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I've been considering what should replace my 2006 CTS as a daily driver, lately. Whatever that car ends up being, it must have a manual trans. That really narrows my choices considerably. The only thing Cadillac has to offer with a third pedal is the 2.0T ATS - a car which, by the way, is high up on my list.
Today I decided to go drive the ATS's BMW competition. I drove a 335i M Sport. The only ones the dealer had available were AWD iXs with 8 speed autos. If I were getting one, it'd be the RWD with the 6 speed manual, but this is Chicago, and AWD sedans and coupes are de rigueur for dealer lots. God forbid it should rain or snow without four wheel drive. Obviously, the 335ix M Sport is a great car. It does all the things that you would expect a BMW to do really well. It stops great, it handles great, it steers great. The turbo N55, inline six is a gem. All of that has been said before. Other than engine, I honestly have to say that the ATS has a slight edge in chassis dynamics and steering feel. But that lusty N55 engine makes the total package a BMW win, in my opinion. An engine like the N55 in the ATS would make that car nothing short of awesome.
While I was there, I figured I'd take an M235i for a spin. Once again, it was an AWD iX with an auto. But it was really interesting driving the two back to back. The M235i's N55 motor packs 20 more horses and it weighs about 100 pounds less than the 335i. And you can feel that difference in power to weight immediately. The exhaust has a much more aggressive note, the steering is lighter, quicker and more direct than the 3 series - which actually makes it feel more like an ATS. I really liked this car much more than the 3. Much more than I thought I would. The front row with M seats are very roomy, supportive and comfortable. The rear is for kids and midgets only though.
I thought the new Mustang might also be on my shopping list by this time, but honestly I find it to be too butt ugly for me to even test drive. I might change my mind if I ever drive one, but right now it just doesn't turn me on enough for me to make the effort. But if Ford drops one off in my driveway...
The M235i does turn me on though. It feels like a BMW Camaro.
Today I decided to go drive the ATS's BMW competition. I drove a 335i M Sport. The only ones the dealer had available were AWD iXs with 8 speed autos. If I were getting one, it'd be the RWD with the 6 speed manual, but this is Chicago, and AWD sedans and coupes are de rigueur for dealer lots. God forbid it should rain or snow without four wheel drive. Obviously, the 335ix M Sport is a great car. It does all the things that you would expect a BMW to do really well. It stops great, it handles great, it steers great. The turbo N55, inline six is a gem. All of that has been said before. Other than engine, I honestly have to say that the ATS has a slight edge in chassis dynamics and steering feel. But that lusty N55 engine makes the total package a BMW win, in my opinion. An engine like the N55 in the ATS would make that car nothing short of awesome.
While I was there, I figured I'd take an M235i for a spin. Once again, it was an AWD iX with an auto. But it was really interesting driving the two back to back. The M235i's N55 motor packs 20 more horses and it weighs about 100 pounds less than the 335i. And you can feel that difference in power to weight immediately. The exhaust has a much more aggressive note, the steering is lighter, quicker and more direct than the 3 series - which actually makes it feel more like an ATS. I really liked this car much more than the 3. Much more than I thought I would. The front row with M seats are very roomy, supportive and comfortable. The rear is for kids and midgets only though.
I thought the new Mustang might also be on my shopping list by this time, but honestly I find it to be too butt ugly for me to even test drive. I might change my mind if I ever drive one, but right now it just doesn't turn me on enough for me to make the effort. But if Ford drops one off in my driveway...
The M235i does turn me on though. It feels like a BMW Camaro.