Showdown - 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0T vs. 2013 BMW 328i - CAR and DRIVER

[@J-W.-]

Im sorry but the ats is sexy as hell compared to the bmw

[@stevodfn]

I've had all 3 Series BMWs since 1991 and I'd gladly change that for the ATS just because it has kept the core driving pleasure values BMW has gradually lost during the years. And the fact that it looks so fresh and unique.

[@vVeazel]

Those LEDs on the ATS look godly.

[@VanessaMaeFan18]

The most biased review ever. Thats C/D for you. ....

[@angelatrejo885]

Um ... TEAM CADDI ANYONE?!

[@penvon]

1 month & no likes?...I guess not

[@MagnumPI4]

Just got my ATS yesterday, test drove it along with a BMW and an Audi. Much happier with the ATS, plus everyone won't assume I am a banker or a hairdresser.

[@andrewrout8712]

crickets

[@thesemfnnutts]

All day!

[@RagingBad]

No

[@SoManyDogs]

I have an ATS 2.0 rental while my other car is being fixed. It is pretty impressive. I think the 2.0 is better matched to the Automatic. The car IS fun as heck in the twisties, that magnetic suspension kicks ass! Other than the ill matched manual...the one I am driving is an auto with paddles..., it is a very very nice car, and this coming from a long time BMW/Audi driver and fan. Those who dismiss Cadillac just because it is American do themselves a disservice until they go drive one.

[@Jwdude123]

Enderle Property Service correct. This car is sort of a secret. ATS reminds me of my old series 3 bmw, but better.

[@TheHm3]

Pretty incredible that Cadillac just got into this class and they're already fighting the leader of the class. Same with the XTS, they re-introduced that class and they're on top of the class almost fighting Bentleys! GM has done well with Cadillac!

[@fpeter6365]

GM should really bring Cadillac back to Europe. I love this ATS, especially a 2 door Cuope version.

[@joedanvers1010]

I've owned both cars. My last BMW was a 2014 3 series, my current daily driver is a 2014 ATS. The Cadillac does everything the BMW does, but it does it easier. The 0-60 time reported in this video for the ATS is way slow. I've recorded mine at 5.3. And I have done zero mods to it. It's a wonderful car. Comfortable, fast, nimble...it should never have been discontinued, imo.

[@Gt1los]

I have a 2014 with lots of mods I’m a 20 year old Kid it’s my first car and I love it

[@ithinkihaveebola5238]

How is ur ATS holding up so far? Idk if u have the same model but I just bought a 2014 ATS 2.0T and no check engine lights are on. I'm really Enjoying it so far. I've heard mixed reviews about it but I've heard more positive reviews than negative

[@joedanvers1010]

@@ithinkihaveebola5238 It's an amazing little car. I've owned BMW's, Porsche's, muscle cars (1988 Trans Am GTA, 1968 Camaro, etc...) and this car does EVERYthing they all did but it does it easier. I have 104+thousand miles on it and it still runs, accelerates and tracks wonderfully. I have ZERO issues with this car and I really wish they still produced it because I'd buy another. (Mine is a 2014 ATS4 2.0T as well) Drive it and enjoy it!

[@political7675]

i think that the caddi is also much cheaper to maintain as the parts are made in the USA.

[@crowbird213]

Top German engineers work for car companies. Top US engineers work for the military. That's the problem.

[@calebwoods9358]

This is 8 years late but holy moly who needs Ambien with videos like these?

[@solagbo]

BMW has been overrated for decades...the best marketed brand in the world. All name and little value. It is funny how many 'experts' conduct their unbiased tests. They always use a more loaded model BMW against a less loaded model of whatever model is compared.

[@aluisious]

I drove an F30 to Tahoe for a weekend, after driving my girlfriends E92 and my own regrettable Fusion fleet car...the F30 feels like a nice version of the Fusion more than it does the E92. That was a driving car.

[@cadrolls]

The only thing the competition has over the Corvette is price. Corvette offers a quality car that is easy on your wallet. That is why they sell well here for the people who want that kind of car. If Europeans want to waste their money on the illusion they are getiing something better, then they are free to do so. We Americans know better.

