Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 Jaguar XF VS 2013 Cadillac ATS Near Scottsdale, AZ

The XF’s optional front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The ATS doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Jaguar XF are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Cadillac ATS doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the XF and the ATS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The XF has more powerful engines than the ATS:

As tested in Motor Trend the XFR is faster than the Cadillac ATS V6:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the XF V6/V8’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The ATS doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The XF has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the ATS (18.4 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the XF’s brake rotors are larger than those on the ATS:

The XF stops shorter than the ATS:

For better traction, the XF has larger standard tires than the ATS (235/35R20 vs. 225/45R17). The XFR/Supercharged’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the ATS (F:255/35R20 & R:285/30R20 vs. F:225/40R18 & R:255/35R18).

The XFR/Supercharged’s 255/35R20 front and 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ATS’ optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XF has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the ATS. The XF’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the ATS.

The XF has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the ATS, it requires you to depend on its optional run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XF’s wheelbase is 5.2 inches longer than on the ATS (114.5 inches vs. 109.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the XF is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the ATS.

The XFR handles at .89 G’s, while the ATS pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XFR executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the ATS (25.9 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 26.3 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

As tested by Road & Track while under full throttle, the interior of the XFR is quieter than the ATS (74 vs. 75 dB).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the XF is rated a Mid-size car by the EPA, while the ATS is rated a Compact.

The XF has 7.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the ATS (98 vs. 90.9).

The XF has 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 3.1 inches more rear legroom and 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the ATS.

The XF has a much larger trunk than the ATS (17.7 vs. 10.2 cubic feet).

The XF’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the ATS.

The XF’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 ATS’ rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The XF’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The ATS’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XF has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The ATS doesn’t offer headlight washers.

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

When the XF 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 ATS’ mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XF’s optional air conditioned front seats cool the driver and front passenger and help take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The ATS doesn’t offer air conditioned front seats.