Poll: 550i vs. E550 vs. S6 vs. CTS V-Sport

[Virge_]

Which would you choose? Bonus if you want to say why!

 

[jlee]

Gently used CTS-V, because blown V8.

 

[Virge_]

Gently used CTS-V, because blown V8.

That isn't one of the options, the CTS-V is an entirely different class of car. =P

 

[PhoKingGuy]

None of those, 535i M-Sport. I think the 550i is marginally slower than the 535i. My father has an E350 sport and while decently quick, it drives like a fast comfy cruiser. Not the sportiest thing, but nice nonetheless.

The S6 might be an interesting proposition.

Ive been in Florida for the past 2 months and haven't seen a single new CTS yet. That says enough about how good it is for me. I've seen a ton of ATS/Regals though.

 

[Virge_]

None of those, 535i M-Sport. I think the 550i is marginally slower than the 535i.

I hate to be that guy, but you think that the 300HP 535i M-Sport is faster than the 445HP 550i?

The 535i isn't even in the same performance class as all 4 cars listed..

 

[Naeeldar]

I hate to be that guy, but you think that the 300HP 535i M-Sport is faster than the 445HP 550i?

The 535i isn't even in the same performance class as all 4 cars listed..

You pointed it out before I can. the 550i is in such a different world in terms of acceleration it's not even funny.

Personally it's an S6 for me. The handling on it is superb, the technology is nicer in the Audi, and the comfort seats are pretty damn amazing. The AWD is a bonus as well especially given what an S6 will do on a tune.

Runner up would be the 550i. The E550 isn't being made as of this year so you'd have to pick up last years model.

The CTS V-Sport is not in the same league as far as I'm concerned.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

I hate to be that guy, but you think that the 300HP 535i M-Sport is faster than the 445HP 550i?

The 535i isn't even in the same performance class as all 4 cars listed..

Hm I stand corrected. Its 5.5 vs 4.5 secs. I recall being told when I traded my 335i in for my X1 that 550i's arent stocked routinely because there wasn't much difference to justify the price increase.

I don't think ive ever seen one in person. Same with an E550.

 

[Midwayman]

"choose" Am I paying for it? Am I buying or leasing? Is used an option. All make differences.

 

[rommelrommel]

Drive em all. My order of preference would be:

550i>CTS V-Sport>S6>E550

Reasoning: This is a total crap shoot for me as every day when I went to the garage I would feel like I missed out by not buying the M5/E63/RS6/CTS-V.

If we were going all out on top end models that would change significantly:

E63>CTS-V>M5>RS6

 

[dguy6789]

Dunno why the comparison. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi don't make a car as nice as the CTS V for any amount of money.

 

[Virge_]

Dunno why the comparison. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi don't make a car as nice as the CTS V for any amount of money.

Although I understand their naming convention is pretty confusing, the CTS V-Sport and the CTS-V are two entirely different cars in distinctly different classes.

 

[Jumpem]

S6 since it is AWD.

 

[Wuzup101]

Although I understand their naming convention is pretty confusing, the CTS V-Sport and the CTS-V are two entirely different cars in distinctly different classes.

I'm not sure why you keep saying that. if I were buying one of the German cars that you listed above, I would be comparing them to the CTS-V not the CTS Vsport. While I just looked at MSRPs, the CTS-V is at the bottom of the price bracket when compared to the 550i, E550, and S6 (especially when you start looking at options).

In any case, I wouldn't buy any of them new. I would consider all of them after they have been hit with some depreciation... and I probably would go with the 550i because I've heard about some fun tunes with that TTV8. That being said, that's only because you said Vsport and not -V.

 

[Virge_]

I'm not sure why you keep saying that. if I were buying one of the German cars that you listed above, I would be comparing them to the CTS-V not the CTS Vsport. While I just looked at MSRPs, the CTS-V is at the bottom of the price bracket when compared to the 550i, E550, and S6 (especially when you start looking at options).

Probably because the CTS-V is a 550+ HP monster and is in the same class as the M5, E63 AMG, and Audi RS7. The four cars listed in this poll are in the same price range, the same power range, the same size and weight class, and the same "role" (that being Sports-Luxury sedan with an emphasis on Luxury). I'm really confused as to why you seem to think otherwise - perhaps I'm wrong, could you please elaborate?

