Hello to all. I am new to this forum, having been looking here for a few weeks and now will jump in with a question. Our current family sedan is a Volvo S70 Turbo. What I have appreciated about this engine is that maximum torque comes in very low, around 1800 rpm, which gives the car good acceleration ability/feel before the engines really spins up. I notice that the CTS engines have their torque peak at much higher rpm range. I know this is a subjective question but does this cause the CTS to feel relativly sluggish on initial takeoff? I also have a C6 corvette and while I understand that the CTS would not feel like it does, I do like the torque pattern of traditional American V8 engines. By the way, the CTS-V would be nice but is out of my price range for a family car. I realize that the final answer to my query is to take a test drive. I am just not ready to start the dealer hassle experience just yet. I don't like to take up a salemen's time and put miles on a dealers car until I am actually ready to make the purchase. At that time I will probably try out the new Volvos and look at used BMW 5 series as well as the CTS. So here I am, asking for your input, comparisons, etc. Thanks in advance.
torque/rpm question
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I would love to answer your question with a direct comparison to your old Volvo. However, I can only compare it to my BMW 328i and hope that you have driven that before.
In all honesty, from a subjective feel (i.e. head-snap and chest pressure), my AWD DI engine has much more "ooomph" off the line than the 328i. It's a fun feeling, but I don't floor it too often, my wallet doesn't like that. From 3rd gear and upward the cars have the exact same "torque-feel". I must comment that I love the passing ability of the CTS DI on the highway (especially in sport mode).
Have fun deciding, but do give it a try on the city streets and the highway. If you were like me, you would be pleasantly shocked by the DI engine.
In all honesty, from a subjective feel (i.e. head-snap and chest pressure), my AWD DI engine has much more "ooomph" off the line than the 328i. It's a fun feeling, but I don't floor it too often, my wallet doesn't like that. From 3rd gear and upward the cars have the exact same "torque-feel". I must comment that I love the passing ability of the CTS DI on the highway (especially in sport mode).
Have fun deciding, but do give it a try on the city streets and the highway. If you were like me, you would be pleasantly shocked by the DI engine.
3.6 DI engine has a broad, flat torque curve as shown in the link below. Some have complained about not enough low end torque. The bottom line is drive it and decide for yourself.
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...3798984-powerband-2008_36l_vvt_di_llt_cts.gif
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...3798984-powerband-2008_36l_vvt_di_llt_cts.gif
I feel that the Direct Injection Engine is a very powerful six cylinder. It can put you back in the seat a little bit and yes, it does pull stronger in the higher rpm's. It is still normal off the line, don't forget that it is a Cadillac and is almost 5,000 lbs.
With that said, if you are looking for speed, then go with a v8 or something of that nature. If you are looking for a beautiful car, comfortable, packs a surprising punch for a v6 and heavy car, then the CTS is the way to go. If you are looking for speed, I have had both the Direct Injection and Non Direct Injection and the Non-DI does not have enough pep to it.
When feeling like you want to "get around a little quicker", drive the Direct Injection in Sport Mode. You should be happy.
Best of luck wit your decision and hope to see you back on the Caddy forums shortly!
Take care!
With that said, if you are looking for speed, then go with a v8 or something of that nature. If you are looking for a beautiful car, comfortable, packs a surprising punch for a v6 and heavy car, then the CTS is the way to go. If you are looking for speed, I have had both the Direct Injection and Non Direct Injection and the Non-DI does not have enough pep to it.
When feeling like you want to "get around a little quicker", drive the Direct Injection in Sport Mode. You should be happy.
Best of luck wit your decision and hope to see you back on the Caddy forums shortly!
Take care!
Curb Weight of a 2008-09 CTS 3.6L DI RWD w/6-spd automatic is ~3,874 lbs. to ~4063 lbs. (fully-loaded). So, badblkcts, is there an 800-pound gorilla riding around with you in your CTS?
Curb Weight of a 2008-09 CTS 3.6L DI RWD w/6-spd automatic is ~3,874 lbs. to ~4063 lbs. (fully-loaded). So, badblkcts, is there an 800-pound gorilla riding around with you in your CTS?
As a matter of fact, vehicle weight control is one of the many facets where GM engineering has shined in the CTS. It has a rock solid body, quiet as a tomb, without being a heavy pig like many of its European and Japanese rivals.
Frank Gonzalez
Not a direct comparision but I came out of an '02 S60 T5 to the 2008 DI FE2 set up. Side by side:
2008 CTS DI 6-speed
3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve
304hp @ 6400 rpm
273 lb.ft @ 5200 rpm
1860 kg curbweight
2002 S60 T5 5-speed
2.3L Turbo L5 DOHC 20 valves
247 hp @ 5200 rpm
243 lb.ft @ 2400 rpm
1 440 kg curbweight
I loved the '60 off the line until I tried the CTS, as others have commented, it knocks your head back on take off - no torque steer either. As far as the turbo goes, I never experienced any turbo lag - the spooling happens fast. Between the two, I liked the Volvo, I love the CTS...
Suggest you give them a try like you plan and decide...
2008 CTS DI 6-speed
3.6L V6 DOHC 24-valve
304hp @ 6400 rpm
273 lb.ft @ 5200 rpm
1860 kg curbweight
2002 S60 T5 5-speed
2.3L Turbo L5 DOHC 20 valves
247 hp @ 5200 rpm
243 lb.ft @ 2400 rpm
1 440 kg curbweight
I loved the '60 off the line until I tried the CTS, as others have commented, it knocks your head back on take off - no torque steer either. As far as the turbo goes, I never experienced any turbo lag - the spooling happens fast. Between the two, I liked the Volvo, I love the CTS...
Suggest you give them a try like you plan and decide...
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