Chrysler 300S vs. Chevrolet SS vs. BMW 335i

Suggestion No. 2 – 2014 Chevrolet SS

Fortunately Chrysler isn’t the only Detroit automaker that offers a V8-powered large sedan. Chevrolet’s new SS features a menacing body and blistering performance. This full-size four-door can blast from zero to 60 miles an hour in just 4.7 seconds!

Power comes courtesy of a 6.2-liter small-block that puts out 415 ponies with an identical measure of torque. The only transmission available is a six-speed automatic that routs power rearward.

Curiously this quintessentially American car is built in the land down under at GM’s facility in Elizabeth, South Australia. Guh-day, mate! Not surprisingly it shares the same architecture as Chevy’s Camaro, the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle and Holden’s VF Commodore so it should be built to withstand years of abuse.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet SS Review

Pricing out a new SS is a refreshingly simple affair. There’s just one trim level to choose from, which includes but one engine and transmission combination. Only five exterior colors are available and one hue for the cabin. Available options are just as sparse, including a full-size spare tire ($500) and a power sunroof ($900).

Fortunately this car is well equipped right out of the gate. It comes with a navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, a cabin filter, heads-up display, dual-zone climate control and more. Power windows, locks and mirrors are also included, as is a CD player and air conditioning.

There’s a lot to like about the Chevrolet SS, including the way it looks, sounds and drives; this car is a lot of fun. Unfortunately it’s not all that fuel efficient. It’s a good bit less economical to operate than the 300. Combined it stickers at 17 miles per gallon, a figure that’s derived from its city score of 14 and its highway rating of just 21 MPG.

Pricing is another sore spot because this bow-tie bruiser is not cheap. With zero options it checks out at a little less than 46 grand, a figure that includes $995 for shipping and handling plus an additional $1,300 to cover the gas-guzzler tax.

If you can swing the monthly payment Chevy’s SS is an appealing sedan, with tons of performance and aggressive styling. This car seats five passengers, has four doors and gives you ZERO excuses for letting a Mustang GT beat you while merging on the freeway.