When looking at a side-by-side between the Cadillac CT4-V vs. Cadillac ATS-V, Cadillac didn’t just dip into performance sedans—they went all in.
First came the ATS-V in 2016. A compact luxury sport sedan that could throw hands with the Germans.
Twin-turbo V6. Sharp looks. Recaro seats that hug you tighter than your high school girlfriend. It’s Cadillac’s shot across the bow.
Fast-forward to 2022. Enter the CT4-V Blackwing.
Same spirit, but turned up to 11. Manual gearbox still alive. Carbon fiber dripping from every angle. A sedan that basically says, “Yeah, I see your M3. Step aside.”
So which one’s the better move?
Short story long: it depends what you’re after…
Cadillac CT4-V vs. Cadillac ATS-V: Punch vs. Precision
The ATS-V hit in 2016 with a 3.6L twin-turbo V6. 464 horsepower. 445 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 in about 3.9 seconds. Not bad. In fact, downright nasty still.
The CT4-V Blackwing showed up six years later with a chip on its shoulder.
Same displacement, but slightly–let’s call it–refined.
Still a 3.6L twin-turbo V6, but now pushing 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. A small bump, sure, but pair it with the slick 6-speed manual and suddenly it feels more alive.
More connected. Raw.
Both cars pull hard. Both love winding roads.
The Blackwing? It’s sharper. Tighter.
The ATS-V? More “brute punch” and a more surgical strike when you pull up next to a BMW M3 or one of its cousins.
The Gearbox Game: Manual or Bust
This is where the Blackwing laughs. Hard.
In 2022, Cadillac gave enthusiasts what they begged for: a proper 6-speed manual.
Short throws. Perfect weighting. Rev-matching when you want it, raw mechanical glory when you don’t.
It’s driving distilled.
The 2016 ATS-V?
Manuals were available, but most came spec’d with the 8-speed automatic.
Yes, it’s quick. But it’s not the same. Rowing your own gears in the Blackwing is a full-body experience.
It’s addictive.
If you’re hunting engagement, the CT4-V Blackwing walks away here unless you can hunt down an ATS-V with a manual gearbox.
Cabin Comfort: Recaro Grip vs. Refined Luxury
The ATS-V with the Recaro Seats + Luxury Package is a gem.
Supportive bolstering. Premium materials. A cabin that straddles the line between sporty and classy.
It’s Cadillac trying hard to prove it could blend comfort and track-readiness. And it nailed it.
The CT4-V Blackwing?
It’s Cadillac after six more years of practice.
The Recaros are more ergonomic, more adjustable, more premium.
Tech? Updated.
Fit and finish? Sharper.
And with the Carbon Fiber Package, even the accents scream motorsport DNA.
From a cabin interior POV, the ATS-V is nice, but the Blackwing is nicer. Period.
Exterior Style: Aggression Evolved
The ATS-V looks and acts mean. Angular. Sharp. A compact sedan with attitude.
Find one with Recaros in it and you have a proper street brawler.
The CT4-V Blackwing? Different story.
The Carbon Fiber Package transforms it. Aero bits everywhere. Front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler.
Less luxury sedan, more street-legal track toy.
The ATS-V looks quick. The Blackwing looks like it eats gazelles for breakfast due to the apexes it can handle.
The ATS-V is clean and aggressive.
The CT4-V Blackwing is menacing.
Brakes, Handling, and Road Feel
The ATS-V has been praised for its chassis balance. It feels tight, responsive, and confident.
Cadillac finally proved it could hang with BMW and AMG in corners, not just on straights.
The CT4-V Blackwing takes that DNA and sharpens it.
Adaptive dampers, lighter components, and improved aero from the Carbon Fiber Package give it an edge.
It’s not just fast—it’s stable. Throw it into corners harder than you should, and it’ll keep asking for more.
The ATS-V is fun. The CT4-V Blackwing is fun and fearless if you can feed it the right road.
Daily Drivability: Who Wins?
LBH, let’s be honest.
Both cars are stiff. Both cars will remind you they’re performance sedans, not cushy cruisers.
But the ATS-V with the Luxury Package does soften the edges. It’s slightly more forgiving. A little less shouty in day-to-day life.
The CT4-V Blackwing? It’s livable, but it’s not trying to coddle you.
It’s more “buckle up and deal with it.”
If you want Cadillac luxury first, ATS-V. If you want Cadillac madness first, Blackwing.
FAQs
Which car is faster, the CT4-V Blackwing or the ATS-V?
On paper, the CT4-V Blackwing edges out with slightly higher horsepower (472 vs. 464) and better handling tech. In the real world, both are quick, but the Blackwing feels more dialed in.
Is the 6-speed manual in the Blackwing worth it?
Absolutely. It transforms the driving experience, making the CT4-V Blackwing one of the last true driver’s sedans.
Which is better for daily driving, the ATS-V or CT4-V Blackwing?
The ATS-V with Luxury Package offers a softer daily ride, while the Blackwing leans harder into performance. If comfort matters, ATS-V. If excitement matters, Blackwing.
Final Thoughts: Cadillac CT4-V vs. Cadillac ATS-V
Here’s the takeaway: the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V was a turning point for Cadillac. It proved the brand could make a real-deal performance sedan.
It’s fun, aggressive, and still a head-turner today—especially with Recaros and the Luxury Package.
But the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing? That’s evolution. It’s faster, sharper, and more engaging—especially with the 6-speed manual and Carbon Fiber Package. It’s Cadillac unchained.
Either way, you’re getting American muscle dressed in a luxury suit.
The real question is: do you want the scrappy brawler, or the polished assassin?
If you’re ready to decide for yourself, check out our used Cadillac inventory at Premiere Motorsports.
