Rental Car Ruckus 2: Electric Boogaloo

[Jake]

This wasn't a loaner or rental, but I did drive it for six days. My mom tore a ligament in her knee, so driving manual and getting in/out of a sports car are both on the "difficult" list right now. She offered me her fair-weather car for the sake of it getting driven and someone, even if it weren't her, enjoying top-down motoring in this super-nice fall weather. So, here's my take on the...

2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited Roadster

We got this car when I was in high school. It's got 14,600 miles on it, because it only gets driven when the weather is 72* and sunny. This is a good thing, because the rear window is the size of a mail slot. Anyway, the color is "Aero Blue" and probably isn't one I'd pick, but I like it enough:



I left the 128i with my parents, so this was my only car (the M3 had no battery in it) for the six days. I figured I would compare it to my dad's 2013 Miata, as I've had a bunch of seat time in that car lately as well (a mix of highway and back roads).

First off, for those who aren't aware, this "Chrysler" is an R170-chassis'd Mercedes SLK320 in drag. Body by Karmann, interior by Chrysler, running gear by Benz. It's a 3.2L V6 making 215ish hp, with a six-speed manual. Mom wanted the 330 hp SRT6, but balked when she learned it was automatic-only. No supercharger for mom

Unfortunately, I think the car would be better off as an automatic. Really. Mercedes can build some great slushboxes, but they've never been known for a snickety-snick manual. The clutch is heavy, with an engagement point the size of an S-Class. You either feel like you're slipping the clutch to get a smooth start/gear change, or you drive it like any other manual and buck and jerk around. The shifter demands a firm hand (#pimphandstrong) but squishes into gear. Not paying attention from a stoplight will give you a 1-4 shift, over and over.

The motor is torquey but doesn't love to rev. Fuel cut is 6,200 rpm (ish) but you get no joy from revving it beyond 4k. It's more torque than (thrashy) power. Combine that with the stick's properties and you can see why I'd prefer to have a "D" option and let it slush its way around without my involvement. That said, it will bark the tires (pretty hard) going from 1st to 2nd if you wind it out.

Oh, and the "Infinity" radio is actually a Becker unit from Germany. Extensive searching has revealed there is no option to add an auxiliary input, so you're stuck with FM or CDs unless you replace the head unit, which will be difficult because just try matching this stupid silver console.



There is an element of cheapness to this car, which I suppose is appropriate given Chrysler couldn't give them away. Really, they tried selling them on Overstock.com back in the day. Doors flex if you lean on them, the glovebox has the E36-sag going on, the dash lights up mostly-green (the buttons, at night, are not evenly lit) and so on.

Given all of my whining, I have to say, it was actually a pretty decent commuter.

The seats are worlds better than Miata seats, for the sole reason that I actually fit in them. They have good thigh support and the back is sculpted out nicely for shoulder support. They are heated (strongly) and the car's excellent heater combined made 50* mornings with the roof down a non-issue.

The chassis is far more planted than the NC Miata and soaks up bumps with much more composure. You still get a bit of nervous feeling, but I think that's from the short wheelbase than anything else. It is 100% a cruiser, not a "sports car" the way we all consider them. Steering generally felt good and firm (it's hydraulic) but gives you zero feedback as to where the wheels are pointed. Brakes uh, stop the car. Pedal feel is poor (and it has Super Blue in it) but they work.

I'm not the target buyer for this car. I never was. But as a semi-soft, comfortable commuter that had no roof, it was not bad. Not great, but not bad.