Which Cadillac CTS-V Version Should You Buy?
Choosing a Cadillac CTS-V from the catalogue data comes down to three distinct propositions. The first generation, produced from March 2005 to November 2007, offers a Sedan with naturally aspirated 5.7 MT, 5.7 AT, 6.0 MT, and 6.0 AT versions.
Choosing a Cadillac CTS-V from the catalogue data comes down to three distinct propositions. The first generation, produced from March 2005 to November 2007, offers a Sedan with naturally aspirated 5.7 MT, 5.7 AT, 6.0 MT, and 6.0 AT versions. The second generation, produced from July 2008 to February 2014, switches to a supercharged 6.2-liter engine and is listed here as a Coupe with eight versions. The third generation, produced from April 2016 to August 2019, returns to the Sedan body and combines its supercharged 6.2-liter engine with an Automatic gearbox. Buyers prioritizing maximum catalogue performance should start with the third generation; those wanting a Manual and the broadest range of measured performance figures should compare the second-generation versions; buyers seeking a naturally aspirated engine should examine the first generation.
Cadillac CTS-V generations compared
The first-generation Cadillac CTS-V is a Sedan offered in four versions. The 5.7 MT and 5.7 AT use a 5,665 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine producing 405 hp and 536 Nm. The 6.0 MT and 6.0 AT retain the same 405 hp and 536 Nm but increase displacement to 5,967 cc. Because output does not rise with the extra 302 cc, the 5.7 versions deliver about 71.5 hp per liter, versus about 67.9 hp per liter for the 6.0 versions. The 5.7 models therefore make more power per liter, while the 6.0 models have the larger engine.
The second-generation Cadillac CTS-V is a Coupe with eight listed versions, including repeated 6.2 AT and 6.2 MT entries that must be distinguished by output and specifications. Every version uses a 6,162 cc supercharged Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine and RWD. Output is either 556 hp (408 kW) or 564 hp (415 kW), while every listed version produces 747 Nm. The 564 hp tune provides 8 hp more than the 556 hp tune, although both reach their quoted output at 6,100 rpm. Gearbox choice is between a 6-speed Automatic and a 6-speed Manual.
The third-generation Cadillac CTS-V is a Sedan with two listed 6.2 AT versions. Both use a 6,162 cc supercharged Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine, an 8-speed Automatic gearbox, and RWD. One produces 649 hp (477 kW); the other produces 640 hp (470 kW). Both deliver 855 Nm, accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and reach 320 km/h. Consequently, the 649 hp version supplies 9 hp more without any difference in the listed acceleration, top speed, consumption, weight, or chassis figures.
Cadillac CTS-V engine specs and transmission choices
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 5.7 MT | 405 hp | 536 Nm | 5,665 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 5.7 AT | 405 hp | 536 Nm | 5,665 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation 6.0 MT | 405 hp | 536 Nm | 5,967 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 6.0 AT | 405 hp | 536 Nm | 5,967 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp | 564 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 2 valves per cylinder | 564 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 556 hp | 556 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 1,995 kg | 564 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2,010 kg | 564 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 4 valves per cylinder | 564 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2008–2013 | 564 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 556 hp, 2010–2014 | 556 hp | 747 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation 6.2 AT, 649 hp | 649 hp | 855 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third generation 6.2 AT, 640 hp | 640 hp | 855 Nm | 6,162 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Compressor | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
The engine progression is clear in the available figures. Moving from a first-generation 405 hp version to a second-generation 564 hp version adds 159 hp and 211 Nm. Moving from 564 hp and 747 Nm to the third-generation 649 hp version adds another 85 hp and 108 Nm. Specific output rises from approximately 71.5 hp per liter in the first-generation 5.7 versions to approximately 91.5 hp per liter in the second-generation 564 hp versions and approximately 105.3 hp per liter in the third-generation 649 hp version.
Cadillac CTS-V performance and fuel economy
| Generation and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 5.7 MT | 4.6 s | 250 km/h | 18 L/100 km | 9 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km |
| First generation 5.7 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 6.0 MT | 4.6 s | 262 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 6.0 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2,040 kg | 4.3 s | 282 km/h | 21.3 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 14.4 L/100 km |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 2,040 kg | 4.2 s | 308 km/h | 22.4 L/100 km | 11.5 L/100 km | 15.6 L/100 km |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 556 hp, 2,040 kg | 4.3 s | 282 km/h | 21.3 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 14.4 L/100 km |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 1,995 kg | 4.2 s | 306 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2,010 kg | 4.4 s | 296 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 1,914 kg | 4.0 s | 282 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2008–2013 | 4.3 s | 282 km/h | 21.3 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 14.4 L/100 km |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 556 hp, 2010–2014 | 4.3 s | 282 km/h | 21.3 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 14.4 L/100 km |
| Third generation 6.2 AT, 649 hp | 3.9 s | 320 km/h | 20 L/100 km | 8.9 L/100 km | 13 L/100 km |
| Third generation 6.2 AT, 640 hp | 3.9 s | 320 km/h | 20 L/100 km | 8.9 L/100 km | 13 L/100 km |
For measured acceleration, the third-generation 6.2 AT versions are quickest at 3.9 seconds, just 0.1 second ahead of the second-generation 6.2 MT version that records 4.0 seconds. Against the first-generation 5.7 MT and 6.0 MT at 4.6 seconds, the third generation is 0.7 second quicker.
The fastest measured second-generation choice is the 6.2 MT with a quoted 308 km/h top speed. Another 6.2 MT reaches 306 km/h, while the lighter 1,914 kg 6.2 MT records the quickest second-generation acceleration at 4.0 seconds but a lower 282 km/h maximum. This shows why matching the exact version and figures matters more than selecting by the shared 6.2 MT name alone.
Among versions with complete consumption data, the third-generation 6.2 AT records 13 L/100 km combined. That is 1.4 L/100 km below the second-generation 6.2 AT figures of 14.4 L/100 km and 2.6 L/100 km below the measured second-generation 6.2 MT figure of 15.6 L/100 km. Its 20 L/100 km city figure is 2 L/100 km higher than the first-generation 5.7 MT’s 18 L/100 km, while its 8.9 L/100 km highway figure is 0.1 L/100 km lower than the 5.7 MT’s 9 L/100 km.
Cadillac CTS-V dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheels
| Generation and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 5.7 MT | 1,745 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 66 L | not measured |
| First generation 5.7 AT | 1,745 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 66 L | not measured |
| First generation 6.0 MT | 1,780 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 66 L | not measured |
| First generation 6.0 AT | 1,780 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 66 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2,040 kg | 2,040 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 2,040 kg | 2,040 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 556 hp | 2,040 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 1,995 kg | 1,995 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2,010 kg | 2,010 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 MT, 564 hp, 1,914 kg | 1,914 kg | 2,500 kg | not measured | 68 L | 285/35 R19; 255/40 R19 |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 564 hp, 2008–2013 | 2,040 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Second generation 6.2 AT, 556 hp, 2010–2014 | 2,040 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 68 L | not measured |
| Third generation 6.2 AT, 649 hp | 1,850 kg | 2,350 kg | 155 mm | 72 L | 265/35 R19; 295/30 R19 |
| Third generation 6.2 AT, 640 hp | 1,850 kg | 2,350 kg | 155 mm | 72 L | 265/35 R19; 295/30 R19 |
The third-generation 6.2 AT weighs 1,850 kg, which is 190 kg less than the 2,040 kg second-generation versions despite producing up to 649 hp. Its weight-to-power figure is approximately 2.85 kg per hp at 649 hp or 2.89 kg per hp at 640 hp. The 1,914 kg second-generation 6.2 MT delivers approximately 3.39 kg per hp, while a first-generation 5.7 MT at 1,745 kg delivers approximately 4.31 kg per hp.
The third generation also has the largest tank at 72 L, compared with 68 L for the second generation and 66 L for the first. Its 155 mm ground clearance exceeds the measured 150 mm clearance of the other listed versions by 5 mm. Wheel sizes are stated only for the 1,914 kg second-generation 6.2 MT and the two third-generation versions; every missing wheel-size figure is not measured.
Which Cadillac CTS-V version to choose
Choose the third-generation 6.2 AT with 649 hp if the priority is the strongest set of catalogue numbers. It matches the 640 hp version’s 3.9-second acceleration, 320 km/h top speed, 13 L/100 km combined consumption, 1,850 kg kerb weight, and 72 L tank, but adds 9 hp. Based strictly on the supplied specifications, the 640 hp version presents no numerical performance, economy, weight, or chassis advantage over it.
Choose a second-generation 6.2 MT if a Manual gearbox is essential. The 1,914 kg, 564 hp version has the generation’s best measured 0–100 km/h time at 4.0 seconds and the most favorable second-generation weight-to-power ratio, although its ground clearance and fuel consumption are not measured. If maximum measured top speed matters more, the 2,040 kg 6.2 MT reaches 308 km/h and accelerates in 4.2 seconds, but its combined consumption is 15.6 L/100 km.
Choose a second-generation 6.2 AT if an Automatic Coupe is preferred. Where directly comparable, the 564 hp and 556 hp versions both record 4.3 seconds to 100 km/h, 282 km/h, and 14.4 L/100 km combined. The 564 hp version therefore offers 8 hp more without a listed penalty in those measured figures.
Choose the first-generation 5.7 MT for the lightest kerb weight in the catalogue, at 1,745 kg, and for complete measured consumption data among the naturally aspirated choices. The 6.0 MT adds 302 cc and 35 kg while retaining 405 hp and 536 Nm; its listed benefit is a 262 km/h maximum, 12 km/h above the 5.7 MT, while both take 4.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The 5.7 AT and 6.0 AT preserve the naturally aspirated character with a 5-speed Automatic, but their acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured, making them less suitable for a numbers-led comparison.
No price or sale data is supplied, so the catalogue cannot determine which CTS-V is cheapest or whether any version justifies a particular premium. On specifications alone, the 649 hp third-generation 6.2 AT is the performance choice, the 1,914 kg second-generation 6.2 MT is the acceleration-focused Manual choice, and the first-generation 5.7 MT is the lighter naturally aspirated alternative.