Differences in electrical systems between Columbia and Cascadia

The Cascadia was never designed with the Series 60 design in mind. I have heard it is available in some export markets, and as a glider, but a mismatch at best.
if simple is what you are after, a Columbia is the better choice. The entire platform is almost 20 years old (century class came out in 1998). The series 60 was the most popular drivetrain in the platform by far. Stick with proven reliabilty.

 

The Columbia is the base model of Freightliner. Simple? Yes but also lacking in creature comforts. The Century has better amenities. More insulation and so on. Just a guess, yet freightliner felt the "Century" name was dated and they needed something newer. So they came out with the Cascadia. Its just a redesigned Century with a few more bells and whistles with improved insulation (why it appears quieter in the cab, both ride and for driver comfort). The top of the line of Freightliner is the Coronado class. With a longer chassis and the lines of the basic version Classic. The Classic is for those old timers whom still want the boxy look of the 1980's. IE no streamlining at all.

 

I don't think Cascadia is redesigned Century. The frame is similar to century and Columbia but the cub is completely different. Electronic controls are different too ...

 

I would buy a Columbia and I would spend a time on it to add some insulation on floor . cascadias electronics are problems believe me. I am talking about SAM modules.

 

surelly cascadia cab is much better, but all lightning systems are with electronic control from Mercedes. So multiplexing, SAM units, electronic buttons and othery difficult to understand how this stuff work.

As benefit of Cascadia - much better headlamps, no shaking hood, better rear view mirrors, less aerodinamic noise, a bit better fuel milage