[@GearZenChannel]

There are killer deals to be had on used ATS's. Mine is on the way.... can't wait!

[@topdollars2]

This guy is the only reason why I subscribed to C&D. One of the best car journalists out there. Period.

[@MrMEGSWONETWOTHREE]

love my ATS 2.0 Turbo

[@1970borntorun]

Well, I just picked up a beautiful Blk/Blk w/Sports Package BMW 2003 530i, and I LOVE it !! This E39 series is the last of the simple, pure 5 Series models (along with the E46 3-Series of that vintage) before they got Bangle-ized and BMW became more interested in Marketing and emphasizing luxury than creating the "Ultimate Driving Machine". No I-Drive, no soft brakes/suspension, no turbo, no lack of steering feel in my car!! :) What the hell happened in Bavaria ??

[@jayd8919]

Shut up about your old ass car. Nobody cares. You cant beat all the extra torque from the inline 6 twin turbos. Go back to the past and take your slow car with you

[@Trades46]

I feel people today default to BMW 3 series because of the badge than anything. The F30 in particular is very numb compared to the competition. The only saving grace is the stellar powertrain, but if you just wanted a 4dr sedan to go fast in a straight line, why not a more comfortable, larger & much cheaper Camry or Accord V6? This is what makes me appeal to the ATS. It has luxury amenities yet never forgets its mission first & foremost; A compact SPORTS Sedan. Driving feel & handling is why you're supposed to buy this class of car, not for trunk space/legroom or showing off to friends & family.

[@Trades46]

WarmSoftKitty Not all German cars are like that, but the 3 series comes off notable because it used to be the trademark of great handling RWD 4dr sedan.

[@ricktobin9920]

+Trades46 Man you must smoke crack! my 2013 328xi is the best BMW 3 yet

[@Trades46]

Rick Tobin I don't even smoke. Then again I expect nothing more from ones who default to that Three-letter German Brand when they want to compensate for something in life.

[@ricktobin9920]

Man the BMW is still top dog...you know it. We all know it. the Cadillac is garbage and you know it.

[@uniquegaming432]

+Rick Tobin stop being a fanboy u only bought that car because the brand not because is good I would buy bmw for its name but it's always same dahs oars and boring

[@Samsroomofrequirements]

This is the first time I switched to American! I had went from a 2010 Benz e class, to a 2014 bmw 3 series and now I have a 2019 Cadillac cts only the 2.0turbo awd the luxury line and it’s absolutely perfect in every way. Cadillac finally made the right changes to bring me over. Styling is different interior is ok but the driving dynamics are what got me over.

[@katanamast279]

That 2.0 turbo in the Cadillac makes alot of power. Im impressed. The Subaru WRX needs to match or exceed that

[@krispysweekendgarage6892]

I have the 15' model and love it. Good torque smooth drivetrain and feels solid. Cadillac did its homework.

[@cadrolls]

You need to take a look at Corvette's new interior that is all imported Italian leather. Especially, the two-tone leather. Corvettes are just as high tech as the exotic cars of Europe. There is one important difference though: the Corvette will give you 100,000 trouble free miles whereas you will need to hire your own mechanic to have Europe's best. That is well known.

[@SMaxxin]

I narrowed my new car choice down to these two cars and I was 99% sure it would be the ATS because I have always wanted a Cadillac until I went for a test drive. I'm 6'5 and with the seat as low as it would go I didn't fit. I had enough leg room but not enough head room as my head was touching the roof. I have to say I was very surprised and disappointed that I didn't get a chance to drive it. I fit into the 3 series just fine.

[@porterjacob94]

Do you know what part of West Virgina you where in?

