whats up im sure this thread has been done a million times over so dont killl me ha but ive got a question. Im in the market for a 2002-2004 DHS or DTS. For those who own these two models are you pleased with the ride?what rides better? and is the 25 hp difference really noticable? Im leaning towards the DHS becuase im a luxury man and i want the bench seat in the front but that 300 hp is kind of calling me too. any help?

I'd go for what you will really want in the end. 300hp and 275 isn't the biggest difference in the world. If u want the bench seat, take the DHS so u can be happy. Luxury guys don't race luxury cars right? 275hp is good enough. I have a 99 base with 275hp. It's plenty fast.

thanks. yea i mean i dont plan on hot roddin around but its nice to know i can if i want

The DHS has a better ride. That is one reason I went with it. The extra 25 HP is not that big of a difference unless you spend a lot of time at 6000 RPM. Don't plan on a bench seat though. The DHS has buckets with a floor mounted center arm rest between them. If your like me and want luxury and ride, DHS has the edge. If you want performance and handling DTS has the edge there. The DHS will also get you about 2-3 more MPG.

Yeah, go with the DHS. Or, if you really want that bench seat, go with the regular DeVille. You're saving even MORE money that way. The base DeVille is VERY powerful and will not leave you wanting more power. The ride is soft and the amenities it comes with are fine. And, there's not much to notice in power with the DTS. Very little, really. And the ride is much harsher.. I owned a 2000 DTS and drove plenty of base DeVilles.. I would have preferred a base if it weren't for the DTS's "head turner" factor...

welll the DHS seating is fine for me. ill probably go with that. I drive a base sedan deville now , granted its over 10 years old but it leaves me wanting more luxury so i dont think i can go back to the base devilles(nothing wrong with them though). black on black is a must though to seal the deal with me

The 25 HP difference in the DTS is night and day. It's a very noticeable difference mostly because of the change in the torque curve. I drove both and once I realized what the DTS was there was no competition.

If you're a luxury guy get the DHS. You certainly aren't getting a bench seat in the DTS LOL. People say the DTS rides a lot rougher but I don't see a big difference in ride quality. The DHS is going to have better torque at the bottom end so they feel very very peppy. They're not slow or under powered by any means.

The torque is actully less in the DTS I believe. I bet the DHS would take a DTS off the line... but really... we are talking DeVilles here... HP and torque aren't suppose to be at the top of the argument for wanting one.

I've driven both models and I really didn't see all that much difference between the two. Both are quite luxurious and powerful. The two noticeable differences that swayed me were the buckets seats & floor shifter and the lack of body roll in the DTS over the DHS and base Deville. Honestly what is supposed to be the big difference between the DHS and [base] Deville? I've seen Devilles with as much or more "buttons & gadgets" as the DHS. The only physical differences I've seen are the gauge cluster, sun shades, and the wheel style. Otherwise aren't the base Deville and DHS basically the same car? To me, it looks like the DHS was offered for those who wanted some of both the DTS and base model. It all comes down to personal preference of what's offered/available on each model when choosing your car.

Cheers ~
Rick

My brother had a 2003 DTS and my Dad's daily driver is a 2002 DHS.

The DHS has a much smoother ride. I also like the rear & side sunshades as well as the rear seat 4 way lumbar.

The DTS sits lower, the suspension is more costly to repair, but it does have the floor shifter, front fog lights, & 17 inch wheels.

For day to day driving, I would get a DHS..

In regards to the performance differences of the DTS and DHS - does anybody have the 0-60 times for each? I bet they're REAL close.. Close enough to not matter..

My brother-in-law has a 2004 base DeVille and it's got cooled seats and a few other options I was surprised to see.. The base DeVille of 10 years ago doesn't compare very well to the newer base DeVilles..

I'd bet the 275 HP engines would win in the 0-60 range. Lighter cars to begin with and gobs of low end torque.

I just traded my 01 Base Deville for an 04 DTS. Take my word for it when I tell you that there is a huge difference in the two. The real gain in the engine is where it should be - at road speeds. The DTS is significantly quicker and noticably more powerful when you need to get around someone in a hurry and handles hills and mountains far more easily than the smaller DHS or Base Devilles do. Devilles in any form are not street light dragsters and that's not where the additional power shows it's stuff.

The DTS is also much better in the handles department, but at the cost of a little more road feel from the lower tire profile and suspension.

I liked my Base Deville. I love my DTS.

Okay, so there we have it.. At high speeds, the DTS is going to be noticably more powerful. Down low, the base DeVille probably has the lead.. However, the suspension is much more harsh no matter what speed you're going.

If you want to have a ball driving, get the DTS. If your passengers are important to you - don't. They won't appreciate the rough ride. At least mine didn't..

so do what I did, get a dts & then put all new delco non electronic shocks & struts..... dts balls with dhs ride.... the 17" tires still give good handling, but much more comfort.... about the only thing that would make it perfect would be a slightly larger rear sway bar.... othewise it's perfect...

& I don't think it's confirmed that a deville will take the dts out of the hole... it feels quicker to me even down low...

Or you can do what I do and just own 3 Cadillacs. One for fun, one to collect and one for total luxury. I also looked at an 02 DHS today but it looks like it was used hard inside.

No not confirmed at all. Just an assumption. The DTS doesn't get wild till about 3k on the tach and if you do any upgrades to it that moves to 3500-4000

& I don't think it's confirmed that a deville will take the dts out of the hole... it feels quicker to me even down low...

well im trying to get this deville and a fleetwood as a project. wouldent mind having an escalade around either.

the dts has a more free flowing exhaust & feels faster all around, & yeah, owning 3 caddies is a good thing too;)