Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) chrysler 300 M

[Hemiville]

I have a 01/. 5 3500 dually with an EZ installed. Just bought a new chrysler 300M. Just came back from Lake Tahoe on hwy. 50, twisty, turny, up down road. I SWEAR my 3500 will eat the 300M, up down cornering etc. I don't know what to think about that. My wife says I'm crazy, and that the car rides better, takes the turns better, etc. I tried to tell her that's because we're going SLOWER but she won't believe me. Hard to believe the truck would be that much better under these conditions,, but it's true. Only thing I can figure is the truck has more low end grunt, and that maybe if I had the car on the pipe, 5000 RPM plus it would do better, but? I'm telling you, diesel trucks kick serious BUTT! I guess I'll let her drive the car,,, I'll stick with my 3500!!!

 

[MO'Donnell]

I traded my 99 300M in on my 03 quad cab. The 300 was better handling at speed (70+), mostly because of a MUCH lower CG than a 3/4 ton 4x4, and low-profile performance tires compared to load range E M & S tires on the Ram. The powerband of the 300 kicks in just about the time the Cummins is wound out. I do wish the truck had the memory seats like the 300 - it takes quite a bit of "readjusting" the seat, pedals & mirrors after the better half has been driving it!

 

[TSRAM]

I'm in the minority then.....

I will still get eaten alive by the 300M that my wife drives. Hers is a 02 "special edition". I'd like my truck to run as well.

 

[Snow man]

My wifes 99 300M will eat my 2500 in the turns. The 3500 2wd is like a slot car,my dad's is unbeleiveable. There is a huge difference in handling between the 2wd,and 4x4 Rams.

 

[MO'Donnell]

Re: I'm in the minority then.....

Originally posted by TSRAM

I will still get eaten alive by the 300M that my wife drives. Hers is a 02 "special edition". I'd like my truck to run as well.

Nope, you are correct - the 300M will eat the truck alive on the road, but the powerband is VERY different, which gives the impression the truck is faster. Handling is NO comparison. Of course, the 300M won't haul a load of "stuff" from Home Depot, Lowe's or the local quarry, nor will it tow a trailer very well. Both vehicles do their intended jobs very will - at least in my opinion.

 

[NETim]

300M

The 300M be our dream car. What kind of mileage do you 300M'ers get?



Our '96 LHS has much the same drive train and averages 25 MPG, which tickles me considering its' size.



The LHS continues to run strong though, so it will be awhile before there's a 300M in the garage.



Tim

 

[TSRAM]

Well, only 9,000 miles since bought new about 14 mos. ago we're averaging about 19 mpg in town. Don't get out much if it isn't evident.

Can view car in my readers rigs if you like. The 18's and duals from the fact. is what really sold her on it.

 

[Hemiville]

300M

Boy, what can-o-worms did i open? All you guys talk about how your 'wifes' 300 is faster and handles better than your truck. One of you even mentioned 'old Dad'. I have an 01, 1 ton dually 2 wheel drive with an ez. Handles like a dream. I must have a dog 300, and a monster truck? I hate to rain on anyones parade, but... 500 plus lbs of torque, versus 250. Even giving up some more weight diiference can't offset DOUBLE plus torque. The dually feels like it's on rails in the turns also. For sure a 4x4 wouldn't handle like a 2x4. Of course, becoming a VERY old man,, maybe I'm missing something in my truck that the 300 has,,,, like self positioning seats?

 

[jpickens]

Our '99 300M runs pretty darn good... for a sedan that size. I don't believe I can row the gears in my truck quick enough to keep up w/it actually. Now top end is another story... the 300M speed govs out around 118 If I remember right... and my truck with 295's runs a bit faster. What drives me nuts about that car is how much road noise gets through to the driver especially between the front edge of the front door and the door jam. And another thing... seems everything you touch in the interior... door panels, console, dash etc. SQUEAKS! I mean just nudge your knee against various things... squeak squeak squeak...

 

[Rman]

I'll give diesels their power... but c'mon you can't honestly say that a 7k lb truck is going to out handle a car. I had a nissan maxima that would run low 13's in the quarter... faster than "most" diesels. PLUS it would run circles around a truck on a course. Put your money where your mouth is and go down to a local SCCA track and put up some times. I think you'll be humbled quite fast. These trucks are made to haul, not race on a course.