I traded in my 2004 Blaze Red Crossfire for an Aero Blue 2005 SRT about a month ago. Here are the major things that I have noticed in that time since I traded in my red one:

1. The sound of the SRT's exhaust is only slightly different than the standard, not sure which one was actually louder. Hard to quantify the actual sound...it is a strange feeling to have a car that sounds so quiet and yet still be so fast. The exhaust system physically is completely different. The exhaust pipes exiting the engine bay are noticeably larger in diameter, and it stays a dual exhaust further back...all the way to the back into a resonator (pre-muffler) that the non-SRT doesn't have. The only thing the same about the two exhausts are the exhaust tips.

2. The two models feel about the same on light throttle, the SRT only moderately quicker on part throttle applications...but a lot quicker when fully floored. Because it is so quiet, it surprises you as to how quick it actually is. I have a G-Tech Pro (measures 1/4 mile times, 0-60 mph, braking distances, etc...), and the 0-60 mph I measured was 4.7 seconds. My non-SRT measured 6.5 seconds, a full 1.8 seconds quicker to 60. That is a big, big difference. The 0-90 mph time I measured was 9.2 seconds vs 13.1 seconds, and the 1/4 miles times were 13.2 @ 108 mph vs 14.8 @ 95 mph. (both runs occurred with the outside air temp in the high 50s, late at night :-) of course). If you punch the throttle from a stop, it really lights up the tires and wags the tail quite a bit...in fact, on the G-tech runs I just mentioned I had to modulate the throttle almost all the way through 1st gear to prevent losing precious time and rubber. This car is fast! For comparison, the C5 vette (350 hp) runs about a 13.4 sec 1/4 mile and the new C6 Vette (400 hp) a 12.8 sec 1/4 mile, so the SRT is just a little bit quicker than the old Vette, but not really that close to the new.

3. I had a manual on my non-SRT, and I really miss it. When you become adept at a manual, even a good auto becomes a compromise. The auto is always shifting too early into the next gear, and is real hesitant to downshift when you push into the throttle. The shift into next gear too early issue can be solved by taking off quickly from a stop, but most of the time there is somebody in front of you preventing that! The auto is nice for leisurely driving, so that is one plus. It is nice at times to just sit back and relax. One thing that surprised me is how smooth the trans shifts, even at full throttle (it probably shouldn't have surprised me, it is a Mercedes…and I am used to 3 speed hot-rodded GM transmissions that shift harder than Babe Ruth slugging a home run). I find myself usually leaving it in third gear and shifting it into fourth when I get up to about 40 mph or so. Only on freeway driving do I usually move it into drive. For you gear-heads, it seems that this trans doesn't appear to have a lock-up converter, and the stall speed is fairly low (It really doesn't need much stall with the torque the little supercharged 3.2 puts out, but I personally like a little stall, even with low torque engines; it makes taking off a bit more fun!).

4. The gas mileage is a bit worse than I would have guessed. Again, I shouldn't be surprised since the engine is so much more powerful. My Red 2004 had the Borla exhaust and Upsolute Chip upgrades, and it averaged about 26 mpg's in pure 75-80 mph freeway driving (It was about 24 mpg before the chip/exhaust). The exact same driving in the SRT is giving me around 20 mpg's. I have even tried driving almost an entire tank at 65 mph instead of 75, and it still will not go over 23 mpg.

5. The larger brakes are very easy to detect. The non-SRT's seem perfectly fine, but a few quick stops in the SRT really shows you how much better larger rotors and calipers can help you stop. I think the actual performance data probably don't show much of a difference between the two, but they really do feel different. Also, the new one are said to be next to impossible to get into fade with…something that I didn't ever have a problem with on the non-SRT model, or something that anyone in normal driving will have to deal with. Auto-crossing would be a different story, though, but not one that I will probably ever see.

6. The suspension is S-T-I-F-F. The literature says 40% stiffer, and it sure feels every bit of it when the road is rough. Lucky for me, I live in Phoenix, and our roads here I believe are pretty good. When you are on a smooth road, the difference is not really noticeable. As the road gets rougher, the difference becomes greater. On really rough roads, the car will actually make your voice vibrate with the road, and it can be quite uncomfortable. Does the car handle better in turns? I really don't know. Subjectively, it feels about the same in "spirited" turns. I am sure at an Autocross event it would really shine.

