So, what is the REAL difference?
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So, what is the REAL difference?
I posted this elsewhere and folks there appreciated the write-up, so I thought I would share with everyone here as well. I hope you enjoy it.
I have seen a ton of threads (and I even started one myself not long ago) asking "What's the real difference between the R/T and the SRT8, and is it worth the extra money?"
Well now that I have traded my 06 R/T for the SRT8 I could not imagine going back to the R/T. Although I still have a great admiration for the R/T.
I see some folks talking about adding a supercharger to their R/T for roughly $6,000, and I don't see the sense in it myself. Why not just spend $7,000 (comparably equipped) and get the SRT? Not only are you getting basically the same HP increase, but better handling, WAY better ability to stop thanks to the Brembo brakes, AND you can finance the extra money instead of paying cash like you would with the supercharger.
First I want to say that this is not an anti-R/T post. I loved my R/T and it was simply one of the best cars I have ever owned. It had decent power, it was fun to drive, and it was comfy on our rough Minnesota roads. Having owned much more powerful cars previously I was missing the extra power, but the look and feel of my Magnum kept me happy enough.
Once I found out that the SRT was soon to come available I asked my dealer to put me on the list for the 1st one. I told him that I needed to drive it because I wasn't certain that there was a big enough difference to justify the extra expense. My R/T was not fully loaded (because I was fine sacrificing some options so I would not get that God-awful roofrack that turns the masculine Magnum into a Caravan), so I knew there would be a substantial upcharge if I decided to trade up.
(Do bear in mind that a fully loaded R/T and a fully loaded SRT are only about $7k in difference)
I read every article I could on the SRT, and read every post I could. I tried to talk myself out of wanting one, and I did a decent job of it. Well once I drove one, I had to have it no matter what. Almost every part of the car felt different when I drove it.
Here is a post I made after test driving her. If you have already read this, please feel free to skip down....
Well I remembered reading other's testimonials about test driving them and most said that they didn't feel an overwhelming difference from a stop. I remember hearing great things about the power after 20mph, and the amazing brakes. I was also concerned about the harsher ride in the SRT because we have VERY rough roads around here.
Upon startup I knew I had to have her. The rumble from the exhaust was a wonderful sound, but there is a noticeable difference in the sound of the engine itself... it sounds healthier. W
e pulled it out and parked it side by side to my R/T and although there is a claim of 1/2" lower on the SRT, I could not see it. The front valance is larger and lower, maybe that's it.
So I climb in ready for the experience. First off, I LOVED the seats. You not only have the larger 'wings' but you do sit deeper in the seat itself and it is a wonderful feeling. Plenty of support. I adjust the mirrors and pedals to where I want them, and notice the lower visibility through the windshield due to the auto-mirror (I do not have this in my car) and was a bit put off by it. It is grossly oversized in my opinion.
We get out on to the road and I decide to stretch her legs. We're going about 30 and I smack it down... WOOOOOSH and the next thing I know, we're doing 90. Nice, crisp response, and smooth all the way through. A little more head-in-the-headrest action over my R/T for sure. We get to a light and I'm futzing around with the options inside then I decide to auto-stick it... well on the R/T when you tap it once to the left it just goes down one gear, in the SRT it goes straight to 1st. Not being 100% sure on how the trannies differ, I decide not to play with it and screw up their $43,000 car, so I let it stay in "D".
The light turns green and I put it nearly to the floor and I don't care what others have said... you DO feel a difference in the SRT. Not only in the power , but the sinister growl coming from the exhaust certainly helps. The biggest part I believe comes from the transmission, it shifts QUICKLY and solidly... no hesitation like on my R/T, and wow what a difference! The feeling was exhilerating and a dramatic difference from the R/T.
The brakes, well... just as dramatic of a difference, this puppy stops very well. So well that you honestly forget that you're dragging around over 4,000 pounds behind you. It stops like a car half the weight, those Brembos are worth every penny.
