Chrysler 300C: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Chrysler 300C catalogue covers four recorded generation entries, all Sedan models: the first generation from 2004 to 2011, its 2007–2011 restyling, the second generation from 2011 to 2014, and its restyled form from 2014 onward. The practical choice is between economy, traction, and performance.
The Chrysler 300C catalogue covers four recorded generation entries, all Sedan models: the first generation from 2004 to 2011, its 2007–2011 restyling, the second generation from 2011 to 2014, and its restyled form from 2014 onward. The practical choice is between economy, traction, and performance. The 3.0 AT diesels use as little as 7.1 l/100 km combined, AWD is available with several Gasoline engines, and the quickest listed version is the second-generation 6.4 AT with 477 hp, reaching 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The later 6.4 AT raises output to 485 hp but records a slightly slower 4.3-second time.
Chrysler 300C generations and version changes
The first generation ran from 2004 to 2011 as a Sedan, with 21 modifications recorded and 12 shown in the supplied catalogue. Its engine choices include 2.7 AT, 3.0 AT, 3.5 AT, 5.7 AT, and 6.1 AT. Automatic transmissions have either 4 or 5 gears, while RWD and AWD are both represented. The range stretches from the 177 hp 2.7 AT to 431 hp for one 6.1 AT specification.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2007 to 2011, also as a Sedan, and contains 8 versions. It retains the exact version names 2.7 AT, 3.5 AT, 5.7 AT, and 6.1 AT. Outputs run from 178 hp to 425 hp, transmissions have 4 or 5 gears, and both RWD and AWD remain available.
The second generation ran from 2011 to 2014 as a Sedan and contains 9 versions. The smaller Gasoline option becomes 3.6 AT, while 3.0 AT Diesel, 5.7 AT, and 6.4 AT alternatives broaden the choice. The 3.6 AT versions use an 8-speed Automatic; the listed 3.0 AT, 5.7 AT, and 6.4 AT versions use a 5-speed Automatic.
The restyled second generation began in 2014 as a Sedan and contains 6 versions. Every listed car has an 8-speed Automatic. The catalogue includes four 3.6 AT entries—282 hp RWD, 296 hp RWD, 296 hp AWD, and 304 hp AWD—plus a 367 hp 5.7 AT and a 485 hp 6.4 AT. The 6.4 AT entry starts in 2022.
Chrysler 300C engine specs and horsepower
Repeated names below are distinguished by power and drive so that each exact modification name remains intact.
| Generation | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 2.7 AT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 257 Nm | 2736 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 2.7 AT, 193 hp RWD | 193 hp | 258 Nm | 2736 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 2.7 AT, 193 hp AWD | 193 hp | 258 Nm | 2736 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.5 AT, 249 hp AWD | 249 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.5 AT, 253 hp AWD | 253 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 5.7 AT, 340 hp AWD | 340 hp | 525 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.0 AT, 218 hp | 218 hp | 510 Nm | 2987 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 6.1 AT, 425 hp | 425 hp | 569 Nm | 6059 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 3.5 AT, 249 hp RWD | 249 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 3.5 AT, 253 hp RWD | 253 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 5.7 AT, 340 hp RWD | 340 hp | 525 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First | 6.1 AT, 431 hp | 431 hp | 569 Nm | 6059 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First restyling | 2.7 AT, 178 hp | 178 hp | 258 Nm | 2736 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First restyling | 3.5 AT, 250 hp AWD, 8.2 s | 250 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First restyling | 5.7 AT, 359 hp RWD | 359 hp | 527 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First restyling | 5.7 AT, 359 hp AWD | 359 hp | 527 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First restyling | 6.1 AT, 425 hp | 425 hp | 659 Nm | 6059 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First restyling | 3.5 AT, 250 hp RWD, 7.7 s | 250 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First restyling | 3.5 AT, 250 hp RWD, 8.0 s | 250 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First restyling | 3.5 AT, 250 hp AWD, 8.5 s | 250 hp | 340 Nm | 3518 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 3.6 AT, 292 hp AWD | 292 hp | 350 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 3.6 AT, 292 hp RWD | 292 hp | 350 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 5.7 AT, 363 hp RWD | 363 hp | 527 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 5.7 AT, 363 hp AWD | 363 hp | 527 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 3.0 AT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 440 Nm | 2987 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 3.0 AT, 239 hp | 239 hp | 540 Nm | 2987 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 6.4 AT, 477 hp | 477 hp | 637 Nm | 6417 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 3.6 AT, 286 hp | 286 hp | 340 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second | 3.6 AT, 282 hp | 282 hp | 340 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second restyling | 3.6 AT, 304 hp AWD | 304 hp | 358 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling | 5.7 AT, 367 hp | 367 hp | 534 Nm | 5654 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second restyling | 6.4 AT, 485 hp | 485 hp | 644 Nm | 6400 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second restyling | 3.6 AT, 296 hp RWD | 296 hp | 353 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second restyling | 3.6 AT, 296 hp AWD | 296 hp | 353 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling | 3.6 AT, 282 hp RWD | 282 hp | 353 Nm | 3604 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
Power density helps separate engines of similar size. The restyled 485 hp 6.4 AT develops approximately 75.8 hp per litre, compared with approximately 74.3 hp per litre for the earlier 477 hp 6.4 AT. The 304 hp 3.6 AT produces approximately 84.4 hp per litre, while the 367 hp 5.7 AT produces approximately 64.9 hp per litre.
