The Cadillac CTS has a 3L or 3.6L (LLT) Direct-injection V6 on a premium “Sigma II” chassis.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
So what is the difference between these two mid-size, rear-wheel drive chasses?\u00a0 Let’s read through the product catalogs:<\/p>\n
Driving dynamics– 2010 Cadillac CTS
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nThe 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).<\/p>\n
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<\/strong>. Also, hollow front stabilizer bars bring weight savings and are sized specifically to each of the three available suspension levels.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system. It integrates the car\u2019s standard four-channel ABS with the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems.<\/p>\n
2010 Cadillac CTS Suspension choices:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n <\/strong><\/td>\n FE1 <\/strong><\/td>\n FE2 <\/strong><\/td>\n FE3 <\/strong><\/td>\n CTS-V<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Configuration<\/td>\n RWD or AWD<\/td>\n RWD or AWD<\/td>\n RWD<\/td>\n RWD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Differential:<\/td>\n open<\/td>\n limited-slip<\/td>\n limited-slip<\/td>\n limited-slip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Front:<\/td>\n independent SLA with monotube shock absorbers; 24-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 33-mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD)<\/td>\n independent SLA with monotube shock absorbers; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 33-mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD)<\/td>\n independent SLA with monotube shock absorbers; 29-mm hollow stabilizer bar<\/td>\n 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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Rear :<\/td>\n independent multi-link with monotube shock absorbers; 18-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 19 mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD)<\/td>\n independent multi-link with monotube shock absorbers; 20-mm hollow stabilizer bar (RWD); 19-mm hollow stabilizer bar (AWD)<\/td>\n independent multi-link with monotube shock absorbers; 20-mm hollow stabilizer bar<\/td>\n independent SLA; 24-mm solid stabilizer bar; elastomeric trailing arm bushing; 90-N\/mm spring rate; Magnetic Ride Control with electro-magnetically controlled shocks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/blockquote>\n Here is the product catalog description for the Camaro suspension:<\/p>\n
Chassis and suspension– 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nFully 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\u2019s a 4.5-link system<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s large bar measures 23 x 3 mm.<\/p>\n
2010 Camaro Chassis \/ Suspension <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\n Front:<\/td>\n double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Rear:<\/td>\n 4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/blockquote>\n Conclusion?\u00a0 Very similar descriptions.\u00a0 In summary one might say:<\/p>\n
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- 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- 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<\/a>,\u00a0 and 0.90 G<\/a> for the Camaro SS on a 200 ft skidpad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Cadillac CTS has a 3L or 3.6L (LLT) Direct-injection V6 on a premium “Sigma II” chassis.\u00a0 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 … Continue reading