2010 Cadillac CTS-V

2010 Cadillac CTS-V

2010 mercedes benz e63 amg 13

2010 mercedes benz e63 amg 13

For some, nothing can replace German engineering, and for some, it's American or nothing. Whether you're talking about quality, reliability, performance or features, there's a list of pros and cons on either side of the aisle. Today we ask: if you could put either one in you garage, would you choose the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG or the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V?

First up, the E63 AMG. Apart from costing a pretty penny more than the $62,000 CTS-V, the $85,750 2010 E63 is a close match for the Cadillac, though many would prefer the Merc's materials and finish quality over the American competition. At 525 horsepower from a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 engine, the car isn't hurting for speed--it can run to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph in a hurry, and it'll handle the shifting for you with its 7-speed MCT transmission--a computer-controlled manual that's a step above the standard torque-converter auto in the Cadillac. Fuel economy isn't great, at 13/20 mpg city/highway, but all that power has to come from somewhere.

Next, the CTS-V. Cheaper, a hair quicker at 3.9 seconds to 60 mph, and little less luxurious in its accommodations, the CTS-V sedan has a lot going for it--556 things, actually, if you're a horsepower fan. With a 6.2-liter V-8 engine supercharged to deliver instant torque, it's fast from idle, and just keeps getting faster--right up to its 191 mph top speed (178 mph for the automatic). Like the Mercedes, it's a thirsty beast, sucking down gas at the rate of 12/18 mpg with the automatic and 14/19 mpg with the manual. Therein lies one of the V's big advantages: it's available with a stick. While the automatics in both the V and the E63 are impressive units that can get more out of the car than most drivers can, there's an element of purity to a manual 'box.

Aside from the raw stats, there's the issue of image or brand cachet. Some wouldn't be caught dead slumming it in a GM car of any label, while others might feel like they'd be shot dead driving a high-dollar German car through the Heartland. It's a matter of personal preference that can't be boiled down to an easy formula. But it's definitely a major factor in spending for either car.

2010 Cadillac CTS-V versus 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

2010 Cadillac CTS-V versus 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

There's a lot more to both cars--suspension, handling, comfort, and maintenance costs, for starters--than we've covered in this high-level overview, so we put the question to you, dear reader: if you had the cash in hand to buy either one, and an empty spot in your garage, would it be a three-pointed star greeting you each morning or would it be the Caddy crest? Let us know in the comments below.