I drove the CTS today, and I can say that I'm somewhat unimpressed. But I also drove the 2006 BMW 325cI, and now I have a huge descision on my hands. Here's a rundown of the pro's/con's of each car:


2006 Cadillac CTS Sedan
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PRO: More room than BMW

CON: Bumpier Ride than BMW
CON: Less options than BMW
CON: Less luxurious interior
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2006 BMW 325cI Coupe
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PRO: More fun to drive
PRO: Great interior
PRO: Exceptional dealer service
PRO: Exterior Styling

CON: can't think of any....


Both are in the same price range, but the BMW offers more what I want than the Cadillac. I really did want a Coupe, so I'm leaning toward the Beemer at the time.

Buy the BMW and check back in 6 months. I used to own a 5 series. Sweet ride when everything is working right. Start doing mods and see how your dealer treats you.

The 3 series is a great car if you'd like to get to know your Service Manager personally.

BMW and Benz topped the "Most Unreliable Luxury Cars" list that Forbes Magazine did.

I did the same comparison test drive (although 2 years ago)... assuming all "yearly modifications being equal", I opted (obvioulsy) for the CTS...roomier, distinct styling..and also, EVERYONE in Southern Cali drives a 3 series beamer...it's like driving a Honda around here....Plus, if memory serves me correctly, I got more hp per dollar:lildevil:

Another thing. The new 3series coupe is right around the corner. Do you really want to buy a car that's going to be 'classic' the next day? The new 3 series sedan is out, the coupe's coming soon.

A friend of mine drives a 5 Series, and he absolutely loves his car. I've read through a lot of posts here that say how much trouble they've had with their Cadillac CTS.

If you have ever been to Scottsdale, you'll notice EVERYONE either driving a Cadillac, or an Infiniti. Not too many BMW's down here, so I'll stand out a bit.

I guess it's you own personal preference, and I really think this car is made for me.

EDIT: I do plan on waiting for the 2006 model.

Sounds like you are better off with the BMW, so go for it. You obviously like it more. Why would you not get it? ;)

I test drove a most of the 3-series line up. 325 felt underpowered, 328 wasn't bad and the 330 was perfect, but too pricey by then.

I had an '05 325i out before I settled on the CTS. I thought it was underpowered, cramped, and too pricey given the options required to get it up to even the base level 3.6 CTS.

I did like the handling of the BMW, but the CTS does fine for my needs. I've had mine on the road for 9000 miles & no trips to the service dept. yet!!!

and now I have a huge descision on my hands

:thumbsup: If you've driven both the CTS and the BMW, you liked the BMW best, listed Pros & Cons, again you liked the BMW best. You've done the research, test driven both, go with the BMW. Don't look back.

Don't look back.
If you do look back, you will NOT see a CTS behind you....at least not for long....LOL

BMW 3 series had better handling but also had hard/harsh ride. i chosed CTS over it cuz it was lil bit cheaper out the door and more roomy... i would def get the coupe if i didnt care about the backseats... pick whichhever you like the best...

If you do look back, you will NOT see a CTS behind you....at least not for long....LOL

Very true. The only beamer that has been able to beat me in traffic, so far, has been the 545 (and I drive a stock CTS)... the beamer has the upper hand in the interior department, but other than that not much else... :yup:

I guess if I'm going to buy a new car for upwards of $35,000, I might as well get what I want. I still like the CTS, but I don't need the extra room (single here), and the Beamer is fun to drive!

I know my insurance will take a jump from a 1990 Eldorado to a 2006 Beamer, but I guess that's my only complaint.

How much to jump to a 328ci? The 325 seriously feels underpowered.

They don't make the 328cI anymore (at least to my knowledge). I'm still thinking about the 330cI, but the NEW, 2006 325cI has some serious power to it!

Hrm... They beefed up the 325 on the new body style a little. Not too shabby. :D

Back in July I traded my 05 3.6 CTS for a 05 GTO ~ WOW ! do I like the Goat . No I did'nt get all the featues of the CTS . I'm single & 65 , I like to go "fast" . Next year I think I'll try a DTS , Hoping I'm not pushing up daisies .?

i looked at the gto's extensively before i settled on a cts. i love the power, but needed something slightly more practical. when they said the trunk was small on the goat, they REALLY weren't kidding. figured i would buy the cts, mod it a little, then buy a go fast car the right way: classic. 68-69 camaro maybe. that ought to quench the desire. overall i never regret not getting the gto.

Wow, what a change of mind since your last post about buying a CTS. Good luck with whatever your choice is!

I've also noticed that when I test drove a CTS that it was a bumpy ride, must be that tough sport tuned suspension! I was thinking it would be much more luxurious feeling, but then I remembered that the CTS is much sporty, thus the sporty ride!

right-o. if you want the super plush ride go get yourself a dts or deville. then again, if you jump the gun now, what are you supposed to drive when you're 60?

hmmm...according to oyle a gto. ha, thats awesome.

http://www.thenewmath.com/images/bmw%20fire.jpgI think This guy was unhappy with his BMW. Kinda embarrassing in traffic,

:cop: excuse me sir, your car seems to be on fire.


:histeric:

If anything go with the 330ci, more bang for the buck

There are always personal issues when choosing a car which cannot be quantified. My advice to people is to buy what will make you happy. I drove a lot of cars including most of the BMW line before I settled on the CTS. I have stayed away from the sport suspension because I did not like the stiffer ride. I get all kinds of positive feedback from other drivers as well as my passengers.

I'm kinda lucky in that 90% of the time I'm alone in my CTS. I don't drive fast but I do like to push the corners a bit. Passengers don't understand.:o

after 20 minutes of driving last night my passenger replied, "jeez, and i thought i drove fast."

i can't help it, love the stiffness/responsiveness....i feel like i need to use it. also, i LOVE how grippy the seats are. taking a turn at 50-60 and you stay PUT.

Oyle ~~ here again . I did like my CTS ~ I hadit for 10mos , The only thing I did'nt like was the interier , not Cadillac quality , ~ I feel Cad. could have done better , and had they ,how many more could they sell ? Maybe the cheap interier is all part of the game plan ? The GTO has a premeium int. 100% better . True The ride is stiff , less room , but I'm free , & in my second youth , So far its still a free country ,if you can afford it "buy it" and have fun , Iam .

oyle, i agree 100%. the gto was bad ass. it was stylish, aggressive, and unique. really gave the car an edge. i wanted either the red exterior w/ black red interior or the black exterior with the black/red interior. i thought it was really "me."

i mean, check out the interior on this cobalt SS, even it's got an "edge" and it's not even a "luxury" car. little on the sporty side, but what the hell, alleast it has aluminum trim already.
http://www.tuningnews.net/news/040405a/chevrolet-cobalt-ss.php

The new BMW 3 series is a sweet car. But you really can't compare a BMW coupe to the CTS, it's like apples and oranges. A coupe will always feel tighter and more powerful because of the lighter weight and smaller confines.

Sounds like you are smitten with the beemer. I say go for it! Hope you enjoy it. My brother in law swears by the BMW, he has a 5 series and a X3 and loves them (when they're not in the shop - ouch they are a bit expensive to repair).

I'm kinda lucky in that 90% of the time I'm alone in my CTS. I don't drive fast but I do like to push the corners a bit. Passengers don't understand.:o

Specially if they are of the female persuasion.