Genesis vs. Cadillac STS

[Nabber]

I just got back from vacation where I had a chance to drive a 2009 Cadillac STS V-8 for a couple of weeks. This was one of many vehicles on my list before purchasing the Genesis. Here's a quick subjective comparison.

• Exterior - I've always liked the look of the new STS and CTS and it's pretty nice up close too. Looks larger than the Genesis, but is apparently the same. The trunk is ridiculously small but apparently not as small as the trunk on the CTS.
  
• Interior - From the inside, it "appears" bigger but somehow Cadillac manages to make it "feel" smaller. A larger center console may be the reason. The seats are fairly comfortable. The quality of the F&F is reasonable. The dash is a mess though. I'd be embarrassed to be one of their interior engineer's. Plastic buttons everywhere with no rhyme or reason to their placement. Some things are set in the NAV system while others are on the dash. I really can't say enough at how poor it is. The NAV system was disabled so I can't comment on that function. Noise from the outside is muted but not as much as the Genesis.
  
• Engine - The V8 feels pretty strong and is quiet. The shifter is similar to the Genesis. I turned off the TC and it worked as expected, unlike the Genesis ESC mode. I wouldn't be disappointed with that motor.
  
• Suspension - It really handles well. It is a more comfortable ride than the Genesis overall although it certainly wouldn't handle a slalom as well with the body roll. This is probably their best attribute. As I have no need to really corner hard very often, I would prefer our Genesis have a suspension like the STS.
  
• Sound System - The stereo quality is fine and has extraordinary bass output at all levels. I'm sure audio engineers would have a conniption with the out of balance frequency response but I sure loved to crank the bass on certain songs. Even at low volumes the bass was powerful. That said, when I got in my Genesis today, it made the overall sound quality of the Caddy system sound amateurish. The Genesis does such a good job with surrounding you with a "unified" sound it is hard to match (IMO). I am now considering adding a sub though

 

[ImInPA]

Great comparison. The STS and CTS were on y list too. In all honesty, I personally found the interior of the STS to pale in comparison the the interior of the CTS. The CTS, like the Genesis is simply "Top Shelf" all the way. The STS by comparison had some obvious cheap bits. I think I was most disappointed with the rear seat accommodations of the STS. Virtually the same amount of room as the CTS. I do not see why anyone would buy the STS over the CTS. That is just me though.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Great review/comparison. Thank you very much! By the way, GM is EXCELLENT at making big vehicles feel small inside.