So I finally got over to my parents house to drive my Dad's new SRT-6 Crossfire coupe tonight. For those who don't know, a couple weeks after I bought my Limited Crossfire coupe, my Dad went out and bought an SRT-6 coupe. I have been SO incredibly excited about driving the car for the past 2 weeks. I finally got to drive the car tonight, and much to my surprise, I like my Limited coupe far better! The SRT-6 is just brutish, my Limited feels far more refined. My Limited has a much more linear acceleration curve... the SRT-6 has the typical lag-then-supersonic acceleration. It's almost unpredictable when you depress the gas pedal. I expected something so much smoother and more seamless from an AMG product. The ride is certainly WAY less civilized than my Limited. It rides more like an '80s Camaro than a German built sports car. I even like the way my auto Limited shifts better than the SRT-6. I can't say I care for the look of the suede interior either, though it does feel nice to sit in, and holds you in your seat better. I don't even like the exhaust note of the SRT-6 versus my Limited. The SRT-6 wing, wheels, and front air dam take away from the classically simple looks of the Crossfire too. Perhaps I need some daylight time in the car on some curvy back roads. But my initial impression of the car was an overdone boy-racer, badly in need of some refinement and polishing.

 

I see where your going although I do have to disagree on some notes. I too think i loved my limited better, it being a manual the gears were much smoother through the acceleration. When I first picked up the srt6 I had the same impression but you can really feel the horsepower and its great. Although after driving it for a month or two It really doesn't feel any faster then my old crossfire and it is not nearly as fun with out that manual transmission. I guess you just get used to the feeling of the faster acceleration. I do prefer the wing, tires and bumper over the limited although feeling like an exotic when that wing went up and watching peoples faces looking like i just took off was a great feeling every time. I don't feel like I turn heads as much in the SRT then I did in the limited. Also no one wants to race or **** around with me anymore. I miss some kid in a Honda pulling up next to me and me goosing it just enough to light em up, get about a car length ahead and let off. But you cant deny that having close to 400hp with a $3000 upgrade as opposed to nothing doesn't make every thing alright again.

 

I don't think you're crazy at all. I've not driven an SRT6 so I can't comment on the differences in drivability, but I think what you're revealing is that you have a real understanding of and appreciation for a truly refined driving experience. People who complain about really fantastic cars that don't make boatloads of HP are the ones who don't get it. Please understand that I am NOT saying the typical SRT6 owner is one of those people, nor are all Z06, Viper, F430, etc owners of that ilk. But I guaranteed you that ANYONE who puts down a Crossfire Limited/Base, Mazda Miata, Saturn Sky, etc just because it doesn't make shed loads of power simply does not get it.

Any Lotus from the 1960s does not qualify as a high powered car. Not a one of them. Yet they are some of the finest drivers cars even made. You get it, so many others don't. Good for you.

 

I went and test drove an SRT for about 10 miles when I had my limited coupe - I didn't notice much of a difference.

I then decided, after reading, that I was going to try it again - but with a longer drive.

I traded my Limited, an now own an SRT and would never look at giving it up for a Limited.

Some people are made for the SRT - some are not. They are two different animals. If you have back trouble, or don't appreciate the feel of a stiff race suspension, look elsewhere.

If I could afford it, I would own a limited AND an SRT - maybe soon...especially if the prices continue to fall! BUT, would much rather have two SRT's!

My pros to the SRT -

• Obviously the power, you can't deny it. I come from v8 powered mustangs
• The ride and handling - Not sure how you can compare the ride to a mid 80's crapmaro. This thing is no where near as sloppy and 'tank'ish as an F-Body (of any generation). I come from a background of racing 125cc shifter karts, and I guess I'm used to the 'kart like' handling the SRT offers. NOW, not saying the Limited doesn't handle exceptionally well - but comparing an SRT to an 80's camaro???? It is the same basic setup as the Limited! So, does your limited handle like an 80's camaro with a little softer spring? Both of these cars are on rails!
• The interior - I prefer the pseudo suede look. Plus, my limited's leather was showing wear at only 17k miles. I do like the two tone availability on the Limited.
• The Wheels - These can obviously be changed on a Limited - but I much prefer the European look of the SRT wheels. The stock wagon wheels fit the car well, but I like the look of the spokes.

