Hello everyone, first post here.

I am a BIG Mopar fan, and seeing as how I could never fathom owning anything else, I figured I'd come here to get a few questions answered first-hand from the owners.

I currently own a 2010 Ram 1500 4x4. It is great, and I absolutely love it! But, things would be lot easier for me if I could pocket a few hundred extra bucks a month and put them in a rainy day fund in case something were to happen. While I don't want to give up the truck at all, if I did, I would want something sporty and fun. (I also have an older '97 Ram that is paid for that I could still use for towing and hauling stuff if need be.) Since a truck is really what I want, I figure if I'm going to replace it, I might as well replace it with something else that I really want. Namely, a sporty 2-seater convertible.

Enter the Crossfire.

Being that the ones I am finding are only a few thousand dollars apart in price, I am really torn between the Limited and SRT-6 variations. I would not consider giving up the truck for anything less than that.

The SRT-6 has the power, suspension, and brakes that I want. It however, does not have the Dark Slate/Cedar interior option, nor does it have a manual transmission, also, in my opinion, the spoiler on the SRT-6 doesn't look good.

Being a bit of a performance freak, the SRT-6 is obviously the first choice there, but I told myself that if I did ever get a little sports car like this, I would get it in a manual, not an automatic.

I guess what I'm wondering is whether or not the SRT-6's auto is decent or not, and just how much gear control you have with it. And, given than I like the overall look both inside and out of the Limited's more, is the added performance enough to make up for my perceived short-comings in the SRT-6?

Thanks for your responses.

 

Well, you cant go wrong with either model. There are definitely trade-offs with them. I like you didn't care for the SRT spoiler or the interior, but it does have the power to satisfy your performance demands. The trans is strong and very capable, but if in your heart you want the sportiness of a stick, there is no substitute for the handling of a stick.

So you know, the Crossfire is not a true Mopar. It's more of a European sports car made by Mercedes, the equivalent of the SLK320, and the SRT is the AMG version.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I wouldn't buy one....at all....truck to 2-seater...you won't be happy....you need an SRT8 Jeep....IT'S Mopar and no "ugly" wing to worry about...of course no shifting either.

 

FP, while I understand the Crossfire is basically a Merc. in Chrysler clothing, I love the look, and it's the most practical of any of the 3 Chrysler 2-seaters. (Viper, Prowler, Crossfire.)

I honestly think I'm leaning towards the Limited, but the power is a concern. With the manual, does the NA 3.2L have a decent amount of pep? Also, what can be done to these engines to increase power (aside from the regular intake and exhaust upgrades) and performance?

I guess what I'm wondering is whether or not the added power of the SRT makes up for the lack of enjoyment in shifting gears with a good old fashioned manual? I mean, if the "seat of the pants" feeling is just as good or close between the two cars, I'd take the manual.


oledoc2u,

While the SRT-8 Jeep is one badass ride, I doubt it would help me with saving more money. May payments are only $475 on my Ram. I financed only $28K on a $39K truck, so to better than on a used vehicle, I'd need to be considerably lower.

In this area, there are many Crossfire Limiteds in the $10-15K price range that I would consider, and I've found an SRT-6 Roadster with ~50K miles for $18K. With these, I could lower my payment and shorten my loan term, which I would want to do on a pre-owned. Preferably 48mos or less, but 60 max, and only on a very, very nice car. My Ram is financed for 72mos currently.

If I were to go with a genuine Mopar other than my current Ram, I'd have to go Challenger, Dakota R/T, or an older Ram. All of which are available with manuals...

 

the wing is easily removed and changed to your liking.

 

So the powered wing (like on the Limiteds) could be exchanged with the larger SRT wing? Are there are holes or attachment points that would need to be repaired, filled, or painted from removing it?

Thanks!

 

Wait,

Is the 5-speed auto in the XF the same Merc.-sourced 5-speed auto used in the Charger, Challenger, Magnum, and 300???

If so, I could probably live with that...

Is there an easy upgrade or swap that can be made to keep the auto from automatically upshifting at redline? I think first-gen SRT-8s had this feature...

If I could easily mod the TCU to keep the tranny from upshifting at those high rpms, I'd consider the automatic.

One of the reasons the Crossfire is so appealing to me is that it gives me a great platform to get back into autocrossing with. Especially the SRT-6 with all it's power and added suspension and brake upgrades. I just want to be able to control the transmission more fully.

 

The Limited has plenty of pep ... not 350HP like the SRT, but plenty.

Many of us would suggest that you install the Sprint Booster on the Limited if you want "peppy" acceleration. The device does not add HP or improve track times, but it will give you the near-instantaneous throttle response we all desire, particularly with a stick. The plug & play gadget is obscenely priced at around $250-$300, but most say it is worth the cost.

Good luck.

 

no need for paint nor filling. I just changed my SRT wing for a N/A one. That is more troublesome as you have to install wirings and such. Otherway around is easier.

 

Some like the wing on the SRT, and some of us don't. It's all a matter of taste. It does come in handy when you travel as an ironing board .

The LTD has enough pep, but you can also have a tune and CAI and add another 30 - 50 HP as some of us have done. You do have more choices on interior colors as well. You might want to add the SRT front bumper as well, a very attractive feature in the SRT.

 

The only reason it looks like an ironing board to them, is that is all they are going to see....yes, the 5 speed auto is the same, and can go manual. The wing serves a purpose above 100 mph...and especially if you want to venture to 160. I personally wouldn't want the flemcy looking skate board hanging on the back of my car...but as they say, each to their own...go drive one and see what you think...but a big move from 4x4 to sports car. As for price. I have 15.5 out the door for my coupe...they are out there, just have to search for them, and be willing to do some driving to get them.

 

I also believed a two-seater sports car should have a rag top and a stick -- therefore I bought a roadster. But when the prices dropped a couple years later, I added the SRT6 for it's power and looks (I like the spoiler). You need to drive both and make a decision. For raw power (330hp), you cannot beat the SRT6. But the Limited has reasonable power (215hp) and holds the road well, plus can reach 150 mph. The SRT6 only adds 8 more mph in stock trim.