Driving impressions please

**meanmagnum** · 03-11-2009, 11:33 PM

Hi guys I have been at the magnum forum for a few months now. I just sold my audi and was all set to get the magnum R/T. My question is to those who have driven both the magnum and the 300c. I am a young guy starting a family and want something sporty but also big enough for a family.
I would just like other's opinions to which might be better for me.
I test drove the magnum and loved it.
Please any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John

**Super T** · 03-11-2009, 11:36 PM

As long as you stay at the same trim level (SXT/Touring, RT/C, SRT) you won't really feel a difference between the two cars.

*edit* Thought you just meant in terms of handling....

Beyond that, the Magnum has slightly worse blind spots but they're livable, especially if you can turn your head 90 degrees (no neck/back problems?).

**sulzerdrone** · 03-11-2009, 11:38 PM

Both are great cars. The Magnum has more cargo room for those family trips, but the 300 has P.I.M.P. written all over it, and allows me to pretend I'm still cool...

**bipto** · 03-11-2009, 11:40 PM

If you're talking about seating capacity they're virtually the same. The Magnum is better for hauling / storage capacity and might be handier for grocery getting, Home Depot runs, etc...

**magnumdude** · 03-11-2009, 11:46 PM

If you are a young starting a family go for the mag...It's a mini van on steroids....get the HEMI!!

**meanmagnum** · 03-11-2009, 11:56 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I was going to get the hemi. I guess I also wanted to know which one handles better and is more fun to drive. I realize they are both builkt on the same underpinnings and are virtually the same car except for the outer shell.
I just think the 300 is more for an older gentlemen not a young guy like myself. I am 35.
Most people I see around my neck off the woods in NY are older guys.
I would love to get an SRT 300 but it may be out of my price range : (

**dchemi** · 03-12-2009, 12:05 AM

I test drove both and they seemed pretty much the same to me. The 300 seemed to handle slightly better on the curvy roads. I ended up going with the Magnum because of the folding rear seats to really pile in the gear and I personally liked the unique looks of the Magnum better. Also I liked the option of the roof rack, it really comes in handy to be able to throw the roof carrier on it for all the bulky junk like pillows and blankets when going on a trip.

**meanmagnum** · 03-12-2009, 12:09 AM

Thanks. You said the 300 handled better??
Is that because it is slightly shorter than the magnum, or a stiffer suspension.
I am leaning towards the magnum becuase of the unique looks and the sportiness of the wagon.
My wife had mention tonight she likes the 300 so I thought I would entertain the idea.
I like the car but something is drawing me to the mag. Decisions decisions.
I am coming out of an Audi a6 4.2 so I would like to keep with the sporty theme : )
Thanks,
JOHN

**sulzerdrone** · 03-12-2009, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by meanmagnum

I just think the 300 is more for an older gentlemen not a young guy like myself. I am 35.
(

I'm 34. And far from a gentleman.

Haven't seen many modded 300's? Some 22's, a grill, exhaust, intake, tint, and a drop, and nobody is going to mistake it for your grandfathers oldsmobile.

**meanmagnum** · 03-12-2009, 12:19 AM

Yea I guess you are right. I will have to test drive the 300c.
I love the look of the srt 8, but they are still very expensive even for the 05 model.
I will try to see around my area and see for any for sale.

**greggk** · 03-12-2009, 09:45 AM

i am 30 and bought my 300c at 27.. but anyways if you are just starting your family go with the magnum for the extra cargo area room... you know for strollers, bikes, cribs, pallets of formula and diapers

**formerice** · 03-12-2009, 09:52 AM

Both cars are equally moddable as far as performance and handling. Check out Matt Robinson's videos of his RT Magnum running Laguna Seca in 1min 49 sec!

**SnowgodCCR** · 03-12-2009, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by meanmagnum

I just think the 300 is more for an older gentlemen not a young guy like myself. I am 35.

Hey, I'm only 21. I appreciate the gentleman comment, but I'd say I'm far from older

I too am starting a family (we're due in May), and I can say confidently that I feel that our 300C will be more than adequate, but it's likely going to be our secondary "sometimes" car, because we're going to favor my Fiancee's cadillac because of the larger rear seat. That way the dog isn't cramped by the child seat and stepping all over him and you know.
That said, if we could trade the Caddy in for a Magnum, we would do it in a heartbeat. The large cargo area eliminates the dog climbing on baby problem, the available roof rails mean that we don't need to mess with load feet to mount roof rack accessories, and again the large cargo area provides more space and easier accessibility to everything.
The 300C isn't going anywhere, but the caddy sure would make a nice magnum.

Oh, and I don't think that many people would mistake my car for that of an old man's...the loud exhaust, 265 tires, and SRT Fascia kinda took care of that for me. Mod on, and make sure that you pick the right car - it sounds like you'd do better with a Maggie.
Or you could get a 300-um

**Upheaval Militia** · 03-12-2009, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by meanmagnum

I just think the 300 is more for an older gentlemen not a young guy like myself.: (

I'm 25 and I like the fact that when I'm in my 300 I feel like a young professional. I don't feel old, I feel accomplished. That and I get nods from both the young crowd (mostly thugs :( ) and the older crowd.

That being said my 3 yr old son loves the back of the 300...Tons of room for him. Also the trunk is large enough to pack around alot of crap...Obviously not as much as the mag but I havent found myself trying to make room in the trunk of my car yet.