Hemi Magnum test drive

[duhtroll]

See other thread about 300C test drive. I was a bit more impressed with the acceleration on this car vs. the 300, and the steering was tighter. It's so smooth the butt-o-meter is almost completely irrelevant, and that is perhaps why I rated the 300 low on performance compared to the rags. It's deceptively fast accel - even to the driver. I think it would take up to about 60 for me to start gaining ground on this car in my stage I MM.

It's a contender, folks. With some gears, an exhaust, and some programming it will easily best the similarly equipped MM, IMO. Flame away, but this R/T was priced at $29.9 and I bet it could go down from there. SERIOUS competition, even for the money.

These cars don't match the MM in style, roominess, comfort, or handling, but they have it in straight line performance and MPG I'm sorry to say. The Magnum also has it in versatility. For the first time since owning my MM I (seriously) stopped to consider what I would have done if this car had been out a year ago. I won't be giving up my MM any time soon - the attitude is lost in the Magnum.

Still hate the boxiness of the interior, and the rear legroom is nice if you have the front seats up all the way. No hiproom in the rear though. I had the guy fold the seats down to show me the cargo space, and one of the seat flaps wouldn't work properly because it wasn't fit right or something. This DCBenz doesn't have the quality feel our Mercury does.

The telescoping steering was a nice touch, and the sound system sounded cooler - maybe it was the acoustics I was getting from the open wagon.

There is no visibility in this car. The windscreen is small, and the rear glass fits completely inside the rearview mirror - enough with room to see the interior all the way around. It's more than kinda small. The high doors don't help either, but that's a different style that would take some getting used to.

Watch out for these cars, guys. They're tough. It would only take a few nudges to make these serious predators, and that's without S/C. When they start S/Cing them, look out.

-A

[jefferson-mo]

I'm trying to get E-Mo to buy one of these..............How big are you?

We looked at one and the rear seat room seemed OK..........

Couldn't get a test drive 'cause

"The Keys are locked in the Fleet Managers Office"

It was the 1st RT to hit San Diego so I think they were holdin' out for the highest bidder:D

Love those TV commercials tho................ :up:

[Bluerauder]

Another excellent review by duhtroll. Thanks for the balanced competition report on the Magnum pros and cons.

[duhtroll]

I'm 6'2" and 230#.

I was hitting my head on the headliner/sun roof in both front seats (but not rear seats at all - head room might be better than the MM there) until I realized some jackass had both seats up as far as they could go, and by "up" I mean vertically. :rolleyes:

I had plenty of room in the driver's seat once I got it adjusted. I believe there is more legroom in the front seats of the MM though. Rear legroom was not bad, but when I sat in the back the front seat was all the way forward.

The sales guy made the comment (while he was driving) "your seat isn't back all the way - see how it's farther up than mine?" I pointed out to him that many cars (I think MMs included?) the driver's seat can go back farther than the passenger's.

Give it a few months and the prices will drop.

-A


I'm trying to get E-Mo to buy one of these..............How big are you?

We looked at one and the rear seat room seemed OK..........

Couldn't get a test drive 'cause

"The Keys are locked in the Fleet Managers Office"

It was the 1st RT to hit San Diego so I think they were holdin' out for the highest bidder:D

Love those TV commercials tho................ :up:

[Tallboy]

i'm 6'5" and i fit in the back seat of a magnum. barely...:)

[MMM2003]

Duhtroll - not to bash or flame anyone, but does anyone else think, that the Dodge Magnum wagon looks like a hearse?

I saw one over the weekend, with blacked out windows and I thought there was funeral.

OTOH - I always liked station wagons. I always wanted an '96 Chevy Caprice wagon. Some had the LT1 engine and the interior space is gigantic.

Just my $.02

[duhtroll]

The funny thing is the actual height and length of the car are "smaller" than they look. It's not a big car - it just looks like it.

No way you're putting a coffin in there!

-A

[Petrograde]

I gave some serious thought to trading up for for the R/T.... but, I came to my senses!

I sure miss my truck sometimes,... like when I'm at Home Depot or Best Buy. Maybe I'll get one for my wife. :) She could grow to like it!

[HwyCruiser]

Thanks for the report.

I like it. I also like the commerical where a Magnum pulls away from sports car at a light... the guy rolls up next to the Magnum and asks what it has in it, pointing to the hood. The driver turns to look in the back and rattles off all the stuff he's hauling (ladder, etc., etc.). Too funny.

With AWD, this should be one fun car.

- JD

[RCSignals]

another good report.
The 5.7 HEMI had better have some potential to give the 4.6 DOHC some competition, or DCX really blew it!

[jefferson-mo]

The funny thing is the actual height and length of the car are "smaller" than they look. It's not a big car - it just looks like it.

