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.

[Woody38]

In automobiles a lot has to do with the gearing. Something that Mercedes has known for years. we had a Mercedes 420 SL with V8. Averaged over 22mpg on the car over 330,000 miles. Presently have a E 350 Blue Efficiency V6. I don't recall what the Blue Efficiency means but everyone thinks it is a diesel.
7 speed transmission and 302hp verses the other V6 with 268hp. The car has averaged 29mpg since new. On the trip to California against 60mph headwinds averaged 28mpg. Without headwinds averaged 34mpg. With the trunk fully loaded. Back in the days of muscle cars I had a Plymouth VIP with 318 ci engine and 3.72 rear end. It was quite fast for the weight it pulled.
Now I wonder if boats had a 3 speed tranny would it make a difference. I think it is doing a marine engine a disservice to WOT from a standing stop. A lot of dead weight and water to push unlike an automobile.