Better Value: 2016 Cadillac ELR or 2016 Cadillac ATS-V?

I'll go out on a thin limb and take a guess at what you're probably thinking: different cars, different segments, different shoppers. I understand all three points. Regardless, the day's news regarding the price drop for the upcoming 2016 Cadillac ELR kept nipping at my brain from an absolute value type of standpoint. Dollar-for-dollar, would you take the 2016 Cadillac ELR or the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V? The case can be made for either.

Let's take a look at what both have to offer.

The ELR

The big news today is that GM announced a beefy $10,000 price cut for the 2016 Cadillac ELR coupe. Yes, coupe. It still has seating for 4 adults, but those riding out back will need to wait their turn to exit the vehicle. It will also be based on the old ELR powertrain--not the revised Voltec unit that powers the new second-gen 2016 Chevy Volt that goes on sale later this year. We'd expect that a car like the ELR would feature the cutting-edge of what's simmering in GM's think tank, but it's not going to happen. That's a big part of the reasoning behind the price cut.

Despite it's small shortcomings, the ELR offers a stunning overall silhouette. It really does look good. It's loaded with oodles of tech and will provide you a hedge against volatile movements in fuel prices. Its interior even features OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in WiFi, including magnetic inductive charging for your phone.

But the price for that pizazz will set you back five bucks short of $66,000. That doesn't really scream value to me. And those who vote with their pocketbook seem to agree. Cadillac sold 92 samples last month to bring the total sold to 1,627 in the U.S. since it's inception. Comparatively, the Chevy Volt sold 639 units last month and sales for the same period have equated to 23,071 (December 2013 - March 2015).

Shoppers would save money at the pump, but the high initial cost would offset that for at least the first year of ownership.

Search for the latest incentives on the ELR »

The ATS-V

On the other hand, the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V comes in at an MSRP of $61,460, a full $4,535 less than the 2016 Cadillac ELR. The difference in price would buy you 1,619 gallons of 91-Octane gasoline--enough for 101 fill-ups at Gus's gas station.

But let's delve into the tangible features of the ATS-V. It now comes standard with 464 horsepower. That's a lot of performance for the money. And although it's a far cry from the ELR's 85 mpge, it does get a very respectable 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. If you bought one, you'd be spending roughly $44 each time you went to fill up on 91-Octane based on today's $2.80/g average.

But at the expense of fuel economy, you'd be privy to loads of daily grin-inducing experiences, all courtesy of the engine, well-engineered chassis and robust track-tuned suspension. Moreover, the exclusivity that Cadillac mentioned in the ELR press packet would also find its way into the ownership of an ATS-V. Since it's available in both sedan and coupe bodystyles, you have your choice. We'd opt for the sedan, since it costs $2,200 less than the coupe and offers the exact same engine, performance and fuel economy.

Search for the latest incentives on the ATS-V »

The Better Value

The frosted side of my mini-wheat mindset implores you to realize that the better value would be the 2016 ATS-V. It's It costs $4,535 less, has 2 extra doors and will offer it's owners with a healthy dose of exclusivity. That said, it's not as fuel-efficient as the ELR.

Which begs the question: if I mailed you a check for $66,000, which would you choose? Let's here in the in the comment section below.

And don't forget to read John Diether's excellent overview on the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V.