Yeah I measured and I think it's 22" longer than my Soob and 15" shorter than the Marauder and a very short roof height, like it's chopped:D

[merc406]

They are all over the place here in Detroit area, we'll see how they hold up, perform over the next year or two, I may go for one of these, they are Hot lookin machine's, IMHO. :up: :up:

[BillyGman]

I like the chop-top look that the side windows in the back give the car, but I can't get over those big ugly headlight lenses. I think it looks good from the side view, but not from the front. I don't think I've seen it from the back yet. It doesn't surprise me that it has better 0-60 MPH performance than the stock MM since it has an engine w/more displacement. However, someone on the Impala SS board said that they hammered down on the gas pedal from a dead punch, and they said that because of some anti-spin control management system of some kind that this car has that's allegedly more complex than simple traction control, the car will NOT spin it's tires, and the guy claims that there's no way to turn that off. I don't know if this is true, but that's what was claimed anyway.


However, thankyou duhtroll for your review. :up:

[jerrym3]

Magnum grille is much more acceptable than the 300C, IMHO.

[BillyGman]

Magnum grille is much more acceptable than the 300C, IMHO.
Yep. Definately!!!!!

[duhtroll]

Ah, that reminds me.

This car DOES spin them from a dead stop. Did it twice. We're not talking smoky burnouts, but there was some definite "loss of traction."

I had to act dumb to the sales guy "I didn't expect it to do that - let's see if it will do it again."

-A

[BillyGman]

Hmmm, I guess what I heard isn't true then. :depress:

[jefferson-mo]

I like the chop-top look that the side windows in the back give the car, but I can't get over those big ugly headlight lenses. I think it looks good from the side view, but not from the front. I don't think I've seen it from the back yet. It doesn't surprise me that it has better 0-60 MPH performance than the stock MM since it has an engine w/more displacement. However, someone on the Impala SS board said that they hammered down on the gas pedal from a dead punch, and they said that because of some anti-spin control management system of some kind that this car has that's allegedly more complex than simple traction control, the car will NOT spin it's tires, and the guy claims that there's no way to turn that off. I don't know if this is true, but that's what was claimed anyway.


However, thankyou duhtroll for your review. :up:


That was the first thing I checked was if the T/C could be switched off,

and there is a switch right in the center fo the dash :bows:

[BillyGman]

The guy who posted on the other board I'm on who test drove one of these cars said that it was also something else that keeps the tirespin to a minimum or even prevents it all together other than the traction control. And whatever it is cannot be turned off. With that much displacement under the hood, that car probably has enough Low-end torque to spin the tires all the way into second gear from a mere dead punch since that's what the Impala SS, and the Buick Roadmaster can do even with highway gears. And they have the same size engine as these cars do, and are heavier too. Unless the engine has been cammed up in order to make the big peak HP #'s that it boasts,in which case Low-end torque would be sacrificed. But I'm just going by what his claims were. I've never even driven one of those cars.

[RCSignals]

That was the first thing I checked was if the T/C could be switched off,

and there is a switch right in the center fo the dash :bows:
Yes, but from what I've read, the switch doesn't actually turn off TC. (also in the 300) It will to a point, then the computer steps in and turns it back on past a certain threshold.

[RCSignals]

If you watch the advertisements that show these vehicles doing a burn out, there is definitely brake action involved.............and probably some special tuning for the TC function to remain off.........
The exhaust note sound bite is also quite "enhanced" for the ads. I've yet to hear anyone call them on it though. If Ford did that C+D surely would scream deception.

[jefferson-mo]

Yes, but from what I've read, the switch doesn't actually turn off TC. (also in the 300) It will to a point, then the computer steps in and turns it back on past a certain threshold.


Awwwwww, shucks! :cry:

[gpfarrell]

I'm thrilled about the 300C & the Hemi Magnum.

I wouldn't consider stepping out of the Marauder into either of them... and with a phone call to Trilogy I'd still be faster with money left over in my pocket. I think the MM has a much nicer interior than the Magnum... seems like the first guy that comes out with an upscale aftermarket dash for that thing will make some money... and an exterior that is tougher than the Magnum and classier than the 300.

But... its great to have choices. It also gives the dimwits in Ford's marketing department a clue as to where they should be aiming. It also gives folks looking to buy an interesting car an American alternative worth considering.

Is it our cup of tea? Probably not or we wouldn't be hanging out here... but I'm thrilled Chysler is taking bold steps forward instead of meekly treading water.

[Bluerauder]

"...snip..."
There is no visibility in this car. The windscreen is small, and the rear glass fits completely inside the rearview mirror - enough with room to see the interior all the way around. It's more than kinda small. The high doors don't help either, but that's a different style that would take some getting used to.

Watch out for these cars, guys. They're tough. It would only take a few nudges to make these serious predators, and that's without S/C. When they start S/Cing them, look out.

-A
You are definitely right about the visibility issue. I followed a Cream colored one briefly into work this morning. It's gotta have blind spots all over the place and the small rear side windows and the high rear one.

