Test Drive: 2016 BMW M3 Competition Package vs. Cadillac ATS-V

The BMW M3 has dominated the performance car segment for 30 years. That was until the 2015 introduction of the fifth generation M3 at the Detroit Auto Show. Doubts started to trickle in from enthusiasts because BMW experimented on bringing back the inline six with two turbochargers to replace the V8s. BMW also did the uncanny choice of using enhanced sound and electrically-assisted steering that made the drive feel fake. The Cadillac ATS-V entered the market at that same time. It was powered by a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine and equipped with the latest iteration of General Motor’s Magnetic Ride Control. It was a good alternative to those who were disappointed at the M3. BMW acted upon that quickly and in 2016, the formula was further refined with the introduction of the M3 Competition Package. So does this take back the crown? A review by LimitedSlipBlog was published to discover the answer. They limited the review to normal, street roads because that’s where most customers will use it anyway.

On the road, the Cadillac ATS-V had the better chassis, better suspension, better brakes, and better steering. The BMW in contrast had the better transmission. While the BMW’s engine was more exciting, the Cadillac is better from a purely technical standpoint. However, it was not fun to drive. Behind the wheel, the ATS-V’s transmission felt sluggish and it didn’t help that the interior was nowhere near an $80,000 sports car. BMW on the other hand is fun to drive. You actually feel good inside because the interior is made to meet world class standards. It is the kind of car people would want to drive every day.

Thanks to LimitedSlipBlog for the story!