Has anyone owned both 4vBW and 5vBW?

[Sergio]

We test drove both ct4 & 5 manuals, that my old boss owns. When my wife drove the 4 first, she said that’s what I’m talking about! Then the 5 and she about pissed herself. We got a used 23 4 BW auto, 8k miles, because we have 2 manual cars already. Then the higher price for the 5 with more miles was another consideration. We didn’t want to pay more $60k.

Yes the 5 is badass, like a Katana sword. The 4 is more like a Jim Bowie knife. The longer wheelbase of the 5 and extra weight over the front wheels makes it feel not as sporty as the 4. The 4 rear seat room is tight, but 99% of the time it’s just the 2 of us. We are getting 24mpg on road trips, doing 80-100. The midrange is so torquey there’s not much need to go wot to pass.

We looked at a few 4 door cars. IS500, didn’t feel sporty, great V8 sound. CLA 45 AMG, 13 gallon fuel tank and cramped back seat, as small as the 4. And 4 cylinder turbo. TLX Type S drove good but not enough power. Alfa? Didn’t even drive one for reliability concerns. Even considered some 2 door cars. GT500, expensive, gas hog, high insurance(?). Jaguar F type supercharged 5.0, nice sound, drove good, probably a gas hog too, but reliable? LC500 was a beautiful car but uninspiring to drive, sure the 5.0 makes great sound but no thanks. RCF 5.0 was kinda the same, great sound, but not real sporty.

 

[Roadhawk]

The few times we've taken our 4 BW out with adults in the back seat I've always apologized for the lack of room in the back and feel self conscious about it. In every case our passengers have said it was fine even after the drives...though on occasion they have requested we move our front seats up a bit as they were getting in and we've always been able to comfortably accommodate. Sure its tight....and probably wouldn't be great for long hauls....but for shorter runs its doable.

 

[piranha971]

I have ridden in the back seat of my 4 multiple times with a 70lb dog in the center seat next to me. It's fine. If you are not expecting a vast space in front of you (and why would you in a car?), you will be fine there. There is nothing to apologize for.

 

[blackeneth]

Better is largely a matter of subjectivity...though I could agree there are measurable values that could be compared (and to some gas mileage would be quite a negative for the 5). Anyway I get why the 5 is more special. But I feel very strongly that the 4 is the "better" overall car for me based on what I value most in a car and as a driver. Its performance is plenty joyful and in many ways I don't think it loses much to the 5 in most real performance driving situations.

I think Jason Cammisa got it right in his Haggerty Icons video on the 5BW. The 4BW is a better car, but it has wrong engine. If the 4BW had a naturally aspirated V8, we’d all be singing its praises as the sweet spot of performance & handling & price & fun. But it doesn’t, so we don’t.

 

[Roadhawk]

I think Jason Cammisa got it right in his Haggerty Icons video on the 5BW. The 4BW is a better car, but it has wrong engine. If the 4BW had a naturally aspirated V8, we’d all be singing its praises as the sweet spot of performance & handling & price & fun. But it doesn’t, so we don’t.

I get it. Sure a V8 with all that goes with that would be great. But at the same time there were a variety of reasons they chose the TT V6 and they make sense.

Not sure how much - if any - weight difference....but the 6 sits back of the front axle and this makes a tremendous handling difference that has value IMO. The V6 is also a Cadillac specific engine....making it somewhat special/unique IMO. It seems to be a very solid engine that performs well....not as high RPM but revs willingly and provides great power and really sounds nice for a V6. The V8 wouldn't provide appreciably more power unless they added forced induction....but then it would tread on the CT 5 BW and I imagine hurt sales of the more $ car.

Also turbos at least theoretically are easier to mod and add power. In addition to some great V8s - GM has made some fantastic 6 cylinders that have been very respectable. For all these reasons I;m pretty happy with the choice (but wouldn't be unhappy with the V8). I think a V8 special edition would be a cool option...

 

[so 650]

I think a V8 special edition would be a cool option.

That will never happen of course, due to engineering challenges etc. But that would be an amazing special edition. And I am speaking as someone who spent the money for a sticker package.

 

[AC2024]

I think Jason Cammisa got it right in his Haggerty Icons video on the 5BW. The 4BW is a better car, but it has wrong engine. If the 4BW had a naturally aspirated V8, we’d all be singing its praises as the sweet spot of performance & handling & price & fun. But it doesn’t, so we don’t.

I generally agree with that carmudgeon episode and if given the chance i would for sure take an LT1. However, that would make the car more emotive but i dont think it would drive better. Honestly lag is non existent in the 4 and a V8 would add quite a bit of weight in front of the front axle.

For dynamics, they got it right.

