Nostalgia is intoxicating, in a approach. Actually, automobiles should not immune; you may hardly enterprise into any enthusiast-centric nook of the online with out listening to tales of how “they don’t make them like they used to.” True sufficient. Living proof: the E90 M3. A roaring, naturally-aspirated V8 that pulls to eight,400 rpm. Guide transmission, if desired. Rear-wheel drive solely. It’s a method we gained’t ever see once more, for causes extra nuanced than we care to get into at this explicit time limit.
However opinions are free — ever puzzled what occurs if you really line up the old-timers and the brand new faculty? Fortunately, we now have Jason Cammisa to assist us out. In his newest video, he strains up the best sport sedans from 2008 to see if they’ll sort out the present (controversial) king of the section: the unlikely Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. Is a 414-horsepower V8 sufficient to make up for almost 20 years of technological advances in traction and chassis engineering?
The Best Sport Sedans of 2008 Line Up
There’s no query that the E90 M3 and its S65 engine are forces to be reckoned with. However Cammisa introduced some equally spectacular rivals alongside, too. First up is the second-generation Audi RS4, which famously touted a 4.2-liter V8 that revved to a very delectable 8,250 rpm. In reality, the RS4 touted the best redline of any cross-plane crank V8 ever on the time. A ensuing 420 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque had been simply icing on the cake; the Audi’s rear-biased all-wheel drive system, well-honed suspension geometry, and general good-looking styling make the automobile the quintessential sport sedan.
In fact, we are able to’t have a real efficiency automobile shootout with BMW and Audi with out Mercedes-Benz becoming a member of. And be a part of they do: the W204 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG debuted in 2008 with a depraved 6.2-liter V8 making 451 horsepower. It’s the one automobile featured with an automated transmission — maybe a ding towards it on this explicit area. Just like the BMW, it includes a magnificent (arguably extra so, if we’re being utterly unbiased) exhaust be aware and rear-wheel drive. It’s faster than each different automobiles from zero to 60 mph, too, managing the dash in just below 4 seconds.
The Trendy Muscle
You’ve seen (or, extra seemingly, already knew about) the old-fashioned. Meet the brand new child on the block, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. No V8 right here; a twin-turbo V6 sits beneath the hood as an alternative. However it makes extra energy than all of the automobiles right here at 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. It may hit a high velocity of greater than 189 mph, rip off zero to 60 mph occasions that rival the Benz, and even touts a row-your-own gearbox. However then, no automobile is ideal.
As if channeling a whole subreddit, Cammisa claims: “When it comes to specialness, the previous automobiles have it.” He laments the piped-in engine sound — and even mourns the mighty V6’s presence, claiming it might be “sport over” for the previous automobiles if a V8 was beneath the hood. After a fast overview of possession — and reviewing the automobile’s in-period critiques — Camissa guidelines on a winner. He praises the Audi’s rarity and styling. The Benz will get greatest at school for steering and general “hooliganism.” The E90 BMW M3? You’ll simply have to look at and discover out.