So now it was time to see if the ride was going to be what I wanted so we found a really beat up area of road to drive down. While the ride was stiffer, and bit more harsh, it was certainly NOT as bad as I expected. It was a noticeable difference from my car, but not so bad as to actually be annoying. I think this may have more to do with the lower profile tires than the suspension, but that's just me.
Sitting at a stop sign I played with the ESP because as any R/T owner will attest... there would be nothing cooler than holding down your ESP button for 6 seconds and hearing that BEEP that nearly sounds like "Let's Party!!!"
I had a really sweet female salesperson, plus my g/f with me so I didn't feel like taking it out for a white-knuckle ride but I was still able to play with it and get a good feel. At the end though, I did not want to take it back, I just kept wanting to drive... it felt that good.
We went back and I said I'll take it. They offered it at sticker, which I thought was fair $42 and change) plus an install of the remote starter at cost. They loved my R/T with the mileage, and the carbon fiber interior/exterior, and we began the paperwork. Unfortunately all of their buyers were gone so we have to wait until Monday to finish the deal.
They showed me a list of comparable R/T's selling in the area and offered me based on that $23,000.
I put a lot down when I bought it, so that already puts me in the black by a good amount.
So for now it sits in the showroom with a SOLD sign on the window awaiting me to take delivery on Monday... this is going to be a very long weekend!!
So in summation:
Looks: Killer. Much meaner looking than my R/T even though there are few cosmetic differences. Love the sinister look. Not as low as I once feared, although I'm sure I'll have to keep an eye on the front valance on steep driveways.
Power/Sound: Drastically different from the R/T. More pull, snappier response from the tranny for firmer shifts, and the exhaust note sounds great without being obnoxious. I can't wait until the engine breaks in and unleashes a little more power.
Interior: It has all the options, so there's the "oooh goodie" factor since my R/T isn't as loaded, but for the price I am extremely dissapointed that it still looks so drab inside. The seats are great, and the CF on the steering wheel is cool, but would it have hurt SRT to spice up the rest of the interior a little bit? I dunno, for over $40k I would expect a little bit more, but for a few hundred bucks I can make it "my way" and I will.
Wheels: Love the look of the big bad 20's on there. It was planned for my R/T anyway, but it's nice to know I won't have to lay out $3k on wheels after I buy this. Loved seeing the huge Brembos through the 5 spokes.
Suspension: Felt very solid, you almost feel like you can take on Porsches that are half your size. Maybe that's a false sense of security, but who cares... it feels nice in that size of a car. Soaks up rough roads a LOT better than I had previously thought. It seems to be the perfect balance of performance and luxury, high marks to SRT for pulling this off.
I still love my R/T, the SRT didn't take anything away from it as I had feared it might, but you DO get your money's worth with the upgrade to the SRT8. Anyone could be happy with either one, but if you can get ahold of an SRT8 I would say go for it, you could not regret it. Now I have to go and justify all of this to the g/f....
Again I should stress that I firmly believe that the R/T offers a tremendous value, but it does not hold a candle to the SRT. The SRT may not be in everyone's budget, but if it is, you should not think twice about owning one. I was able to get mine with every option offered for $40k flat (sticker was $43 and change), and my dealer was so willing to work the deal that I got $25k for my 6,300 mile 06 R/T.
For those thinking of supercharging an R/T, you might want to consider that for just about the same amount of money you can have so much more. Heck, the seats alone are nearly worth the upgrade price!
Now that I have nearly 500 miles on the odometer I can say that it just keeps getting better. The seats as I mentioned are heaven, and with my bad back I have not had one single tinge of discomfort in these seats yet. The annoyance I had on the test drive of the larger rearview mirror is lessened, although it will take me some more time to be completely OK with it. She drinks gas like there is no tomorrow. I am admittedly heavy footed though, and I am only averaging 11.4mpg. I did drive for a whole day in auto-stick mode and got about 14mpg out of her though!
I absolutely LOVE the way that the autostick functions in this car. No more worrying about selecting the right gear to downshift to when I decide to hit it, this tranny automatically selects the right gear with one tap. At a stop, a single tap drops her right into 1st gear so it takes less time to get ready for some action.
The ESP off feature is more fun than should be allowed by law, but I won't get full use (safely anyway) until about June because of our weather here.
While the R/T got noticed, the SRT is a true head turner, especially if you are on the road with a fellow LX owner, they KNOW what you are driving. I love the visual upgrades made to the SRT and none of it is over the top. I do however wish they would have given us Magnum owners a great hood like on the Charger!
All in all, one of the best investments I think I have ever made, and if you are on the fence between the R/T and the SRT I hope that this helped.
I have seen a ton of threads (and I even started one myself not long ago) asking "What's the real difference between the R/T and the SRT8, and is it worth the extra money?"
Well now that I have traded my 06 R/T for the SRT8 I could not imagine going back to the R/T. Although I still have a great admiration for the R/T.
I see some folks talking about adding a supercharger to their R/T for roughly $6,000, and I don't see the sense in it myself. Why not just spend $7,000 (comparably equipped) and get the SRT? Not only are you getting basically the same HP increase, but better handling, WAY better ability to stop thanks to the Brembo brakes, AND you can finance the extra money instead of paying cash like you would with the supercharger.
First I want to say that this is not an anti-R/T post. I loved my R/T and it was simply one of the best cars I have ever owned. It had decent power, it was fun to drive, and it was comfy on our rough Minnesota roads. Having owned much more powerful cars previously I was missing the extra power, but the look and feel of my Magnum kept me happy enough.
Once I found out that the SRT was soon to come available I asked my dealer to put me on the list for the 1st one. I told him that I needed to drive it because I wasn't certain that there was a big enough difference to justify the extra expense. My R/T was not fully loaded (because I was fine sacrificing some options so I would not get that God-awful roofrack that turns the masculine Magnum into a Caravan), so I knew there would be a substantial upcharge if I decided to trade up.
(Do bear in mind that a fully loaded R/T and a fully loaded SRT are only about $7k in difference)
I read every article I could on the SRT, and read every post I could. I tried to talk myself out of wanting one, and I did a decent job of it. Well once I drove one, I had to have it no matter what. Almost every part of the car felt different when I drove it.
Here is a post I made after test driving her. If you have already read this, please feel free to skip down....
Well I remembered reading other's testimonials about test driving them and most said that they didn't feel an overwhelming difference from a stop. I remember hearing great things about the power after 20mph, and the amazing brakes. I was also concerned about the harsher ride in the SRT because we have VERY rough roads around here.
Upon startup I knew I had to have her. The rumble from the exhaust was a wonderful sound, but there is a noticeable difference in the sound of the engine itself... it sounds healthier. W
e pulled it out and parked it side by side to my R/T and although there is a claim of 1/2" lower on the SRT, I could not see it. The front valance is larger and lower, maybe that's it.
So I climb in ready for the experience. First off, I LOVED the seats. You not only have the larger 'wings' but you do sit deeper in the seat itself and it is a wonderful feeling. Plenty of support. I adjust the mirrors and pedals to where I want them, and notice the lower visibility through the windshield due to the auto-mirror (I do not have this in my car) and was a bit put off by it. It is grossly oversized in my opinion.
We get out on to the road and I decide to stretch her legs. We're going about 30 and I smack it down... WOOOOOSH and the next thing I know, we're doing 90. Nice, crisp response, and smooth all the way through. A little more head-in-the-headrest action over my R/T for sure. We get to a light and I'm futzing around with the options inside then I decide to auto-stick it... well on the R/T when you tap it once to the left it just goes down one gear, in the SRT it goes straight to 1st. Not being 100% sure on how the trannies differ, I decide not to play with it and screw up their $43,000 car, so I let it stay in "D".
The light turns green and I put it nearly to the floor and I don't care what others have said... you DO feel a difference in the SRT. Not only in the power , but the sinister growl coming from the exhaust certainly helps. The biggest part I believe comes from the transmission, it shifts QUICKLY and solidly... no hesitation like on my R/T, and wow what a difference! The feeling was exhilerating and a dramatic difference from the R/T.
The brakes, well... just as dramatic of a difference, this puppy stops very well. So well that you honestly forget that you're dragging around over 4,000 pounds behind you. It stops like a car half the weight, those Brembos are worth every penny.
So now it was time to see if the ride was going to be what I wanted so we found a really beat up area of road to drive down. While the ride was stiffer, and bit more harsh, it was certainly NOT as bad as I expected. It was a noticeable difference from my car, but not so bad as to actually be annoying. I think this may have more to do with the lower profile tires than the suspension, but that's just me.
Sitting at a stop sign I played with the ESP because as any R/T owner will attest... there would be nothing cooler than holding down your ESP button for 6 seconds and hearing that BEEP that nearly sounds like "Let's Party!!!"
I had a really sweet female salesperson, plus my g/f with me so I didn't feel like taking it out for a white-knuckle ride but I was still able to play with it and get a good feel. At the end though, I did not want to take it back, I just kept wanting to drive... it felt that good.
We went back and I said I'll take it. They offered it at sticker, which I thought was fair $42 and change) plus an install of the remote starter at cost. They loved my R/T with the mileage, and the carbon fiber interior/exterior, and we began the paperwork. Unfortunately all of their buyers were gone so we have to wait until Monday to finish the deal.
They showed me a list of comparable R/T's selling in the area and offered me based on that $23,000.
I put a lot down when I bought it, so that already puts me in the black by a good amount.
So for now it sits in the showroom with a SOLD sign on the window awaiting me to take delivery on Monday... this is going to be a very long weekend!!
So in summation:
Looks: Killer. Much meaner looking than my R/T even though there are few cosmetic differences. Love the sinister look. Not as low as I once feared, although I'm sure I'll have to keep an eye on the front valance on steep driveways.
Power/Sound: Drastically different from the R/T. More pull, snappier response from the tranny for firmer shifts, and the exhaust note sounds great without being obnoxious. I can't wait until the engine breaks in and unleashes a little more power.
Interior: It has all the options, so there's the "oooh goodie" factor since my R/T isn't as loaded, but for the price I am extremely dissapointed that it still looks so drab inside. The seats are great, and the CF on the steering wheel is cool, but would it have hurt SRT to spice up the rest of the interior a little bit? I dunno, for over $40k I would expect a little bit more, but for a few hundred bucks I can make it "my way" and I will.
Wheels: Love the look of the big bad 20's on there. It was planned for my R/T anyway, but it's nice to know I won't have to lay out $3k on wheels after I buy this. Loved seeing the huge Brembos through the 5 spokes.
Suspension: Felt very solid, you almost feel like you can take on Porsches that are half your size. Maybe that's a false sense of security, but who cares... it feels nice in that size of a car. Soaks up rough roads a LOT better than I had previously thought. It seems to be the perfect balance of performance and luxury, high marks to SRT for pulling this off.
I still love my R/T, the SRT didn't take anything away from it as I had feared it might, but you DO get your money's worth with the upgrade to the SRT8. Anyone could be happy with either one, but if you can get ahold of an SRT8 I would say go for it, you could not regret it. Now I have to go and justify all of this to the g/f....
Again I should stress that I firmly believe that the R/T offers a tremendous value, but it does not hold a candle to the SRT. The SRT may not be in everyone's budget, but if it is, you should not think twice about owning one. I was able to get mine with every option offered for $40k flat (sticker was $43 and change), and my dealer was so willing to work the deal that I got $25k for my 6,300 mile 06 R/T.
For those thinking of supercharging an R/T, you might want to consider that for just about the same amount of money you can have so much more. Heck, the seats alone are nearly worth the upgrade price!
