The Mercedes-Benz CLA has a lot of friends, but it also has a lot of enemies. One of these enemies is the Cadillac ATS. Both the CLA and the ATS are relatively new models for their respective brands, making them popular for younger drivers who want agility without having to sacrifice the utility of a four-door sedan. On one hand, you have German luxury. On the other, American elegance. Where do you put your money?
On the outside, the CLA and the ATS have different body styles, but in terms of dimensions, they are almost identical. Less than an inch difference in every direction, you are getting the exact same size car in terms of size. Thanks to their unique curves and indents, though, you could argue that the CLA caters to the speed lover and the ATS caters to luxury aficionados. Either way, the major differences don't become apparent until you get under the hood.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is turbocharged. The Cadillac ATS is not. This difference is the nail in the coffin for Cadillac because the result is not only more horsepower, but also more torque, more efficiency, and more comfort. All of this and more with a smaller engine! So what is the appeal to the ATS? If you have no loyalty to where your car is made, there really isn't one. In fact, even on the inside, the ATS feels old-fashioned and bouncy.
The engine in the CLA is smaller, more efficient, and more powerful than the one in the ATS. The CLA has a lower curb weight, lower MSRP, and a lower RPM requirement for power. Of course, for extra features such as driver assistance and premium leathers, the price will go up, but this is also true of the Cadillac. If you have any questions regarding your next compact car or this 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Cadillac ATS comparison, let us know today!
