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V4 vs. V6?

17K views 53 replies 30 participants last post by  NorthernSRX  
#1 ·
I'm looking to buy a 2020-2022 CT5. V6s are very hard to come by so I'm considering a V4. I currently drive a CTS V6 and it's just right for me. Having a big, powerful engine is not important to me at all, but is there a big difference between the two that I might end up disappointed with a V4. BTW, I'm almost exclusively a city driver. TIA for your thoughts.
 
#4 ·
Why would you buy a luxury car and not use premium. For that matter any car with boost (turbo, supercharger) sure the computer can adjust timing so it runs but if you spent a premium on a car but can't afford the gas then you can't afford the car.
Also when timing is adjusted for poor gas/wrong octane you are giving up horsepower again pennywise dollar stupid
 
#26 ·
Well probably because of it doesn’t require it I’m not going to spend the money needlessly. I would think the engineers have a bit more knowledge than us when it comes to octane requirements. By the way fuel prices a year ago are slightly different vs. present day. Many could afford super at $2.50 a gallon. Now at $5 plus, not so much.
 
#6 ·
I am very well pleased with the V6 in my '22. While I guess I don't really need the power either, I am appreciate the power and the note the V6 TT gives in this vehicle. I found the V4 to be very sluggish on my test drive. Also consider that in regular automatic drive mode (as opposed to manual paddle shift use) the V6 automatically reverts to V4 under the appropriate conditions. I am averaging 19-20 MPG in the city, and I use "manual" 90% of the time, and enjoy the acceleration routinely.

I completely agree with the premium fuel discussions here. In fact, I only use Shell's V-Power in mine. I hate that we are being forced to pay what it is costing for oil/gas now.... but the car is worth it, and as it was said, if you can afford the car you should be able to afford the right fuel.

My suggestion? Wait on the V6 TT to become available, I think you will enjoy it much more.
 
#9 ·
I would try and test drive both engines to see which one suits you .I drove a 2.0 and found it lackluster especially if you are looking for AWD .Granted the 6 cylinder can be difficult to find with the options you want and you must get the premium luxury. It's possible and you might enjoy the hunt , it took me awhile to find mine and you must be willing to look outside of your neighborhood. Being turbo cars premium fuel is mandatory for both engines.
 
#12 ·
The CT5 uses the LSY 2.0T Ecotec and it's found a host of vehicles from the Malibu and Acadia to the XT4/5/6.

The difference between the LSY and its predecessor 2.0T (the LTG) is that the LSY adds active fuel management and start-stop but the new engine is also down on power. The LSY is rated at 237 hp and 258 lb-ft whereas the LSY in my daughter's 2019 Equinox is rated at 252/260. That Equinox is rated at 6.3 seconds to 60 mph (vs the heavier CT5 at 6.6 seconds).

GM subsequently dropped the 2.0T from the Equinox lineup and now the only available engine is the 1.5T Ecotec (the LYX). You now need a calendar to clock the Equinox's 0-60 time.

I suspect that GM hasn't invested in a powerful, next generation turbo four-banger because of its focus on EVs. The current LSY strikes me as not appropriate for a Cadillac but it's all GM has right now.
 
#14 ·
I did not drive the 4cyl so I can’t compare but the 6cyl in the CT5 is not lacking on power. I’m a V8 guy so I didn’t consider the 4. If the Blackwing was available in AWD I would buy it but I need AWD for the winter. I don’t drive aggressively but I want some power for passing or getting on the highway. You will not be disappointed with the twin turbo 6 in the CT5.
 
#15 ·
Most luxury brands offer 2.0 turbo motors all pretty similarly rated at around 250ish hp and 270ish tq. So cadillac is down on that department but not by a ton, I'm sure it's noticeable. I wonder if there going to go the route other lux brands have been by "electrifying" gas motor (330e for example uses a 181 hp motor 2.0t and adds a 107 hp electric motor with plug in to bump it to 288).
This I would think would help give it some off the line snap.
 
#16 ·
As it is, the CT5 with the base engine is slower than all of its competition when equipped with their 2.0T engines with or without additional boost from an electric motor. Don't get me wrong - the 2.0T Ecotec is a good engine - it's just not as high-strung as the 2.0Ts found in Cadillac's European competitors. That might turn out to be a good thing in turns of long term reliability.

I did not drive the 4cyl so I can’t compare but the 6cyl in the CT5 is not lacking on power. I’m a V8 guy so I didn’t consider the 4. If the Blackwing was available in AWD I would buy it but I need AWD for the winter. I don’t drive aggressively but I want some power for passing or getting on the highway. You will not be disappointed with the twin turbo 6 in the CT5.
Agreed. The 3.0T in the CT5 - whether PL or V - gives this car some beans in its belly.
 
#17 ·
Problem with worrying about reliability (from a manufacturer standpoint) is most luxury car buyers don't plan to keep cars for long run. Performance sells cars (m/amg/rs/v) but the trickle down needs to be there. If your looking for reliability in a luxury car chances are your going to head right over to the lexus dealership (my wife did because she wants to keep her truck and use it as her dailybeater ).

Cadillac should be focusing on making cars that are faster and better handling. Sales will come from there.
 
#18 ·
Cadillac reliability is pretty good and I'm speaking from 18 years experience driving Caddies - including my current ride, a 2010 CTS that is closing in on 180k miles (no, it has not been bulletproof but no back-breaker yet). Lexus isn't an option for me as there isn't one vehicle in their lineup that appeals to me on any level. Audi, MB, and BMW though have several vehicles that appeal but they are not only unreliable, they are pricey to buy, and pricey to maintain over the long haul.

