Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 BMW M3 VS 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the M3 and the CTS-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The M3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the CTS-V’s (12 vs. 6 years).

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the M3 has an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the engine in the CTS-V.

As tested in Road & Track the BMW M3 is faster than the Cadillac CTS-V (manual transmissions tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M3 is faster than the Cadillac CTS-V (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the M3 Coupe gets better fuel mileage than the CTS-V:

The M3 stops much shorter than the CTS-V:

The M3’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CTS-V’s 40 series front tires.

The BMW M3 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 500 pounds less than the Cadillac CTS-V.

The M3 Coupe is 6.7 inches shorter than the CTS-V Coupe, making the M3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the M3 Coupe is quieter than the CTS-V Coupe:

The M3 Coupe has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, 2.2 inches more rear headroom and 4.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CTS-V Coupe.

The M3 Coupe has a larger trunk than the CTS-V Coupe (11.1 vs. 10.5 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the M3 easier. The M3’s trunk lift-over height is 26.2 inches, while the CTS-V’s liftover is 28.3 inches.

The M3’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The CTS-V Sedan doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

With its coupe or convertible body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the M3 offers cargo security. The CTS-V’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

The M3’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The CTS-V’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

If the windows are left down on the M3 the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder; on a hot day the driver can lower the windows. The driver of the CTS-V can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The M3 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The CTS-V doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the M3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CTS-V doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the M3 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The CTS-V doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the M3 Coupe to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CTS-V doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

When the M3 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The CTS-V’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The M3 offers optional automatic dimming rear and side view mirrors which automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CTS-V has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the M3 offers an optional Active Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The CTS-V doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Optional BMW Apps for the M3 allows the driver and passengers access to select programs on their smartphones, including reading text messages aloud, playing internet radio stations, tagging songs to buy them later, following twitter accounts and other online activities without taking their eyes off the road or their hands from the wheel. The CTS-V doesn’t offer factory integrated smartphone program access.

The M3 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the M3 will retain 45.67% to 48.74% of its original price after five years, while the CTS-V only retains 42.06% to 42.28%.