My Cons to the SRT -

• The Unknown - You think it is tough to find a service tech familiar with the limited? Try taking an SRT to your local five star (joke) dealer.
• Over priced parts - several of the aftermarket parts are a good bit higher for the SRT6 when they aren't much different - i.e., air filters, rotors, pads, etc.
• Lack of aftermarket - This is a big problem with BOTH crossfire platforms

Bottom line - I upgraded for more horsepower because it wasn't much more money. For the money, you are getting a hell of a car whichever way you go. If you are in it for a little more speed - highly recommend the SRT. If the looks, feel, handling, and attention are enough for you, get the Limited and STILL have a decently quick car (especially with the manual).

Both cars are great and they both have their niche (although small).

SQ

 

I have to disagree. How can a IRS suspended short wheelbase car, that is built on the same platform as a limited, handle like a mid-80's F-body? F-Bodies were nice in their day, but they are solid axle straight line runners that require a good bit of power and work to even come close to competing in anything that requires carving corners.

I would've thought you would disagree with this analogy as well, especially since you seem to know a thing or two about a fine handling car.

The only comparison that an SRT can have with an FBody is brute torque and power - otherwise, they are so far apart that they shouldn't even be mentioned in the same paragraph. (yes, I've owned both, and still own two early 90's mustangs which are much the same as the FBods.)

SQ

 

Glad you like your Limited. Yes the SRT6 is a little brute, no question. Different strokes as they say. No offense to the ladies out there but if I were to compare the two to a woman, the Limited would be like Alice in Wonderland, prim, proper and fun to be with. On the other hand the SRT6 is more like a different Alice. The one played by Mila Jovovitch in Resident Evil kicking butt and taking names while still being drop dead gorgeous. LOL.

 

The reason I compared the SRT-6 suspension to an 80s F-Body Camaro is the ride. Of course the Crossfire will handle infinitely better. But the way the SRT-6 crashes over even small bumps, gets jittery and kind of hops along over uneven pavement is what reminds me of driving an 87 IROC-Z. The whole overly firm suspension is really more 80s thought than present day. IE if the car beats the **** out of you, then it handles good! It does feel like the steering response is quicker than my Limited, which I like! I just drove the car to breakfast and back and got the same impressions as last night (non-linear throttle response, and crashy suspension). I'm going to take it out on some windy Uwharrie Mountains back roads today and see what I think of the car, I'll report back later today with my thoughts, and pics of the two babies.

 

In an ideal world I would have an SRT-6 and a Limited. The SRT-6 would be kept all original be driven rarely and sent through Barrett Jackson in about 20 years from now. The Limited would be the one I would personalize the way I want it which is what I am doing. I love everything about my Limited (are calling 2004's Limited's?) which I think has a very classic look rather than the more aggressive look of the SRT. The limited just needs a lot more torque and power. I don't want compromise on the smooth acceleration that I have now, so for me a big Benz V8 is what I want. With this swap I will a ton or torque which is what you feel and HP on par with the SRT except pure smoothness. The V8 weighs only 130 lbs more but from the difference in weight of an SRT-6 and a Limited I will probably end up weighing the same or less than the SRT.

 

Please don't take a single comment of mine and apply it to nothing more than LouieLouie2000's comment about the F-body. My comments , if you read them all, referenced a comparison of a fine handling car to one that simply has more HP. We happen to own a 1992 Camaro RS (last year of the third gens that started production in 1982) so I know the car very well. There is no comparison whatsoever between the Crossfire and the Camaro - not in ride, comfort, speed, handling, braking, aesthetics, nothing.

 

That stiff suspension is exactly what i like about it - like said above, different strokes for different folks.

The Limited is far from 'cush', but the SRT is definitely a bit more firm.

Lantana - all 04's were limited, so I guess you could indeed call all 04's a limited!

SQ

 

I wanted an SRT-6 because I gave up a G35 Coupe, so I wanted something with at least a bit more power (the SRT6 has a ton more)... Also, I wanted exclusivity as well as a rare car. It's nice blowing the doors off of 911s, mustangs, BMWs, etc. who think the car has about 218 hp. That's what they think until they read my license plate. lol.