Merc 4.5L 250HP

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Dave R

I drove a rental Challenger with that 305HP V6. If memory serves it had an 8 or 9 gear transmission too, so it was always in the power band and was quite snappy.

I have a Chrysler 300 with the 3.6, 6 Cyl. that is rated at 292 HP, probably the same motor you are referring to. It has an 8 speed automatic. I am amazed at the amount of power and the healthy sound from under the hood. I would never have guessed it was a 6 cylinder if I did not know the car. Typically it gets 30 to 34 miles to the gallon on the highway, excellent for a large car. I had Ford Crown Victoria's for company cars for many years, a 4.6 V8 with 219 HP. Larger motor but much less power. The technology has come a long way for efficiency and power. If only that would translate to boats.

I towed a small pontoon boat to Florida with the Chrysler and got 11 miles to the gallon. The car would not come out of 5th gear at 75 MPH because of the wind resistance from the boat. The cars are very optimized now with the proper gearing to achieve maximum efficiency.