Couldn't stay behind it very long as the lady driving was in "No Big Hurry" if you know what I mean. I can safely say that is one Magnum that will never see a S/C --- heck, it may never see the top end of 45 mph!!!!

[David Morton]

I think it's ugly.

I chose the Marauder because I wanted the gracious style of this beautiful Panther car with it's roomy interior and great visibility. Speed isn't everything to me. If it were I'd be driving a Cobra.

[magnum]

http://www.e55amg.homestead.com/300C.html

goto the bottom and look at the mad 300C video.

traction control????????

[MYSTA KANG]

This car is for people who cant afford the price of a Bently!

[RCSignals]

http://www.e55amg.homestead.com/300C.html

goto the bottom and look at the mad 300C video.

traction control????????
Brake stand????????

[teamrope]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. When the prototype pictures first hit the car rags, I thought it was a cool looking car. I knew about it before I knew about the MM (Fords advertising, that's a shock :rolleyes:). That was well over a year ago.


Now it seems to look a little to much like their trucks IMHO. Maybe they will come out with a El Camino/Ranchero type variant of the 300. (Why not, they brought back the station wagon :D ).

[JET]

http://www.e55amg.homestead.com/300C.html

goto the bottom and look at the mad 300C video.

traction control????????
Wow that is cool. :bounce:

[stumpy]

You have to admit that the fuel economy of a HEMI is great! It's just too bad they don't make as much power as the wedge design!

[dwasson]

There's been a lot of talk of a 2 door version, calling it a Charger. I might look at that if it comes out. When I need to replace the MM who else is there? Ford doesn't want to build another affordable V8 car with a little style and GM's are way too expensive. Chrysler wants my business enough to build cars I'll look at.

[Silver_04]

I'm holding out for a new iteration of the Buick Grand National. Dodge is foreign now so it's not even on my radar.

[PJR]

Ya, but the best part is that Dodge is going to pay me $75 to test drive one.

[Agent M79]

The 300C and Magnum will sell in the kind of numbers that get specialty equipment makers and tuners attention. They will have lots of choices for aftermarket performance and it outta start coming on realm soon. After a couple of years... :dunno:

[JohnnyB]

See other thread about 300C test drive. I was a bit more impressed with the acceleration on this car vs. the 300, and the steering was tighter. It's so smooth the butt-o-meter is almost completely irrelevant, and that is perhaps why I rated the 300 low on performance compared to the rags. It's deceptively fast accel - even to the driver. I think it would take up to about 60 for me to start gaining ground on this car in my stage I MM.

It's a contender, folks. With some gears, an exhaust, and some programming it will easily best the similarly equipped MM, IMO. Flame away, but this R/T was priced at $29.9 and I bet it could go down from there. SERIOUS competition, even for the money.

These cars don't match the MM in style, roominess, comfort, or handling, but they have it in straight line performance and MPG I'm sorry to say. The Magnum also has it in versatility. For the first time since owning my MM I (seriously) stopped to consider what I would have done if this car had been out a year ago. I won't be giving up my MM any time soon - the attitude is lost in the Magnum.

Still hate the boxiness of the interior, and the rear legroom is nice if you have the front seats up all the way. No hiproom in the rear though. I had the guy fold the seats down to show me the cargo space, and one of the seat flaps wouldn't work properly because it wasn't fit right or something. This DCBenz doesn't have the quality feel our Mercury does.

The telescoping steering was a nice touch, and the sound system sounded cooler - maybe it was the acoustics I was getting from the open wagon.

There is no visibility in this car. The windscreen is small, and the rear glass fits completely inside the rearview mirror - enough with room to see the interior all the way around. It's more than kinda small. The high doors don't help either, but that's a different style that would take some getting used to.

Watch out for these cars, guys. They're tough. It would only take a few nudges to make these serious predators, and that's without S/C. When they start S/Cing them, look out.

-A
I had the chance to get up close to a 300 C. I'll say that the paint job was superior and the quality of the interior fit and finish seemed better than my Marauder. The Marauder is better/sleeker looking. Rumors have it that there is a 425 hp version of the 300 C due out next year. All I can say is if Chyrsler is not afraid of horsepower, then why is Ford. The Marauder could have been a real contender right out of the box.

[Bradley G]

I got the absolute opposite impression on the interior.tilt wheel lever was so flimsy it felt like with any X-tra effort it would break it off in your hand. Seats too hard, poor visibility, Small cargo space.Better your money.
I had the chance to get up close to a 300 C. I'll say that the paint job was superior and the quality of the interior fit and finish seemed better than my Marauder. The Marauder is better/sleeker looking. Rumors have it that there is a 425 hp version of the 300 C due out next year. All I can say is if Chyrsler is not afraid of horsepower, then why is Ford. The Marauder could have been a real contender right out of the box.