Winding Road with a proper comparo! It's a good read also. Pretty fair write up between the two. They couldn't even pick one over the other. There are also some nice pictures of two very beautiful cars.
A Proper Comparo: Cadillac CTS vs Jaguar XF
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Thank goodness!! They even said it in the article that the 335i comparisons are incorrect.
But they also said that "Americans" (media and consumers, I'm assuming), should "situate Cadillac in its rightful premium spot on the snob podium." And that is correct. Also, it is something Cadillac needs to take note of, as they still haven't gotten it through their thick, stubborn skulls yet.
Funny that they too mention the lack of push button start.
They also mention the lack of refinement from the engine.
Overall, it's very fair, I thoguht.
Thank goodness!! They even said it in the article that the 335i comparisons are incorrect.
But they also said that "Americans" (media and consumers, I'm assuming), should "situate Cadillac in its rightful premium spot on the snob podium." And that is correct. Also, it is something Cadillac needs to take note of, as they still haven't gotten it through their thick, stubborn skulls yet.
Funny that they too mention the lack of push button start.
They also mention the lack of refinement from the engine.
Overall, it's very fair, I thoguht.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
I agree, its a fair review, but with all these comparisons Cadillac's lack of a true midlevel engine becomes apparent. The DI engine ought to be standard - and I want to see a 375hp engine from Caddy right quick, don't really care how they make the 375 - but in contrast to others, I'd prefer the fuel efficiency of a DI turbo. I also hope to see an Aero X style AWD system soon hooked to that 375hp engine.
Overall, if Cadillac can model all of its products in the theme of the CTS - Caddy is back - but not until. And so far, CTS is the only one.
I agree, its a fair review, but with all these comparisons Cadillac's lack of a true midlevel engine becomes apparent. The DI engine ought to be standard - and I want to see a 375hp engine from Caddy right quick, don't really care how they make the 375 - but in contrast to others, I'd prefer the fuel efficiency of a DI turbo. I also hope to see an Aero X style AWD system soon hooked to that 375hp engine.
Overall, if Cadillac can model all of its products in the theme of the CTS - Caddy is back - but not until. And so far, CTS is the only one.
Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Boggles my mind why they don't offer a 85 octane DI3.6 and a 91 octane DI3.6. Pretty cheap power bump and I'm the engine would take to the increased octane like a fish to water.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Why not just have the same engine take both with respective power?
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Yes, they do need a more powerful midlevel. That would be easily resolved if GM could use one one of the excellent small blocks in its repertoire. What if they stuck the LS3 at 430 horsepower in there? Would it get slammed as being unsophisticated? I've never really seen reviewers take points away from the CTS-V for its use of the Corvette engine, but it might hurt in foreign markets.
Yes, they do need a more powerful midlevel. That would be easily resolved if GM could use one one of the excellent small blocks in its repertoire. What if they stuck the LS3 at 430 horsepower in there? Would it get slammed as being unsophisticated? I've never really seen reviewers take points away from the CTS-V for its use of the Corvette engine, but it might hurt in foreign markets.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
This comparo is a breath of fresh air. It goes to show that some auto journalists do understand where the CTS is positioned in market and what its competitors are.
I enjoyed the article and the little video they put together.
I always look forward to digital issues of Winding Road.
This comparo is a breath of fresh air. It goes to show that some auto journalists do understand where the CTS is positioned in market and what its competitors are.
I enjoyed the article and the little video they put together.
I always look forward to digital issues of Winding Road.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
I don't think it would. Even Jeremy Clarkson loves the Vauxhaul VXR (G8 GT w/LS2). That and what praytell is unsophisticated about the LS3? If you take a look at history overhead valve design is newer than overhead camshaft.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
The 3.6L DI is really a "midlevel" engine parading around as a top end engine.
In fact, isn't the 2.8L still standard for markets outside the US?
THe problem is that the CTS tops out where the midlevel begins on every single one of its competitors begins. Then there's this huge gap from top end CTS to performance.
The 3.6L DI is really a "midlevel" engine parading around as a top end engine.
In fact, isn't the 2.8L still standard for markets outside the US?
THe problem is that the CTS tops out where the midlevel begins on every single one of its competitors begins. Then there's this huge gap from top end CTS to performance.
Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Chrysler is making a big push on it to starting in 2009.
Hell GM is looking into it for all cars by 2012 in some form (can't say how I know this....)
STS already has Push Button.
Chrysler is making a big push on it to starting in 2009.
Hell GM is looking into it for all cars by 2012 in some form (can't say how I know this....)
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
I still can't get over how striking that CTS is. It's so distinct and beautiful that I love looking at it. The Jaguar honestly is hard to identify as such. They spoke to it some in the article. I glance at the front end and almost see Subaru styling themes. Yikes......not what I want in my Jag.
I still can't get over how striking that CTS is. It's so distinct and beautiful that I love looking at it. The Jaguar honestly is hard to identify as such. They spoke to it some in the article. I glance at the front end and almost see Subaru styling themes. Yikes......not what I want in my Jag.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
You always strike me as someone very particular as to what goes into a luxury car. So my question for you is, would you prefer a smallblock V8 to a twin turbo V6? I know I would, and I bet it's a much cheaper option to boot. But I honestly don't know how it would be perceived.
Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
A real puff piece - comparing a rebadged bathtub Malibore to a real car is a horrible comparison. Like comparing a tramp with a real lady. Cadillac should be embarrassed by their amateur attempt at an interior. A mishmash of shapes and pieces that don't go together. I'd take a Jag anyday and would trade a Cadillac if given to me. Cadillacs are jokes and pretenders. Bland overpriced vehicles with limited luxury and bravado befitting a success (which CTS isn't).
A real puff piece - comparing a rebadged bathtub Malibore to a real car is a horrible comparison. Like comparing a tramp with a real lady. Cadillac should be embarrassed by their amateur attempt at an interior. A mishmash of shapes and pieces that don't go together. I'd take a Jag anyday and would trade a Cadillac if given to me. Cadillacs are jokes and pretenders. Bland overpriced vehicles with limited luxury and bravado befitting a success (which CTS isn't).
Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
If the CTS needs a more powerful motor, it definitely should not be an LS motor.
The LS motors are all about power and torque in an inexpensive manner. I would consider them the best motors in the world in that regard. This is not what Cadillac should be. Caddy's should have smaller displacements that rev high while being very refined. If the Ultra V8 is not happening then it should be a turbo V6.
And before the flaming begins, I have a 5.3L V8. It's an awesome motor. Sounds great, very good power, and very smooth. I also have a turbo 4 cylinder VW. When I first got it, I banged it off the rev limiter all the time because it revved so fast and did not even think of shuddering. My last motor is a mid 80s Audi 5 cylinder. I don't think there is a better sounding motor that was ever put in a small car. It's not powerful but runs beautifully with over 200,000 miles.
My point is that if I am going to spend $40,000+ on a car, I want a motor like the Audi or VW. It fits the type of car, it seems more expensive. The GM V8, while an awesome motor, cheapens the car. I would bet that someone who would actually buy the car (not the internet folk) would agree with me.
If the CTS needs a more powerful motor, it definitely should not be an LS motor.
The LS motors are all about power and torque in an inexpensive manner. I would consider them the best motors in the world in that regard. This is not what Cadillac should be. Caddy's should have smaller displacements that rev high while being very refined. If the Ultra V8 is not happening then it should be a turbo V6.
And before the flaming begins, I have a 5.3L V8. It's an awesome motor. Sounds great, very good power, and very smooth. I also have a turbo 4 cylinder VW. When I first got it, I banged it off the rev limiter all the time because it revved so fast and did not even think of shuddering. My last motor is a mid 80s Audi 5 cylinder. I don't think there is a better sounding motor that was ever put in a small car. It's not powerful but runs beautifully with over 200,000 miles.
My point is that if I am going to spend $40,000+ on a car, I want a motor like the Audi or VW. It fits the type of car, it seems more expensive. The GM V8, while an awesome motor, cheapens the car. I would bet that someone who would actually buy the car (not the internet folk) would agree with me.
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Thank you for the article it is one of the very best balanced comparison reviews I have read lately. I had chance to review XF and I was impressed.
JLM
jasaero,
Thank you for the article it is one of the very best balanced comparison reviews I have read lately. I had chance to review XF and I was impressed.
JLM
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
I would also prefer the TwinTurbo to be the midlevel, with a higher output version for the high end, with an option for a DOHC V8.
Cheaper is simply not an option for a luxury car.
Luxury is luxury. It has nothing to do with "cheap."
I would prefer a TwinTurbo V6 over any smallblock in a Cadillac.
I would also prefer the TwinTurbo to be the midlevel, with a higher output version for the high end, with an option for a DOHC V8.
Cheaper is simply not an option for a luxury car.
Luxury is luxury. It has nothing to do with "cheap."
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Re: A Proper Comparo: Jag XF vs Caddy CTS
Before the days of DI and $4.00 gas I'd agree with you, but:
1) Today's best V6s are as smooth as last decade's V8s - which were plenty smooth.
2) Turbos offer the same power as more displacement with better economy.
3) DI eliminates turbo lag.
4) GM isn't going to do DOHC V8s - so its a turbo DI 6 or an LS3 - which do you think is going to look more "advanced"
So, I'll take the slight NVH hit relative to a clean sheet V8 design to get better fuel economy for equal power. And I bet most Americans will too. 40K (the starting point for this type of CTS) is still within the market for people who care about a 20% fuel economy difference.
Now, when you get to the S class level - then I'd take the V8. Gas mileage becomes less of an issue when you are dropping 80K on a car.
No - its better than a V8.
Before the days of DI and $4.00 gas I'd agree with you, but:
1) Today's best V6s are as smooth as last decade's V8s - which were plenty smooth.
2) Turbos offer the same power as more displacement with better economy.
3) DI eliminates turbo lag.
4) GM isn't going to do DOHC V8s - so its a turbo DI 6 or an LS3 - which do you think is going to look more "advanced"
So, I'll take the slight NVH hit relative to a clean sheet V8 design to get better fuel economy for equal power. And I bet most Americans will too. 40K (the starting point for this type of CTS) is still within the market for people who care about a 20% fuel economy difference.
Now, when you get to the S class level - then I'd take the V8. Gas mileage becomes less of an issue when you are dropping 80K on a car.
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