[@paulcondie2520]

I see thousands of bmw everyday!!!! But you might see one exceptionally looking ats around! Sorry the ats is a sexy bitch! I have one and love it

[@pookg5834]

Word 💯

[@paulcondie2520]

@@lilnicky9241 a little over 42,000. I have a 2015 ats 3.6 premium with performance pkg rwd. Black raven with the black chrome pkg. No problems at all

[@nyak63RUS]

Give me a break. Both these cars can do more on the road than most people are ever capable of handling. Their technology outdoes most people's needs, and they'll both help you survive a crash. There's no point in calling one "soulless." Some people like the BMW, others prefer the Cadillac, get over it.

[@cadrolls]

Corvettes have one of the highest resale values of any sports car. 85% of all Corvettes ever built since 1953 are still in service. The other sports cars can only dream of such a number.

[@Troubleshooter125]

Question: was this the stock BMW suspension or the "Sport" package? I didn't see any badges on the sides of your Bimmer, so I'm guessing stock. If that is the case, is the Sport package substantially different and therefore worthy of a separate look?

[@7r4iL3r]

radar-warner is still alowed in US?

[@cadrolls]

When was the last time you heard of a BMW driver saying: "Gee, I LOVE my massaging seats"? No one likes them.

[@Vorcor0]

the ATS has been sold in other countries for 8+ years? can you plz tell me where I can find prof of this?

[@mplscarsales6652]

Just bought my premium v6 Ats AWD I love it flys looks great and drives in all conditions I needed AWD I live in Minnesota

[@youregatorbait]

•Ats is definitely faster than 14.8. •if you’re going to compare interiors and drivetrains, get an Ats with black on black interior with the A6 auto Bias is strong in this comparison

[@fcrane44]

My situation is the same as anyone who is choosing a car. True luxury is the ability to get from point A to point B without any problems from your automobile. Some of the cheaper cars are the better cars no matter what emblem is on the hood.

[@joesmith-em2cd]

The ATS should have won!

[@gmwdim]

Not only are Michigan's roads too flat and boring to do driving comparisons, they're also in terrible condition and will damage anything with a low clearance.

[@shiftym1]

I'm from WV! I can't believe someone came to visit us for a car review! There are a ton of backroads but most of them are full of potholes. Also the warning signs for upcoming turns never make any sense. One will tell you 25, and you can go 40. The next will say 30 and you need to go 15. The best is occasionally you just get a yellow sign with an arrow showing witch way the turn goes, but no warning whatsoever on how harsh that turn is going to be, its usually harsh.

[@cadrolls]

I agree. Cadillac is back. Cadillac doesn't just build great luxury cars, you know... They build CADILLACS♥

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I never thought I would hear Car and Driver say a Cadillac is more fun than driving a BMW. That has been the stance of the mag since the 1970s - the BMW is fun to drive. Yet they recommend the BMW despite that. I recently test drove both cars with the turbo and the V6. The reality is both cars are competitive now and that is something hard to admit for most people. It depends on what you prefer.

[@cadrolls]

The crash test ratings for the XTS are EXCELLENT! That, in no way, mitigates the fact that German cars, with BMW being the worst of all, have the HIGHEST fatality rates, per mile driven, of any other car on the road. Cadillacs are NOT mainly driven by 70 year olds. The average age for a new Cadillac buyer is around 56 years old. That number is dropping fast too. 70% of all ATS sales are coming from previous German car buyers who are SICK of paying through the nose for ultra expensive repairs.

[@KobraPun]

I like Cadillacs. I think they make wonderful cars. However, I drive a Volkswagon, and I have to say, Germany Engineering is way ahead of the game. Props to BMW and other beautiful German companies.

[@poggaming7863]

I agree 100% CADDI ALL DAY

[@clintkeller951]

I got to take a good look at an ATS in LA today, and that machine is stunningly gorgeous.

[@Alexn1067]

I owned a 1999 VW Jetta, it was a good car, pretty decent reliability but when something did break, it was catastrophically expensive to fix. They are quality vehicles, but I wouldn't say they are the best value in that they are pricey in every way.

