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There are few experiences on American roads quite like driving a Cadillac. There is a reason that this brand name has held such a vaunted place in American automotive circles for generations – the ride offered by a Cadillac is second-to-none.
While making the decision to buy a Cadillac might be pretty easy, the choice of which Cadillac to purchase can be a bit trickier. Two of the leading options are the ATS and CTS, and each of these two models has a dedicated following to its credit. But which is the better choice for you and your family? We’ll break down the differences below and help you figure out which one to set your sights on for an upcoming purchase.
When trying to decide between these two, you are not going to find a lot of differences, as they are similar vehicles coming from the same car maker. To get started categorizing them in your mind, know that the CTS is the bigger of the two vehicles. If you are going to be taking passengers with you frequently, or if you simply like to have a little bit more interior space around you while driving, the CTS should be your first pick.
Usually, when you say one vehicle is larger than another, that means that the bigger one won’t be as fun to drive. It’s simply the way of the road that big vehicles usually aren’t as quick and nimble as those that have a smaller footprint. In this case, however, the driving experience is going to be exceptional in either vehicle. Whether you pick the smaller ATS or the larger CTS, you are sure to have some fun behind the wheel.
Both vehicles can be had with either a turbo four-cylinder engine or a V6. In the CTS, that V6 comes with a twin-turbo, meaning it’s an impressively powerful machine that can exceed 400 horsepower. Of course, since the ATS is smaller, it gets plenty of pickup from the standard V6, even in the absence of a turbo. For those who are particularly serious about their driving experience and love what a manual gearbox can do for a car, that is an option only on the ATS.
We can’t tell you which of these two cars looks better because that is always going to be subject to debate. What we can say, however, is that they look very similar. There is not a lot to separate the two from an aesthetic standpoint. As mentioned above, the CTS is a bigger car, so that will impact how it looks, especially when viewed from the side. Whether you like the look of the shorter or longer vehicle is something that you’ll need to determine for yourself.
For drivers who love having vehicles with as much technology packed in as possible, it’s the CTS that will grab most of the attention. With a higher price tag, the CTS is able to include some features – like a bigger display – that don’t make it into the ATS layout. With that said, these are both still Cadillacs, and you are going to have plenty of technology and advanced features in each.
Speaking of these being Cadillacs, that name stands for outstanding ride quality above all else. You aren’t going to find anything to complain about on this front with either the ATS or CTS, outside of the personal preference matter of liking a bigger or smaller car. The driver and all of the passengers will appreciate the smooth ride that is offered in each, although passengers in the back of the CTS will have a little more room. As we mentioned earlier, the smaller ATS may feel a little bit quicker when getting started from a stop, and a little more nimble coming out of the corners, so that is what you’ll get in return for sacrificing some interior space.
It’s not like you are going to go wrong with either the Cadillac ATS or CTS. It will be a great experience to own either of these vehicles, and you are sure to enjoy the many thousands of miles of driving that lay ahead. We hope the information above has helped to make your decision a little easier, and remember that our helpful team is here to assist you through the purchasing process to make sure you come away with a vehicle that is ideal for your needs. We look forward to serving you!
| 2018 CADILLAC ATS | VS | 2018 CADILLAC CTS |
|---|---|---|
| $36,490 | MSRP | $24,490 |
| 272 HP | Horsepower | 268 HP |
| 22 city / 31 hwy | Fuel Economy | 22 city / 30 highway |
Serving Warner Robins, Macon, and Perry
When you put your foot down on the ATS accelerator, you will feel in command of the road. It has a four-cylinder engine that cranks out 272 horsepower. If you want more, you can step up to the 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower. At the top of the heap, the ATS-V has a 464-horsepower engine that cranks out 445 lb.-ft. of torque.
The CTS has a turbo-four engine with a high level of torque. It earns 268 horsepower for excellent highway competitiveness. You can get the 3.6-liter V6 if you prefer traditional engine power. The CTS offers two faster ways to travel. The first is the exciting 420-horsepower twin-turbo V6. The second is the supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It cranks out 640 horsepower. Magnetic Ride Control can smooth the bumps by reading the road in milliseconds.
As a midsize sedan, the CTS is bigger than the compact ATS, offered in sedan or coupe styles. All models start with Cadillac’s premium leatherette upholstery. Wood, chrome and detailed stitching create a rich design. To maintain a good temperature, the dual-zone climate system can be augmented by heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Wireless charging, three USB ports, a proximity key, and push button start are ATS standards. CTS models add standard power-adjustable seats and an 11-speaker Bose system. Semi-aniline leathers cover the seats. You also get the myCadillac app for important information and data. ATS and CTS models have an eight-inch touch screen. Drivers will like the backup knobs and buttons. The CUE system now includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Every Cadillac is capable of providing a WiFi hotspot via an OnStar subscription.
The gold standard in safety is the five-star rating at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both Cadillacs easily earned this designation. Cadillac has a number of technologies to help drivers avoid collisions. These include well-known technologies such as the rearview camera system and unusual ones such as the rearview mirror camera. The mirror system is a broadcast that shows the entire rear perimeter at a wider angle than the mirror alone can provide. It eliminates the car’s blind spots both externally and internally, leaving an unencumbered view of the car’s rear flank. A Safety Alert Seat, a GM exclusive, works with forward collision warnings and lane watch technology to make sure the driver is aware of potential dangers. These Cadillacs offer front and rear automatic braking as well as full-speed-range adaptive cruise control. Drivers have many tools to keep their passengers out of harm’s way.
The 2018 Cadillac ATS and CTS each make a strong case for upscale living. Deciding which one is right for you is part of the fun of shopping for a luxury car. Visit us at Five Star Cadillac to take a test drive!
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MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
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