American cars are getting more and more competitive. The CTS-v and the SRT-8 both can run with the fastest and best-handling sedans from Germany (and slaughter the ones from Japan). Ironic, though, that the GTO is the lightest of the trio and a sports car, but the big sedans outrun it, outstop it, and outhandle it.

From M/T this month:

Cadillac CTS-v:
0-60: 4.7 sec
1/4 mile: 13.1@109.8
60-0: 111 ft.
Slalom: 66.8 mph
Skidpad: .90g

Chrysler 300c SRT-8:
0-60: 4.9 sec
1/4 mile: 13.2@108.1
60-0: 113 ft.
Slalom: 67.3 mph
Skidpad: .88g

Pontiac GTO:
0-60: 5.0 sec
1/4 mile: 13.3@107.5
60-0: 121 ft.
Slalom: 63.6 mph
Skidpad: .85g

 

How much those cars cost?

 

more than my baby cost me,

cts-v ~51k
300 hemi ~ 37k
GTO ~ 34k


edit: haha beat you too it RX8-79..but you did do with the exact numbers whilst i just rounded them off:p

 

As tested prices:
CTS-v: $51,295
SRT-8: $43,395
GTO: $34,280 (est)

 

I don't know about the SRT-8, but the CTS-V has been criticized for its subpar shifter, and the GTO is suffering from fleet car syndrome, plus it's a real fatty.

 

All these cars will weigh a lot. Pretty nice that they have some amazing hp, and even huge brakes these days (14"). If I was given a choice I would take the GTO, and strap a Vortech SC on it (already have it out for the 04' GTO). They upgraded the engine & brakes for it this year, and it is the only decent car oft he three. The others are butt ugly. Decent prices, but still won't hold a candle to the MBZ E55, or the upcoming M5.

 

You guys should leave out the GTO since the title of the thread is "American Muscle"

 

Its interesting that when these car's are reviewed overseas (topgear and 5th gear for example), the GTO comes out on top, while the 300C is called soft and unresponsive. The euro guys really love the GTO.

Here's the car which they reviewed.
http://vauxhall.co.uk/showroom/searc...ehicleType=Car

Same thing, just produced under a different company. Check out the topgear and 5th gear reviews on it @...

If you haven't seen topgear/5thgear, I suggest you give some episodes a download...before you know it, you'll be looking for the last 3 years worth of videos. They actually review cars, unlike most of the american publication system, which is generally concerned with future sponsership from manufacturers. (Topgear is on the BBC)

http://gear.viper007bond.com/

 

I am also a fan of 5th gear / Top Gear vids The SRT-8 was not available for that test so they used a stock 300 C. The SRT-8 is somewhat different. The 300’s are also assembled in Canada. With Toyota, Honda’s, BMW & Benz’s being made in the USA and Fords and Chrysler’s being built in Canada & Mexico what really is an “American” car these days?

 

The thing is that the Pontiac GTO is not a car manufactured overseas exclusively for the US market.

The Cadillac and the Chrysler are, whereas the Pontiac is an Australian made Holden Monaro made for Australian roads.

The exportation of them to the US and the UK and being rebadged is simply a by-product of Holden's association with GM.

 

SRT8 for me--can't wait to see the looks of the SRT8 Charger. The regular charger is ok--I'm slightly disappointed in its styling, but I think a black paint job and mesh grill and new shoes could remedy that.

 

ugh that charger disgusts me!
I am starting to like the 300c more and more. I have seen some with a different grill and some nice wheels, it really sets the car off

 

My dad's dealer told him that he has rights to the first 425hp version of the Magnum since he bought their first RT. He's going to take them up on the offer even though he just got his Magnum RT. I can't wait to drive it.

 

If I had to drive a 4000lb car it is going to be a big in your face american sedan. SRT-8 all the way. I fail to see the point in a 4000lb two door that looks like a jellybean.

 

Of course not, but both the v and the SRT8 are both great alternatives to the C55 and S4.

 

That rounded more radical Charger concept looked much better to me, now its just a version of the 300C.


like this

https://www.rx8club.com/general-automotive-49/2006-dodge-charger-42132/

 

First the GTO has all season tires, the other have 3 season (non-winter) tires.
The GTO has strut suspension all around (antiquated semi-trailing arms in back) and trailing link steering.

All those cars are overpriced, GTO $5,000 300 $7,500, CTS-v $10,000.

The 300c uses 225/60 tires on 7.5x18 wheels, dump those crap tires and put 245/55 in place.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

 

For what you getting, I somewhat agree about the GTO, but I wouldnt call either the v or the SRT overpriced at all. They both go, stop and handle as well as the germans, and offer as much equipment for less.

The c, yes, but no need to switch out the SRT since it has 20's all around, 245/45 up front and 255/45 in back.

 

You have to understand the history of the GTO. It started life as a big engined muscle car, not a car that handled particularly well. That was left to the Mustang & camaros back in the day. This car is not meant to handle, if it is true to it's heritage it is more muscle car than race car, and it has a nice, big LS2 in it at a great price if you figure that a Corvette would be about $20K more with the same engine. The interior on this car is pretty nice too. Better I thought than the Caddy & Chrysler's.

 

skid pad numbers are meaningless in the real world.........................

 

Not if you drive around traffic circles :p