Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2010 Chrysler 300 VS 2010 Cadillac CTS Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the 300 and the CTS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, available front seat side-impact airbags, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chrysler 300 is safer than the CTS Sedan:

More stars indicate a better overall result. Lower numbers indicate better individual test results.

There are over 86 percent more Chrysler dealers than there are Cadillac dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the 300’s warranty.

The 300 has more powerful engines than the CTS:

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the 300’s engines produce their peak torque and horsepower at lower RPM’s than the CTS:

An engine control system that can shut down half of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 300C’s fuel efficiency. The CTS doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 300 AWD/300C’s standard fuel tank has a gallon more fuel capacity than the CTS (19 vs. 18 gallons).

For better stopping power the 300’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CTS:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 300C offers optional 20 inch wheels. The CTS’ largest wheels are only 19 inches.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires optional on the 300 can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The CTS doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 300’s wheelbase is 6.6 inches longer than on the CTS (120 inches vs. 113.4 inches). The 300 Executive’s wheelbase is 12.6 inches longer than on the CTS (126 inches vs. 113.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 300 is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the CTS.

As tested by Road & Track while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the 300 Touring Signature is quieter than the CTS Sedan (67 vs. 68 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the 300 is rated a Large car by the EPA, while the CTS is rated a Mid-size.

The 300 has 8.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CTS (106.6 vs. 98).

The 300 has .8 inches more front hip room, 2.7 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 4.3 inches more rear legroom, 1.8 inches more rear hip room and 3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CTS Sedan.

The 300 has a much larger trunk than the CTS Sedan (15.6 vs. 13.6 cubic feet).

While driving with high-beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the 300 (except Touring/Touring Signature) detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low-beams. The CTS doesn’t offer automatic dimming high-beams.

The 300 Limited/300C has standard automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CTS has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the 300 300C offers an optional adaptive cruise control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The CTS doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To help keep rear passengers entertained, the 300 (except Touring/Touring Signature) offers optional rear seat controls for the radio which can play a separate audio source. The CTS doesn’t offer rear seat audio controls.

Insurance will cost less for the 300 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 300 will cost $1565 less than the CTS over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 300 is less expensive to operate than the CTS because it costs $42 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the 300 than the CTS, including $62 less for a water pump, $251 less for an alternator, $14 less for front brake pads, $151 less for a starter, $39 less for fuel injection, $481 less for a fuel pump, $129 less for a timing belt/chain and $764 less for a power steering pump.