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Acceleration
"Base model feels tepid around town, and passing requires planning ahead; Chrysler
quotes 11.0 sec 0-60 mph. Touring responsive, adequately quick even with AWD;
Chrysler says 9.0 sec 0-60. 300C gathers speed rapidly, has plenty of passing
power; 6.3 sec 0-60, says Chrysler. Both transmissions suffer some lag before
kicking down for more passing power, but the 5-speed has a manual shift gate
that's useful and a snap to use. Cylinder-deactivation feature was undetectable
in test 300Cs. Brawny SRT8 leaps off the line, has surplus of power at any speed,
lends credence to Chrysler's 5.0 sec 0-60 claim. "
Value
"Acceleration with the 2.7 V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is an otherwise
Best Buy combination of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8
outpowers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300's other
virtues."
Ride
"Independent rear suspension patterned on a design from parent-company Mercedes-Benz
helps deliver smooth, composed ride, though some testers complain of annoying
jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 impressively smooth, despite low-profile 20-inch
tires and firmer suspension tuning. "
Economy
"Touring test models averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7 with AWD. Test
300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 17.9 mpg with more highway
use. Chrysler says Multi-Displacement System improves 300C by 2 mpg city, 5 mpg
highway. Chrysler recommends 87-octane fuel for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the
3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, 91 octane for SRT8."
Noise
"V6s cruise quietly, roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have throaty, subdued
growl. Tire thrum evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed,
but doesn't interfere with conversation. "
Comfort - Front
"Spacious. Lots of head and leg room, though AWD versions have slightly narrower
passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms allow passengers to slide around during
aggressive cornering except in SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. Tall
tail, wide rear pillars reduce driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere
with view to corners."
Comfort - Rear
"Lots of head room. Plenty of leg room, even with front seats fully back. Good
toe space under front seats. Seat bottoms provide adequate thigh support, but
central rider straddles driveline hump."
Controls
"Large, clear gauges, but some testers find nighttime legibility compromised
because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All
controls within easy reach, though steering-column stalk for cruise control easily
confused with turn-signal/wiper stalk. Navigation system relatively simple to
use, despite small screen. Cabin has some budget-grade plastic trim, but most
materials look and feel upscale."
Cargo Room
"Large, deep trunk. Hinges don't intrude, but liftover is fairly high, and opening
too small to admit large cargo."
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