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Automotive News & Views Can GM make Cadillac the standard of the world Again?
6098 messages, Last post on Aug 14, 2009 at 4:43 PM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Replying to: cooterbfd (Sep 10, 2008 1:47 pm) Regards, OW |
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Here we go again.... CTS vs. 3series, the ultimate comparison, again???? Yeah it just never ends. For those who complain about Cadillac being inferior to BMW, or vice versa, its a matter of personal taste!!!! Fact is noone, even those with brief test drives, can deny the fact that the BMW's steering is far more communicative. "Why you continue to bring up the CTS' "shortcomings" as compared to your 3 series just because they are the same price is beyond me. The CTS is as big as the 5 series, yet is $12K cheaper, while your Bimmer is 1/2 inch SHORTER than a Corolla. Your car SHOULD handle better; it's SMALLER!!! " Heres the problem: Cadillac position the CTS to COMPETE WITH BMW 3-SERIES, NOT 5!!!!! I understand, logically the CTS doesnt belong in the compact luxo car, but thats exactly how Cadillac place the CTS. What can we say??? Cadillac made the choice, customers like us just react accordingly. Please remember GM brags that CTS' handling is on equal footing with bmw's 3series. But when compared what happens? The CTS fell apart. On the other hand, the CTS does have softer, plush ride that's more comfortable than BMW's. Now if you still have doubts, think about this: the Infiniti G35 is ALMOST AS LARGE as CTS, also positioned to challenge the 3, yet the handling nearly matches BMW's. Does the Cadi come anywhere close? I'd say no. If anyone argue that CTS should be compared to the 5er, then why is the G capable of matching the smaller BMW? Infiniti nailed the target, Cadillac failed. No excuses.... Here's my take on the 3 cars (yes, I have test driven all 3): 1) Performance/handling: BMW tops, G35 very close 2nd, CTS trails. The CTS steering is slow to react when compared to the other 2. However I admit the gap is narrowed significantly now. 2) Ride comfort: Cadillac is best, BMW a bit distant 2nd, G35 worst by far. While the soft suspension isnt necessarily good for agressive driving, I love the CTS' ride on long trips (I did rent one for a 300 mile trip for 3 days) 3) Standard features: Infiniti tops, Cadillac 2nd, BMW worst by a million years. BMWs come stripped down in base form, its a pity that Cadillac lean towards BMW than Infiniti-Acura-Lexus, choosing to make many features optional. GM charge extra cost for paints? None of the japanese charge that, and no, not even BMW should get away with that. 4) Interior quality: BMW still best (though barely), CTS a very very close 2nd, G35 trails. I still think there's too much cheap plastic inside the CTS at this price, frankly I wont complain at all if GM charges CTS at Infiniti price. That said, bmw, while victorious in comparison, still feel rather cheap for the price. 5) Pricing: Infiniti kills all the others, CTS trails, BMW trails even more. A nicely loaded G35 cost about 36k, an equally equipped CTS will cost 4-5k more, and an equivalent 335 will burn your wallet for 44k. -I admit I'm not familiar with CTS' reliability, so I'm skipping that part to be fair. And before any of you ask, yes I like BMWs, used to own one, but I'm not defending BMW. I actually find Infiniti the best deal of the 3 at the moment. Now how do you decide which is best? You cant. Each has his/her own preference, making the term "best/better" just as subjective as it can be. One more thing, can we stop calling names?? Its kinda immature you know? .... thanks, and peace, guys. |
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Replying to: m4d_cow (Sep 10, 2008 11:23 pm) Regards, OW |
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Replying to: m4d_cow (Sep 10, 2008 11:23 pm) Cadillac only charges extra for specialty paint. They have to go thru the paint cycle 1 or 2 more times depending on whether it is tintcoat or tricoat so it cost a bit more. It also requires more paint line capacity. The paint is a bunch more expensive too. I see they charge $995. And now they are offering a Chromaflair color. 5 years ago Lexus did charge for the tint coats and tricoats but in looking at their website they no longer do. BMW 3 charges $550 just for metallic which is no cost at Cadillac and Lexus. But they do not charge on the 5 or 7. They do not offer a tricoat or tintcoat. I see a lot of tricoat whites and red tint coats on GM high line vehicles so they are making a good profit on a desirable feature. Neighbor just picked up a white tricoat Enclave. Was driving a Lucerne with the same color.
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Replying to: m4d_cow (Sep 10, 2008 11:23 pm) So I don't think that the CTS's handling "fell apart" as you stated. What I think is true is that all of the "sports sedans" have tire/suspension tuning that is different and there are trade-offs that will make one better than another in certain comparisions. Better handling will ususally mean a rougher ride, but on real road conditions which is best is probably not black and white. Road & Track seemed to feel that the CTS would be a much better car for a long trip, while the G35 was probably better for zipping through switchbacks.
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Replying to: sls002 (Sep 11, 2008 9:41 am) Regards, OW |
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Replying to: circlew (Sep 11, 2008 10:31 am) |
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Replying to: circlew (Sep 11, 2008 10:31 am) I think with respect to the Road & Track comparison test that you are completely misinterpreting what Road & Track said (and I doubt that you have bothered to read the magazine anyway). Since you seem to value performace above all, why did you not buy something better than the 3-series? The 1-series surely outperforms it!
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Replying to: sls002 (Sep 11, 2008 12:54 pm) WOW, does that mean the SRX outhandles the CTS and 3 series? I mean it must for C&D to rate it above them. Or was the 3 series rated #1.
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Replying to: 62vetteefp (Sep 11, 2008 1:06 pm) Car & Driver did not get the 20 inch sport package that I have either. |
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