8 is going to be a more rare car than the CTS. If you like people coming over the check out your car in parking lots, it would be the way to go. :)

Is it really cheap to add a blower? I think it will still run at least $6k-$10k -- that's not cheap to me! :eek: RICH! :stickoutt

Does the CTS-V have the CAGS (the 1- 4 skipshift thing that the vettes have?) If so, the manual tanny CTS-v shouldnt have th GG tax ..

Like I said -- if you can live with an atuo go 300, if not, go CTS

The Magnasun SC, runs under $6k, before any pricing breaks!

It does have CAGS, although for $44.95 that can be bypassed...but it does still have GG, who knows :rolleyes

I'm really digging the 300, I haven't daily drove a manual in a while and I do miss it at times, but I think brute power is more appealing, especially when I slap a Strut grill on that BIATTCHH (just kidding). I have a call into my buddy...so we'll see

Ok, now who wants a Grand Cherokee?! Jterp did you ever sell your wrangler?

Jterp did you ever sell your wrangler?


No -- I think you should buy it. It has an intake and exhaust -- almost as fast as an SRT-8 :eek:!

and that under $6k is not an installed price -- nor does it include the tuning and other stuff you need (injectors, fuel pump, engine management computer etc etc ). Plus it rapes your warranty. RICH!! :eek: :stickoutt:

and that under $6k is not an installed price -- nor does it include the tuning and other stuff you need (injectors, fuel pump, engine management computer etc etc ). Plus it rapes your warranty. RICH!! :eek: :stickoutt:

That is correct, although I believe the install and tune is all that is needed...not that it matters, thanks for your insight.

BMW fanboy much? Have you ever driven one, or the other cars in question?

M5, yes; others, no.

BMW fanboy much? Have you ever driven one, or the other cars in question?

M5, yes; others, no.

M5, yes; others, no.

In a perfect world, I'd be in a M5, in fact this M5 http://www.discovery-automotive.com/portal/modules.php?name=Static_Content&id=4 however life's a bitch and I can only have the caddy or SRT :stickoutt

Its just what I know, I hate Chrysler products, my family has always had problems with them...and I've driven a normal CTS and don't like the interior. Ofcourse, just driving the CTS is nothing like the V, I'm sure, but there are things I like from cars.

Let me know if you decide on the E39 M5, I am toying with the idea of getting rid of it.....

Feel free to PM me, but I'm confident that the 'V' or the '8' is what I'll go with. You're on M5boards right? There hasn't been to much reasonable action in there for sale section lately, you may want to give it a try over there? Incidently why are you looking to sell?

When is the Charger SRT-8 coming out? I think it looks a lot coler than the 300 and it has an identical drivetrain. I bet will be cheaper too.

If you can get it without the wing (which I think looks cheezy), it looks mean.

http://www.speedtv.com/_assets/library/img/large/60129_speed.charger.jpg

When is the Charger SRT-8 coming out? I think it looks a lot coler than the 300 and it has an identical drivetrain. I bet will be cheaper too.

09/05 I guess...I'm not a huge fan of it, def not the wing, but it will surely haul ass. I think the Magnum is around $38k, so you'd figure the Charger a few grand below that I guess. At that price it's a terrific, but I want something a little more plush :D

09/05 I guess...I'm not a huge fan of it, def not the wing, but it will surely haul ass. I think the Magnum is around $38k, so you'd figure the Charger a few grand below that I guess. At that price it's a terrific, but I want something a little more plush :D

Bah, plush, smush. :stickoutt

After reading a few more bad things about the CTS-V diff, perhaps the 300C or Magnum might be a better choice.

Hrmm...

http://www.gsmotorsports.com/hemi/61sccomplete.jpg

The sExOrS ... 360 hp, 317 ft*lbs of torque. -- I like this car a lot. For luxury cruiser -- it will hands down beat the crap out of many things and looks good, IMO. Not as fast as the M5; but, high 13 second 1/4 is impressive. I would get this over your other cars ... just looks so much classier and elegant.

Not a fan of the CTS-V/SRT styling. Let's see if you can guess which car I am referring to.

- ABS
- Brake assist system
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Limited slip differential
- Fullsize alloy rim internal spare wheel
- Stability control
- Multi-link front and rear suspension with stabilizer bar independent with coil springs

- Body side molding
- Front and rear body color bumpers
- Chrome/bright trim around side windows and on side of body
- Coefficient of drag: 0.29
- Driver and passenger power heated chrome door mirrors with automatic operation
- External dimensions: overall length (mm): 5,034, overall width (mm): 2,007, overall height (mm): 1,417, wheelbase (mm): 2,880, front track (mm): 1,590, rear track (mm): 1,580 and curb to curb turning circle (mm): 12,253
- Front fog lights
- High pressure headlight cleaners
- Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
- Heat reflective glass
- Heated door locks or key
- Laminated side windows
- Luxury trim leather on gearknob
- Metallic paint , black paint , pearl paint
- Rear window
- Front glass electric sunroof
- Tinted glass on cabin
- Weights: curb weight (kg) 1,845
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe
- 12v power outlet: front rear & cargo
- Air conditioning with climate control and rear outlet
- Diversity antenna
- Peripheral interior monitoring anti-theft protection
- Front and rear ashtray
- Audio anti-theft protection: code
- Bose audio system with AM/FM
- Automatic drive indicator on dashboard
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: rear seat down (liters): 0 and all seats in place (liters): 510
- Front seats and rear seats cigar lighter
- Clock
- Coming home device
- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
- Dashboard full console , floor full console with covered storage box
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats and rear seats cup holders
- Door ajar warning
- Door entry light
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
- External temperature
- Floor covering: carpet in load area
- Floor mats
- Driver and passenger front airbag with occupant sensors
- Sports seat
- 3-point reel height adjustable front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Garage door opener
- Lockable glove compartment
- Height adjustable electric adjustable two head restraints on front seats , height adjustable electric adjustable three head restraints on rear seats
- Headlight control with dusk sensor
- Heated washer
- Illuminated entry system
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (mm): 988, rear headroom (mm): 970, front hip room (mm): 1,527, rear hip room (mm): 1,501, front leg room (mm): 1,049, rear leg room (mm): 975, front shoulder room (mm): 1,481, rear shoulder room (mm): 1,450 and interior volume (liters): 2,832
- Low fuel level warning
- Low washer fluid level warning
- Memorized adjustment on door mirror position and steering wheel position with five driver's seat positions, six passenger seat positions and head restraint
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch and includes power windows
- Vehicle speed proportional power steering
- Front and rear power windows with two one-touch
- Front and rear reading lights
- Rear fog lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side with pre-tensioners
- Rear seat center armrest
- Bench fixed three rear seats
- Automatic operation rear view mirror
- Remote audio controls
- Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
- Front and rear roof airbag
- Front seat back storage
- Leather seat upholstery with additional leather
- Seating: five seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front and rear side airbag
- Ten speakers
- Leather covered steering wheel
- Tachometer
- Driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with recirculation setting, micro filter and active carbon filter

http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2002_Audi_A8&ReviewID=1089

http://www.audiforums.com/m_102766/tm.htm <-- car originally was around $80K IIRC ... --- not sure if he is high or low on price, I'm assuming high. But, maybe a contender?

Hrmm...

http://www.gsmotorsports.com/hemi/61sccomplete.jpg

Yup, they're waiting on the dyno numbers for it.....it looks awesome.

Ordered the 8!! :buttrock

Now I have to wait... :(

Ordered the 8!! :buttrock

Now I have to wait... :(


How long?

I'm not positive, I'll get a better idea after we hear from the area rep...but the best guess is 3-4 months. I really want a color called Silver Steel, and that may take quite a bit longer, from what I understand a Silver Steel 300C-8 hasn't even rolled off the line yet.

I'm not positive, I'll get a better idea after we hear from the area rep...but the best guess is 3-4 months. I really want a color called Silver Steel, and that may take quite a bit longer, from what I understand a Silver Steel 300C-8 hasn't even rolled off the line yet.

Congrats! Im sure you will love it.

Sell your Jeep, and get this:

http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2004/n01/21_detroit/800/62.jpg

http://www.autoshow.ro/images/wallpaper/infiniti%20QX56_1280.jpg

http://www.roadfly.org/magazine/galleries/article_photos_2004/photos/photos-05-2004/Infiniti-QX56-dash-and-interior-pic-19-7072853.jpg

http://www.roadfly.org/magazine/galleries/detroit_auto_show_2004/photos/photos-01-2004/2004-Infiniti-QX56-pic-12-6692042.JPG

Pimpest SUV ever.

Sell your Jeep, and get this:

Pimpest SUV ever.

Ew.

Ew.

Yeah, no.

My Jeep is the pimpest SUV ever!
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/storyimages/Grandracktitle.jpg