Hello!

Please allow myself to introduce...myself.

Anyway, with the current GM incentives of 0% for 60 months, the affordability of a Cadillac CTS is within my grasp. I found a dealer that has a black CTS with a 5-speed manual with NO options. About the only thing I can afford.

Currently I drive a 2000 Mustang GT which I've thoroughly enjoyed. However, the itch for something new is hitting me. Unfortuanetly there are practically no affordable (affordable I mean mid $25k) performace vehicles around nowadays. You have the Mustang, Subaru WRX and that's pretty much it before hitting the upper 20s/30s price tags.

My question is, how well do you think a 5-speed manual CTS would fit my preferences? It sure looks sporty, and the 0-60 times of "under 7 seconds" is certaintly respecticable. I've sat in a CTS and love the interior. But from the point of view of a muscle-car fan, will this car satisfy me?

Thanks for any input!

Um i dont think so its nice but a bit slow

I second That...and welcome to the board

There was an OLD a barber in the Navy we used to call "Shaky Jake" ;)
Welcome aboard!
Going from a Mustang GT to a CTS will be culture shock let alone slower. You're SO CLOSE to one of my dream cars (Cobra Convertible), it's killing me that you want to get rid of it. Or is it just a lease so it's almost up?

Thanks for the welcomes and quick replies!

it's killing me that you want to get rid of it. Or is it just a lease so it's almost up?

Nah, it's just that after 2-3 years I have this insatiable desire to get something else...something new! Unfortuantely there's nothing to get that would satisfy my need for speed without emptying my wallet. Sure wish I could afford a Corvette... :(

There sure are a lot of 5-speed CTS's out there with under 2000 miles on them.

People just seem to be buying them, hating them, and trading them for automatics.

Originally posted by Elvis
There sure are a lot of 5-speed CTS's out there with under 2000 miles on them.

People just seem to be buying them, hating them, and trading them for automatics.

Now why do you suppose they'd be doing that? ;)

Originally posted by Katshot
Now why do you suppose they'd be doing that? ;)


Don't start THAT again!:D

Oh yeah! Welcome to the site!

To mis-quote Henry Ford: "You can have any color you want, so long as it's NOT black".

My boss has a black CTS. Frankly, I think it's the ugliest possible color on that car. When I first saw it, I thought the CTS was butt ugly. Then I saw other colors & thought it was sharp. But a black CTS just doesn't work for me.

Personal taste i guess! I like it in black more than any other color....And I don't even like the car for the most part!

If you like it, get one.......then trade it in like everyone else when you realize how stupid you were for getting it in the first place

OUCH!

Welcome! If you know Fords (sorry KC, thats F****) check into the new Cobra mustang. The Z06 is rated at 405 HP, the new Cobra at 390. I think it was Motor Trend Mag. TV that said the Cobra might beat the Z06 because it is underrated and actually more like 420!! I like Vettes also, but if a new Cobra is cheaper, think of the parts you can put in it with the savings? You could put many perf. parts into your GT, unless you are sick of your car? Has anyone heard if the Cobra has beat a Z06 yet?

CTS would certainly be different. And, no offense, a step up the class scale, even with no options.

But if you're itching for some excitement, I'm not sure CTS could satisfy beyond the first payment.

Coming from a Mustang GT, might I suggest something light on its feet? The Subie is awfully hard to beat, but seats aside it's a cheap interior. The Acura RSX is also a nice ride. Both are a definite contrast from the live-axle pony car.

Of course, twenty-five large buys you a lot of used car. A *big* Caddy, for example.

.Jinx
Ralph, Cobra beats Z06 in your dreams. Great value, but no Corvette substitute.

I don't think it would take too much to beat the vette with some tweaking on the Cobra. The cars are close to begin with.

Originally posted by Ralph
I don't think it would take too much to beat the vette with some tweaking on the Cobra. The cars are close to begin with.
eventhough they are pretty close in paper but their weight difference is too great. z06 weighs in somewhere 3100lb whereas cobra weighs 3600lb+.
Cobra will definitely be cheaper and easier to tweak to get more power out of because it has a blower. Forced induction systems respond better to mods. (example: On a grand prix gtp which are rated at 240hp stock, you can get a smaller pulley for less than 200 and that will give you 40hp or more)

Also z06 isn't just about straight line performance. Z06 shines in every category of performance (straight line, braking, slalom, handling, skidpad, top speed)

I would guess that a vette can out handle a Cobra, but I am talking about a drag, I would think the weight would be an advantage for traction, unless they both have TC?

Originally posted by Ralph
I would guess that a vette can out handle a Cobra, but I am talking about a drag, I would think the weight would be an advantage for traction, unless they both have TC?
Not the best but here is one article
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/89505/page010.html

OK, I found the info I was looking for. In the Aug. 2002 "Mustangs and Fast Fords". they pitted a new Cobra against a SS Camaro. The best time for the Cobra was 12.79@106.39mph. which beat the Camaro at 13.252@106.42mph. I have no idea how fast a Z06 is, can you enlighten me?

