Finally CTS vs. BMW 5 Series Review

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Right. This is the 2nd one.
I wouldn't say "favorable," but the articles recognize CTS' strengths, but realize that it still needs to be taken up a notch to really compete with the 5.

I missed it, who compared the two first?

[91fairladyZ]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Right. This is the 2nd one.
I wouldn't say "favorable," but the articles recognize CTS' strengths, but realize that it still needs to be taken up a notch to really compete with the 5.

I didn't get any negative vibes from the review, in fact, I think the author was taking diggs at the BMW. Still a good read.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

I missed it, who compared the two first?

You'll have to check the Cadillac News or the Reviews section here.
It's somewhere.

EDIT: Here's the thread....
Motive Magazine: BMW 5-Series vs. Cadillac CTS

[Rocket 88]

Am I the only one who read "But there are niggles" refering to the BMW on page 2?

I am afraid to ask this question, but whats a niggle?

Other then that, very good article for GM. They had good praise of the New Malibu and even a great plug for Saturn.

[Vladimir1978]

If I was shopping for a midsize offering, I'd take the G35.

[stevecmh]

great review
u cant fight its merits
its cheaper with the same amenities

[ksr]

Originally Posted by 91fairladyZ

I didn't get any negative vibes from the review, in fact, I think the author was taking diggs at the BMW. Still a good read.

Agreed. It wasn't an in-depth review, but I think the author was more positive about the Cadillac.

[ksr]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

Seems they should be comparing the CTS with the BMW 3, based on price. Anybody who has the extra cash to be shopping for a 5 Series, I doubt, would consider saving the money and buying the CTS. Maybe I'm wrong.

I think if you're looking for the better car, or at least a car that is every bit as good, you do go with the CTS. I think even people with the extra cash would buy the less expensive car if the cars are equals. At least the smart ones.

That is, unless you're the all-too-typical BMW status-conscious buyer who'd buy a Yugo if it had a BMW badge affixed to the hood.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

why? Why not just use same ZF one then? Please elaborate!

CobaltSS

ZF is expensive.

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by zete

This type of review will do more for GM than a thousand reviews in car rags. Business Week is just very widely read and folks who read it religiously will realize a change in tune re: GM when they see it...

Yup. Although [as some have already indirectly suggested] the article is mislabeled, I do think at this point positive press like this will do wonders for GM. I, too, took the article to be favorable to GM, and it appropriately criticized the 5 where it needed to be criticized. No car is perfect-including the CTS-and any review, no matter how short, should contain balanced comments.

Originally Posted by Rocket 88

Am I the only one who read "But there are niggles" refering to the BMW on page 2?

I am afraid to ask this question, but whats a niggle?...

Dictionary.com is a somewhat useful resource to place in your favorites.

[BumbleBee]

Overall, I think this is a great review for Cadillac. The fact that they are comparing it to a much more prestigious vehicle (rightly or wrongly), BMW, and more importantly a much more expensive vehicle and RECOMMENDING the CTS I think is a great review.

My brother-in-law is obsessed with labels and brands, always drove Toyotas and now that he's making money is only driving German engineering. However, at the Auto Show he sat in the new CTS and was VERY IMPRESSED. Was he impressed enough to buy one, no, because its not the brand to have at the moment, but he was surprised at how good looking the car was done and was AMAZED at the interior.

Change takes time. Some recognize change before some others.

[CobaltSScrazy]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

ZF is expensive.

ok, so why isn't GM's then? Plus wouldn't they want the best in the b.m.w.? I thought they over invest and then way overcharge, isn't that their main name?

CobaltSS

[MOGI]

Originally Posted by nadepalma

Fantastic quote.

I think overall it's a decent review -- even if it was rather short and not a real long test like we'd see from Edmunds or Card & Driver.

Excellent nonetheless. Glad that some folks out there are at least pitting the proper vehicles against each other...

Generally speaking the people who read business week are bottom line type people. If they're interest is sparked, they'll dig deeper on the CTS. Thankfully, this journalist made his point that CTS (American product) is definitly worth a look in this segment.

I'll take this article as a positive...

[ponyok67]

Yeah, good enough review and from a real publication.
I think it reminds that Cadillac is blurring the lines with value. Not so cut and dry now that you have to spend this to get that.
And in such a beautiful package too.

[baloo]

I'm guessing BMW doesn't use the GM trans in the more performance-focussed versions because of its weight. An auto 328i with the GM trans is 66lb heavier than the manual. An auto 335i with the ZF trans is just 11lb heavier than the manual version.