7. The 15 spoke rims are an absolute bear to clean. It takes much longer to get in between all those spokes compared to the seven on the non-SRT model. I would say it takes about 30 minutes just to correctly detail the four rims versus about 10 minutes for the other ones. Which rims look better? It is a toss-up. The SRT rims are actually clear-coated non-painted aluminum, whereas the non-SRT rims are silver-painted and clear-coated. I prefer the SRT's rims more at this point only because they are the lesser seen on Crossfires, but I suspect that I would reverse that thought if the SRT had the seven spoke rims and the non-SRT the 15's.

8. The wing on the back is much better looking in person than in pictures. I now prefer the fixed over the deployable. Sure, it isn't as cool as the deployable, but it really is a work of art. It even has the same grooves and spine as the hood, very sweet. I have ended up changing my tune on it once I saw it. One plus is that it only barely intrudes into the rear-view mirror view out the back. I've quickly become accustomed to the look of it, and a non-deployed wing on a non-SRT now looks naked to me. I also believe, like my view on the rims, that I would think the opposite if the SRT had the deployable and the non-SRT the fixed…

9. Overall, how do I compare driving the two? Actually, most of the time I had more fun in the 6-speed non-SRT Crossfire. Why? In my opinion an automatic transmissioned car is just not as involving of a drive. With the manual, you are always rowing the gears, always at one with the vehicle. An automatic is like cruise control…you just set it and forget it. The only time I actually have more fun in the SRT is when the pedal is 2/3 depressed or more, and that is not often. The ride is stiff, the brakes are incredible, the engine is fast when pushed, the gas mileage is mediocre, and everything else is about the same.

That being said, I am still glad I did the trade. I like the fact that the SRT is a rare model on a vehicle that already is barely seen on the road. I am hoping that I own the car long enough to actually see an appreciation in value. That may be a long, long time.

 

thanks for the informative review. i was thinking that those SRT wheels would be harder to clean.

 

Pelked1, I love automotive comparison road tests, especially when it's about a car I enjoy so much. Your "slant" on the way the two cars perform on a day in day out basis means more to me than all the various Magazine tests I've read, simply because you have actually lived with both cars for some length of time. For someone like me, who's given serious thought to cashing in on one of those great $30k deals on ebay for a new SRT, it gives me just that much more info to help me make the final decision.
I really appreciate you taking the time to enlighten us, thanks. Oh, just one question. You didn't say how you felt about the difference between the interiors. After spending time in both, which do you prefer?


Mike

 

Thanks for taking the time to type up this comparison. VERY interesting and informative. I was curious about the suspension as well.

 

Thanks for the comparison thread. I was able to test drive a SRT model when I bought my 6 speed 04' and yes, the power feels great in the SRT...but man I couldn't pull the trigger for the auto is Sport/GT car (and the 10k price difference).

 

7. The 15 spoke rims are an absolute bear to clean. It takes much longer to get in between all those spokes compared to the seven on the non-SRT model. I would say it takes about 30 minutes just to correctly detail the four rims versus about 10 minutes for the other ones. Which rims look better? It is a toss-up. The SRT rims are actually clear-coated non-painted aluminum, whereas the non-SRT rims are silver-painted and clear-coated. I prefer the SRT's rims more at this point only because they are the lesser seen on Crossfires, but I suspect that I would reverse that thought if the SRT had the seven spoke rims and the non-SRT the 15's.


Here's my advice on cleaning those rims a bit faster and better! I had a set of BBS RX's on my 2000 Contour SVT and what I used to keep them looking showroom new was a lambs wool duster, the one thats supposed to be used for cleaning things around the house. The cleaning portion of the brush is over a foot long, so you can go all the way in the wheel and the handle is long enough so you don't bust your hands up I picked mine up a local grocery store and I'm sure if you look around, you'll find it or something very close to it. To make things even better, when your all done using it, just rinse it off and let it dry, thats it. A quick twirl makes it big and puffy again, ready to make your life easier. If you find one, pick up two to be on the safe side incase you can't find one again. My previous one lasted quite a long time and for $7.00, its money well spent.

