Mercedes vs Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 689
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From: So. Cal
05E55
Mercedes vs Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep
Found this on another site:
Unbelieveable how much different the Mercedes models perform versus thier cousins from Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep.
Here is an example: Braking from 100km/h or 62.5 mph to 0, driver only in the car, cold brakes:
Mercedes S-Class: 37.5m / 113 ft
Mercedes ML Class: 39.4m / 118 ft
Dodge Caliper: 41m / 123 ft
Jeep Commander: 44m / 132 ft
Sounds OK so far, right?
Now check this: Add passengers and luggage to the weight allowed by the manufacturer. Do the above exercise 10 times, and this is what you get at the end:
Mercedes S-Class: 37.8m / 114 ft
Mercedes ML Class: 39.0m / 117 ft
Dodge Caliper: 52m / 156 ft
Jeep Commander: 55m / 165 ft
At the time the Mercedes' are stopped, the Commander still goes 25mph.
Of course you're going to ask "Who stops 10 times from 62.5 mph?" Well, it's not likely that this exact situation will occur in daily driving. But they developed this test as a pretty equal substitute to a spirited drive or tow a camper down a long winding mountain road. And regular such tests in the mountains confirm that the above test is quite representative of the wear and tear in real life.
BTW: A few Lexus models recently revealed terribly under-designed and over heating rear brakes, a French car melted its hub caps, and the first generation RAV4 was about as bad as the current Honda CRV sports utility. Usually Porsches do superb in these tests, as do someother sports cars and a few luxury cars.
Unbelieveable how much different the Mercedes models perform versus thier cousins from Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep.
Here is an example: Braking from 100km/h or 62.5 mph to 0, driver only in the car, cold brakes:
Mercedes S-Class: 37.5m / 113 ft
Mercedes ML Class: 39.4m / 118 ft
Dodge Caliper: 41m / 123 ft
Jeep Commander: 44m / 132 ft
Sounds OK so far, right?
Now check this: Add passengers and luggage to the weight allowed by the manufacturer. Do the above exercise 10 times, and this is what you get at the end:
Mercedes S-Class: 37.8m / 114 ft
Mercedes ML Class: 39.0m / 117 ft
Dodge Caliper: 52m / 156 ft
Jeep Commander: 55m / 165 ft
At the time the Mercedes' are stopped, the Commander still goes 25mph.
Of course you're going to ask "Who stops 10 times from 62.5 mph?" Well, it's not likely that this exact situation will occur in daily driving. But they developed this test as a pretty equal substitute to a spirited drive or tow a camper down a long winding mountain road. And regular such tests in the mountains confirm that the above test is quite representative of the wear and tear in real life.
BTW: A few Lexus models recently revealed terribly under-designed and over heating rear brakes, a French car melted its hub caps, and the first generation RAV4 was about as bad as the current Honda CRV sports utility. Usually Porsches do superb in these tests, as do someother sports cars and a few luxury cars.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 351
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
17 E220D, 11 E350 CDI(sold), 06 CLS320 CDI (sold), 05 Cadillac DeVille (gone), 04 E320 CDI (sold)
I have always thought of American cars as having poor brakes. For example they were still fitting drum brakes on live axles long after the ROW had gone to IRS and discs. I would expect something like the Crossfire to perform better. I wonder what the 300C is like?
Interesting topic.
Interesting topic.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 5
From: West Virginia
2001 E320 RWD - Brilliant Silver/Ash: 100,000+
I test drove an early 300C (old body style). Although I liked that car, I don't think it can really compare to the new ones.
That latest generation supposedly has a drive train(?) based on the E-Class, but I am curious if there are any other similarities.
As to the Crossfire, I think those are the SLK 1st generation with a Chrysler outer body.
Has anyone looked closely at the Dodge Chargers or Magnums? If I was in the market for an american Daimler-Chrysler, I'd most likely be looking in that direction.
That latest generation supposedly has a drive train(?) based on the E-Class, but I am curious if there are any other similarities.
As to the Crossfire, I think those are the SLK 1st generation with a Chrysler outer body.
Has anyone looked closely at the Dodge Chargers or Magnums? If I was in the market for an american Daimler-Chrysler, I'd most likely be looking in that direction.
Last edited by Musikmann; Jul 11, 2006 at 11:30 AM. Reason: spelling