Don't misunderstand, I'd happily be wrong on this if you could support why, but you don't appear to be able to differentiate between the things that actually define a vehicle compared to others if you think that the CTS-V should be up against the 550i/E550/S6.. The entire point of the CTS-V is that it's the same performance as the three german manufacturers premium RWD large luxury sedans, but that it's a shit ton cheaper. If you want a huge monstrous thing that barely fits in your garage but goes fast, then by all means get a CTS-V (as I would in the same situation, I don't feel the price premium of the M5/E64AMG/RS7 makes sense when compared!). I'd suggest you do some research on the CTS V-Sport and understand the difference, because if you did you wouldn't be saying these things at all..

Hint: Even though they are all "Sport-Luxury", the CTS-V and it's counterparts are more Sport than Luxury, the CTS V-Sport and it's counterparts are more Luxury than Sport. Apples to oranges.

 

[jlee]

Probably because the CTS-V is a 550+ HP monster and is in the same class as the M5, E63 AMG, and Audi RS7. The four cars listed in this poll are in the same price range, the same power range, the same size and weight class, and the same "role" (that being Sports-Luxury sedan with an emphasis on Luxury). I'm really confused as to why you seem to think otherwise - perhaps I'm wrong, could you please elaborate?

Don't misunderstand, I'd happily be wrong on this if you could support why, but you don't appear to be able to differentiate between the things that actually define a vehicle compared to others if you think that the CTS-V should be up against the 550i/E550/S6.. The entire point of the CTS-V is that it's the same performance as the three german manufacturers premium RWD large luxury sedans, but that it's a shit ton cheaper. If you want a huge monstrous thing that barely fits in your garage but goes fast, then by all means get a CTS-V (as I would in the same situation, I don't feel the price premium of the M5/E64AMG/RS7 makes sense when compared!). I'd suggest you do some research on the CTS V-Sport and understand the difference, because if you did you wouldn't be saying these things at all..

Hint: Even though they are all "Sport-Luxury", the CTS-V and it's counterparts are more Sport than Luxury, the CTS V-Sport and it's counterparts are more Luxury than Sport. Apples to oranges.

2014 Cadillac CTS V-Sport: 195.5 x 72.2 x 57.2 in
2014 Cadillac CTS-V: 191.3 x 72.5 x 57.3 in

 

[MegaFlop]

CTS-V Sport because Reliability.

I had a A6, never again.

More practically you get Magnetic ride and the e-Diff which are both awesome. I would probably put a mild tune on it and call it a day.

 

[Wuzup101]

Probably because the CTS-V is a 550+ HP monster and is in the same class as the M5, E63 AMG, and Audi RS7. The four cars listed in this poll are in the same price range, the same power range, the same size and weight class, and the same "role" (that being Sports-Luxury sedan with an emphasis on Luxury). I'm really confused as to why you seem to think otherwise - perhaps I'm wrong, could you please elaborate?

Just because it competes favorably performance wise with the higher end German models doesn't mean it also won't be cross-shopped against the lower end models that you mentioned. It (the CTS-V) is in the same PRICE range as the lower end models that you listed (not necessarily in the same performance envelope). You basically listed the highest performance non-top-tier car. For most people, money is the limiting factor when buying a car, not horsepower.

Don't misunderstand, I'd happily be wrong on this if you could support why, but you don't appear to be able to differentiate between the things that actually define a vehicle compared to others if you think that the CTS-V should be up against the 550i/E550/S6.. The entire point of the CTS-V is that it's the same performance as the three german manufacturers premium RWD large luxury sedans, but that it's a shit ton cheaper. If you want a huge monstrous thing that barely fits in your garage but goes fast, then by all means get a CTS-V (as I would in the same situation, I don't feel the price premium of the M5/E64AMG/RS7 makes sense when compared!). I'd suggest you do some research on the CTS V-Sport and understand the difference, because if you did you wouldn't be saying these things at all..

The difference in price between a CTS Vsport and a -V is like $5k based on what I've seen in a few minutes of browsing. The CTS Vsport is built on the newer lighter alpha platform (which I would assume the new -V will also be based on soon... but not yet). So the Vsport weighs about 300lbs less than a -V (roughly 3950 vs 4250). They have nearly identical exterior dimensions (the Vsport is about 4" longer with a 1" longer wheel base but width and height are within an inch of each other). If you can get the Vsport in your garrage you can get the -V in your garage. The Vsport is a nice car, and I'm sure the interior / tech is nicer (given that it's a newer platform). However, the interior of a -V isn't exactly a bad place to be.

Hint: Even though they are all "Sport-Luxury", the CTS-V and it's counterparts are more Sport than Luxury, the CTS V-Sport and it's counterparts are more Luxury than Sport. Apples to oranges.

The problem is that they didn't update the CTS-V but did upgrade the rest of the CTS line. You get more "new" tech if you purchase the Vsport. You get more engine and performance if you purchase the -V. You don't think people cross shop the CTS Vsport and the CTS-V at the same price point? Apples to nearly identical apples. Likely this "problem" will go away when the new CTS-V comes out and is priced $10k+ over what it is now. As is stands right now, for what I can buy, I'm going with the car that has a 6.2 LSA for a nearly identical price (still competitive... even cheaper... than what is on your list).

 

[Virge_]

Snip.

Quite informative! Thank you very much.

As a consumer, if I were to compare the CTS-V and CTS V-Sport directly, I would go with the V-Sport, for the following reasons:

1) Styling. The CTS V-Sport is the first Cadillac I can recall that I consider to be visually appealing. I've been floored by the performance of the CTS-V, but the blocky angular look of the car has always been a turn-off for me. Giant protruding tail lights, harsh angles - the car basically resembled a tank. The CTS V-Sport styling is much more aligned with what I prefer, visually.

2) Technology. I have a 2011 335xi. If I were to buy a 2014/15 335xi today I would literally get the exact same car with a shittier Navigation (the in-dash nav is superior to the plate-style Navigation visually - the new BMW navigation is impossible to differentiate from a Mazda navigation.. that's poor form). Cadillac's tech refresh is quite.. refreshing. With the sole exception of the fact that CUE is terribly under-powered (something soon to be fixed by their partnership with Google, no doubt), the tech available in the current CTS V-Sport blows away the German counterparts. For the first time in as long as I can remember, Cadillac isn't just ahead of the curve - it's setting the standard for everyone else to catch up.

3) Tuning ability. A CTS V-Sport can be turned into a 460HP (at the wheels, not the crank) 511 ft/lb monster with a $800 Trifecta ECU tune and 93 octane gas alone. You simply can't say the same thing about the other 3 cars, GM has done what they do best here by de-tuning the engine for the CTS V-Sport.

Would you mind replying to these in your opinion? I feel your reply might be very insightful. Thanks!

 

[Virge_]

Just a side-note, the biggest thing that has kept me in a new BMW every few years was their hassle-free warranty. Need an oil change? Zero cost. Wear down your brakes by being too agressive? Zero cost replacement. Out of washer fluid? No gas-station pit-stop for me, just let them know the next time I drop the car off for my complimentary coffee and car wash at the dealership (done more than once a week in the winter..) and they top off the fluids. Zero cost. BMW's "we take care of you like you're a billionaire" service when the car is under warranty is one of the many reasons I've stuck with them.

Who else does that? Until recently, nobody. Cadillac seems to get it - and now they've done the same thing. Apples to apples comparison, I think I'd be hard pressed not to give Cadillac a try this time around. From the perspective of an owner, Cadillac sees what BMW does right and is trying to match them while producing a product that costs less. Nobody else is even in the running for that kind of service right now.

 

[Midwayman]

2) Technology. I have a 2011 335xi. If I were to buy a 2014/15 335xi today I would literally get the exact same car with a shittier Navigation (the in-dash nav is superior to the plate-style Navigation visually - the new BMW navigation is impossible to differentiate from a Mazda navigation.. that's poor form). Cadillac's tech refresh is quite.. refreshing. With the sole exception of the fact that CUE is terribly under-powered (something soon to be fixed by their partnership with Google, no doubt), the tech available in the current CTS V-Sport blows away the German counterparts. For the first time in as long as I can remember, Cadillac isn't just ahead of the curve - it's setting the standard for everyone else to catch up.

Odd since I thought CUE has been pretty much universally despised by the auto press.

 

[Virge_]

Odd since I thought CUE has been pretty much universally despised by the auto press.