 

pelked1,

Nice write up - the SRT is much too expensive here in the UK easily $55K new and very few used to chose from for obvious reasons!

Seeing as you have been putting the auto box through its paces perhaps you can answer a question about the SRT auto. My XF auto will auto change even in autostick, if I run up to the redline it will change, is I am traveling and select 3rd or 4th, and slow to a stop or near stop the box will change down to first of second as I move off again, same on the SRT?

When you say the auto shifts too early into the next gear, under what driving style do you find that happens - as I said above I find that under full throttle the XF changes at the red line, otherwise it does change up too soon and often for my liking.

Thanks again for a write up that says what the XF alter-ego is like - very few SRT drivers have actually said so much about how the car drives.

Malcolm

 

Thanks Very helpful. I did a extended test drive this past weekend with a SRT6 and noted the same (minus the MPG) points you made.

 

malc

try this, HDDP suggested it and i can't complain... he does this before every race...

And here is HDDP's reset procedure:

The Throttle is "Drive By Wire" and adapts to your particular driving style. Do a TBA Throttle body adaptation.

1. Get in your car, it doesn't matter if you close the door or not.
2. Turn the key to the on (not start) position, the position just before the starter turns over.
3. Press the gas pedal to the floor with the key in the "on" position.
4. Hold the pedal to the floor for five seconds, then turn the key back to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
5. Wait 2 mins. for a full alignment.
6. Drive the car as you always do.

Depending on your driving style, this may or may not be a big factor. I do a lot of city driving so
I noticed a big change after erasing my history. It is not hard to do this, just follow the instructions -

Key on, pedal down, 5 sec, key off pedal up, wait 2 minutes.

Keep the key in for the entire thing.

If this doesn't work, disconnect your neg. battery cable for 20 minutes. This will re-set the parameters in the drive-by-wire... Unfortunately it will delete your pre-set radio stations, clock etc. as well...


anyway i have auto... and i get 200 - 300 rpm above redline...

j

 

The interiors are exactly the same except for the Alcantara finish on the seats, some extra stitching, three SRT6 logos, and a blank switch where the manual spoiler control is located on the other models. As pelked1 explained, the significant differences are right where they really matter -- the engine, tranny (good or bad depending on what you like), brakes, and suspension. It's the same as it was with the source cars -- the Xfire from the SLK 320 and the SRT6 from the SLK 32 AMG.

 

Thanks for that well written comparison pelked1 and a special thanks for not trashing us lesser Xfires. When I was deciding what I wanted, fall of '04 I looked at the wheels, the extra cost and the extra horsepower and here's what I thought...I get tired bending over doing my five spoke PT wheels, I've got bad knees so 15 spokes vs 7 was a no brainer. As for all that extra horsepower. I'm 55 not 35 and at this point in my life I definitely still want to look good but I don't care how fast I look good, I'm sure it would just get me into trouble anyway. The Ltd I ended up with and test drove was plenty fast for me. The other issue was the 6 speed vs the auto stick...I like the 6 speed. Since I don't have to put up with driving in traffic I'm very comfortable with it. If I did a lot of city driving I'd have gone with the automatic. My son got an RSX with a 6 speed a year before I got my Crossfire and his was a blast to drive so like son, like father. As for the bumpy road and the tight suspension. A few weeks back had to take my daughter for her insurance test so we took the Crossfire. There was a pretty bumpy section of road and it was the bumpiest thing I've felt in quite a while. Guess its just indicative of the short wheelbase. Its all part of the fun of driving this car. I have to tell you of all the cars I've owned this one is my favorite and I wish you nothing but happy, safe rides in yours.

Pat

 

I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE SPECIFIC. WHAT I WAS ASKING PELKED1 WAS, "DO YOU PREFER THE IMITATION SUEDE SEATS OVER THE LEATHER ONES?"

 

 

Yeah, but it's going to be a real bummer when we find out he works for "Consumer Reports".

