C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

STS-V beats C55?!

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Old 01-12-2005, 11:52 AM
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STS-V beats C55?!

We can thank Daimler/Chrysler's purchase of AMG for infusing high levels of performance into everday driveable forms of transportation and fun, and they have done an excellent job at it across the entire model range, althought at the expense of exclusivity. What this has done is raise the bar for all the other auto makers, and GM has finally got it right. The new Corvette, SLR, CTS-V, and even the WRX based Saab are capable of competing with the best of brands overseas. The latest addition to this battle field is the new STS-V. At 4,295 lbs and 440hp/430tq it has a PTWR of 9.7!, equal to that of the C55. Priced at a few thousand dollars above a loaded C55, this is a major victory for Caddy in any class vehicle. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, Brembo brakes front and rear, measuring 14.0 and 14.3 respectively, and wearing 255/45 front and 275/40 rear rubber stuck around 18's and 19's, this is a car that will find respect amoungst it pears in the upper class range while competing with the middle class variants. Bravo to Cadillac for bring such a competent vehicle to market.
Old 01-12-2005, 12:08 PM
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I just phoned AVIS to let them know I would like to rent one for a week as soon as they have one available.
Old 01-12-2005, 12:11 PM
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'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
Well the MB bedge and comfort interior r what we're lookin for when purchasing C32 or C55 right?
or else we'd be driving around in our crazily mod jap cars or somthing if speed is the only thing what we're looking for inside this price range...
Old 01-12-2005, 12:13 PM
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i just hope they dont get played out like the escalades.
Old 01-12-2005, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by RW C55
Well the MB bedge and comfort interior r what we're lookin for when purchasing C32 or C55 right?
or else we'd be driving around in our crazily mod jap cars or somthing if speed is the only thing what we're looking for inside this price range...
I don't know that the interiors of the Cs are any nicer than those in the STS-Vs.
Old 01-12-2005, 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by smgC32
We can thank Daimler/Chrysler's purchase of AMG for infusing high levels of performance into everday driveable forms of transportation and fun, and they have done an excellent job at it across the entire model range, althought at the expense of exclusivity. What this has done is raise the bar for all the other auto makers, and GM has finally got it right. The new Corvette, SLR, CTS-V, and even the WRX based Saab are capable of competing with the best of brands overseas. The latest addition to this battle field is the new STS-V. At 4,295 lbs and 440hp/430tq it has a PTWR of 9.7!, equal to that of the C55. Priced at a few thousand dollars above a loaded C55, this is a major victory for Caddy in any class vehicle. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, Brembo brakes front and rear, measuring 14.0 and 14.3 respectively, and wearing 255/45 front and 275/40 rear rubber stuck around 18's and 19's, this is a car that will find respect amoungst it pears in the upper class range while competing with the middle class variants. Bravo to Cadillac for bring such a competent vehicle to market.
Is it available in a manual transmission?
Old 01-12-2005, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Sleestack
I don't know that the interiors of the Cs are any nicer than those in the STS-Vs.
then maybe only the MB bedge is what we're looking for then

Anyways, I'd never think about Caddy whenever im purchasing a car..
i dont know why, its just out of my options
Old 01-12-2005, 01:21 PM
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C32 AMG
I must say I am surprised that GM has finally spent some engineering capital on Cadillac. Cars look.............. well let just say - different. CTS has been growing on me, STS looks OK.

However, the interiors are still not up too par. I finally had a chance to sit in CTS-V at LA Auto Show. It just a little better than a Cavalier. It is like they bought a bunch of Rubbermaid trash cans at Wal-Mart and made them fit on the dashboard.
Old 01-12-2005, 04:19 PM
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I think the STS is a very nice looking car - better than the CTS and from what I've seen the interior is vastly improved over the CTS.

This car isn't really a direct competitor to the C55 - more like a competitor to the E55 or M5. At its price, it undercuts those two cars immensely. I'm assuming since the car is supercharged, that pulley and ECU tunign could squeeze out even more hp/tq from that engine.

Finally, autoweek quoted that they got around the Nurburgring in 8 min and 31 secs with the STS V. I hear that this is damn close tothe M5 and surpasses teh E55? I don't know the Nurburgring times for those other cars.. does anyone else?
Old 01-12-2005, 05:54 PM
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Cars and boats!
seriously i dont care what anybody says, the interior quality on the Cadillac STS and CTS-V are garbage compared to the C55 and C32!!!
Old 01-12-2005, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Sleestack
I don't know that the interiors of the Cs are any nicer than those in the STS-Vs.
No the interior in the STS-V is junk in comparison to the C's IMO (Plasticky looking). The StS-V only comes in Manual as well as far as I know.But it is a beast and handles very well.
Old 01-12-2005, 06:43 PM
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According to the Latest Feb 05' issue of Road & Track, the STS-V will cost $75,000, which is $15K more than a C55... The C55 is a bargin in comparison, especially considering the C55 will accelerate at the same level and definitely handle better given that it's lighter by 700lbs... STS-V and E55 is a joke of a comparison... So what exactly do they plan on comparing it to? The two sports sedans which don't belong anywhere are the Jag S-type R and the STS-V...
Eric....
Old 01-12-2005, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by EKaru
According to the Latest Feb 05' issue of Road & Track, the STS-V will cost $75,000, which is $15K more than a C55... The C55 is a bargin in comparison, especially considering the C55 will accelerate at the same level and definitely handle better given that it's lighter by 700lbs... STS-V and E55 is a joke of a comparison... So what exactly do they plan on comparing it to? The two sports sedans which don't belong anywhere are the Jag S-type R and the STS-V...
Eric....
What are the #'s 1/4 mile wise for the C55 vs the Sts-v?And what are the track #'s comparing the two?


Please verify all the above if you can.




The STS-V is supposed to have the same engine and platform as a ZO6. It's no slouch and I'll be surprised if the C55 is anywhere in it's league performance wise.
Old 01-12-2005, 06:59 PM
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C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by EKaru
According to the Latest Feb 05' issue of Road & Track, the STS-V will cost $75,000, which is $15K more than a C55... The C55 is a bargin in comparison, especially considering the C55 will accelerate at the same level and definitely handle better given that it's lighter by 700lbs... STS-V and E55 is a joke of a comparison... So what exactly do they plan on comparing it to? The two sports sedans which don't belong anywhere are the Jag S-type R and the STS-V...
Eric....
What are the #'s 1/4 mile wise for the C55 vs the Sts-v?And what are the track #'s(times) comparing the two?


Please verify all the above if you can.




The STS-V is supposed to have the same engine and platform as a ZO6. It's no slouch and I'll be surprised if the C55 is anywhere in it's league performance wise.
Old 01-12-2005, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by coolcarlskiC43
No the interior in the STS-V is junk in comparison to the C's IMO (Plasticky looking). The StS-V only comes in Manual as well as far as I know.But it is a beast and handles very well.

I have a C32... maybe its because I have a CL as well, but IMO the C interior is pretty plasticky too. I haven't seen the STS-V so I can't comment on its interior.


Only coming in manual or only coming in auto... I don't know which one is worse when you are looking for a perfromance car.
Old 01-12-2005, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by coolcarlskiC43
What are the #'s 1/4 mile wise for the C55 vs the Sts-v?And what are the track #'s(times) comparing the two?
Please verify all the above if you can.

The STS-V is supposed to have the same engine and platform as a ZO6. It's no slouch and I'll be surprised if the C55 is anywhere in it's league performance wise.

First of all the STS-V does not have the same engine as a Z06.. It has a supercharged version of the the 32 valve 4.4 liter Northstar V8 and not the pushrod 5.7 liter found in the Z06, CTS-V, and 05' Pontiac GTO... Second, as mentioned in the beginning, the weight to power ratios of the C55 and STS-V are comparable... Third, the CTS-V which although has 40hp less than the STS-V, also weighs 300 lbs less and only manages 0-60 in 5.2 seconds..
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=6
Fourth, as far as handling potential the STS-V weighs 4,295 lbs and you still have to obey the laws of physics. According to Car & Driver the C55 weighs 3,588 lbs, or a whopping 707 lbs less than an STS-V. So, of course the C55 will have the handling edge when the roads get twisty....By the way the C55 does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, so what do expect the STS-V to do it in especially if you'll "be surprised if the C55 is anywhere in it's league performance wise"
Eric....

Last edited by EKaru; 01-12-2005 at 09:12 PM.
Old 01-12-2005, 09:11 PM
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Few people will buy a STS-V

Can someone describe who the target market is supposed to be for this STS-V? I think the CTS-V has a small niche, but not this STS-V.

Cadillac STS-V
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Estimated base price: $75,000
Engine type: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 267 cu in, 4371cc
Power (SAE net): 440 bhp @ 6400 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 430 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
Wheelbase: 116.4 in
Length/width/height: 197.6/72.6/58.2 in
Curb weight: 4300 lb
C/D-estimated performance:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 165 mph
Projected fuel economy (C/D est):
EPA city driving: 16 mpg
EPA highway driving: 25 mpg

BTW whoever asked: the CTS-V is supposed to be about as fast as a C55 around the Nordschleife-Nurburgring circuit. [The stock C32 is slower]. The STS-V would be far behind the rest of the group. To its credit, the STS-V has a good suspension and was tuned for the ring, as was the CTS-V. You have to give GM/Cadillac a nod, but few people are going to buy this car.
Old 01-12-2005, 09:48 PM
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So I answered my own question:

Yes, the C55 is faster than the STS-V around the 'ring (est 8min 31sec) but the STS-V is faster than the E55amg which is more its competitor. The STS is a bigger car by far than the C55 - so I don't think you can compare the two. Comparing the C55 with a CTS V is much more apt.

I'm surprised still how fast the STS-V gets around the ring. So even though I know a few here dislike Caddy's in general - I like the STS-V.

8:20 --- Audi RS6 (2002)
8:22 --- BMW E46 M3 (12/2000)
8:22 --- BMW M Coupe, 321 PS (10/1998)
8:22 --- Mercedes-Benz C55 (07/2004)
8:23 --- Aston Martin DB7 GT (2003)
8:23 --- Porsche 996 Carrera 4
8:24 --- Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2004)
8:25 --- Audi RS4 375 HP
8:25 --- Callaway C12
8:25 --- Mitsubishi Carisma GT Evo VI (11/1999)
8:25 --- Mitsubishi Carisma GT Evo VII (11/2002)
8:26 --- Mercedes Benz SLK 32 AMG (05/2001)
8:26 --- Nissan 350Z (2003)
8:28 --- BMW M5, 400 PS(also confirmed by Motor Commodore magazine, 2000)
8:28 --- Nissan Skyline GTR, 277 PS
8:28 --- Porsche 993 Carrera 2
8:29 --- Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG (05/2000)
8:29 --- Audi S4 4.2 Avant (11/2003)
8:30 --- Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa (10/2002)
8:31 --- Ferrari F355 GTS, 380 PS
8:32 --- BMW M Roadster, 321 PS (09/1997)
8:32 --- BMW Z4 3.0 SMG (05/2003)
8:32 --- Porsche Boxster S
8:32 --- Volkswagen Golf R32
8:34 --- Acura NSX, 276 PS
8:34 --- BMW Z3 Coupé 3.0i, 231 PS (04/2001)
8:35 --- BMW M3 Coupe, 321 PS
8:35 --- Brabus-Mercedes Benz C V8 Sportcoupé (02/2002)
8:36 --- BMW E36 M3 EVO, 321 PS
8:36 --- Alpina-BMW B3 3.3 Coupé (07/1999)
8:37 --- Maserati 3200GT (2002)
8:37 --- Mercedes Benz C32 AMG (09/2001)
8:37 --- Nissan Skyline GTR V-Spec, 350 PS
8:37 --- Subaru Impreza GT Turbo
8:37 --- Honda NSX 3.0 (07/1991)
8:38 --- Honda NSX 3.2 (08/1997)
8:38 --- Mercedes Benz SL500 (12/2001)
8:38 --- Porsche 996 Carrera, 296 PS
8:38 --- Brabus-Mercedes Benz CLK 5.8 (12/1998)
8:39 --- Honda S2000 (01/2000)
8:39 --- Morgan Aero 8 (04/2003)
8:40 --- Holden GTS, on an in and out lap (2000)
8:40 --- Chevrolet Corvette C5 Targa Automatic (07/1997)
8:41 --- Aston Martin DB7 (1999)
8:41 --- Audi S3, 210 PS (06/1999)
8:42 --- Audi S4, 265 PS (08/1998)
8:42 --- Lotus Exige (11/2000)
8:43 --- Honda Integra Type R (12/2000)
8:44 --- Chevrolet Corvette C5
8:45 --- Chevrolet Corvette, 339 PS, automatic
8:46 --- Porsche 993 Carrera S, 285 PS
8:47 --- Honda Civic Type-R, 200 PS (11/2001)
8:49 --- Jaguar XKR Coupe (07/1998)
8:49 --- Renault Clio Sport V6
8:49 --- Audi TT 1.8T quattro Coupé, 225 PS (11/1998)
8:50* -- Mercedes Benz E55 AMG (2000)
8:51 --- Mercedes Benz C43 AMG (02/1998)
8:52 --- Mercedes Benz CLK 430
8:58 --- Lotus Esprit Turbo SE (07/1991)
9:09 --- Volkswagen Golf V6 4Motion

References:

All times in bold print were tested by Horst von Saurma, sport auto magazine
Old 01-12-2005, 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by EKaru
... By the way the C55 does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds ...
MB says 4.9 and some magazines tested it at 5.0.

Rgds,
Norm
Old 01-12-2005, 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by noka
MB says 4.9 and some magazines tested it at 5.0.

Rgds,
Norm

yes, but Motor Trend did it in 4.9 seconds and Car & Driver in 4.7 seconds... One more thing, the 450hp 4056 lb Audi RS6 Quattro did 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and the quarter in 13.1 @ 106.3 (R&T) so I'm expecting similar times from the 440hp 4,295 lb STS-V....
Eric...
Old 01-12-2005, 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by EKaru
yes, but Motor Trend did it in 4.9 seconds and Car & Driver in 4.7 seconds... One more thing, the 450hp 4056 lb Audi RS6 Quattro did 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and the quarter in 13.1 @ 106.3 (R&T) so I'm expecting similar times from the 440hp 4,295 lb STS-V....
Eric...
I'd agree with you here. Also, if you look at the 'ring times - the Rs6 kills the STSV around the track (8:20 to 8:31 est).
Old 01-12-2005, 10:21 PM
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It's tough to say what competes with some of these cars... The STS is only 6 inches longer than the CTS-V.. The the E55 is 189.7 inches long compared with 190.1 for the CTS-V (196.3 for the STS-V)... The STS-V is priced in between the C55 and E55, so I guess it can be compared to both.. The upcoming RS6 and M5 are for sure going to be in the $90K price range...
The Jaguar S-type R is compared with the E55, M5, and RS6 yet is slower than a C55 and has a performance potential similar to that of a 545i..
Eric....
Old 01-12-2005, 10:40 PM
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C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by EKaru
First of all the STS-V does not have the same engine as a Z06.. It has a supercharged version of the the 32 valve 4.4 liter Northstar V8 and not the pushrod 5.7 liter found in the Z06, CTS-V, and 05' Pontiac GTO... Second, as mentioned in the beginning, the weight to power ratios of the C55 and STS-V are comparable... Third, the CTS-V which although has 40hp less than the STS-V, also weighs 300 lbs less and only manages 0-60 in 5.2 seconds..
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=6
Fourth, as far as handling potential the STS-V weighs 4,295 lbs and you still have to obey the laws of physics. According to Car & Driver the C55 weighs 3,588 lbs, or a whopping 707 lbs less than an STS-V. So, of course the C55 will have the handling edge when the roads get twisty....By the way the C55 does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, so what do expect the STS-V to do it in especially if you'll "be surprised if the C55 is anywhere in it's league performance wise"
Eric....
I'm sorry ,you're right.Wrng car on my part.I got it all confused..I meant the CTS-V.The StS -V isn't supercharged by the way.CTS-V if I remember has about 400hp.It has more power than the STS-V.Here is the info:http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/...ine&year=&df=n All the other info you guys have on both Caddy's is incorrect about their motors.
http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/...ine&year=&df=n

Last edited by ProjectC55; 01-12-2005 at 10:47 PM.
Old 01-12-2005, 10:51 PM
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Originally Posted by coolcarlskiC43
I'm sorry ,you're right.Wrng car on my part.I got it all confused..I meant the CTS-V.The StS -V isn't supercharged by the way.CTS-V if I remember has about 400hp.It has more power than the STS-V.Here is the info:http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/...ine&year=&df=n All the other info you guys have on both Caddy's is incorrect about their motors.
http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/...ine&year=&df=n
The CTS-V has 400hp (the below is the info from the cadillac website)
Engine Type 5.7L LS6 V8 Overhead Valve High Performance
Displacement 5.7L
Horsepower/Torque 400 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 395 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

The below photos are of the STS-V powertrain

Old 01-12-2005, 10:54 PM
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C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
I went to their site and i didnt see any of them with the supercharger.Please send me the link.Thanx! Are you sure that is'nt aftermarket?

Last edited by ProjectC55; 01-12-2005 at 10:57 PM.


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