The Cadillac CTS has a 3L or 3.6L (LLT) Direct-injection V6 on a premium “Sigma II” chassis. The new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has a 3.6L (LLT) Direct Injection V6 or choice of 6.2L V8s (auto/manual have different V8s), on the “Zeta” chassis.
So what is the difference between these two mid-size, rear-wheel drive chasses? Let’s read through the product catalogs:
Driving dynamics– 2010 Cadillac CTS
The CTS chassis enables a great balance of performance and luxury. The hardware includes structural enhancements via a tower-to-tower brace; large, four-wheel disc brakes and premium steering. Three suspension tuning levels are available: FE1 (standard), FE2 (standard on 3.6L models and optional on 3.0L models) and the FE3 sport suspension with a summer-only tire (RWD only).
All models feature an independent short/long arm (SLA) front suspension system, with performance characteristics optimized with the use of low-mass aluminum for the upper and lower control arms, as well as the knuckles. Hydraulic control arm front bushings are used for motion control and help minimize high-speed road vibration by damping energy transmitted through the vehicle structure. Also, hollow front stabilizer bars bring weight savings and are sized specifically to each of the three available suspension levels.
A multi-link rear suspension, with a fully isolated subframe that delivers excellent kinematics, contributes to a superior ride with excellent handling. The CTS Sport Wagon also features advanced chassis technology in the form of Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system. It integrates the car’s standard four-channel ABS with the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems.
2010 Cadillac CTS Suspension choices:
FE1 FE2 FE3 CTS-V Configuration RWD or AWD RWD or AWD RWD RWD Differential: open limited-slip limited-slip limited-slip Front: independent SLA with monotube shock absorbers; 24-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 33-mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD) independent SLA with monotube shock absorbers; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 33-mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD) independent SLA with monotube shock absorbers; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar independent SLA; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar; elastomeric handling and ride bushings; 65-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks Rear : independent multi-link with monotube shock absorbers; 18-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 19 mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD) independent multi-link with monotube shock absorbers; 20-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 19-mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD) independent multi-link with monotube shock absorbers; 20-mm hollow stabilizer bar independent SLA; 24-mm solid stabilizer bar; elastomeric trailing arm bushing; 90-N/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks
Here is the product catalog description for the Camaro suspension:
Chassis and suspension– 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Fully independent front and rear suspensions are the underpinnings of the 2010 Camaro. The standard independent rear suspension is a first for Camaro and is designed to compete with the best in the world. It’s a 4.5-link system that includes a unique, L-shaped upper control arm that attaches to the knuckle at one end and incorporates a ride bushing in the rear.
Two suspension packages are offered: FE2 sport on V-6 models and FE3 performance with the V-8. The front suspension has a dual ball strut system, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar that measures 22.2 x 4 mm on FE2 and 23 x 4.2 mm on FE3. Hollow bars are used for mass savings. Rear suspension features include high lateral stiffness for handling via three lateral ball joints per side. A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections. Coil-over shock absorbers are used in the rear with a decoupled, hollow stabilizer bar. FE2 includes a 21.7 x 3 mm rear bar, while the FE3’s large bar measures 23 x 3 mm.
2010 Camaro Chassis / Suspension
Front: double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe Rear: 4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Conclusion? Very similar descriptions. In summary one might say:
- The CTS suspension has more aluminum components and more isolation as one would expect from a Luxury chassis. The CTS uses a short/long arm front suspension and a mult-link rear suspension.
- The Camaro suspension features a double pivot McPhearson front strut suspension, and an independent rear suspension system very similar to that of Sigma II but using cheaper steel rather than aluminum to save cost.
- An FE3 CTS and a FE3 V8 Camaro have similar skidpad characteristics at around 0.87 g for the 2009+ FE3 (Performance suspension) CTS, 0.9 for the 2007 CTS-V, 0.92 for the 2009+ CTS-V, and 0.90 G for the Camaro SS on a 200 ft skidpad.