Cadillac CTS (3.2L engine)
220hp
220ft. lbs. of torque
143mph limit
0-60 in 6.9 seconds
3509 lbs.
$31,345 Base MSRP
BMW 325i
184hp
175ft. lbs. of torque
128mph limit
0-60 in 7.1 (8.1)seconds
3219 (3307) lbs.
$28,100 Base MSRP
BMW 525i
184hp
175ft. lbs. of torque
0-60 in 8.2 seconds
146mph limit
3417 (3450)lbs.
$39,800 Base MSRP
Cadillac CTS (3.6L engine)
255hp
255ft. lbs. of torque
143mph limit
0-60 in 6.4 seconds (automatic only; 6 speed manual to arrive Q3 expected to do 6.2 by rough estimations)
3,568 lbs.
$36,580 Base MSRP
BMW 330i
225hp
214ft. lbs. of torque
128mph limit
3285 (3362) lbs.
0-60 in 6.4 seconds
$35,200 Base MSRP
BMW 530i
225hp
214ft. lbs. of torque
150mph limit
0-60 in 6.6 (6.9)seconds
3461(3483)lbs.
$44,900 Base MSRP
All numbers taken from manufacturer's respective sites. Numbers in parenthesis represent auto. trans. when both are available.
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Deeply Religious NonBeliever 'Enthusiasm is no substitute for rationality. If you're a wacko you can expect to remain on the fringes.' ~dkozloski, posting from Alaska
Money no object ill take the BMW over any of the CTS's........no matter how slow a BMW (like our 2001 325cic conv) its still a blast to drive, the noises the engine makes when revving the shifting of the trans (same in CTS) it all just feels so natural compared to other cars.
I was in the market for a performance sedan and was primarily interested in the CTS, since I am a diehard GM fan. I was very disappointed with the limited option groups and choices. I wanted the full luxury vehicle with the manual tranny but was unable to order it. Also, seemed as if I went from the sport model to the next trim level it was a 6k price jump. It would be nice to see them offer the CTS with a small V8 to get the bene's of the torque and smoother power band. I think the CTS with a V8 would be a dominant vehicle and I fear the re-invent of the HEMI will offer people another place to look (300 series) instead of the CTS.
I think that whatever dealer you went to mis-informed you or was trying to sell you what they had on the lot.
The lux/sport CTS with the 3.6L V6 255hp gets a 6 speed manual this fall. Not many V8s even match it's broad powerband due to it's variable valve technology. It's quite impressive.
You can also get the 3.2L V6 220hp with a 5 speed manual and the PDX sport package. This has been available since late 2003, which is why I believe you were misinformed. You could get a manual in the 3.2L lux/sport version since the first day of the CTS' production back in early 2002.
Yes, GM has packaged many of the electronic options in groups and there is much complaint(and rightly so) on this.
Last edited by gothicaleigh; 08-07-04 at 11:23 AM.
BMW no question, as I have gotten more acquainted with my 330i, I am slowly finding that BMW seemingly under-rates the numbers on these things, plus it takes to my beatings well, is a hoot to drive, and I have had but one single problem with it so far. Also the base 330 comes with alot of nice options right from the start. The M3 hovers around 55k and is absolute gem,despite only having an I6. I really think that with BMW, the 3 series best defines the whole brand, where with Mercedes, only the top drawer models are most rewarding. Dont get me wrong, they definitely have their downfalls, SIZE being a BIG ONE, but overall they are good cars.
5 series is not worth mentioning, between the CTS-V and M5 FOR THE MONEY the CTS-V is a total blast and MUCH more worth it.
__________________ "You ough'ta go and find a brain sale... And find a cheap one, cause you ain't got no trade-in!" - Red Fox
BMW no question, as I have gotten more acquainted with my 330i, I am slowly finding that BMW seemingly under-rates the numbers on these things, plus it takes to my beatings well, is a hoot to drive, and I have had but one single problem with it so far. Also the base 330 comes with alot of nice options right from the start. The M3 hovers around 55k and is absolute gem,despite only having an I6. I really think that with BMW, the 3 series best defines the whole brand, where with Mercedes, only the top drawer models are most rewarding. Dont get me wrong, they definitely have their downfalls, SIZE being a BIG ONE, but overall they are good cars.
5 series is not worth mentioning, between the CTS-V and M5 FOR THE MONEY the CTS-V is a total blast and MUCH more worth it.
I totally agree with you on the base 3 series #'s........in the early 90's the 2.5 was actually rated in the 195hp range I think.....I highly doubt they lowered it........when floored even our 2.5 is very fast.
The numbers quoted above reflect the times that the BMW's have produced in comparisons. If they are under-rated, shouldn't they be posting faster times than the manufacturer numbers?
NO.....what they do is what they do.......but when driven around......including 0-60 but also all the other types of driving....you can tell that this car makes a little more power then they want to tell.....Id imagine the 2.5 really makes closer to 195-200hp...and the 3.0 makes around 245.
I think that whatever dealer you went to mis-informed you or was trying to sell you what they had on the lot.
The lux/sport CTS with the 3.6L V6 255hp gets a 6 speed manual this fall. Not many V8s even match it's broad powerband due to it's variable valve technology. It's quite impressive.
You can also get the 3.2L V6 220hp with a 5 speed manual and the PDX sport package. This has been available since late 2003, which is why I believe you were misinformed. You could get a manual in the 3.2L lux/sport version since the first day of the CTS' production back in early 2002.
Yes, GM has packaged many of the electronic options in groups and there is much complaint(and rightly so) on this.
I was looking to spend less than the 50K pricetag on the V-series. :disappoin
Cadillac Vs. BMW: CTS Vs. 3 Vs. 5 
