I drove three cars too; C-Class, Charger, CTS

[Winston]

Going with the theme of test driving cars. I have been looking for cars lately too. I drove the Aura, and loved the power and transmission, but the torque steer of FWD really bothered me. Since then I have decided that RWD is a requirement for me.

I drove the Dodge Charger, both the 3.5L V6(250hp) as well as the Hemi. I really liked how the car drove. It is a big car with lots of room inside(4000lbs). Both engines provided plenty of power for me. The handling was pretty good, but the dashboard was very spartan. I drove one with metalic black paint that was just beautifull.

I also drove the Mercedes C-Class (3500lbs). I firs drove the one with the little 2.6L V6 engine. It felt very under powered so I moved up to the 3.2L V6. It was fairly quick, but I did not like how the steering felt. It was very heavy and made the car feel cumbersome. I know they make the steering "heavy" for a certain feel, but I do not like it. (the G35 steering is heavy too).

Then I drove the Cadillac CTS. I had read about all of the suspension tuning at Nurburgring, etc. I was really impressed. The engine had tons of low end torque and the transmission shifted beautifully (5sp auto). I understand it is the same automatic that goes into the BMW 5-series. The suspension is firm but not harsh at all. It cornered very well, but still gave a confortable ride over bumps and potholes. The dashboard leaves a bit to be desired, but the car was really fun to drive.

My 02. Flame on.

 

[Gene K]

Winston drive a Cadillac CTS Sport with the 6-Speed manual if you really want to give
the M-B E-Class Sport or BMW 5-Series a run. That is a very well sorted Cadillac.

BTW the cars you drove are not comparable other than price.
The CTS is E Class Size
The Magnum is S Class Size

If you like big fast cars do not drive a 300C SRT-8. You well have to own one.

BTW the tranny in the Charger is a US-Built version of the M-B Auto.

 

[Warlord]

Which engine was in the CTS you tested? My Father is considering one with the 2.8.

 

[BrianWC]

I've been thinking about a Charger myself, among many others. I never realized how big it was until recently. Maybe sell the 9-5 and by a 900 project car to fulfill my SAABligations.

 

[mshu7]

RE: Cadillac CTS

If you can wait, there will be a new CTS for 2008. See here for some "spy shots": http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/02/breaking-gm-previews-2008-cadillac-cts/

 

[Winston]

Quote:

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Which engine was in the CTS you tested? My Father is considering one with the 2.8.

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I drove the one with the 3.6. It has 255hp with a very nice torque curve. I believe the 2.8 is a similar engine to the 3.6 (VVT, DOHC, Variable Intake) just a smaller displacement. I would definately try to get the 3.6. There is not much mpg difference, but I have heard the 2.8 is not enough power for the car.

 

[Winston]

Quote:

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Winston drive a Cadillac CTS Sport with the 6-Speed manual if you really want to give
the M-B E-Class Sport or BMW 5-Series a run. That is a very well sorted Cadillac.

BTW the cars you drove are not comparable other than price.
The CTS is E Class Size
The Magnum is S Class Size

If you like big fast cars do not drive a 300C SRT-8. You well have to own one.

BTW the tranny in the Charger is a US-Built version of the M-B Auto.

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I don't need "really fast" like an SRT-8. I just need fast enough to be fun. The V-6 powered Charger was probably good enough for me, but it gets the same mpg as the Hemi.

As far as comparable, in price vs. size, that is how I am mainly shopping by price. I weigh mpg into the mix too. The CTS was not too much bigger than the C-Class. I had just as much head and leg room in the rear seat of the C-Class, as I did in the CTS. Actually, my head hits the roof in both the CTS and the Charger, but not in the C-Class.(6'-tall torso).

I definately do not want the hassle of a stick for every day driving. The newer automatics are so nice these days. 5-speeds and all. I won't be taking the car to the track, so no big advantage for a stick. Plus these cars have a lot of low end torque so no need for a stick in that department either. I used to have a couple british sports cars, where you need a stick, but not on these vehicles.

The entire chasis of the Charger was based on the previous generation E-Class. No?