Dodge SRT-8 vs. standard Hemi

[MagicRat]

I am considering buying a new car. What I want is a slightly used 6 spd Corvette, but my wife would not forgive me, since it is not practical and she needs an auto. So, the Chrysler hemi seems like a good alternative.

For technical reasons, should I spend the extra money on the SRT-8 versin of the Chrysler 300 C (or Dodge Magnum) or just go for the regular Hemi?

The SRT version lists for about $10,000 (30% more). Also dealers can discount a regular version, but will not discout a SRT due to their rarity so the price difference is really a bit larger.

However, the SRT is packed full of extra stuff, which will ensure it will hold it's value more, such as 85 HP through more displacement, a better assembled block, funky high flow aluminum heads, big valves a different ECM and cam, etc. This knocks about a 1/2 to 1 second off the 0-60 and quarter mile times.
Also the chassis and steering has numerous handling tweaks, too.

On the down side the regular Hemi is more driver friendly, with more low end torque and better fuel economy.
Also the $10,000 savings can buy a lot of aftermarket mods.

So any thoughts? Blow all the $$$$ now or cheap out and just modify it bit by bit.

(One more thing.....300c, Magnum wagon or Charger......which do you folks like best?)

[beef_bourito]

I dont know much about the chrysler 300c hemi but don't go with the charger simply because i dont like it. I dont like it like i dont like the GTO, they used a good muscle cars name and ruined it. If you're going to buy the dodge version of that buy the magnum, it's more useful, you can get awd, and it doesn't ruin any old name.

[Tony Stewart Fan]

Here is the new Charger commercial that has the car in a drag race.

[curtis73]

I vote for the Magnum. Either do the SRT8 or use the money you save and put a blower on it. I love those wagons.

[beef_bourito]

they are cool, i think they're the best wagons in a long time.

[MagicRat]

The wagons look very nice and are really cool. But, if you compare one to the Charger, the cargo room is about the same. The Charger had fold down back seats and a really high trunk lid. The low, tapered roof of the back of the Magnum limits the usable space, leaving the wagon with maybe a 6 inch taller cargo area. Its deceptive to look at, but true.
That 6 inches is all you get when you pay $1500 more for the Magnum.

I went into the dealer liking the Magum the best, but I left being really impressed by the Charger. IMHO the Hemi Charger is the way to go.

[Tony Stewart Fan]

All 3 of these cars are impressive. The Charger has a newer feel to it right now than the others do. They're all cool cars, but I'd probably go with the Charger over the others.

[solaris=amazing]

I have been a fan of the Magnum (with the hemi ofcoarse) as soon as i seen it, thats one badass car. I would say get the regular hemi magnum, forget the charger and the 300c...they are ok, but the magnum has a certain look to it that no alot of cars have these days.

I would spend some extra $$ on a good stereo system-don't pay extra for some dumb ass "stock" good stereo-hell, get the tape deck if you could, then spend the extra money on some componenet sets and a couple subs. The Magnum is one of the best cars for car audio, and car audio guy will tell you that. As far as performance mods, i'd say keep it pretty much stock, it's already a ballsy car.

[Tony Stewart Fan]

I would love to deck out a Charger with a new sound system. My current system is old and run down, so I'm waiting to get something nice til i buy a new car. The Charger would be incredible with a brand new system installed.