How many are considering a STS to the CTS?

[jjsC6]

I can't help ask the question. The STS has more room, and in my mind seems a little more comfortable. Also, it offers Bluetooth, and what appears to be a better surround sound system. I have not listened to either, but I have an Infiniti M45 with a similar system to the STS (speakers in each seat top).

I also really like the proportions of the STS. Obviously, the STS is more money, but there are likely a lot better deals on it, and I'm thinking maybe incentives. I guess I should look up the incentives.

Just wondering how everyone else feels. Thanks!

[WhtDmnd04CTS]

my father has an 06 sts, i have an 08 cts
the sts is bigger it seems like more of an older man's car (no offense to anybody)
the cts is just more sporty and new age..
just my opinion

[ddawson]

The STS is a better automobile. You get what you pay for.

[MidLifeinMI]

I did a little digging, as I was discussing the same comparison with people on another board, and I was surprised to find that the cars are more similar in size than you would expect. I looked at an STS (not to buy; it's out of my range), and noted that although it is noticeably bigger on the outside, that doesn't automatically translate into more room inside. Some specs that surprised me:

F. Headroom - 38.8 CTS; 38.7 STS
R. Headroom - 37.2 CTS; 37.9 STS
F. Legroom - 42.4 CTS; 42.6 STS

Pretty similar (and pretty surprising, to me) so far.

R. Legroom - 35.9 CTS; 38.3 STS
F. Shoulder room - 56.7 CTS; 58.6 STS
R. Shoulder room - 54.7 CTS; 57.4 STS (finally, stats that makes sense)
Trunk space - 13.6 CTS; 13.8 STS

I expected the trunk on the STS to be significantly bigger than the CTS, whic is apparently not the case. Also, one thing I noticed is that the decklid is shorter on the STS, leaving a smaller trunk opening than the CTS.

The last kicker, is that the fuel tank on the STS is smaller than the CTS (17 vs. 18 gal.), and combining that with lower MPG, yields a much shorter range.

From a size standpoint, unless you need the extra 2.5 in. in the back seat, it seems like the CTS is making more sense for the dollar. Combine that with the availability of AWD now on the CTS, and to me, the STS loses most of its advantages.

[MidLifeinMI]

Originally Posted by ddawson

The STS is a better automobile. You get what you pay for.

Define "better". Bigger, in some areas; pricier, certainly, but it's pretty subjective to state it's better. YMMV.

[chiefmjk]

I just traded in my 05 STS 1SG for a 08 CTS. The new CTS rides, handles better is quiter and has more comfy seats better plus gas mileage and nicer interior/exterior. I agree it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the STS but with a $17,000 less sticker price the CTS is a real value

[jjsC6]

Originally Posted by MidLifeinMI

I did a little digging, as I was discussing the same comparison with people on another board, and I was surprised to find that the cars are more similar in size than you would expect. I looked at an STS (not to buy; it's out of my range), and noted that although it is noticeably bigger on the outside, that doesn't automatically translate into more room inside. Some specs that surprised me:

F. Headroom - 38.8 CTS; 38.7 STS
R. Headroom - 37.2 CTS; 37.9 STS
F. Legroom - 42.4 CTS; 42.6 STS

Pretty similar (and pretty surprising, to me) so far.

R. Legroom - 35.9 CTS; 38.3 STS
F. Shoulder room - 56.7 CTS; 58.6 STS
R. Shoulder room - 54.7 CTS; 57.4 STS (finally, stats that makes sense)
Trunk space - 13.6 CTS; 13.8 STS

I expected the trunk on the STS to be significantly bigger than the CTS, whic is apparently not the case. Also, one thing I noticed is that the decklid is shorter on the STS, leaving a smaller trunk opening than the CTS.

The last kicker, is that the fuel tank on the STS is smaller than the CTS (17 vs. 18 gal.), and combining that with lower MPG, yields a much shorter range.

From a size standpoint, unless you need the extra 2.5 in. in the back seat, it seems like the CTS is making more sense for the dollar. Combine that with the availability of AWD now on the CTS, and to me, the STS loses most of its advantages.

