2016 Cadillac ATS vs 2016 Cadillac CTS

2016 Cadillac ATS vs 2016 Cadillac CTS

Serving Lancaster, Fort Mill, and Kershaw, SC For those drivers who do not need or want a van or crossover, and who do not like the feeling of being jammed into a compact or mid-size model, the classic full-size sedan is still the automobile of choice. The 2016 Cadillac ATS and CTS sedans are cars designed with the true automobile enthusiast in mind. More than just transportation, these are two cars that are designed to put the "Mario Andretti vibe" back into your soul. While either model would be a great enhancement to any garage, there are some key differences. The ATS sedan is the more affordable of the two, if you are in a position where your budget presents a constraint. That said, it certainly will not feel at all like a compromise when you slide behind the wheel. With a base price of $33,215 it becomes an entry point Cadillac for many who are ready to move up in the automotive world. The CTS sedan represents an additional layer of refinement over the ATS. One is left with the impression that while it was in the design stage, they took the designers off the leash and just said: "go for it!" The raison d'etra of this sedan is simple: performance. It is a car built for those drivers who truly love to feel bonded to the highway.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both cars are impressive. The ATS is equipped with a base-line 2.5L engine which produces 202 hp when turning at 6300 rpm. If that's not enough to light your fire, you can opt all the way up to the 3.6L engine with an impressive 335 hp and 285 ft.-lbs. of torque.

When you are ready to move up to the CTS, the base-line 2.0L engine is turbocharged, with an output of 268 hp. That same engine is available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The same choices prevail with the top-end 3.6L engine. If you want the turbocharged version of the 3.6L, it is available in the RWD version, with a tire-shredding 420 hp.

Between these engines and the 18" wheels, there are two choices for the transmission. The 2.0L Turbo ATS can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the 8-speed automatic version. For the CTS, the 8-speed version is the only proper pairing. Both sedans are available with AWD, depending on the configuration.

Appearance

When it comes to appearance, the CTS styling is just slightly more aggressive, as suits its performance. It is available with traditional chrome trim highlights, or you can opt for the more understated "black chrome" option. The front lamp system includes high-intensity LED arrays that run down either side. The grill design is slightly different to the CTS, with three horizontal bars vs. two on the ATS. Otherwise, the body styling can only be described as "sophisticated".

To say that the interior of these sedans is luxurious is a bit like saying the "Mona Lisa" is a painting of a woman. It is a bit of an understatement, at the very least. From the 20-way adjustable heated and ventilated power seats, to the impressive array of electronic features, both interiors are a study in refined elegance.

Safety

The array of safety features that is included in these sedans is impressive. From the multiplicity of airbags that surround the passengers to the carefully engineered energy-absorbing crumple zones that are designed into the frame and body, the welfare and safety of the occupants of these sedans was very obviously a first-order priority. Enhancements such as rear-vision cameras are available on the ATS, and standard on the CTS. Both have all-speed traction control, and daytime running lamps.

For those who opt for the CTS, there is the additional convenience of the rear park assist, as well as automatic braking (front and rear) on the top-line models of the CTS, as well as a host of other features too numerous to detail here.

While either of these models would be an excellent choice for your next car, the only way to decide which one should be your next purchase is to visit our dealership and see them up close and in person. While the decision process may be difficult, you may rest assured that either way, you will not regret the choice you make. To make the decision process just a bit more difficult, it should be noted that the 2016 ATS was chosen as the Entry Luxury Car Winner in the 2016 Daily News Auto Awards, besting models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

*EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.