[@cadrolls]

The Cadillac just won two very important Car of the Year awards. It also has one distinction missing from the over rated BMW: one of the lowest fatality rates, PER MILE DRIVEN, of any car being sold while BMW has the HIGHEST in the industry. If you were to take all American inventions off the BMW, you'd have a car with no electric starter, lights, power windows, locks, A/C, radio, etc... If you were to do the same with a Cadillac minus German inventions, you would have... A Cadillac♥

[@AB-80X]

Man, a sensible and good answer on utube, that's rare. Thank you very much. The diff, hm, not sure I will agree. The 328 got about 60000 miles pushing 600+ sc hp. I did, and still do, take good care of my cars. Track days ect. can wear out any car. Currently I drive a 997-2 and my whife, who is as car nuts as I am, drive a 212 Cabrio. All our cars do see track time, why bother if they did not?

[@BDBBailey]

I wonder if the used a performance optioned Caddy or the Luxury optioned? With the wood door trim it looked to me like the Luxury model.

[@mico092495]

Why does some of your vids unavailable in where I live? Anyways awesome channel :)

[@jsiszero]

I always felt that Car and Driver reviews are better than Motor Trend

[@raptorlp03]

I never understood why people liked BMWs interiors. Functional, but incredibly subdued for a luxury car. I used to valet a while back and I'd get in 5 and 7 series bimmers and always think how the interior looked like something in a truck that was designed to be washed out with a garden hose when it was dirty. I'm not sure about the ATS in particular, but GM has really stepped up with their new interiors. I think the build qualities are so similar at this point and it comes down to preference.

[@Eldoradoman99]

BMW must have a big advertising stake in the up comming issue. He is the only reviewer I have seen so far that has ragged this vehicle so hard.

[@mor3hawk3]

One word maintenance... ATS will cost significantly less than the German cars finally a American that truly competes !!!

[@JspookSS]

"This car is so incredible that a car more incredible lost the comparison" -Caranddriver

[@Breakfast__Burrito]

I'll explain it to you. The E46 is widely considered to be the best handling 3 series ever. After that, BMW was accused of softening the 3 series and making it more of a family car than a sport saloon. This is why Cadillac mimicked the handling. They didn't copy anything on the E46, as they used a completely different design, they just wanted it to perform similarly because they, like the rest of the world, realized it handled better than the current one.

[@ausberry14]

the fact that a Cadillac, A CADILLAC, the same car company that used to just rebody terrible chevys, is actually giving the BMW a run for its money is amazing. Its been decades since a car from the hometeam was mentioned among the likes of the germans. GM is finally making good cars, and I believe, in its own right, the ATS won.

[@jkheslekrants]

That's the absolute truth. This Di Turbo 2.0 is a world class engine. It's built incredibly stout, power is strong and linear, amazing torque especially for a 4 and is great on fuel. I've been waiting for GM to use this engine more and they finally are. Ever since its debut in the 2008 Cobalt this 2.0T has been a game changer. I'm lucky enough to drive one every day in my 2010 Cobalt SS. Fun little car. It can't replace a rear drive V8 but it is a great little car with a Phenomenal Engine

[@Cellcycle01]

Great review! I test drove both cars and I have the same feedback. Well done Mr. Golf.

[@Dgannt]

The reason the new 3-series is softer is because of the introduction of the new 1, 2 and 4-series. The 3-series in this configuration is aimed at the more mature buyers, the ones that used to drive the old 3-series. If you want more of the sporty feel you now can choose between the 1, 2 and 4-series. It's a pity Cady didn't go all the way. Like most US cars the interior where we spend all the time driving is left to last and often not so good. Look at old Corvettes. The new one looks great.

[@cadrolls]

Recent inventions? There are too many to list. The magnetic suspension was developed by Cadillac's Delphi subsidiary. So good is it that Ferrari, the world's leader in high performance sports cars, has chosen it for all their new automobiles. BMW and Mercedes offers vinyl seats as standard, along with plastic dasboards and door panels whereas Cadillac offers PREMIUM Italian leather and Italian suede on the interior ceiling (XTS). Cadillac is WORLD CLASS now. It's a new game.

[@knightky007]

7:28 how come bmw has fender of its side/wing mirrors in black and the whole car itself is in white? is that normal? just wondering...(excuse me for my english)

[@BimmerM5e39]

ATS's issues: 1. Interior quality 2. Interior controls 3. Manual gearbox 4. Engine note 5. More hp but slower 6. lesser mpg 328i's issues: 1. Front end styling 2. No LSD even on the M-sport package 3. Don't like the electric steering 4. All its driving dynamics aren't the best vs competition

[@surewin1773]

True- but remember, BMW also pioneered the first sports saloon, so there wouldn't be any sports saloons at all without them.

[@nbrigdan]

and will never know what race car handling for the street feels like, actually, better than race car handling, not twitchy, just perfect.

[@derbigpr500]

Next time try not using the base model of the 3 series if you want fun. One thing BMW does is allow you to totally customize your car. Thats why there are three lines to choose. Sport, Luxury and Urban. Base model, is a base model.If you want sportier handling, get the Sport Line package, and you get adaptive sport suspension, adaptive steering, etc.

[@cadrolls]

ALL auto historians agree that the automobile was invented in France in 1799. Without American inventions, German cars would have no electric starter, no headlights, power windows, brakes, seats, trunk lid, locks, radio, A/C, all-steel bodies, fully enclosed bodies, and the list could go on forever. What would a Cadillac look like without German inventions? It would look like a CADILLAC, of course. Cadillac doesn't just make great luxury cars... They make CADILLACS♥

[@paulcondie2520]

The caddy definitely looks alot better! A family member has been a bmw fanboy for years. His cars are at the shop more than he drives them.

[@gizsno]

Highly entertaining and informative. Thank you.

[@MaineDustoff]

Yeah, for a nice chunk of change more. The fact that there are better, but more expensive versions doesn't change how the one he was driving handled. Besides, I'm sure Cadillac has ATS-V models in the works to compete with BMW's M models

[@avro206]

Cadillac beat out BMW for fun to drive, that's amazing. I think it wins in the looks dept too--and the interior, Wonder why the 2.0T can't move this as quickly though...? Maybe a re-test will give better numbers?

[@BestJinjo]

Ya, it does. I've seen a couple. I like BMW in black myself but for some reason I always preferred the 2-door 3 series. This new 4 door is better than the last generation in looks. Looks like a mini 5 series now. The problem is the price. It gets pretty expensive once you start adding nice options and leather and stuff.

[@RMAGEDN740]

i love how people comment like they know more than the people who drive these cars.

[@2008C6Vette]

The interior and exterior on the ATS is by far better than BMW. I like what Cadillac is doing.

[@elitedeciel]

They are. I've test driven 3.6 and it wasn't too bad. And though it was automatic (only one available) and things felt good, I'm just too used to my E90 335i. I just want to hear pros' comment on 3.6 automatic transmission.

[@fcrane44]

I LIVE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF CADILLACS AND BMWS, THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO IS THE CADILLACS PASS GRACEFULLY BY THE BMWS WHO SEEM TO HAVE THEIR HOOD UP AS THEY HAVE BROKEN DOWN AGAIN.

[@_Tommmmmm_]

They changed the leather. Damn is it nice now in the XTS and ATS.

[@Wositsch]

Yeah the M sport suspension costs 403€ in my country, thats really expensive, have to sell the house... Does the Cadillac's MRC suspension come as standard? I didn't want to start an argument which car is better. I just wanted to say if the reviewer thinks the ride is too soft he can buy a sport suspension, thats why there are several options to pick when you are buying your car, so that you can individualise your car, whether you want your car to feel more comfy or sporty...

[@esr686]

It's never the German engineered parts that break, only the Chinese plastic bits that go around it.

[@Vaark]

It all comes down to how the car looks... and I love that BMW, then Mercedes... Then Audi... and Cadillac.

[@Ccleanerable]

This ATS is beautiful, but the interior lacK of refinement, it looks like a Ford Focus.

[@krbias33]

It used to be that way. You would have to get the S Line package to get the AWD, but now its standard on everything...

