Model Year | 2006 | 2006 | 2006 | 2012 | 2012 |
Model | CTS | CTS | CTS | A6 | A6 |
Trim | 2.8 / 3.6 | 3.6 Sport | CTS-V | 2.0T | 3.0T |
Engines | |||||
Transmissions | |||||
Drivetrains | |||||
Tires | |||||
Audio Systems | |||||
Accessories | |||||
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value. | |||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||
Homelink. | |||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||
Rear disc brakes. | |||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||
Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions. | |||||
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | |||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||
Adjusts seats and/or head restraints when sensors detect that the car is likely to be hit from the rear. Might also flash rear lights to warn approaching car. | |||||
Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control. | |||||
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | |||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||
Creates infrared-based image of the road ahead. | |||||
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||
Night vision system detects pedestrians ahead of the car, then highlights them on the display. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat | |||||
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | |||||
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | |||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire. | |||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||
Cargo Management | |||||
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | |||||
Climate Control | |||||
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | |||||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | |||||
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | |||||
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | |||||
Requires and does not include the value of rear air vents. | |||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | |||||
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | |||||
Drivetrain | |||||
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction. | |||||
Engine / Motor | |||||
Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Smart alternator recharges battery only while braking, to improve fuel economy. | |||||
Exterior | |||||
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron. | |||||
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | |||||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Gas Guzzler Tax | |||||
Infotainment | |||||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||
Includes CD player. | |||||
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player. | |||||
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | |||||
Touchpad that interprets handwritten inputs. | |||||
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | |||||
Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | |||||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | |||||
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||
Screen-based navigation system. | |||||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||
Provides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | |||||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | |||||
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | |||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road. | |||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types. | |||||
Front row reading lights. | |||||
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | |||||
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | |||||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||
Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | |||||
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | |||||
Reports engine speed. | |||||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||
Seats and Interior Trim | |||||
All-weather floormats. | |||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | |||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | |||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede. | |||||
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | |||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||
Rear shock absorbers that automatically level the rear ride height. | |||||
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | |||||
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Transmission | |||||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. | |||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2006 Cadillac CTS
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
6-speed manual RWD
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012 Audi A6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD