Nostalgia is intoxicating, in a method. Definitely, vehicles should not immune; you’ll be able to hardly enterprise into any enthusiast-centric nook of the net with out listening to tales of how “they don’t make them like they used to.” True sufficient. Working example: 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 formulation we received’t ever see once more, for causes extra nuanced than we care to get into at this specific cut-off date.
However opinions are free — ever questioned what occurs if you really line up the old-timers and the brand new college? Fortunately, we have now Jason Cammisa to assist us out. In his newest video, he strains up the best sport sedans from 2008 to see if they’ll deal with the present (controversial) king of the phase: the unlikely Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. Is a 414-horsepower V8 sufficient to make up for practically 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 really delectable 8,250 rpm. In truth, the RS4 touted the very 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 total good-looking styling make the automotive the quintessential sport sedan.
In fact, we are able to’t have a real efficiency automotive shootout with BMW and Audi with out Mercedes-Benz becoming a member of. And be 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 automotive featured with an automated transmission — maybe a ding in opposition to it on this specific enviornment. Just like the BMW, it contains a magnificent (arguably extra so, if we’re being fully unbiased) exhaust notice and rear-wheel drive. It’s faster than each different vehicles from zero to 60 mph, too, managing the dash in just below 4 seconds.
The Trendy Muscle
You’ve seen (or, extra doubtless, 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 underneath the hood as a substitute. Nevertheless it makes extra energy than all of the vehicles right here at 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. It may possibly hit a high pace 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 automotive is ideal.
As if channeling a whole subreddit, Cammisa claims: “When it comes to specialness, the previous vehicles 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 vehicles if a V8 was underneath the hood. After a fast overview of possession — and reviewing the automotive’s in-period opinions — Camissa guidelines on a winner. He praises the Audi’s rarity and styling. The Benz will get greatest in school for steering and total “hooliganism.” The E90 BMW M3? You’ll simply have to observe and discover out.