Interesting. I dug into the specs myself to check this out. The Cadillac site shows them both to have 17 gallon tanks and shows the EPA ratings to be identical.

The STS is only five inches longer, and weights 100# more. That is damn little difference (hold your fingers five inches apart and you'll get an appreciation for how little that is). And I'll bet just on this thread there is a 100# weight difference in those of us driving them (I weight 180. Who would like to go next?)

As to the comment about age - I don't dissagree. I'm 55 - but then again, I'm probably not typical. I also have a Corvette that I take to the dragstrip, and in many ways I actually prefer a smaller, more nimble car. But I DO admit that the older I get, the more I want a little more room.

Great replies, and appreciated.

[jjsC6]

Originally Posted by chiefmjk

I just traded in my 05 STS 1SG for a 08 CTS. The new CTS rides, handles better is quiter and has more comfy seats better plus gas mileage and nicer interior/exterior. I agree it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the STS but with a $17,000 less sticker price the CTS is a real value

I'm not sure where you are coming up with $17,000. I compared cars fairly comparably equiped, and come up with more like a $7000 difference. The STS does have a pricey option package that has stuff I don't care about, and it's harder to get direct comparisons due to the STS packaging of the performance package.

[Alpet]

Originally Posted by WhtDmnd04CTS

my father has an 06 sts, i have an 08 cts
the sts is bigger it seems like more of an older man's car (no offense to anybody)
the cts is just more sporty and new age..
just my opinion

I agree and I am 62 --- I just love the CTS

[MidLifeinMI]

Originally Posted by jjsC6

As to the comment about age - I don't dissagree. I'm 55 - but then again, I'm probably not typical. I also have a Corvette that I take to the dragstrip, and in many ways I actually prefer a smaller, more nimble car. But I DO admit that the older I get, the more I want a little more room.

Of course, I'm not an old fart like you (pushing 50 here, ), but I'm in the same boat. I had a Vette that I traded on a GTO, which I just traded for the CTS. Yeah, the performance isn't the same, but you get to a point where having a comfy ride (not "cushy") and a few amenities is just......nice. (BTW, I think I actually have a little less room in the driver's seat in the CTS than I had in the Goat, but no complaints here).

[CTSBox]

I'm 58 chronologically but 39 mentally so I went with the CTS I also compared the two at the dealership and I couldn't see much extra interior room in the STS over the CTS. Fully loaded the dealer demo STS was $17K higher which they were willing to discount 25% putting it within $5K of the CTS. Still the V8 (I was trading in a Hemi) and the boxier looks still didn't do it for me.

[Jschmank]

I looked long at the STS before deciding on the CTS. I determined that I would need a STS4 due to the four seasons in Kansas asthe RWD is reportedly bad in snow. When you loaded up an STS to get the features you want, it carries a BIG price tag. The issue for me was that they just weren't holding much resale value. Now the jury is out on the CTS as it relates to resale, but for the features and the money, finding an alternative with AWD is tough. Power is basically the same for the DI CTS as the V8 STS, and gas mileage slightly better. I came out of an 05 CTS V, so any motor was going to seem less than what I had. The extra space is in the rear seat as noted above, but that isn't a big factor to me. Also, the styling on the CTS is fresh and I knew as soon as I bought the STS they would refresh it too, and I would be sorry I hadn't waited. Some of the features that are on the STS may be premium to the CTS like the surround sound, the heads up display, lane change warning etc, but many of these features are not highly spoke of if you visit the STS forum. So I settled for the CTS and am glad to have done it.

[NOT ON MY WATCH]

Originally Posted by Jschmank

Some of the features that are on the STS may be premium to the CTS like the ... lane change warning

Good comparison information in your post, but I don't believe there is a lane change warning option for the CTS.

Unless you count a passenger screaming in terror when you make a quick lane change with the performance suspension package.

[Jschmank]

Thanks NOMW. I think there is an indicator when a vehicle is in the lane next to you that some have found annoying. But I could be remembering wrong.

[LFG]

I was looking for a STS, but when I saw and drive the new CTS that was it.
Just for the record, I never drove the STS.

Don't know of any indicator when a vehicle is in the lane next to you.