Thats a good little site! Who knows what to believe. Maybe the Mustang guys have to be biased for their mag. and lied a little. If not, the two are so close, but the driver in your info (in the Cobra) may not have shifted as good? Interesting.

Originally posted by Ralph
OK, I found the info I was looking for. In the Aug. 2002 "Mustangs and Fast Fords". they pitted a new Cobra against a SS Camaro. The best time for the Cobra was 12.79@106.39mph. which beat the Camaro at 13.252@106.42mph. I have no idea how fast a Z06 is, can you enlighten me?
0-60 in 4 and low 12 to mid 12 in 1/4mi

You win!!

Originally posted by Ralph
Thats a good little site! Who knows what to believe. Maybe the Mustang guys have to be biased for their mag. and lied a little. If not, the two are so close, but the driver in your info (in the Cobra) may not have shifted as good? Interesting.
vette's time on that site wasn't good. Since they did the comparison i guess it will be accurate than trying to get 2 different times from 2 dfferent source

I still think that when cars are that close something can be done. It can come down to shifting or reaction time, etc. Maybe if the Cobra could lose some fat, I bet that would be a race!?

They also ran a BMW M3 for comparison, and it did a 12.74@108 in 37 degree weather! Not bad for a little Crout wagon.

Thanks for the responses. I've decided to just hold off for now. Probably wait until the 05 Mustangs arrive next year.

Anyway, as far as the Corvette vs. Cobra, there's an article comparing those two in the latest MotorTrend, I believe. They had a Vette convertible vs. a convertible Cobra. 0-60 and 1/4 mile times were extremely close, but the Corvette won. When I get home I'll dig up the magazine and post the results.

Thanks again.

Originally posted by ShakyJake
Thanks for the responses. I've decided to just hold off for now. Probably wait until the 05 Mustangs arrive next year.

Anyway, as far as the Corvette vs. Cobra, there's an article comparing those two in the latest MotorTrend, I believe. They had a Vette convertible vs. a convertible Cobra. 0-60 and 1/4 mile times were extremely close, but the Corvette won. When I get home I'll dig up the magazine and post the results.

Thanks again.
if you want a new car at that price range, why not get a c5? i'm sure you can find some used ones at that price range

if you want a new car at that price range, why not get a c5? i'm sure you can find some used ones at that price range

Well, here's the deal: I use the car for my daily driver. And I work 30 miles from my home. So I need something:

* Reliable
* Drivable in the occasional snow (the Mustang is NOT..good God)
* Quick!
* Mid $25,000 price range
* Not front wheel drive

Not many cars fit that bill. That's why I've been eyeing the Subaru WRX. It fits all the above, but unfortuantely feels kinda cheap and it's a small car.

But like I said, I may just wait and get an 05 Mustang and suffer with snow part. Small price to pay, I guess...

Did you sit in the Subie? Compared to your Mustang it's cavernous. The only place it pinches is the outside elbow.

Given your criteria above, the Subaru is your only choice. But it's a great choice. I almost got my brother to give up his Impala SS for one. (Then he looked in his checkbook -- no car payment beats new car payment.)

.Jinx

According to your specs, WRX fits it quite nicely.

... Get some internal work done, move on to 16lbs of boost.

The best stock Z06 time I know of is 11.6 out of the showroom. The Mustang Cobra isn't nearly in the same league.

Otherwise... Coming from a 2000 Mustang GT, I think you'd be better off with a used STS or ETC. They're got tons of power and are very impressive automobiles.. You would not be sorry...

Oh, I forgot another requirement: Has to be available with a manual transmission.

Nissan 350Z

defn wrx and if u can afford wrx sti then you will have an incredible car!

Here are the numbers from the May 2003 issue of Motor Trend:

2003 Corvette convertible:
Max HP: 350@5600rpm
Max Torque: 375@4400rpm
0-60mph,sec : 4.72
1/4 mile,sec : 13.02@109.59mph
Price as tested:$56,265

2003 Mustang Cobra convertible:
Max HP: 390@6000rpm
Max Torque: 390@3500rpm
0-60mph,sec : 4.86
1/4 mile,sec : 13.12@109.58mph
Price as tested:$38,170

As I said, pretty freakin close. Well, except for the price. :burn:

If my info from the magazine is correct the Cobra would win?? This is what I mean by not knowing what to believe.

The Ford is almost $20,000 less.........And worth it!:D

By that smile KC, are you serious about a F*** being a formidable competitor to the Vette?? I don't believe it dude! So far you have been very anti-F***?

Originally posted by Ralph
If my info from the magazine is correct the Cobra would win?? This is what I mean by not knowing what to believe.

cobra doesn't win. That number above is a regular vette not z06 times. Competition between z06 and cobra can only be compared in drag strips and even then z06 wins.