Now that I have nearly 500 miles on the odometer I can say that it just keeps getting better. The seats as I mentioned are heaven, and with my bad back I have not had one single tinge of discomfort in these seats yet. The annoyance I had on the test drive of the larger rearview mirror is lessened, although it will take me some more time to be completely OK with it. She drinks gas like there is no tomorrow. I am admittedly heavy footed though, and I am only averaging 11.4mpg. I did drive for a whole day in auto-stick mode and got about 14mpg out of her though!
I absolutely LOVE the way that the autostick functions in this car. No more worrying about selecting the right gear to downshift to when I decide to hit it, this tranny automatically selects the right gear with one tap. At a stop, a single tap drops her right into 1st gear so it takes less time to get ready for some action.
The ESP off feature is more fun than should be allowed by law, but I won't get full use (safely anyway) until about June because of our weather here.
While the R/T got noticed, the SRT is a true head turner, especially if you are on the road with a fellow LX owner, they KNOW what you are driving. I love the visual upgrades made to the SRT and none of it is over the top. I do however wish they would have given us Magnum owners a great hood like on the Charger!
All in all, one of the best investments I think I have ever made, and if you are on the fence between the R/T and the SRT I hope that this helped.
Joined: Jan 2006
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RE: So, what is the REAL difference?
Thanks for the great review.... I have been following these forums for a little while now and will be getting a Magnum in about 6 months. Originally I was going to get an RT but the SRT8's are looking better and better as time goes on. While there are some downsides (ie gas consumption, a little rougher ride) I think the positives far outweigh them, at least form what I have been reading. Additionally, one of the things that is going to be a factor for me is how well the SRT's will hold their value over time as compared to the RT's. I can only assume that since there are a limited number of them and they offer better performance than the RT, that 10 years down the road they will still be looked upon as an amazing car.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 112
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From: Bloomington,MN
RE: So, what is the REAL difference?
Glad to see you back in the saddle again (forum saddle that is)!!
Sounds like a great ride!
Our '05 rolled 6100 and lovin' it!
Hope to see yours around Bloomington.
Sounds like a great ride!
Our '05 rolled 6100 and lovin' it!
Hope to see yours around Bloomington.
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RE: So, what is the REAL difference?
great feed back. thank you. I just wished it came in AWD , I live in PA and i need my car to go in all weather and i dont think the SRT8 will do me any good in bad weather. I wish i had the funds for a second car.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33
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RE: So, what is the REAL difference?
Nice review! Two weeks after buying my R/T, I was back at the stealership for a courtesy detail. In the showroom was a black SRT8 with a $5k market adjustment. I told the saleshole that if I had known they were getting in an SRT8, I would have waited for it.
But, I'm happy with my R/T and when the Challenger comes out, maybe I'll have my wife trade her Magnum SXT for that and I'll let her have my R/T.
Cheers!
But, I'm happy with my R/T and when the Challenger comes out, maybe I'll have my wife trade her Magnum SXT for that and I'll let her have my R/T.
Cheers!
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RE: So, what is the REAL difference?
ORIGINAL: Silver bullit
great feed back. thank you. I just wished it came in AWD , I live in PA and i need my car to go in all weather and i dont think the SRT8 will do me any good in bad weather. I wish i had the funds for a second car.
great feed back. thank you. I just wished it came in AWD , I live in PA and i need my car to go in all weather and i dont think the SRT8 will do me any good in bad weather. I wish i had the funds for a second car.
Funny story, coming out of a restaurant the other night behind a Mustang. We were pulling out onto a side road that had a slight incline, and was covered in ice. He sat there and just spun for about a minute, then gave up, backed up, and went another way. I had no problem at all driving out in the same spot. He sat there to see how I fared and he looked a bit aggravated that this big station wagon could do it, but he couldn't!
Last year I had an AWD vehicle (Typhoon) and my SRT is doing as well, or better than the AWD Ty did.