BMW M5 enters this fray with the confidence of experience, having defended its title against any number of young street brawlers over the years, including the original CTS-V.
But, the '09 CTS-V is something of a comeback kid, better conditioned now and having learned a few tricks since their last fight.
The M5's physique is muscular but not bulging. Think old school, like Gentleman Jim Corbett in his street clothes. Not an obvious threat, but one you'd better look at twice before picking a fight.
The Cadillac CTS-V, on the other hand, bares its brawn for all to see with chiseled lines, stacked headlights, and power dome hood. The visual statement promises blunt force trauma to all who get in its way. Call it a young Mike Tyson in a torn t-shirt.
Flexing their muscles for the camera, the BMW M5 reveals a high-tech 5.0 liter V10 engine capable of 500 horsepower and 383 pound feet of torque. Designed for sustained high-rpm operation, the M5 engine uses proven racing technology to achieve its 8,250 RPM redline.
For the CTS-V, GM turned to its tried and true V8 family, choosing a de-tuned version of the supercharged 6.2 liter monster found in the Corvette ZR1. Minus the ZR1's dry-sump lubrication and twin-intercoolers, the CTS-V pumps out a still impressive 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque but at a less lofty 6200 RPM redline.
Once at the race track, the gloves quickly came off, and even on this freezing day, the brash Caddy laid a smoky stripe of rubber while warming up to a 0-60 sprint of 4.2 seconds. The quarter-mile flashed by in 12.5 seconds at 118 miles-per-hour.
The less-torquey M5 managed a 4.5 second 0 to 60 run, and used its strong launch to ring the quarter-mile bell in 12.7 seconds and 116 miles-per-hour.
Now, both cars offer a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Our BMW arrived with a proper 6-speed manual, while the Caddy carried a 6-speed automatic with paddle-shifters. So, even with the perceived disadvantage of an automatic, the Caddy crossed the line first.
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