Feature: HEMI versus Hybrid Challenge - Chrysler 300C vs Lexus GS 450h
Chrysler 300C and Lexus GS 450h. Click image to enlarge
By the editors of CanadianDriver; photos by Grant Yoxon and Paul Williams
Photo Gallery: Hemi versus Hybrid
Special Feature: A professional driver's take
As we mentioned in last week's introduction, our "HEMI versus Hybrid" event emerged from a discussion over dinner about V8 engines and battery power (yes, cars are all we talk about...). People still swoon over classic muscle cars, the argument went, but what's to love about a hybrid?
Then again, a modern V8 is a pretty sophisticated piece of engineering, and we've driven some very quick hybrids. It's about time they went head-to-head, we thought -- brawn versus brains, old versus new, the combustion chamber versus the voltaic cell (well, sort of) -- it's about time somebody dropped the chequered flag.
Rob MacDonald at the wheel of the GS 450h. Click image to enlarge
So that's exactly what we did. Teaming up with TV partner Motoring 2008, professional driver Rob MacDonald, and Franczak Enterprises who graciously supplied their performance testing facility at the Niagara Drive Centre, we sourced a brand new 2008 Chrysler 300C with the SRT Design package, and a glowing Lexus GS 450h and did the deed.
The deed, to be specific, consisted of a long distance fuel consumption comparison and a series of performance tests including acceleration, braking, slalom and a one-eighth mile drag. There was no burning rubber off the line (cars don't do that anymore) but we warmed the tires up pretty good. And just in case you were wondering, we purchased carbon credits from Less to offset the emissions we produced for the entire event.
The outcome: fuel consumption
The drive from Ottawa to Belleville via Highway 7 is hilly and scenic. The 80 km/h speed limit seems really slow in most areas as this highway is nicely paved, wide and lightly traveled (even though it's part of the Trans Canada Highway central route). We set the cruise control at 90 km/h, passed a few slower vehicles on occasion, and enjoyed the ride.
Brad Diamond in the Chrysler 300C. Click image to enlarge
After 150 km, our first numbers were in. The Lexus is rated at 7.8 L/100 km (36 mpg, imperial) highway, but returned 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg, imperial) on our scenic route.
The Chrysler 300C is rated at 8.6 L/100 km (33 mpg, imperial) highway, and returned 8.5 L/100 km (33.5 mpg, imperial).
Subsequently, we joined the multi-lane Highway 401, west through Toronto, and then headed south to Niagara along the Queen Elizabeth Way (another multi-lane highway). This is a busy route: trucks; congestion; people going too fast, people going too slow...the usual, in other words.
Generally, we maintained a speed of 110-115 km/h (the speed limit is 100 km/h, and we're certainly not suggesting that you exceed the speed limit. But this was close to the flow of traffic, and we wanted our numbers to be realistic).
At this higher speed, along with almost continuous changes in speed due to traffic conditions, the Lexus fuel consumption increased to 8.0 L/100 km (35 mpg Imperial) after an additional 300 km of driving, and the Chrysler increased to 9.0 L/100km (31.5 mpg Imperial).
Lexus GS 450h (top) and Chrysler 300C. Click image to enlarge
Performance testing at the track
At the Niagara Drive Centre, our professional driver Rob MacDonald spent some time familiarizing himself with the two cars, then with Vericom timing equipment attached, he timed two acceleration runs for each car from 0-100 km/h. With turbine-like smoothness, the Lexus averaged 6.4 seconds, nudging the Chrysler's rowdy 6.7 seconds by three-tenths.
"Hmmm," we thought while approaching the Lexus. "That thing got a Hybrid in it?"
Braking was next, and here the results weren't so close. After accelerating quickly to speed, Rob hit the Lexus brakes and the car seemed to stop almost instantly, without the slightest fuss. Its combined average of 36.5 metres from 100-0 km/h is extremely short, bordering on sports car territory. In contrast, the Chrysler required a combined average of 43.8 metres to stop from the same speed, which it did reluctantly.