 

FIREAMX: That would be funny if I did work for Consumer Reports. I got a big chuckle out of that! BTW, I bet a Consumer Reports employee is a bored employee....

About the interior, MAXXM is right: Alcantara Suede seats with "SRT" stitched into the headrest area for each seat (big enough to be seen from far away), "SRT" in the middle of the tachometer, and the deployable rear wing button now a non-marked, non-operating switch.

One more thing different in the interior is the 200 mph speedometer vs. the 160 mph in the non-SRT. I actually prefer the 160 mph version; it has more resolution: In the 160 version the minor graduation tick marks are easily read in one mph increments between each 10 mph major graduation marks (10, 20, 30, 40 mph with 10 individual easily seen marks in between each 10 mph). The SRT speedo is majorly graduated in 20 mph ticks and the minor ticks are very hard to see. For example, if you are going 32 mph in the SRT, you have to guess that it is a little more than half way between the 20 mph and the 40 mph marks (the 30 mph mark is not labeled, but there is a bigger tick mark there). In the 160 speedo, you can see the 30 mph mark as well as the one mph tickmarks, therefore it is not as ambiguous to read the exact mph. This is a small thing to critique, but it is a difference and if I had to choose one I would not choose the 200 mph SRT version.

About the seats, I had to go to Wikepedia.com to find out what Alcantara really is. Evidently it is a "man made suede". I learned that suede is actually a kind of leather and is reported to be less durable than plain leather, so that is a bummer. But maybe the "man made" part will make up for it! In the SRT, the Suede is very smooth to the touch and is classy looking. Several people have remarked (unsolicited) how nice the seats look and feel. The suede also grabs your pants better and you feel more firmly rooted on the seat.

The stitching in the seat and the steering wheel are also very slightly different. I had to go to some pictures of my old Crossfire to confirm what I have read, and that is the stitching is a light gray instead of a medium gray. A small difference, but does seem to make the interior slightly more classy. I don't think most people would even notice the difference though, so it really is no big deal.

AERO BLUE - I'll have to try out your Lambs Wool Duster idea for the rims. If indeed it works, $7 would be some of the best $7 I have spent!

MALCB - I think both the SRT and non-SRT automatics will shift to the next gear if you get too close to redline even though you have selected a specific gear in the autostick mode. I can't say this from experience, but from what I have read, the transmission may shift into the next gear if you keep the engine either too long and/or too close to the redline. Also, when you select a gear, this only prevents the transmission from going to a higher gear, but doesn't prevent the trans from shifting down to lower gears. For example let's say you have it in 3rd at 30 mph. As you slow down, it will go down to 2nd and finally down to 1st, but as you speed back up, it will not go any higher than 3rd. Only the "W/S" switch will stop the trans from shifting down…W keeps the trans in second gear when stopped, and S allows it to shift back down to 1st.

PATPUR: I would never personally call a non-SRT Crossfire a lesser car! I respect all Crossfires (and their owners) and would never think that mine is any better than someone else's. What is ironic is that as I am driving my 17-20 mpg SRT, I can't help but feel that my Crossfire is inferior to all the 24-27 mpg non-SRT's that are out there! In fact, while you are getting the superior gas mileage, you are also cruising in a much smoother riding vehicle than the SRT, so which car is better is an absolutely relative thing.


Overall, I agree with what a lot of people have said about this car: I really like the way the Crossfire makes me feel. It is unique, classy, and sharp looking (or dare I say, gorgeous?). I only drive mine on weekends, and the excitement I feel when I wake up on Saturday mornings to pull it out of the garage for a spin is worth the 5 day Monday to Friday wait...and I would say that for me it was equally true for both the SRT and non-SRT Crossfire!

 

The SRT seats sound like the ones I had in my first PT Ltd... Chrysler built them as leather and suede. The stuff wore well, I never had any problem with it and since I didn't have heated seats it was a welcome comfort compared to an all leather seat with no seat heaters.

Pat

 

bump from nearly 2 years ago

 

Thanks, from those of us that are relatively new here.

 

And those that aren't (all that new) too. A great thread!!!

 

I have been here a while and this is the firts time i read it.
Thanks for the bump