Unfortunately, a 2.0T engine has to offer reliability because it doesn't offer much in the way of performance. Cadillac has to have a fuel efficient powerplant in its line-up but I don't think it should be the LSY as it's not sufficiently refined nor is it powerful enough to befit a Cadillac.
 
#36 ·
A few things. Its an I-4, not V. The 2022 RWD 4 when I test drove was pretty uninspiring. I got a RWD 3.0 and find it to be a wonderful mix of power and economy if you want it to be! Also, the owners manual (2022) clearly says that 92 octane is RECOMMENDED in the I-4. The V6 92 octane is REQUIRED. That's the difference - so if you elect to go with the 4 then you can run 87 with no issues to worry about other than reduced performance. Do this in the V6? Over constant use (87) you could cause mechanical issues.
 
#37 ·
You will be disapointed with the turbo 4, no question, regardless of your priority, especially have driven the V TT. Not enough motor for that car.

Further, i have been reading here about everybody being on waiting lists for cars and, after the wait, Cadillac releasing cars to customers without promised trims (programs and chips). It's pretty consistent. I don't know the ins and outs of buying and shipping a car from a distance, but my car is a fun car (hi-po i dont want to put senseless travel miles on) and my tuner/mechanic is in Houston (I reside in DFW.) To ship it each direction, off peak, costs me $300 bucks. direction, give or take.

Leading into...

Try Crest Cadillac in Frisco, TX. (Crest a infinit, Caddlic and Volvo all in a row right there). Not only are they a high volume dealer, they are a high priority dealer. However that works, they get the cars..whole. When i was looking for a new '21 Infiniti RS 400 (over monthly, Covid business 'symptoms' still strong), drive by dealers and online, the only 1 I could find was in Dallas with dealer plates...so used. Drive out to Crest and they had 12 or 13...all new, all available, in every color.

Like wise, im in for maintenance ALOT and always wander through then the caddie dealer. More focused and interested when they started posting up Blackwings...over a two year period, with 3000 mile OIC on my car, i gotta pretty good bead on both lots. When be bought my wife's Caddie, they had every version of the CT-4 (including a nww Blackwing) and CT-5 (no supercharged BlackWing...on that day. I've seen a handful over time.)

To me, it'd be worth an extra $500, 1000 bucks to have one shipped. i guess, do your own math.

Good luck.
 
#38 ·
Then twin turbo 6 platform requires premium fuel also, regardlees of dealer reqs. It also needs to be Top Tier fuel. If not familiar with TTF, I would look it up for sure, make sure you don't want to change fuel stops...for example, CostCo has TOP Tier gas. Sam's Wholesale, not. It's not a special expense fuel that has to searched out...just checking to make sure you'e chosen fuel meet then bar
 
#40 ·
I drove both before buying mine last year and there is an appreciable difference in the Turbo 4 and the TT 6. I am very well pleased with the 3.0 TT, Great gas mileage for this size car and nice ride in the touring mode, and plenty of sound and nice handling quality like a true sports sedan in the Sport (or MY Mode) for me. I am glad I held out for the 6 TT.
 
#41 ·
I have a 22' CT5 3.0TT and its definitely the best choice, the CT5 is too heavy for a 2.0 T, torque is what pulls a load and the 3.0TT has alot more. It shows some shortsightedness on GM's part to even offer the 2.0 engine in a luxury car but GM's had that problem for years, the bean counters rule supreme there. As for the Premium fuel issue I'd recommend purchasing it from Costco or Sam's you'll save money and because of the high volume they sell it will be fresher.
 
#42 ·
It shows some shortsightedness on GM's part to even offer the 2.0 engine in a luxury car but GM's had that problem for years, the bean counters rule supreme there.
Not really, the 2023 C-Class only comes in a 4 cyl. Maybe a 6 coming but not yet. Many are coming with 4 bangers these days, some getting over 300hp out of them. The V6 is on it's way out big time. Hey, try to find a V8 in a car these days, easier to find Bigfoot. All that being said I agree, I'd go with the V6 over the 2.0. But that's the trend in the industry. Small engines, little new development, and roll in the EV's, get ready for lots of pee breaks and gas (charging) station coffee.
 
#44 ·
I agree. V6 is the way to go. I don't know much about engines. But, the Blackwing seems too much money, unless it is for racing. For us everyday people, it is just right. As for a 4 cylinder, it might be good for around town. But, I would not want to put on the road, thousands of miles at a time.
 
#45 ·
Definitely interesting information. In a black and white scenario I would take the 3.0TT as well but I just bought a 2020 CT5 Premium Luxury and it has the 2.0T and I was overly impressed with it. Sure it is not a racecar but it is way faster then I thought it would be and I am thoroughly happy with it as it is my daily driver. It has plenty of get up and the big catch is it will get good gas mileage and with the current prices for premium gasoline, the more mileage the better. But like I stated, this was my reason for the 2.0 as if I want to go out and have fun, I have a Corvette that I can do that in and that is a lot of fun but for a daily driver, here in Michigan with winters, the 2.0 seems just great so far. I do not regret it one bit. On another note I am going from a 2017 Grand Cherokee Overland with the 3.6L and that has pretty close to 300 hp and this 2.0 feels way faster than the Jeep did with a V6. Not apples to apples comparison but just my 2 cents.
 
#48 ·
My wife's 2014 cts has the 2.0. Back then it was rated at approximately 275 + or- . It definitely has enough power for that car. If GM wouldn't have dumbed it down for the CT 5 it probably would have been ok. They are using it in China for Ct 6 also . Wonder how that's working. I'll keep my 3.0tt for sure!