2009 Chrysler 300 Competition

2009 Chrysler 300 Review
2009 Chrysler 300 Prices
2009 Chrysler 300 Road Test
2009 Chrysler 300 New Car Quote

2009 Chrysler 300 competition
As a large American car, most of the Chrysler 300’s direct competitors are front-wheel-drive sedans. Foremost among these is the Buick Lucerne. But as a rear-wheel drive car with good driving dynamics, the 300 can also take on more-expensive luxury cars, as well as performance-oriented sedans, such as the Pontiac G8.

If size and comfort are the primary concerns, put Lucerne on your shopping list, but expect styling and the driving experience to be more conservative than with the Chrysler 300. Around $27,000 will get you into a base V-6 Lucerne. V-8 models start around $36,000. Lucerne launched in 2006 and is due to be redesigned around the 2011 model year.

More edgy is the rear-wheel-drive Pontiac G8. It’s similar in size to the 300 and has closely matched V-6 and V-8 engines. New to the U.S. as a 2008 model, the G8 comes from General Motors’ Australian subsidiary, Holden. It’s unclear how long it will be sold here in its current configuration. Around $28,000 gets you a V-6, some $30,000 lands a V-8 powered G8 GT. Aggressive styling and an available six-speed manual transmission, something the 300 doesn’t offer, helps the G8 appeal to driving enthusiasts.

If that sportier look appeals to you, consider the Chrysler 300’s sibling, the 2009 Dodge Charger. Basically the same under the skin, Charger has a very different look and style, inspired by the ‘60s muscle car of the same name. But Charger matches the 300’s level of performance for appreciably less money. Charger starts around $23,000, with the 3.5-liter V-6 SXT at $26,000, and the Hemi-powered Charger RT starting near $31,000.