 

[Roadhawk]

I generally agree with that carmudgeon episode and if given the chance i would for sure take an LT1. However, that would make the car more emotive but i dont think it would drive better. Honestly lag is non existent in the 4 and a V8 would add quite a bit of weight in front of the front axle.

For dynamics, they got it right.

agree...V8 would be awesome of course...but I'll take the feel/maneuverability with the turbo 6 over the V8...assuming its better in that regard (and I think it is). Tradeoffs...tradeoffs...nothing is ever perfect....but what a damn good car it is...

 

[AC2024]

I get it. Sure a V8 with all that goes with that would be great. But at the same time there were a variety of reasons they chose the TT V6 and they make sense.

Not sure how much - if any - weight difference....but the 6 sits back of the front axle and this makes a tremendous handling difference that has value IMO. The V6 is also a Cadillac specific engine....making it somewhat special/unique IMO. It seems to be a very solid engine that performs well....not as high RPM but revs willingly and provides great power and really sounds nice for a V6. The V8 wouldn't provide appreciably more power unless they added forced induction....but then it would tread on the CT 5 BW and I imagine hurt sales of the more $ car.

Also turbos at least theoretically are easier to mod and add power. In addition to some great V8s - GM has made some fantastic 6 cylinders that have been very respectable. For all these reasons I;m pretty happy with the choice (but wouldn't be unhappy with the V8). I think a V8 special edition would be a cool option...

My beef is the lack of revs (which the LT4 and LT1 both suffer from equally). Give me the S62 8400rpm redline from the e90 m3 or perhaps the s85 v10 screaming to 8200 or whatever it is and i would be in heaven. Forced induction of any type is great for performance but kills the soul a bit

 

[AC2024]

agree...V8 would be awesome of course...but I'll take the feel/maneuverability with the turbo 6 over the V8...assuming its better in that regard (and I think it is). Tradeoffs...tradeoffs...nothing is ever perfect....but what a damn good car it is...

Yea for sure. You referenced the same point ive made. The 4 is actually essentially mid engined with that stubby little 6 smashed into the firewall. I have to think think that is the main ingredient in the secret sauce.

 

[CBH]

I think Jason Cammisa got it right in his Haggerty Icons video on the 5BW. The 4BW is a better car, but it has wrong engine. If the 4BW had a naturally aspirated V8, we’d all be singing its praises as the sweet spot of performance & handling & price & fun. But it doesn’t, so we don’t.

I absolutely would've gotten the 4 if it had the naturally aspirated V8. But like you said............it doesn't, so I didn't.

 

[Roadhawk]

My beef is the lack of revs (which the LT4 and LT1 both suffer from equally). Give me the S62 8400rpm redline from the e90 m3 or perhaps the s85 v10 screaming to 8200 or whatever it is and i would be in heaven. Forced induction of any type is great for performance but kills the soul a bit

Got to say I really love those high revving V8s. The only modern Mustang I truly lust for is the S350 and there is something to be said for those Lexus V8s as well.

That being said I'm also a believer in forced induction (though get what you say WRT killing the soul a bit.....still...). I've had 2 supercharged cars and I love the linearity as well as the extra power & torque that made them seem to have more displacement and cylinders.

And turbos....hell yeah! Huge torque and kick in the back as they spool up. My little 4 cyl 2L GTI is an absolute beast. The 4 BW twin turbo mated to a hefty 3.6L V6 is an elegant engine that never lacks for power & performance. Would I like it to rev a bit higher....sure....but its fine IMO...not a deal breaker...though at times...when I hit the rev limiter as I'm powering down...I do wish for just a bit more...

 

[Clubracer6]

Hi all, I see there are some newer 4BW to 5BW owners, so would love to hear their thoughts on the switch. As well as updates from others who have more miles on their 5bw now. I really do love my 4bw, but would love a bit more back seat space and that V8 thunder. For the gap in price, I could keep my 4 and get a c5/6 or 7 Corvette, but honestly, the 5 keeps calling me. I am just worried about the extra length, weight and turning circle and if the jump is really worth it. I do love the amazing turn in and grip of the 4. If I got a 5, I'd probably also pick up a cheap Miata to go with it.

 

[CBH]

Only the dedicated track rats among us could begin to explore the handling limits of either car. So don't let perceived handling bias steer you away from the 5. Like you said, its a great all-around car. I considered a C6 as a second car, but then realized I'd never get to drive it, and I'd be stuck in something I really didn't want to be in most of the time. The 5 solves that problem perfectly

 

[Zenk]

Ok… I’m going to say something that will blow most peoples minds. I owned a 2023 CT5-V, and now own a 2024 CT5-V Blackwing MT. Here it comes, ready? I miss the plain V car! Let me explain. You can actually drive the 5-V and have fun, the BW is just way too much for the street, when you get on it you are heading for jail if a cop is near by. The plain 5-V is more nimble than the BW, and to my taste more fun on the road. Now, if I were a track guy I would probably have a different opinion. But since I don’t track… well you get the picture.

