Anyone Here Have Experience With E55 AND CTS-V??
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Encino, CA
a toy
Anyone Here Have Experience With E55 AND CTS-V??
I'm just curious to hear any firsthand experience comparing the two cars.
With the price and ease and availability of mods, it's hard not to look at the CTS-V. I agree it doesn't look as nice as the E55 (especially from the back), but it DOES have a T56 6-speed to add to the fun as well.
Sooo...any ideas?
With the price and ease and availability of mods, it's hard not to look at the CTS-V. I agree it doesn't look as nice as the E55 (especially from the back), but it DOES have a T56 6-speed to add to the fun as well.
Sooo...any ideas?
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From: Wilmington, Delaware
2006 S65 AMG, 2002 Viper RT/10, 1986 BMW 325es
I'm trading in my 2004 CTS-V this Saturday for an 06 S65. I really enjoyed the CTS-V these last two years. A Very powerful and fun car to drive. Really a driver's car, excellent acceleration and handling. Nowhere near the refinement of a Merc like the E55 though. The interiors aren't comparable, the Cadillac has a pretty spartan interior, not nearly as much leather/wood. Having said that though, they're A LOT more affordable, and a lot of fun. Problem areas to watch for--weak rear differentials, major axle hop (improved in newer models I hear), low resale. Hope this helps.
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From: Madison, Mississippi
2008 Z06
I've had both. I traded my CTS-V for the E55. The CTS-V handles much better in my opinion. But the power you just can't compare. Interior- E55 hands down. Exterior- Iffy, I loved the CTS-V's aggresiveness. The E55 is very classy and refined but the CTS-V got more looks. Having the 6-speed was fun, really fun, but I've had a manual since my first car, so the automatic is nice.
Now for the downsides. Wheel hop is NO FUN, and is insanely annoying. Resale, well you just better buy a used one... Build quality is...well...GM...Mine went into the shop 13 times for buillsh*t minor stuff and one recall. Now my AMG has been in the shop about 4 times...but mainly for two things...one to see what it was...one to install the part...Anway...if you have anymore questions just PM and I'll be happy to answer them...
Now for the downsides. Wheel hop is NO FUN, and is insanely annoying. Resale, well you just better buy a used one... Build quality is...well...GM...Mine went into the shop 13 times for buillsh*t minor stuff and one recall. Now my AMG has been in the shop about 4 times...but mainly for two things...one to see what it was...one to install the part...Anway...if you have anymore questions just PM and I'll be happy to answer them...
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Texas
2005 E55
I had an encounter with one on the freeway. The CTS-V's power was not even in the same game as the E55's. He was coming from behind at WOT when I saw him in the rear view mirror. I floored the gas and he never even caught up to my back bumper. My car walked away with ease. If power is important, go with the E55.
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From: 40*-55'-44" N / 73*-24'-07" W
'98 C43/55 AMG Speedybenz Susp. & MBenzNL On Board -- '88 560SL -- '09 JCW MINI -- '97 Jeep TJ Sport
Originally Posted by Nij
Originally Posted by MHaynes772
Exterior- Iffy, I loved the CTS-V's aggresiveness. The E55 is very classy and refined but the CTS-V got more looks.
I guess tho, this is mbworld.org, so I'm now supposed to be including...
pointed at you Nij... 
geez! some people's kids...!
Last edited by c55m8o; Dec 28, 2005 at 10:23 AM.
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From: Chicago, IL
2005 Black/Black E55
Originally Posted by c55m8o
He owned both and got to appreciate both ... and has every right to his opinion as you do your, w/o deserving to have his or your head smashed for it... MHaynes772, thanx for your educated opinion having owned both ... I was seriously considering a CTS-V a few years ago.
I guess tho, this is mbworld.org, so I'm now supposed to be including... pointed at you Nij...
geez! some people's kids...!
I guess tho, this is mbworld.org, so I'm now supposed to be including...
pointed at you Nij... geez! some people's kids...!