Our slalom course proved interesting. We thought the Lexus would go through more quickly than the Chrysler, and indeed it did by a whisker (Lexus 14.5 seconds combined; Chrysler 14.8 seconds combined). But where the Lexus maneuvered with poise and smoothness, the Chrysler really needed a pair of experienced hands at the wheel. The Chrysler is fast, and it will handle, but where the Lexus is obedient and eager to please, the Chrysler is definitely the bad boy. "A real handful," commented Rob MacDonald of the 300C.
Chrysler 300C and Lexus GS 450 h. Click image to enlarge
The drag race was admittedly a bit of a stunt. But if you're going head-to-head, you've got to have a drag, right? Our 200-metre (one-eighth mile) drag strip initially saw Rob MacDonald (experienced at this type of thing) behind the wheel of the Lexus, and Motoring's Brad Diamond (new to the world of drag racing) piloting the Chrysler. With an expert countdown by CanadianDriver's Paul Williams, the two cars leapt off the line and flew down the runway, with the Lexus winning by a nose.
The second run saw the drivers change cars, putting our professional driver in the Chrysler. Again, they blasted down the runway, the 300C emitting a lusty V8 sound from its HEMI engine; the GS 450h with a higher-tech note from its pipes. The result? The HEMI by its nose.
Good fun, we reckoned, with the cars pretty even, and the driver making the difference.
Overall results: HEMI vs Hybrid
Lexus GS 450h
Chrysler 300C
Fuel consumption: Highway 90 km/h
6.8 L 100 km/h
8.5 L 100 km/h
Fuel consumption: Highway 90 km/h and 110-115 km/h
7.4 L 100 km/h
9.0 L 100 km/h
Fuel consumption: Highway 110-115 km/h
8.0 L 100 km/h
9.4 L 100 km/h
Acceleration, seconds, 0-100 km/h
6.4
6.7
Braking, metres, 100-0 km/h
36.5
43.8
Slalom, seconds
14.5
14.8
As a side note, we happened to have a Porsche Boxster Spyder at the Niagara Drive Centre, and thought it might be interesting to compare its acceleration and braking times with the Lexus and Chrysler's. Rob MacDonald was happy to oblige, and generated a 6.0 second 0-100 km/h acceleration time, and a 33.9 metre braking distance from 100-0 km/h. This makes the short braking distance for the Lexus even more notable.
Conclusions
So, did we settle anything? Although hybrid-powered vehicles are typically designed for moderation in both fuel consumption and performance, the Lexus GS 450h may be something of a guilty pleasure.
Chrysler 300C and Lexus GS 450 h. Click image to enlarge
It is fuel efficient, to be sure (especially in city driving, where it's rated at 8.7 L/100 km), but with its advanced powertrain, and sophisticated chassis and suspension, this car is also a blast to drive. Fast, agile, responsive and stable, it performs like a finely tuned athlete and oozes quality. With the GS 450h, Lexus has successfully combined sports performance and luxury in an appealing and eco-friendly package. If this is a "green" car, then call me an environmentalist.
Chrysler's HEMI technology has a reputation to live up to, but that reputation is somewhat anachronistic. The muscle car era, as recalled by the HEMI name holds magic for many, but seems something of an indulgence given the ever-increasing price of fuel and concern about the environment. However, the 300C did well in our event. Even with a suspension tuned for comfort rather than performance, the 300C can handle, if it's handled well. And it can produce acceptable fuel economy if driven efficiently, especially on the highway (it can even get away with regular grade fuel, where the Lexus requires premium). At current discount pricing, the Chrysler costs about $30,000 less than the Lexus and if it doesn't have quite the same level of refinement, this would be a major reason why. It sure is a looker, though, all attitude, swagger and self-confidence. If this is a HEMI, I'll drive mine easy, and occasionally savour that intoxicating V8 roar.
