Cadillac DTS

Cadillac DTS: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Cadillac DTS catalogue contains one generation, produced from 2005 to 2011 as a Sedan, with two versions both named 4.6 AT. Because the names are identical, the useful buying distinction is output: one 4.6 AT produces 295 hp and 388 Nm, while the other produces 279 hp and 396 Nm.

The Cadillac DTS catalogue contains one generation, produced from 2005 to 2011 as a Sedan, with two versions both named 4.6 AT. Because the names are identical, the useful buying distinction is output: one 4.6 AT produces 295 hp and 388 Nm, while the other produces 279 hp and 396 Nm. The 295 hp version is the stronger choice for power and power-to-weight ratio; the 279 hp version offers 8 Nm more torque. Acceleration, maximum speed, fuel consumption, transmission, drive, weight, clearance, and fuel-tank capacity are identical in the supplied specifications.

Cadillac DTS generations: what changed?

There is only one Cadillac DTS generation in the catalogue, covering 2005–2011. It has a Sedan body and two listed versions. There is therefore no generation-to-generation comparison to make and no separate restyling listed in the data. Searches for a Cadillac DTS 2006, Cadillac DTS 2007, Cadillac DTS 2008, Cadillac DTS 2010, or Cadillac DTS 2011 all refer to model years within this same generation.

The two 4.6 AT versions also share the same 2005–2011 date range. The catalogue does not divide their specifications by individual model year, so it does not support claims that, for example, a 2008 version differs from a 2011 version. Likewise, Platinum equipment is not identified in the supplied data and cannot be compared here.

Cadillac DTS engine options and specs

Both versions use a 4,565 cc Gasoline engine with 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, 4 valves per cylinder, No boost, and Distributed injection (multi-point). Both have a compression ratio of 10 and a bore-and-stroke measurement of 93 × 84. Each is paired with a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD.

The 4.6 AT (295 hp) has 16 hp and 12 kW more than the 4.6 AT (279 hp). Its specific output is approximately 64.6 hp per litre, compared with approximately 61.1 hp per litre for the 279 hp version.

The torque comparison goes the other way. The 4.6 AT (279 hp) produces 396 Nm, which is 8 Nm more than the 388 Nm generated by the 295 hp version. Its peak torque arrives at 4,400 rpm, while the 295 hp version reaches peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Peak power arrives at 5,200 rpm in the 279 hp version and 5,600 rpm in the 295 hp version.

Engine location is not measured for either version. Engine-oil specification, engine-bay dimensions, engine-mount details, engine-removal information, engine-swap compatibility, and engine diagrams are also not measured in the supplied catalogue data.

Cadillac DTS performance, mpg, and fuel economy

There is no catalogue advantage for either engine specification in acceleration or maximum speed. Both 4.6 AT versions accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and have a maximum speed of 210 km/h.

The city-to-highway consumption difference is 4.4 L/100 km for either version. Combined consumption is 3.6 L/100 km below the city figure and 0.8 L/100 km above the highway figure.

MPG is not measured in the data. CO₂ emissions and emissions class are also not measured for both versions.

Cadillac DTS dimensions, weight, and chassis specs

Both versions have a kerb weight of 1,840 kg and a gross weight of 2,425 kg, leaving a difference of 585 kg between those figures. Ground clearance is 135 mm, and fuel-tank capacity is 70 litres.

Vehicle length, width, height, wheelbase, and other exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Wheel sizes are not measured for either version.

At the shared kerb weight, the 4.6 AT (295 hp) carries approximately 6.24 kg per horsepower. The 4.6 AT (279 hp) carries approximately 6.59 kg per horsepower. The lower figure gives the 295 hp version the better power-to-weight result.

Both versions use Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. Both have Disc front brakes and Disc rear brakes.

Cadillac DTS reliability, problems, and years to avoid

Reliability ratings, service histories, failure records, repair costs, and recurring problems are not measured in the supplied data. Consequently, the catalogue cannot identify Cadillac DTS years to avoid or claim that one year between 2005 and 2011 is more reliable than another.

The data also provides no year-specific mechanical changes. A Cadillac DTS 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, or 2011 should therefore be evaluated by matching the individual car to the correct 4.6 AT (295 hp) or 4.6 AT (279 hp) specification, rather than assuming differences that are not documented here.

Which Cadillac DTS version should you choose?

Choose the 4.6 AT (295 hp) if power is the priority. It provides 16 hp more, delivers approximately 3.5 additional hp per litre, and improves the kerb-weight ratio by approximately 0.35 kg per horsepower. Those gains come without a listed penalty in acceleration, maximum speed, fuel consumption, tank capacity, weight, transmission, or drive.

Choose the 4.6 AT (279 hp) if the higher catalogue torque figure matters more. Its 396 Nm output exceeds the 295 hp version’s 388 Nm by 8 Nm, although that peak occurs 400 rpm later. It otherwise matches the stronger version’s 7.1-second 0–100 km/h time, 210 km/h maximum speed, and all three fuel-consumption figures.

The data contains no prices, sale listings, equipment differences, condition reports, or reliability evidence, so it cannot show what extra money buys or determine whether one version represents better market value. On specifications alone, the 4.6 AT (295 hp) is the clearer all-round choice because it combines the same measured performance and economy figures with higher output and a better power-to-weight ratio. The 4.6 AT (279 hp) is the alternative for buyers who specifically prefer its 8 Nm torque advantage.