Originally posted by Ralph
By that smile KC, are you serious about a F*** being a formidable competitor to the Vette?? I don't believe it dude! So far you have been very anti-F***?

No....I mean That F**kin' Old Road Dog is definftley worth at least $20,000 LESS than a 'Vette!:D I.M.O. It's worth about the same as a Pontiac Asstek $00.00! I.M.O. FURD has always built JUNK. They used to build better junk than they do now......But it has always been JUNK!

Found On Road Dead
Fix Or Repair Daily
Fu**in' Old Road Dog
Fu**ked On Race Day

Don't forget fuc**** old rebuilt Dodge!! (Ford) Al least then they built the FIRST "junk" in North America!! LOL!

i actually think the new cobra is an exceptional car for its value. You get a dohc 4.6 v8 supercharged. SVT has done every essential item to make this car driveable.
(Stronger internals, t56 tranny...)

Yeah...And like every other Mustang, In 5 years it'll be falling apart! Interiors are the WORST.....Low Quality crap in the industry!

Right on soul brother Dude!!

????

Hey my post was supposed to be after Devills!!

Originally posted by kcnewell
Yeah...And like every other Mustang, In 5 years it'll be falling apart! Interiors are the WORST.....Low Quality crap in the industry!
i agree with you on that

AHH, you guys are what I call Purists! Hemi Challengers had rattling windows (leaky too) clunky transmissions, etc. But when one of those (or a Mustang Cobra) are beside you at a light, you'll be wishin' your Mama was there to hold you!! LOL!

Not if I'm on my motorcycle!......Then they get a surprise!

I hear ya, but that wouldn't be fair (power to weight ratio).

Originally posted by Ralph
I hear ya, but that wouldn't be fair (power to weight ratio).

twinturbo lingenfelter vette eats bikes any time anywhere.

hey kc what about hayabusa? Would you still be confident enough to run against it? if so.... then how about a turbo busa dynoed at 500hp?

We're not EVEN gonna start that again! See the previous threads on that subject in the Kill Stories section!

Originally posted by Devil_concours
twinturbo lingenfelter vette eats bikes any time anywhere.

I've raced a lot of 'Vettes and NEVER come across one of those....I guess there aren't many around! Also...I've NEVER lost to a 'Vette on the street. And you have NO IDEA how pissed off a 'Vette driver gets when he gets badly spanked by a Harley!:D

No one I know would be stupid enough to race a bike with a car. Unless I had a 5.0 Ford in a go-cart, eh

Originally posted by kcnewell
I've raced a lot of 'Vettes and NEVER come across one of those....I guess there aren't many around! Also...I've NEVER lost to a 'Vette on the street. And you have NO IDEA how pissed off a 'Vette driver gets when he gets badly spanked by a Harley!:D

i don't think you will be able to have fun with the real 427 tt vettes, since they run 0-60 in 1.97sec, 1/4mi just below 9sec and tops out somewhere in 240s.

There again....How many do I see in the real world? I know I can be beat! I know I'm not the fastest guy on wheels....But I love it when I run into the ones that don't know these things!

Originally posted by Ralph
By that smile KC, are you serious about a F*** being a formidable competitor to the Vette?? I don't believe it dude! So far you have been very anti-F***?

Come on Ralph, KC was saying that the Ford is $20K less car.

Originally posted by Katshot
Come on Ralph, KC was saying that the Ford is $20K less car.

Ya gotta be nice to Ralph.........Bein' a Canuck he's a little slow on the uptake!:banghead:

Yeah, you're right:rolleyes:

Funny guys, actually I thought it was obvious because KC said IT IS cheaper. The psychologist in me sees a statement 20 different ways, so I have a tendency to overanalyze some things.

As do I....But some things are obviously meant to be taken at face value!

Vette guys fuming after Harleys is even funnier than BMW 3-series guys fuming after DeVilles.

Ignorance is not flattering. :-)

In what way?

What, in what way?

I'm not hip, define "fuming."

I don't even understand what he was trying to say.....

Where is he? I have questions.

Every mustang I ever sat in or drove felt very cheap and plasticky...But I am biased..cant stand Fords..GM all the way!

Originally posted by dts92
Every mustang I ever sat in or drove felt very cheap and plasticky...But I am biased..cant stand Fords..GM all the way!

GM is still the best IMO. But Ford must be given credit for keeping V8 rear-drive muscle cars alive at a time in the last few years when this was frowned upon and very politically incorrect. GM made the mistake of killing off a legend, the Camaro. Ford was under pressure to do this and the Probe was going to be the new Mustang back in '89. They never gave in. Personally I don't mind the interior of the new Mustangs, but I wouldn't care about that when I am kicking on a guy beside me in a Civic with a huge aluminum wing, and a hat on backwards thinking he is cool. I think the new Cobra is quite a performance bargan and would consider it a serious contender against any new Corvette! IMO. We discussed the numbers on another thread. Oh yeah, love those CTS's.:D :cool: :burn: