Finally, it is difficult to explain what an improved ride these two vehicles had over previous front wheel drive models. There are easy cars to drive long distances once you find a comfortable seating position.
Dad's view: The Buzz is all HEMI, but that is not what impressed me the most about these two new products from DaimlerChrysler. The pricing is stunning. If you can avoid the need for the HEMI these can be in your driveway with a terrific six cylinder willing to provide you with 250 horsepower for well under $25,000 (US). That is a bargain of the first magnitude.
However, since we can not argue with the public we did feel that the 340 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque the HEMI engine provides is notable not so much for its obvious grunt, but for the fact you can honestly get well over 20 mpg with it thanks to Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders in idle and cruise conditions to save fuel. Indeed, the EPA fuel-economy estimates range from 21/28-mpg city/highway for the 2.7-liter six to 17/23 for the Hemi even when equipped with optional all-wheel drive.
We tested the 300C and it comes very well endowed. There are standard four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and antiskid/traction control, tilt/telescope steering wheel, power driver seat, 18-inch wheels, and such options as curtain side airbags, satellite radio, navigation system, and a hands-free wireless link to a cell phone.
The transmission for the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the Dodge Magnum wagon had a four speed automatic transmission while the HEMI used a fine five speed automatic unit that comes with Chrysler's AutoStick driver-interactive manual control for shift it yourself fans. I never bothered as the big HEMI had enough torque to pull you free of any traffic without the need for my input.
There is going to be a lot of arguing about whether the HEMI is worth the extra thousands. A check with www.nada.com can give you the latest sales evaluation numbers, but it is safe to say that with the additional insurance premiums and higher fuel usage it would be hard to justify the 340 horsepower option as an investment especially when the six cylinder is so darn good. I doubt many people would even notice the difference especially since it provides more horsepower than the police special Ford Crown Victoria with its V8.
Although it may look large, the 300C is not nearly as large as the Ford Crown Victoria. It has a length of 196.8 in. compared to the Fords 212 and is four inches narrower. However, both weigh nearly the same at a rotund two tons and, surprisingly, the Chrysler has the longer wheelbase by six inches. The interior space of both vehicles is nearly identical, but the Ford has a huge trunk that is much easier to load than the Chrysler's.
As might be imagined, the handling in the wagon was much softer than the 300 C due to its softer and more pliant suspension settings. In both vehicles the brakes were very good, however I would have liked more brake pedal feel in the Magnum. The steering for such large vehicles is precise and the ESP technology takes over when you over extend yourself in corners.
Both the Magnum and the 300 are brutish looking and nothing else on the road can be mistaken for them. That is both good and bad. The good news is that you are going to be driving a vehicle that makes a statement. The downside is that people tend to believe that statement is an invitation to race. Call if the influence of the Chrysler ad campaign, but outside of a BMW or Porsche, we have never been invited to so many stop light challenges as when in these two family oriented vehicles.
A word about the spaciousness of the Magnum wagon's interior is well worth noting as it measures 133.1 cubic feet. Even with the rear seats folded, there's 71.6 cubic feet, or 27.2 cubic feet with rear seats up. That is right up there with a Ford Explorer.
Dad's view: The Buzz is all HEMI, but that is not what impressed me the most about these two new products from DaimlerChrysler. The pricing is stunning. If you can avoid the need for the HEMI these can be in your driveway with a terrific six cylinder willing to provide you with 250 horsepower for well under $25,000 (US). That is a bargain of the first magnitude.
However, since we can not argue with the public we did feel that the 340 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque the HEMI engine provides is notable not so much for its obvious grunt, but for the fact you can honestly get well over 20 mpg with it thanks to Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which deactivates four cylinders in idle and cruise conditions to save fuel. Indeed, the EPA fuel-economy estimates range from 21/28-mpg city/highway for the 2.7-liter six to 17/23 for the Hemi even when equipped with optional all-wheel drive.
We tested the 300C and it comes very well endowed. There are standard four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and antiskid/traction control, tilt/telescope steering wheel, power driver seat, 18-inch wheels, and such options as curtain side airbags, satellite radio, navigation system, and a hands-free wireless link to a cell phone.
The transmission for the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the Dodge Magnum wagon had a four speed automatic transmission while the HEMI used a fine five speed automatic unit that comes with Chrysler's AutoStick driver-interactive manual control for shift it yourself fans. I never bothered as the big HEMI had enough torque to pull you free of any traffic without the need for my input.
There is going to be a lot of arguing about whether the HEMI is worth the extra thousands. A check with www.nada.com can give you the latest sales evaluation numbers, but it is safe to say that with the additional insurance premiums and higher fuel usage it would be hard to justify the 340 horsepower option as an investment especially when the six cylinder is so darn good. I doubt many people would even notice the difference especially since it provides more horsepower than the police special Ford Crown Victoria with its V8.
Although it may look large, the 300C is not nearly as large as the Ford Crown Victoria. It has a length of 196.8 in. compared to the Fords 212 and is four inches narrower. However, both weigh nearly the same at a rotund two tons and, surprisingly, the Chrysler has the longer wheelbase by six inches. The interior space of both vehicles is nearly identical, but the Ford has a huge trunk that is much easier to load than the Chrysler's.
As might be imagined, the handling in the wagon was much softer than the 300 C due to its softer and more pliant suspension settings. In both vehicles the brakes were very good, however I would have liked more brake pedal feel in the Magnum. The steering for such large vehicles is precise and the ESP technology takes over when you over extend yourself in corners.
Both the Magnum and the 300 are brutish looking and nothing else on the road can be mistaken for them. That is both good and bad. The good news is that you are going to be driving a vehicle that makes a statement. The downside is that people tend to believe that statement is an invitation to race. Call if the influence of the Chrysler ad campaign, but outside of a BMW or Porsche, we have never been invited to so many stop light challenges as when in these two family oriented vehicles.
A word about the spaciousness of the Magnum wagon's interior is well worth noting as it measures 133.1 cubic feet. Even with the rear seats folded, there's 71.6 cubic feet, or 27.2 cubic feet with rear seats up. That is right up there with a Ford Explorer.