Ok… flame away!

 

[doublethebass]

Ok… I’m going to say something that will blow most peoples minds. I owned an 2023 CT5-V, and now own a 2024 CT5-V Blackwing MT. Here it come, ready? I miss the plain V car! Let me explain. You can actually drive the 5-V and have fun, the BW is just way too much for the street, when you get on it you are heading for jail if a cop is near by. The plain 5-V is more nimble than the BW, and to my taste more fun on the road. Now, if I were a track guy I would probably have a different opinion. But since I don’t track… well you get the picture.

Ok… flame away!

I think Virginia is the problem haha

 

[668LT4]

Ok… I’m going to say something that will blow most peoples minds. I owned a 2023 CT5-V, and now own a 2024 CT5-V Blackwing MT. Here it comes, ready? I miss the plain V car! Let me explain. You can actually drive the 5-V and have fun, the BW is just way too much for the street, when you get on it you are heading for jail if a cop is near by. The plain 5-V is more nimble than the BW, and to my taste more fun on the road. Now, if I were a track guy I would probably have a different opinion. But since I don’t track… well you get the picture.

Ok… flame away!

Just drive your Blackwing at 30% and it will be like you are back in your regular V.

In all seriousness, that has to suck to spend on a BW and prefer a car that cost half as much. Curious, why did you buy the Blackwing at all?

 

[Sergio]

Ok… I’m going to say something that will blow most peoples minds. I owned a 2023 CT5-V, and now own a 2024 CT5-V Blackwing MT. Here it comes, ready? I miss the plain V car! Let me explain. You can actually drive the 5-V and have fun, the BW is just way too much for the street, when you get on it you are heading for jail if a cop is near by. The plain 5-V is more nimble than the BW, and to my taste more fun on the road. Now, if I were a track guy I would probably have a different opinion. But since I don’t track… well you get the picture.

Ok… flame away!

That’s what I thought when I test drove a 5BW manual. You will be at go to jail speeds in no time. I was looking at a ZL1, and Mustang GT500, came to the same conclusion. If you have 650+ HP you are going to use it. Not all the time but probably more than you think. One day the police will nab you and depending what your speed was, if you go on with a ticket or not. One other thing that kinda killed those supercharged cars was the fuel tank size. The 4 BW just made more sense to me. Yeah I like that V8 roar but…

Another thing, a friend of mine had a new 2022 Camaro SS, it got stolen. He replaced it with a used ZL1. It got totaled when a school bus pulled out in front of him. He replaced it with another SS. I asked him why? He said the ZL1 was too much for the street. Rear tires last about one oil change, and the gas mileage was terrible.

Not trying to change anyone’s mind, but everyone has their own preferences and what floats their boat.

 

[BadCadiWI23]

Had the 4 BW before upgrading to my 5. Don't drive track with either. Did spring Mountain with both, and did enjoy the 4 more there. I would NEVER go back though. The 5 is truly the cat's ass. I went from 2016 CTS-V to the 4, then to the 5. Lost my ass in the moves, but worth it. I'd love to have both the 4 and the 5, but garage space is maxed out!

 

[hawk02]

That’s what I thought when I test drove a 5BW manual. You will be at go to jail speeds in no time. I was looking at a ZL1, and Mustang GT500, came to the same conclusion. If you have 650+ HP you are going to use it. Not all the time but probably more than you think. One day the police will nab you and depending what your speed was, if you go on with a ticket or not. One other thing that kinda killed those supercharged cars was the fuel tank size. The 4 BW just made more sense to me. Yeah I like that V8 roar but…

Another thing, a friend of mine had a new 2022 Camaro SS, it got stolen. He replaced it with a used ZL1. It got totaled when a school bus pulled out in front of him. He replaced it with another SS. I asked him why? He said the ZL1 was too much for the street. Rear tires last about one oil change, and the gas mileage was terrible.

Not trying to change anyone’s mind, but everyone has their own preferences and what floats their boat.

Not going to argue that 668 HP is a bit much for public roads. But coming to my 5BW after six years with a 2017 Camaro ZL1 6MT, I’ve never felt like I had to use all that power to enjoy the car. The beauty of the LT4 is the torque — it all comes in between 3500–4000 rpm, which makes on-ramps and hills a lot of fun while still keeping things at least somewhat legal. I rarely use all the horsepower, but just knowing it’s there when needed gives me a nice warm fuzzy feeling.

We certainly can agree that gas mileage is not great, and the gas tank could have a little more capacity.