My take on Chrys300: G*d, she has a fat *ss

So, here I am in SoCal in a rented black 2012 Chrysler 300 V6 rental, admittedly not optioned out, but neither is my base black 2012 Genesis.

So, these are my impressions, of which there are only 1 or 2 here:

Exterior and Performance:
Exterior: Genesis wins hands down. Sleek lines of the Genesis are simply more fashionable than the blunted lines of the 300. The G might be a bit longer, but I doubt anyone would notice the difference day-to-day. 18's on the 300 vs 17's on the G: could care less. Move up to 20's and we'll talk.

Performance: 300 responds better. There is greater throttle travel without the obvious (what I call) "holdback for better EPA MPG" on the 300 versus the G. I can merge into traffic with the 300 easier than the G in a tight situation. However, I don't let myself get into those situations in the first place very often, so it doesn't bug me much, but it's good to know it's there. That being said, the 300 definitely has what JPS in Matrix: Revolutions called a "fat *ss". The 300 on anything other than a straight line smooth road (note: LA freeways do not have "smooth roads") leads to all kinds of rear-end bucking and bouncing. This does not inspire confidence in an emergency maneuver.

Interior1:
G wins hands down. Yes, the 300 has a nice big LCD screen for all kinds of functions that make you "feel" like you have control, but you really don't. The multitude of G hard buttons may seem confusing at first, but are much more easily adapted to than any touch-screen. Also, the 300 has this weird "wide veriegation" (for lack of a better term) in their paneling that looks a lot cheaper than the G. It does have better base leather seating for soft-touch comfort, though.

Interior2:
I cannot stand the upright feel of the dash of the 300. It leads to a much more claustrophobic feeling than the G. I think this is likely enhanced by the "perceived" reduced glass area all around the cabin in the 300 versus the G.

Verdict:
Obvious. The 300 rental I'm driving is about $1500 MSRP less than the Genesis. The Genesis is the easy winner because I think the extra $1500 makes for a hugely better car.

JAO.

Thanks for the review. I have wondered what the 300 is like to drive compared to the Genesis. The looks turn me off so much that it was never in consideration when I was looking to purchase my last car.

That said, the 300 has earned a great deal of respect and recognition for its design. The design is quite polarizing: most people either love it or hate it. I personally think it looks like a knuckle-dragging night club bouncer. However, many people love the look and that, of course, is OK. And I really appreciate Chrysler taking such a bold stand on a car. There are so many ovoid, half-melted bars of soap out there that it is nice to see something so distinctive (even though it is ugly).

Cheers,
Newman

The local Hyundai dealer is also the Chrysler dealer. When I stopped there to look at the Genesis, I did look at and sit in a 300C. I was impressed with the fit and finish of the interior-------------but the exterior design is rather dated today.

I see the 2012 300's everywhere, it's not really unique compared to the Genesis. When I see a 300 it's just another car, when I see a 2012 Genesis it's like OMG and turn around to stare at it type approach.

427435 said:

The local Hyundai dealer is also the Chrysler dealer. When I stopped there to look at the Genesis, I did look at and sit in a 300C. I was impressed with the fit and finish of the interior-------------but the exterior design is rather dated today.

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Exactly the way I felt, after seeing both cars at the Dallas Auto Show. My wife won't get close to the 300c. She says it looks like one of those cars driven by gangsters in old Hollywood movies.

Both cars have their markets and have done well.

Back in my Genesis from my vacation. Not thankful that my vacation is over, but thankful to give up the 300.

I forgot how tight the Genesis drives in the suspension and steering. Point, shoot, done. Love it. The 300 is just plain sloppy. Admittedly, this 300 did not have a sport package, but then again neither does my bargain base Genesis.

Oddly enough, I now find the Genesis more responsive than the 300 at low speeds and highway merging. It could be because I've learned how to adapt to its low speed shifting issues better than the 300, but neither one is great about responding quickly to your right foot. On the side, at least I can anticipate and sport-shift (if I have to, which is rarely) a base Genesis; this isn't possible in a base 300.

Also, I think the 300 has more tire noise intrusion than the Genesis. I don't think this is a tire issue, but an insulation issue. An important contrast. But the Genesis is (a little) more annoying over concrete expansion joints than the 300. Ehhh. Those don't happen that often.

Long term service quality could be another story, of course ... but I doubt American companies will do any better than a SK "budget" company, from my previous Hyundai service experience with a 2009 Elantra.

If there's another entry-level luxury rear-drive (or front-drive, for that matter) car in this base price range that compares favorably, I'd like to know. I certainly don't know of any American car, even with discounts and rebates.

RickyBobby said:

Both cars have their markets and have done well.

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I'm not sure what this means without knowing what perspective you are viewing their markets. Was this meant TIC?

DominicJE said:

I see the 2012 300's everywhere, it's not really unique compared to the Genesis. When I see a 300 it's just another car, when I see a 2012 Genesis it's like OMG and turn around to stare at it type approach.

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And, day-to-day, that is exactly what driving these cars is like. Great evaluation!

There is still quite a divide from the domestic and import buyers.

The one domestic luxury brand that has a real chance of conquest over import owners is Cadillac w/ the new ATS, the upcoming next gen CTS and the RWD Omega flagship (LTS?).

Lincoln, otoh...

@YEH - I think the new '13 MKZ seems like quite a nice refresh, no?