Opinions Wanted
 

I keep both my cars in Florida, so naturally I need a car up here in DC where I am for about 6 months out of the year. I have narrowed my choices down to 2, the 09 CTS-V Cadillac (already ordered) and the 09 Audi S5. I just wanted to know how you guys are receiving these cars and for the record I'm not looking at a BMW b/c the 335 I felt was too expensive (it was going to run about 60g fully loaded, which to me is too much for a 3 series without a M badge) and the M3 isn't practical. I was toying with the Lexus IS-F, but for the same money I can get 550 hp with the Cadillac, and then there's the C63, which may be too bold for me (I know the Cadillac is very much so, but it has good reason to be, the C63 feels too overdone for a benz, but it is still on the table). All these cars are pretty much the exact same price, ranging from about 59-65 MSRP, so that is not a factor to take into account unless you're talking about resale (I will be buying not leasing).

I'm not sure that a car with a higher peak horsepower figure always equals a faster car. The 0-60 time on the Lexus seems to be testing in 4.2-4.3 second range. I can't imagine any other sedan besting that time by much. Plus I like the styling of the Lexus better than the others, although the M3 also looks very nice. I don't like styling of the Caddy very much, but that is just my opinion.

The Lexus's average time is actually more like 4.5-4.6.

How is the M3 impractical next to the S5 or CTS-V? You don't want a RWD coupe, I assume?

Anyway, seeing how this is your second car, the S5 tops out at ~$55K, and gives you beauty, performance, luxury and practicality. The CTS-V is in a different class... and for the record, nobody knows how much it will cost yet.

Of the cars you have mentioned I would personally buy the Audi S5 over the CTS-V. Although Cadillac has come a long way, it is not going to be as refined. IMO the S5 is a beautiful car and I am sure the interior fit and finish is top notch. The CTS-V has a ton of horse power, but you will probably take the biggest hit financially when you try to unload it compared to any of the other cars. I am pretty sure the CTS-V is rear wheel drive only, right? If you plan on driving the car in D.C. winters, the all-wheel drive Audi would be a good choice.

Although it is not on your list, my absolute first choice would be the 335. Don't discount it just because it does not have an M badge. Here is a clip of the non-M 335 beating the S5 around a track. This video is of a stock 335, but for $1,000 or so, you can have the horse power of the S5 in the 335 with some engine tuning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHj0zbhjLZI

FSETH: I agree with you 100%!

I agree with the recommendation on the Audi or the 335. I have the 335 and it is an amazing car even before you add the Dinan chip. And I still average 27-28 mpg on the highway at 80-85. Prices must have changed since I bought mine in '07 but I did leave out Idrive and came in at $48k.

Recently drove the non V CTS and agree it has come a long way (same with new Jag XK) but unless it is the entertainment system you are looking for, you will be happier with either of the two "driver's cars" which have the reputation and pedigree to match your passion for cars. The others are still about 85% of the way there. No experience with the new Lexus.

One experience I have though is with compromise: it NEVER works for me. Rather wait until I can get exactly what I want -or rather what I think I want! So if there is a little voice deep down saying something...listen to it.

Good luck, great choice to make

Does the Dinan chip void the warrantee?

If you are buying and planing to keep the car for an extended period the Lexus is probably the way to go.

X5Audi, the M3 is impractical (I feel) for city driving because you have to rev it out so much and my Caddy dealer guaranteed a sub 60 grand price for a fully loaded one. It seems the consensus is to get a 335i, I have to get the X serviced on Friday so I mind as well go take a look at it again.

Might as well take the 335i for a test drive while you are there. Keep in mind that with the bi-turbo in the 335i the torque will be available earlier and you wont have to rev it like you would the M3. If you add the Vishnu Stage Zero tuning for $1,295 you can be pushing upwards of 400 horse power and probably get an extra mile or two per gallon. Try doing that in the CTS-V. Vishnu is advertising 0-60 in 4.4 seconds with 91-93 octane. I know a few people here have this particular set up, so maybe they can chime in on their opinions. The best thing about the Vishnu is that it is a 30-45 minute plug-and-play instalation that can be easily removed. I know what you mean about wanting an M-badge for that price, but with this fairly inexpensive engine tuning this 3 series can give you near M performance at a much lower price tag and still be a very refined daily driver. This way you can get the best of both worlds. The difference between the top of the line 3-series (335i) and the M3 is closer than it has ever been in previous generations.

Someone else said it best, the Audi and the BMW are dirvers cars, whereas the CTS-V is a big horsepower, stop light dragster IMO.

Here is the link to Vishnu Tuning.

http://www.vishnutuning.com/bmw_zero.htm