Chrysler 300C performance and fuel economy
Among entries with measured performance, the 477 hp 6.4 AT is quickest to 100 km/h at 4.1 seconds and reaches 282 km/h. The later 485 hp 6.4 AT records 4.3 seconds and 278 km/h; fuel consumption is not measured. The first-generation 431 hp 6.1 AT needs 5.0 seconds and reaches 270 km/h, while economy is not measured.
For V8 buyers seeking a less extreme specification, the restyled second-generation 5.7 AT has 367 hp, 534 Nm, a 5.8-second time, and a 250 km/h maximum. Its consumption is 14.7 l/100 km in the city, 9.4 l/100 km on the highway, and 12.4 l/100 km combined. The first-restyling 359 hp 5.7 AT RWD also records 5.8 seconds and 250 km/h, with the same 14.7 l/100 km city and 12.4 l/100 km combined figures, but highway consumption is 9.8 l/100 km.
The second-generation 239 hp 3.0 AT Diesel balances 540 Nm with a 7.8-second time and 232 km/h maximum speed. Its economy is 9.5 l/100 km city, 5.7 l/100 km highway, and 7.1 l/100 km combined. The 190 hp 3.0 AT records the same consumption but needs 9.7 seconds and reaches 220 km/h. The extra 49 hp therefore cuts 1.9 seconds from the acceleration time and adds 12 km/h to maximum speed without changing the measured fuel figures.
For the restyled second-generation 296 hp 3.6 AT, RWD reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and 250 km/h, while AWD takes 7.5 seconds and reaches 238 km/h. RWD consumption is 12.4/7.6/10.2 l/100 km for city/highway/combined driving; AWD records 13.1/8.7/11.2 l/100 km. The 304 hp AWD 3.6 AT has acceleration, maximum speed, and consumption listed as not measured.
Chrysler 300C dimensions, weight, tank, and wheels
Overall exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are recorded selectively.
The lightest listed car is the first-restyling 2.7 AT at 1695 kg. The heaviest measured entry is the second-generation 5.7 AT AWD at 2047 kg. Its RWD counterpart weighs 1937 kg, so AWD adds 110 kg. Their power is identical at 363 hp, giving approximately 5.64 kg per hp for AWD and 5.34 kg per hp for RWD.
In the restyled second generation, the 296 hp 3.6 AT weighs 1828 kg with RWD and 1921 kg with AWD. That is a 93 kg difference, while weight per horsepower changes from approximately 6.18 to 6.49 kg per hp. Ground clearance is 120 mm for RWD and 122 mm for AWD. Both have a 72-litre tank and listed wheel sizes of 215/65 R17, 225/60 R18, 235/55 R19, and 245/45 R20.
First-generation ground clearance ranges from 130 mm to 145 mm among entries with measurements. Tank capacity is generally 68 litres, although the 431 hp 6.1 AT has 71 litres. Gross weight varies by measured version: the 177 hp 2.7 AT is 2170 kg, the RWD 3.5 AT examples reach 2180 kg, the 340 hp 5.7 AT RWD is 2280 kg, and the 218 hp 3.0 AT Diesel is 2360 kg. Where gross weight or wheel size is absent, it is not measured.
The second generation generally has 119–120 mm of ground clearance and a 72-litre tank. Its 477 hp 6.4 AT weighs 1979 kg kerb and 2427 kg gross, producing a strong measured ratio of approximately 4.15 kg per hp. Wheel sizes for that version are not measured.
Which Chrysler 300C version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 3.0 AT with 239 hp if measured economy and torque matter most. It delivers 540 Nm—13 Nm more than the contemporary 5.7 AT—and uses 7.1 l/100 km combined. Its 7.8-second acceleration cannot match the V8 versions, but it offers the strongest economy case in the catalogue.
Choose the restyled second-generation 3.6 AT with 296 hp and RWD for a balanced Gasoline specification. It reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, uses 10.2 l/100 km combined, and weighs 1828 kg. The otherwise comparable 296 hp AWD version is 93 kg heavier, 0.6 seconds slower, and consumes 1.0 l/100 km more combined. AWD is therefore the traction-led choice; RWD has the numerical advantage in acceleration, consumption, and weight.
Choose the restyled second-generation 5.7 AT with 367 hp if you want V8 performance without moving to the maximum-output engine. Compared with the 296 hp 3.6 AT RWD, it adds 71 hp and 181 Nm, cuts acceleration by 1.1 seconds, and raises combined consumption by 2.2 l/100 km. It also keeps the 8-speed Automatic used across the restyled range.
Choose the second-generation 6.4 AT with 477 hp for the best measured performance: 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h and 282 km/h. Choose the later 6.4 AT with 485 hp if maximum listed horsepower and the 8-speed Automatic take priority, but its measured acceleration is 0.2 seconds slower and maximum speed is 4 km/h lower. Its fuel consumption, kerb weight, and gross weight are not measured, so the data does not support an economy or weight comparison.
For an earlier car, the first-generation 3.0 AT Diesel is the economy choice at 8.1 l/100 km combined, while the 431 hp 6.1 AT is the acceleration choice at 5.0 seconds. Within the first restyling, the 359 hp 5.7 AT RWD reaches 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds; AWD takes 5.9 seconds, weighs 85 kg more, and uses 0.7 l/100 km more combined. As with the later 3.6 AT pair, the decision is straightforward: RWD leads on measured performance, weight, and economy, while AWD supplies the alternative drive layout.