2005 Chrysler 300 and 2005 Dodge Magnum Comparison

The Chrysler Group has been developing a new-from-the-tires-up, rear-drive-platform architecture for several years, and the first products based on it will make their way to market this spring. The Chrysler 300 is a broad-shouldered, square-jawed, full-size luxury sedan, and the fastbacked sport-wagon variant is named Dodge Magnum. At approximately 197 inches long atop a 120-inch wheelbase, they're about the same size as a Lexus LS 430. These two bodystyles are brand-unique at this point, although the Magnum will be sold in Europe wearing the 300 sheetmetal and badge.

Three powerplants will be offered: a base 2.7-liter, 200-plus-horsepower V-6; a 3.5-liter V-6 (from the current front-drive 300M) rated at about 250 horsepower, and --drum roll, please--a refined-for-car-duty version of the Dodge truck 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. All V-6-powered models will be equipped with four-speed automatic transmissions. The Hemi packs a 340-horsepower punch and is backed by the same five-speed automatic trans used in the 12-cylinder Mercedes.

In keeping with Chrysler's modus operandi of "hiding its future in plain sight," the new cars are dead ringers for the thinly disguised 300C and Magnum SRT-8 concepts unveiled last January. The design and level of materials evidenced in the production-spec interiors correspond with what we've seen on the Crossfire and Pacifica, further indicating that the company is finally paying attention to cabin quality. The product-development team is particularly proud of the cars' interior room, packaging, and first-ever Boston Acoustics sound systems.