SRT8 - 300C vs. Magnum vs. Charger

**MCaesar** · 10-13-2005, 08:55 PM

November 2005 - Road & Track magazine...

...does a driving comparison of the 3 LX SRT8 models. Their conclusions were:

300C - softly sprung

Magnum - softer than the Charger but harder than the 300C. They also commented on the structure saying it was less stiff due to the wagon body style.

Charger - "tight as a snare drum. On smooth pavement, the Charger attacks corners with very little lean for a 4200-lb car. Still, its road manners make the ride not for the faint of heart, something to keep in mind for those living in the snow belt region."

Different strokes for different folks!

**Hogan** · 10-13-2005, 11:58 PM

I like the fact that Chrysler (et al) had the forethought to tailor each model according to its intended useage.

Does that sentence make sense?

Anyway, a lot of car companies would have just slapped the identical components on each model and called it good. I really would be interested to know exactly what is different on each iteration. I read that the Charger has stiffer bushings, but that's all I've seen mentioned.

I wrote in a previous post that a salesman had commented to me that the 300 SRT8 was a more refined suspension package than the Magnum SRT8, and I was rudely told that the they were "the same" underneath.

In the same thread I said that I felt some cowl shake on the car that I test drove. Since putting some 500 miles on my SRT, I realize that the shake that I felt is simply inadequate jounce control. I've experienced a similar thing on vehicles that had been modified with bigger, heavier wheels. Maybe the SRT gang could have done better, maybe I'll have to find some shocks that control the wheels better. It feels fine on smooth pavement...

**MCaesar** · 10-14-2005, 12:14 AM

Yes, it appears you were correct. The Charger also has 25% stiffer spring rates as well.

Apparently R&T did feel a difference in the structure of the Mag versus the other two.

My hat is off to you.

**EHUPP01** · 10-14-2005, 01:21 AM

Magnum all the way!! No gas guzzler tax. Its a truck.

**Hogan** · 10-14-2005, 02:37 AM

Maybe I should have said curtly. I'm sorry if I came off as somewhat rightous.

I'm new to this vehicle, having built and driven mostly Chevy products, and mostly older ones at that.
But I'd like to think I pay attention to subtle differences in performance parameters, so I'm constantly questioning & learning.

That's why I'm here.

**MCaesar** · 10-14-2005, 07:45 AM

Hogan, you are my hero.

Seriously, that attention to detail is what makes a real car person.

**Jaak** · 10-14-2005, 08:02 AM

So there's a difference between the models, creating a difference in ride and feel. But what's the true impact on the street?

In otherwords, would Driver A, who's slightly better than Driver B, be able to outdrive him, if A was in a 300 or Magnum and B was in a Charger?

I find it interesting, perhaps there might be slightly more body roll, as an example, but does the final outcome have a significant difference?

Maybe having your teeth rattled over severe bumps doesn't outweigh better road compliance in sacrifice of a bit of roll?

If I'm totally out to lunch in what I'm saying here, focus on the intent of the question, not the examples...

In other words, if I only want to be able to haul a$$ around corners on occasion, say 5 % of the time, would I have a chance of smoking a less capable driver in a Charger, with one of the other cars? (I used to do it all the time on my motorcycle. Guys with better bikes would be eating my dust, because they didn't have the driving skills.)

**MCaesar** · 10-14-2005, 11:19 AM

I am pretty sure if you are talking about a road course and not a straight line the variance between drivers will greatly exceed the variance between LX cars.

The Charger will probably handle a little better than the 300 but that won't make Joe Blow beat Mario Andretti.

The Magnum will probably be a little slower than the other two due to the extra weight. But even there the variance in production will probably mean some Mags will be faster than some 300s etc.

It does seem like you will be able to tell the Charger has a harder ride and the Mag's structure isn't quite as tight.

**MCaesar** · 10-14-2005, 05:12 PM

D2 Status!!!!!!!!!!! YES!

**Jaak** · 10-14-2005, 06:50 PM

For me, there would be no question I'd get a Charger, but I do need to carry some big boxes on occasion, so that trunk won't do it...(sniff sniff)

But it's good to know the Magnum's not that far behind. As far as the Mag's structure? Hey I rode a ported and polished, chambered H2 Kawasaki triple for a while. I can live with fast and less than optimum handling... But I appreciate the difference!

Thanks for the feedback, I was trying to get an idea as to how far apart they were and I suspect it's not major, especially in the street environment.

**Northern Rider** · 10-14-2005, 07:35 PM

In addition to suspension tuning, the steering is improved on the Charger SRT8 (and Daytona). It has 10 definite notches for more precision in high speed turns. There are some small engine tweaks, as well. The large deck spoiler is also very functional at speeds in excess of 120 mph.

If I were purchasing today, I would buy the Charger SRT8 for the type of driving that I enjoy so much.

**MCaesar** · 10-14-2005, 07:58 PM

The Charger SRT8's hood scoops were wind-tunnel tuned to supply cool air to the engine compartment without inflicting lift....a deep front fascia that also includes an air dam to aid lift reduction

http://automobilemag.com/reviews/sed..._charger_srt8/

**Hogan** · 10-14-2005, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by jaak

As far as the Mag's structure? Hey I rode a ported and polished, chambered H2 Kawasaki triple for a while. I can live with fast and less than optimum handling....

Those were widowmakers fer sure...

The Magnum feels pretty solid, I think anyone would be hard pressed to really feel any shake on the street. But the steering "feel" could definately be improved upon.

And thumbs up MCaesar, on D2 status...I hope it doesn't stay there long.
I heard (second hand) of a guy that paid some $64,000 (!!!) for a Charger SRT8...I guess he had to be the first on his block. He already recieved two tickets from the local police.

**TriShield** · 10-14-2005, 08:59 PM

I'm glad the roads are very smooth in Phoenix, perfect for my Charger SRT8 when it finally gets out of BG status. :o

**MCaesar** · 10-14-2005, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Hogan

Those were widowmakers fer sure...

The Magnum feels pretty solid, I think anyone would be hard pressed to really feel any shake on the street. But the steering "feel" could definately be improved upon.

And thumbs up MCaesar, on D2 status...I hope it doesn't stay there long.
I heard (second hand) of a guy that paid some $64,000 (!!!) for a Charger SRT8...I guess he had to be the first on his block. He already recieved two tickets from the local police.

Thanks

$64K

Wow, I would have given him my spot for 15K and he could have saved $5K !!!