I had both / have a CTS.
First I had the 2014 CTS followed by a 2015 ATS Coupe and now a 2018 CTS. All were/is the Premium. ( they didn't change the names here in Germany) I always go with max options.
The trim level are different in options and suspension etc.
I like all the options the Premium has. LCD Cluster /ACC/ Sunroof/ Blind Spot ....

The ATS coupe was fun to drive... perfect for Berlin. Nice suspension great handling and great respond and quick ( 2.0T)
But for me the CTS is more Cadillac. Like the big sedans. With the magnetic ride it s smooth to drive. I switched to normal all season tires. And it's much better in comfort. Also great handling and respond it doesn't feels much heavier than the ATS. Okay cornering u feel the size... but in the Autobahn I prefer the big Sedan feeling. Sometimes especially in small cities I would prefer the ATS lol... also prefer the LED flasher from the CTS over the ATS bulb. Also the little extra touch at the CTS - Cadillac lettering in the backlight ... for me the CTS has the ATS refined styling. With both Cars will give you a great deal! go with the most options and best price mileage value.

 

Thx. for info. Very helpful.
I lived in Berln.'88-89 before the wall came done. Shudder to think of driving a Caddy there then, or now.

 

Only had a CTS 2.0T loaner once. I concur with cad1980, you feel the size difference in the handling, even though it's not much larger. The ride was much better than any ATS 2.0T loaners I had though, something I was never really impressed with the ATS FE2 cars I've driven (I have an FE3 Magnetic Ride car myself). Also the throttle calibration was much better in the CTS, making the turbo power feel much more accessible at low RPM versus the ATS - conversely, I saw that in the fuel economy difference as well. Back seat is noticeably bigger, although it's not a bus by any means, and the trunk is marginally larger, not that it turns it into a Cadillac of yore (or even a 2000's midsize sedan).

 

I was considering both cars but ultimately had to have a manual transmission, so ATS for me. But if I was fine with an automatic trans then I would have gotten the CTS Vsport. Its Aisin 8spd auto with the twin turbo V6 is pretty sweet.

 

I had a 2008 CTS premium and loved the car (2nd generation CTS RWD premium). When I was ready to replace it, I didn't care at all for the 3rd generation styling but the dealer convinced me to test drive an ATS and I really liked it and ordered a 2014 ATS RWD premium.

The ATS isn't nearly as roomy as the CTS (both back seat and trunk) so if those are important then the CTS is a better choice for you. I rarely have anyone in the back seat and I have a full size crewcab pickup if I need to transport "stuff" so the ATS trunk is fine for my needs. The ATS is more maneuverable than the CTS and a lot of fun to drive. But if I had liked the 3rd gen CTS as much as I liked the 2nd gen, I would have bought another CTS.

The redesign history continues for me because when I was ready to trade the ATS in, one quick test drive was enough to convince me I didn't care for the CT4 replacement powertrain at all. I still have the ATS, primarily driven now by my daughter when she is home from college. My new daily driver is a loaded 2021 Camaro with the same great 3.6L powertrain I first experienced with the 2008 CTS. I hated the CT4 equipped with the 2.7L (noisy, requires premium fuel); had the 3.6 been an option for the CT4 there would be one in my garage now.

I will probably come back to Cadillac soon for a new EV.

Rodger

 

Another point to mention. If you are picky like me -
The CTS materials are much better... the door is totally padded with leather and vinyl leather. The door pockets are inside lined with velvet/microfiber. Even the dashboard is till the bottom padded. Feels much more luxurious to me!

 

Agree with the above - I had a gen 2 CTS for 13 years. It had the 3.6 DI engine and had more than adequate hustle.

Gen 3 CTS opens up the option of a V-Sport which is an amazing ride. I found the Gen 3 CTS to be a little bigger than I wanted but an ATS just a little too small (the gen 2 CTS was right in the middle). Plus, I wasn't a fan of CUE in the ATS and the gen 3 CTS. And the troubles with the 8 speed transmission that outfitted these cars from 2015 on gave me pause. There are tons of people who have been served well by either the ATS or the CTS and by the 8 speed transmission as well.

The Gen 3 V-Sport has a 8 speed Aisin transmission (not the same as the GM 8 speed) and is the one that would attract me to going back in time and live with that version of CUE.

 

Agree with what was said above. I have a performance 2.0 awd ATS, had I had to do it over, I would have gotten a CTS Vsport for the size and power train and more upgraded feel. I still do like the ATS looks though it looks sporty to me. Either way the styling of the 13 and up cadillac sedans are perfect for me one way or the other. They really did a good job IMO

 

CTS V Sport is the best of everything and at a bargain price.

 

I currently own both. A '14 ATS luxury 2.0T and a '10 CTS wagon. The ATS is more sport sedan than people give it credit for, absolute blast to drive. The CTS is more of a cruiser, it's bigger, heavier and overall more 'old man cadillac'.

 

I've ridden in my coworkers 2015 CTS many, many times. Personally I feel that it is more "floaty" feeling in its suspension. It is just in how smooth everything is. It's quite a bit more luxurious. The bigger V8 motor though, you can't beat a V8 growl and raw power... it is by far cooler in that aspect.
The ATS I own is bit rougher, chirpier, responsive, and honestly I think quicker (up to) high speeds. (CTS-V has a hellova lot more motor if you go top-end, and the ATS simply can't keep up)
But as a 2.0T owner, using it to commute in Houston traffic, it's LOTS of fun to cruise in. Good gas mileage too!
Remember, the back seat it tiny. Kids, briefcase, coats, small things. Not really good for adults. (but you can fit if needed)

To me, driving the ATS feels like a more luxurious 4-door Lotus with an air conditioner and radio, on a budget.

I do intend to finish tweaking my ATS for high power (new turbo, all internals, cams, intake/exhaust), high performance suspension, brakes, and wider tires. (probably will need to flare the fenders... eventually)
When I do all that, it will be a high $ ride, but I bet it scares the rest of the hair off my head on the track. haha