Cadillac ATS vs. BMW 3 Series : Which Car Should You Buy?

The Cadillac ATS is the smallest and most lightweight car from the company. It's a sharp, smart sedan whose dimensions copy, almost exactly, BMW's 3 series sedan.

No coincidence, Cadillac is hoping to drive consumers away from the BMW 3 series and push them towards the company's ATS models.

One feature of the ATS is the CUE. The Cadillac User Experience includes an 8-inch display (similar to iPad).

The Cadillac ATS is safe too, receiving 5 stars in federal government crash testing. The BMW 3 series only earned 4 out of 5 stars for passenger protection in a frontal crash. The BMW 3 series did however receive 5 stars in side crash testing.

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Another highlight: The ATS is competitively priced. Starting retail price is $33,990 for a base, rear-wheel drive, 2013 ATS; that's $545 more than the starting retail price of $33,445 for a 2013 BMW 320i.

The ATS' base engine -- a naturally aspirated, 202 horsepower four cylinder that comes with standard six-speed automatic -- compares with the base, 180-horsepower, twin-turbocharged four cylinder that's in the 2013 320i. The 320i base engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic automatic.

Standard equipment on both base cars includes 17-inch wheels and leather-like seat trim, but not real leather.

Another competitor in the entry luxury performance sedan category is the front-wheel drive, 2013 Audi A4 sedan, which has a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $33,395.

The base A4 sedan includes 211-horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder, continuously variable transmission and leather-trimmed seats.

A turbocharged four cylinder is among the three engine offerings of the ATS. In fact, the ATS' 282-horsepower, turbocharged, four cylinder, with six-speed automatic, provides the lowest starting retail price for an all-wheel drive ATS, at $37,795. This mid-range engine also is the only one that offers a six-speed manual transmission in the ATS.

The only flaws of the Cadillac ATS series are a buggy CUE system [at times] and a potentially cramped back seat for tall passengers. Though, 33.5 inches is enough for me, it may not be for some.