As I stated, CUE is stupidly slow - but when I say technology I mean other things. From the simple switching of modes to the massive amount of tech baked into the car itself, such as the fully configurable digital tach and the HUD.

 

[Wuzup101]

Quite informative! Thank you very much.

As a consumer, if I were to compare the CTS-V and CTS V-Sport directly, I would go with the V-Sport, for the following reasons:

1) Styling. The CTS V-Sport is the first Cadillac I can recall that I consider to be visually appealing. I've been floored by the performance of the CTS-V, but the blocky angular look of the car has always been a turn-off for me. Giant protruding tail lights, harsh angles - the car basically resembled a tank. The CTS V-Sport styling is much more aligned with what I prefer, visually.

I like the way both of them look. Obviously, looks are subjective and as the buyer you have to like the way your car looks more than anyone else (and not care if they don't like it). Definitely can't fault anyone for liking one car over the other based on looks. I will say I don't really have a favorite between the two... but I think they did a very nice job on the new CTS.

2) Technology. I have a 2011 335xi. If I were to buy a 2014/15 335xi today I would literally get the exact same car with a shittier Navigation (the in-dash nav is superior to the plate-style Navigation visually - the new BMW navigation is impossible to differentiate from a Mazda navigation.. that's poor form). Cadillac's tech refresh is quite.. refreshing. With the sole exception of the fact that CUE is terribly under-powered (something soon to be fixed by their partnership with Google, no doubt), the tech available in the current CTS V-Sport blows away the German counterparts. For the first time in as long as I can remember, Cadillac isn't just ahead of the curve - it's setting the standard for everyone else to catch up.

I typically wouldn't ever option a car that I was purchasing for myself with navigation (that is not to say that I wouldn't suggest it to others - like my parents) who might appreciate it. That is primary because I will always have a fairly new cell phone that might get upgraded 5+ times during the time I own the car. I find that cell phone navigation is generally better than car systems (sadly) and to add insult to injury car nav systems are hugely overpriced. I haven't been in the new CTS yet... maybe I'll take a look sometime soon (I've only seen pictures). I did just take delivery of a 2015 stingray with mag ride. Lets just say that I'm pretty sure you'll be plenty happy with the CTS if it shares anything with it's brother. When I think of cool tech in the Vsport I'm thinking magnetic ride control, variable steering, electronic rear diff, etc... Not simply things that light up in the cabin - but again... I'm pretty sure that those will be more than satisfactory on the CTS too.

3) Tuning ability. A CTS V-Sport can be turned into a 460HP (at the wheels, not the crank) 511 ft/lb monster with a $800 Trifecta ECU tune and 93 octane gas alone. You simply can't say the same thing about the other 3 cars, GM has done what they do best here by de-tuning the engine for the CTS V-Sport.

Would you mind replying to these in your opinion? I feel your reply might be very insightful. Thanks!

Tuning is always fun. Honestly I'm not sure what each engine is capable of. I know the TT V8 in the BMW has a lot of head room too and I believe is around those numbers with a $500 juice box tune... but aftermarket on a bmw is generally more expensive. With regards to the audi and the merc, I'm not sure. Both are also twin turbo v8's so I'd imagine there might be some headroom there too. That being said, the domestic one in this group will probably be the one to pick for bang/buck tuning. Just keep in mind what you can do to the CTS-V's 6.2L supercharged engine with a pulley and a tune.

Regarding what you said about service in your follow up post, those are nice features (the free service) but you realize that free ain't free. You are paying for it one way or the other. I do my own basic stuff (oil, brake pads, etc...) because frankly I can do them in less time than it would take me to go to the dealer and wait. If coffee and free car washes are your thing, you have to take that into account (no one washes my car but me or a painstakingly selected professional independent detailer... and I get all the free coffee I want at work). Like looks, the above are hugely personnel preferences. Again my parents would love that stuff!

 

[A5]

I'd get the S6, but probably wait until the refresh next year.

 

[Virge_]

I'd get the S6, but probably wait until the refresh next year.

Out of curiosity, how do Audi and BMW's AWD stack up?

 

[KentState]

I owned an '11 CTS-V sedan before my Corvette Stingray. IMO, the new CTS-V sport looks and feels like a completely different car compared to mine. The V is more raw and unfiltered, while the new V sport feels like driving a very capable computer. It does have good road feel, but the tech dominates it.