Did you just say that a Northstar V8 produces 320 bhp? Really? I know a British company who produce a tuned Mini Cooper S which puts out 285 bhp and that's from a 1.6l 4-cylinder. Admittedly that much power is pretty stupid in a front-wheel drive car, anything more than 250 and you need to stop for tyres more often than for petrol.

Harry, I'm not sure what your point is. Do you not consider 320 enough power-output from an 8-cyl? I don't think bhp was the major ethos behind the development of the Northstar. It's a capable engine with more-than-adequate power output and decent fuel mileage (17/27). If you are not impressed, you could go with the 469-bhp V8 they have in the STS-V, or you could wait until the '09 CTS hits the streets with 550 bhp. Or, you could go the other way and get the 3.6L V6 with 255 bhp. Lots of options. Personally, I'm not a fan of high-revving 4-bangers. I understand other companies can do amazing things with 4-cyl engines, but Cadillac learned years ago with the Cimarron that Caddy buyers aren't biting. Can't say I blame them.

320 is a bit low for a V8 really.

That Cooper isn't running a high-revving four-banger; it's got a supercharger and a redline below 7,000rpm.

I was digging about for the fuel economy figures (the stock Cooper S gets well over 30 mpg in the combined cycle) and found some nutters who do a turbo-charged Cooper S. 307 bhp from a 1.6l!

Oh, and the Cimarron had a lot more problems than just the engine. Who wants to pay double the money for a Cavalier with Caddy badges?

We're talking apples and oranges here. When I was a kid, there was a dude who had his 2.2L Turbo in his Omni GLH kicking out 500 horsepower. That's great if you want a 500 bhp hatchback and people rolling their eyes at you everywhere you go, but I want something that carries a little more refinement. I like the Cooper, but it isn't for me. It's not my personal taste. A 320 bhp V8 that requires its first tune-up at 100,000 miles and pulls a quality car like an STS Caddy behind it is perfect for me. And, like I said, if you aren't satisifed with the Northstar take a step up to the V-series. I can't wait to see how the '09 CTS-V stacks up against the European Elite.

I can't wait to see how the '09 CTS-V stacks up against the European Elite.

do you really ?
Every carshow on every tv station all over the world agree on one thing ; european cars are better than american cars.
us muscle goes fast straight out, but comes a corner the don't stand a chance against any european sportscar.

Finally...some sence in this thread!

So, if you want a comfortable sporty sedan, Audi it's gotta be!

do you really ?

Yeah, I do. It may just surprise people. Or, it may not. Should be interesting either way.

Finally...some sence in this thread!

Why rain on my parade? I'm not entirely in the mood for this debate. Seriously, feel free to start a different thread to tackle the US vs Europe issue. My issue is choosing a car from the cars I like. I know you guys are just having fun, but I didn't think I'd end up consistently defending the cars I like.

I'll let you know what car I go with when the time comes. Until then, I'm shutting her down. Thanks for the input everyone.

Flying down to Cleveland on July 9th to pick up my car. I will be sure to post pics come that fateful day.

So , that's 4 more days of anticipation and waiting.
for me personnaly, the chase for a car is far more exciting than the actual riding in a car.

Rick , i hope that it is everything you were / are wishing for !

The deal is done! Just got back yesterday from a week on the road. Bought a car in Parma, Ohio and took 7 days to drive it back to Calgary. I ended up choosing a 2006 Cadillac STS-V. Impressive power and lots of goodies to play with. The voice-activated navigation is a lot of fun.





Took in a Cubs game:



And, what was crazy was while we were on some lonely stretch of North Dakota Interstate we saw a car with what appeared to be a O-Review sticker. Unfortunately, we couldn't get up beside to see who was driving, but it would have been great to see who it was!

That is an excellent conclusion to this thread.
And I for one, feel somewhat complete.
May you have many happy miles ahead..

Nice one, Rick. Small world with the OR sticker. Now I'm really curious as to who was in that car.

That's a nice set of wheels you chose, Doc. Congratulations.

Now hopefully we'll find out who that was in the Chrysler...

Not only is that a great way to end the thread, but it's also a light commentary on "where has The Dr. been?"

It's good to see you're back stateside Rick.

That is one badass car sir.

Sweet looking car! From someone who hasn't previously had navigation before - I completely agree with what a great perk it makes.

I think the o-review spot was a prank photoshop job. No member would be driving around in a PT Cruiser .... would they?!? Next time, just cut/paste Tick in the driver's seat for the full effect.

Awesome choice Mate! That car is all you! Now for the mystery of the OR sticker....

a most excellent car Rick!!! (it was my choice all along too)!! hope you have many many kilometers of fun in that beast of a car!!

Great choice there in the end Rick.

Seeing you standing next to it, tells me you made the right choice, all class. Well done I hope you enjoy it.

As for the PT Cruiser, you said you were in the Dakotas, it is every chance you were behind Tick. If i can recall from my conversations with him that type of car may be parked in his Garage.????

But hang on the Power you have in that Caddy and you couldn't pull up alongside.... you better have a good reason.

Didn't think about it ... but does the caddy purchased in USA really know about these fancy kilometers you plan on driving it in?!?

Haha! Thanks guys. Oogie, the car does indeed know how to go from mph's to km/h's with the push of a button, but I have noticed it acting a tad arrogant towards Canadian cars since we've been back here in Calgary!

As for the mystery PT Cruiser man, I was going to pull up alongside him but a semi was barreling down that lane, and then the PT Cruiser exited the highway just around Fargo. If that was Tick, I am going to be pissed because that would have been one HILARIOUS meetup!

I think I made a good choice, but I am really afraid of driving it in winter here. May have to get a winter beater now.

That is Todd's PT - I assumed you were joking... Did you guys not hook up?

Hey Rick, congrats on your purchase although you didn't go with my choice.

About the PT, you should have switched on your warning lights, honk the horn, put your wrist out with the Diam' TT and yell yelling "DAAANNN'S THE MAAAAN !!!"

rick , congratulations with the car !
any reason you bought it all the way overthere ?

about the cruiser , Did it have flames on the side , or was it hard to tell, i know that tick has flames on his PT.

If that PT had flames on it, it is Tick's car...He is out resident ND member, and I have in fact cut and sent stickers there on more than one ocassion!! Nice choice there Doc! Caddy's just have style and class. Although that new info on the Dodge Challenger was nice...The drag package!! MOPAR NUTZ! Hey Rick, did you hit Cubby Bears across the street from Wrigley's?? That place is a fun bar!