[@ghe229]

Wow... Motor Trend said these cars were nearly identical in every aspect. Here the BMW is a clear victor. Nice review.

[@cadrolls]

Having the leather perforated is EXACTLY the reason it is done. Even after Cadillac made improvements to their system, it was never a popular enough option to continue offering. VERY, VERY few order it on Mercedes and BMW. BMW and Mercedes are ahead in one IMPORTANT area. BMW has the HIGHEST fatality rate, per mile driven, of ANY car on the road. Mercedes is not far behind. That was according to the National Insurance Institute via ABC National News. That is channel 8 here in Connecticut.

[@chrisdblue]

the interior of that cadi loooks siiiiick.

[@EzzyMo]

Resale value doesn't necessarily factor into cost of ownership, unless you purchase vehicles as investments or for speculation. By the end of their useful lives (7-9 years) most cars effectively have negative value because of the cost of owning them. Yes, the Cadillac has a lower resale value than the BMW (not by much), however, that apparent advantage is handily offset by the higher cost to its owner. If German cars were less expensive to own than American cars are, I think we'd all own one.

[@edithtaylor3251]

I had a BMW. It was in the repair shop 15 times in 4 years. The transmission went at a cost of $8,000.00. That happened just after the warantee expired. Guess what kind of car I am driving now? I have a sparkling new Cadillac ATS. No more German money pits for me!

[@Wositsch]

If he thinks the ride of the BMW is too soft, you can still go for the M sport suspension and if that isn't enough, you can even go for the M performance suspension.

[@fcrane44]

I wouldn't call them primitive but that is your opinion. Sometimes simplicity itself is best. Have you ever heard of the saying about Plumbing. The more they overtake the plumbing the easier it is to clog up the drain

[@kelleredison]

It's always about 'personal opinion' right!? So glad that we have many choices in the sports luxury segment!

[@TheAymanhawk23]

Connecting new German cars to Unreliability is like connecting Lindsey Lohan with intelligence..

[@CUZC0M]

i just got a ats and i be killin the old nasty lookin bmws ya feel me

[@elitedeciel]

Road noise? I drive E90 335i and when I test drove ATS 3.6, it was a lot more quiet for sure.

[@lxcivic2k1]

Saying the downside to the shifter is that it's notchy.....that's a first ever.

[@krnboy8171]

why do they make those touch sensitive panels for the AC/Heat and such on the center consol... i just think some things should be just left as a physical buttons...

[@jamviator]

Don't worry your little head my friend, If there's one thing they NEVER "mess up" its the M cars. (BTW I'm gonna get a white F30, it's gorgeous in person)

[@ratmtbola]

Now this sounds completely different than a few comments ago. That's all I said - Cadillacs are just as safe as their German competitors - not better, not worse. They're all on the same level. And I can agree with you on the fact that Cadillac has significantly improved in the last 4-5 years. The new CTS looks good and could indeed compete with the established manufacturers in the segment. So far the 5 series still takes the crown though - and believe it or not, but I'm not even a big BMW fan.

[@elitedeciel]

I agree with you personally. However, CUE was so foreign, when I played around with it, I felt repelled. Just something anyone needs to get used to it.

[@cadrolls]

Cadillac sales are expected to tripple in China this coming year as Cadillac added 4,000 new dealerships there. Cadillac sales are off to the STRONG start here with a 6% increase in total sales. Those figures are expected to rise. 70% of ALL new ATS sales are coming from prior German car buyers. Cadillacs do JUST as well in crash tests as do German cars. They are also just as reliable too. Cadillac is WORLD CLASS now. Get used to it.

[@AB-80X]

My first car was an E30 325IC (M20), that was a wonderfull car, so was the E36 328I (M52) I had after. My E39, 530i (M54) was without problems too. Prior to what she has now, the wife had an E61, which as you say, is a complicated car, but never an issue, unless you count the styling, lol. There's no doubt that the SBC is an awesome engine, I was more thinking about the rest of the car. I drag a '73 TA myself, which had an SBC, but that is having a new BBC built this winter.