dampflok
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Check this out: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2013-bmw-328i-vs-2013-cadillac-ats-comparison-test. Here are the chassis scores (max of 60) and fun-to-drive scores (max of 25):
ATS: chassis 58, fun to drive 25
328: chassis 49, fun to drive 20
So of course the winner is the . . . BMW!
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Inebriated Snake
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Its funny in the past the 3 would win purely on is sporting ways. Crappy interior, value, economy, reliability, it didn't matter when it drove the best. And that was always the deciding factor.
Now it that its softer and more mellow it wins because of that exact change. If the next 3 suddenly became a pick up truck, its competitors would lose on the basis that they are in fact not trucks.
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Chris David
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Ok, you listed 2 of 22 factors that C&D report in the article.
You could argue they are a bit biased in favor of Cadillac. For example they said that engine was rough and the manual transmission is a mess, but still rated both 7 out 10?
Anyway, they basically pick based on gut feeling and ad dollars then make the number close so they don't piss off either side. I don't think any of us pick a car based on magazine reviews. It's just entertainment.
I wonder how they'd rank the 328i m-sport package.
Caddy definitely deserves props for putting emphasis on handling. I hope they sell a ton.
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Hondarulez
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I thought that was a fair review......they went pretty far to praise the handling of the ATS.
In previous tests, I don't think the 3 series has ever been bad in any particular area. It has always been a good in everything, and exceptional in performance and handling. The only drawback is the price.
This test however is different, the ATS is exceptional in handling, but that's pretty much it. Its acceleration is an issue. 1/4 mile in 14.8@94mph? That's as fast as a 2002 TL Type S 5AT (and the TL has a 96mph trap speed).
As stated by C/D, once GM upgrades the powertrain, it will be interesting.
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TonyEX
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Mmm
" It tracks so straight that we could take our hands off the wheel for 25 seconds at a stretch. How do you like that, Google? The Germans already build self-driving cars."
Hell, I once drove my 06 HCH for three miles without touching the steering wheel and it kept running straight.... I kid you not:
I'll tell you where:
Northbound I5, the straightaway north of the rest stop just past Las Pulgas and south of San Onofre.
At cruise control, 80 mph, no wind, no traffic, at night.
I was able to light up my cigar nicely and for about three miles (I know, I measured it because I could not believe it) the car stayed true to the lane.
So, if this how C&D is going to evaluate cars now, then my old Civic wins, huh?
I think C&D is trying very hard not to get kicked off the next BMW press junket to Torremolinos or Nice.
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gofast182
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Hondarulez wrote:
I thought that was a fair review......they went pretty far to praise the handling of the ATS.
In previous tests, I don't think the 3 series has ever been bad in any particular area. It has always been a good in everything, and exceptional in performance and handling. The only drawback is the price.
This test however is different, the ATS is exceptional in handling, but that's pretty much it. Its acceleration is an issue. 1/4 mile in 14.8@94mph? That's as fast as a 2002 TL Type S 5AT (and the TL has a 96mph trap speed).
As stated by C/D, once GM upgrades the powertrain, it will be interesting.
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I thought it was a fair review as well. They gave context for all of their opinions.
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CivicB18
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The BMW wins simply because it always seems to be more refined! Those details like drivetrain refinement are very important. The G35/37 tried and failed because of the same reason. Cadillac is eerily close to that magic formula but the ATS just needs to be polished a bit more.
I've actually drive a 3.6 ATS and I actually like the chassis better vs my brothers 2008 335i. The ATS goes exactly where the driver wants it to. Who would have thought 20 years ago that Cadillacs would be fun to drive?!?!
~Patrick
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Hondarulez
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Definitely a thumbs up to caddy. Better straight line performance, more refinements, and better ride comfort without hurting handling would be the next step I think.
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gofast182
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CivicB18 wrote:
The BMW wins simply because it always seems to be more refined! Those details like drivetrain refinement are very important. The G35/37 tried and failed because of the same reason. Cadillac is eerily close to that magic formula but the ATS just needs to be polished a bit more.
I've actually drive a 3.6 ATS and I actually like the chassis better vs my brothers 2008 335i. The ATS goes exactly where the driver wants it to. Who would have thought 20 years ago that Cadillacs would be fun to drive?!?!
~Patrick
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You touched on an interesting point. The 3.6 is certain to be more smooth and refined than the turbo 4. I have yet to see the ATS 3.6 tested against a 3 series. That smoother engine may be enough to push it over the edge.
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GoFaster
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That 3.6 DI is certainly a terrific engine. Hopefully it doesn't make the ATS nose heavy, but it seems like it won't. I sat in the ATS at a mall, so not much of a review, but the thin silver buttons on the center stack looked like it was off a 1989 Goldstar TV. I love futuristic but those buttons do not belong in a car. Oddly the CD player is almost out of the car as it lives in the glove box. Just odd unless it is an option and standard is no CD player. I wish I had looked closer as to why the trunk is so oddly shaped. Seems like they made the least of it.
As odd as some things are with the ATS the 3.6 would certainly be high on my list of cars to drive if I was in the market for a new ride. The concept ATS Coupe loses all of extreme character of the CTS Coupe. Too bad because I love the looks of the CTS Coupe.
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Hondarulez
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gofast182 wrote:
CivicB18 wrote:
The BMW wins simply because it always seems to be more refined! Those details like drivetrain refinement are very important. The G35/37 tried and failed because of the same reason. Cadillac is eerily close to that magic formula but the ATS just needs to be polished a bit more.
I've actually drive a 3.6 ATS and I actually like the chassis better vs my brothers 2008 335i. The ATS goes exactly where the driver wants it to. Who would have thought 20 years ago that Cadillacs would be fun to drive?!?!
~Patrick
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You touched on an interesting point. The 3.6 is certain to be more smooth and refined than the turbo 4. I have yet to see the ATS 3.6 tested against a 3 series. That smoother engine may be enough to push it over the edge.
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I think the ATS 3.6 will be competing with 335i. From the road tests I've seen, the ATS 3.6 is slightly slower than the 335i in straight line performance. There's also no manual available for the 3.6 trim. The BMW I6 is also renown for its smoothness, can the ATS engine match it? It will be interesting to see!
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CivicB18
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The ATS 3.6 is only a few 10ths faster vs the 2.0t. Given the relatively light weight and 321hp I thought it would at least be in line with the 335.
~Patrick
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S600=Dream
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So, ehh, should these companies both be a little embarrassed that a new Accord can keep up with these cars?
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superchg2
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S600=Dream wrote:
So, ehh, should these companies both be a little embarrassed that a new Accord can keep up with these cars?
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A Sport V-6 Accord sedan with 6 speed stick would really make them sweat.
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CarPhreakD
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S600=Dream wrote:
So, ehh, should these companies both be a little embarrassed that a new Accord can keep up with these cars?
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Definitely! But that's been the story for ages now...
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eneka
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except someone wouldn't cross shop the F30 and accord..
either way, BMW has always been similar to Honda as they are both are never the "best" in one thing however does everything superbly.
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