Bill's ATS-V Review

[bill25]

So, GM finally built the Cadillac M3 it always wanted. Maybe someday they can call it a CT3 or CT3-V

Lets look at the specs, and compare it against the M3 since Cadillac decided that that is the best car in the world, and Cadillac can't be the best unless they can tango with the M3.
(Based on this report: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/201 ... est-review)

ATS-V Specs:
Base Price - $63,660 - Win (not by much)
0-60 - 4.2 s - Lose
1/4 mile - 12.6 @ 115 - Lose
Braking 70 - 0 - 154 ft - Lose (Not by much)
skidpad - .97 g - Lose
weight - 3760 lbs. - Lose
lbs./hp - 8.1 - Win

M3 Specs:
Base Price - $65,850
0-60 - 3.8 s - Win
1/4 mile - 12.0 @ 119 - Win
Braking 70 - 0 - 153 - Win (Not by much)
skidpad - .99 g - Win
weight - 3540 lbs. - Win
lbs./hp - 8.3 -Lose

I will give the ATS-V this: the ATS-V tested was a 6 speed manual. The M3 test was a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode.
(Here is a link to that report: http://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/m3)

So with all the talk about HP and structural rigidity, the BMW is still considerably faster, and still handles slightly better. Why would you buy this again if the better car is only 2K more. Plus, most people buying these cars want the prestige and wow factor, BMW for 2K all the way. You walk into a room and mention that you have an M3 and people are in awe. You walk in a room and say you have an ATS-V and people are like "you have a what? ...I guess that is cool... (Guess he couldn't afford a BMW)"

Don't get me wrong, I am sure this is a GREAT car, GM needs to prove it though, and I don't think they can price cars this close to BMW until they actually beat BMW. This car hasn't beaten the M3. Sorry. The really really sad part is that they could have beaten the M3 and they chose to use that stupid turbo 6 instead of the small block V8 to protect the CTS-V. Worst decision possible. This is where copying BMW got lost in translation. BMW doesn't make the M3 slower so the M5 seems worth more money, the M3 is their flagship performer.

I don't even want a BMW, but I am definitely not going to pay 65K to lose to one.

[kevm14]

I think you need to add a link to the article. I haven't read one yet, and I'm not sure which one that might be.

[kevm14]

That ATS-V is only 90 lbs lighter than my CTS-V.

[bill25]

I have added both report links to the original post, along with the transmission caveat.


Both reports were from Car and Driver for consistency.