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From: Encino, CA
a toy
The resale value doesn't mean much to me, since I'll be buying the car and never selling it. In fact, I just purchased an old-school Buick my dad had when I was a kid, just for the memories in the car. My dad thinks I'm nuts 
I'll be buying new for sure too, since I've never been interested in sloppy seconds.
The power is VERY important to me since I literally drive the wheels off of everything I drive. However, I'm not new to GM cars and am completely comfortable modding them. The CTS-V is very easy and cheap to mod as well.
The only information I'm really looking for is the overall driving experience of the car. The ride, the handling, the overall "livability" of the car. The only part of the interior that ribs me is the high center stack that seems to protrude over the top of the dash.
The AMG's are wonderful cars but I'm trying to avoid the sensible family sedans. The Caddy's only edge is the smaller size and 6 speed which is kind of what I'm looking for.
MHaynes, I'll be sending you a PM with more questions now.
I'll be buying new for sure too, since I've never been interested in sloppy seconds.
The power is VERY important to me since I literally drive the wheels off of everything I drive. However, I'm not new to GM cars and am completely comfortable modding them. The CTS-V is very easy and cheap to mod as well.
The only information I'm really looking for is the overall driving experience of the car. The ride, the handling, the overall "livability" of the car. The only part of the interior that ribs me is the high center stack that seems to protrude over the top of the dash.
The AMG's are wonderful cars but I'm trying to avoid the sensible family sedans. The Caddy's only edge is the smaller size and 6 speed which is kind of what I'm looking for.
MHaynes, I'll be sending you a PM with more questions now.
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Originally Posted by MHaynes772
I've had both. I traded my CTS-V for the E55. The CTS-V handles much better in my opinion. But the power you just can't compare. Interior- E55 hands down. Exterior- Iffy, I loved the CTS-V's aggresiveness. The E55 is very classy and refined but the CTS-V got more looks. Having the 6-speed was fun, really fun, but I've had a manual since my first car, so the automatic is nice.
Now for the downsides. Wheel hop is NO FUN, and is insanely annoying. Resale, well you just better buy a used one... Build quality is...well...GM...Mine went into the shop 13 times for buillsh*t minor stuff and one recall. Now my AMG has been in the shop about 4 times...but mainly for two things...one to see what it was...one to install the part...Anway...if you have anymore questions just PM and I'll be happy to answer them...
Now for the downsides. Wheel hop is NO FUN, and is insanely annoying. Resale, well you just better buy a used one... Build quality is...well...GM...Mine went into the shop 13 times for buillsh*t minor stuff and one recall. Now my AMG has been in the shop about 4 times...but mainly for two things...one to see what it was...one to install the part...Anway...if you have anymore questions just PM and I'll be happy to answer them...
Well said , I just traded my 04 cts-v for a 03 e55
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Joined: Dec 2005
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SL65 AMG
Originally Posted by Roupin
I'm just curious to hear any firsthand experience comparing the two cars.
With the price and ease and availability of mods, it's hard not to look at the CTS-V. I agree it doesn't look as nice as the E55 (especially from the back), but it DOES have a T56 6-speed to add to the fun as well.
Sooo...any ideas?
With the price and ease and availability of mods, it's hard not to look at the CTS-V. I agree it doesn't look as nice as the E55 (especially from the back), but it DOES have a T56 6-speed to add to the fun as well.
Sooo...any ideas?
Last edited by BiTurboAmg; Dec 28, 2005 at 03:44 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Encino, CA
a toy
Sounds like the sport sedan novelty is wearing off rather quickly for everyone. 
The new CTS-V's have the LS2 engine, which idles a bit better than the LS6 and has a bit more power through the rev range.
I really like the look of the E55, but can't help but wonder how dated it will look when the new updated E63 debuts.
The new CTS-V's have the LS2 engine, which idles a bit better than the LS6 and has a bit more power through the rev range.
I really like the look of the E55, but can't help but wonder how dated it will look when the new updated E63 debuts.
