Cadillac ATS/CTS vs Kizashi SLS AWD
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:20 am
I had written a few weeks ago about possibly getting a different car due to my perceived engine noise annoyance. So, I continued researching, finally, this past weekend, I test drove a Cadillac 2014 ATS RWD with the 3.6 V engine and 6 speed AT. Dimensionally, the car is very similar to the Kizashi, the interior room is slightly smaller and the back seat and trunk are appreciably smaller than my car which is a turn off for us since we do several road trips and luggage and seating capacity is important.
The car's steering felt tight and responsive, the car had Magnetic Ride Control and switchable modes, touring, sport and snow and ice.
The car accelerated very fast but I wasn't used to the shift shock from the AT. The brakes were solid and stopped the car in short order. It handled the corners that I encountered well but the car felt a little higher then I'm used to. Overall, I liked the car but was a little put off by the space tightness.
The salesman then suggested that I test drive a CTS, standard trim with the 2.0T. The car was white with light platinum leather with black accents and wood trim. It felt luxurious and it was beautiful. Dimensionally, this car is slightly larger, longer by almost a foot, 6 " longer wheel base and 5 cu feet more interior volume, the trunk is closer to the Kizashi, 13.7 VS 13.3. Felt more open, spacious, likely due the interior colors as well. Took the same test route, the Turbo was awesome, a huge rush of torque which made the 6 sp AT almost seem CVT "like" since you hardly felt the shifts. This car did not have MRC but sporting mode, again good handling, strong brakes, composed, confident ride.
The CTS was actually closer to what I already have. However, the styling and detail, appointments were really nice but expensive.
Despite this experience this weekend, I have the lingering reservation that the Kizashi in all wheel mode and in manual would keep up with these cars in the corners and would feel more grounded, if that makes any sense.
I am disappointed that my car in excellent condition and with low miles, @ 34K would be worth 10-12K for trade in purpose. So, part of my motivation is partly to take advantage of whatever rapidly disappearing equity I have and roll it over into another vehicle that really appeals to me stylistically and that handles well. So, there it sits, this has been a really difficult process since the Kizashi has such a level of detail and refinement, fun to drive quotient and value that is really hard to beat.
The car's steering felt tight and responsive, the car had Magnetic Ride Control and switchable modes, touring, sport and snow and ice.
The car accelerated very fast but I wasn't used to the shift shock from the AT. The brakes were solid and stopped the car in short order. It handled the corners that I encountered well but the car felt a little higher then I'm used to. Overall, I liked the car but was a little put off by the space tightness.
The salesman then suggested that I test drive a CTS, standard trim with the 2.0T. The car was white with light platinum leather with black accents and wood trim. It felt luxurious and it was beautiful. Dimensionally, this car is slightly larger, longer by almost a foot, 6 " longer wheel base and 5 cu feet more interior volume, the trunk is closer to the Kizashi, 13.7 VS 13.3. Felt more open, spacious, likely due the interior colors as well. Took the same test route, the Turbo was awesome, a huge rush of torque which made the 6 sp AT almost seem CVT "like" since you hardly felt the shifts. This car did not have MRC but sporting mode, again good handling, strong brakes, composed, confident ride.
The CTS was actually closer to what I already have. However, the styling and detail, appointments were really nice but expensive.
Despite this experience this weekend, I have the lingering reservation that the Kizashi in all wheel mode and in manual would keep up with these cars in the corners and would feel more grounded, if that makes any sense.
I am disappointed that my car in excellent condition and with low miles, @ 34K would be worth 10-12K for trade in purpose. So, part of my motivation is partly to take advantage of whatever rapidly disappearing equity I have and roll it over into another vehicle that really appeals to me stylistically and that handles well. So, there it sits, this has been a really difficult process since the Kizashi has such a level of detail and refinement, fun to drive quotient and value that is really hard to beat.