Cadillac DeVille versus Lincoln Town Car

[adallak]

I believe this post from a Lincoln forum will make you smile, gents!

Here is the thread in case someone wants to see the comments: http://www.lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60237

"Well I was pretty surprised the other day when one of my friends wanted to purchase a 94 Cad Deville Concours model which has the northstar 4.6 32valve dual overhead cam engine that cranks out 300hp. We took it out for a test drive to see how it would drive and made sure everything was working properly. The car has 80,000 miles on it, and everything is in perfect condition considering it's age. At first I didn't like this car because of the design, but after you drive this thing, it's a freakin blast! I couldn't believe how this Caddy made my Town Car feel, it makes it feel ancient in comparision. The Deville feels much more modern, all the gauges are nice and bright, and I love how it tells just about every little thing what's going on with the car. The oil life monitor is really informative as well as the traction control and other info that is seriously lacking on our TC's. It almost feels like a 2000 and up model and not a 94. The Tech in this car is very good.

The quality of the interior was wayyyyyyyyyy!! better than my TC, I mean everything is nicely padded with a soft vinyl trim, even the dash felt good, with no rattles or squeaks. Our TC's feel cheap as hell when it comes to these Caddys.The seats are big and very supportive, power everything, all the electronics work great, even the plastic buttons are firm and of higher quality than my TC, since the buttons on my climate control have cracked or are missing cheap *smurf* Ford. Basically every feature you could think of is in this car, and more.

The overall performance was amazing! I mean you can't tell if the transmission has even shifted gears, that's how smooth it feels. The torque coming from this engine was crazy, you can spin the wheels if you wanted to like nothing, and even with the AC on max, we never felt a drop in HP, or could even tell that it was on since the engine responded so well. The engine was also silent, and roared somewhat under aceleration, but in muscular way. The doors are heavier than my TC and feel solid, the window glass is thick which provided the near silence when cruising around for a test drive. Anyways I told my friend to buy this baby, for only $1800 he will be purchasing a great conditioned Caddy that has a higher standard of luxury than my TC, and the quality that surpasses it. I know these engines have issues with overheating and oil leaks, but as I can tell, it looks like it's been cared for nicely.

As for the ride quality ah! now that's where the TC beats it, but not by much. The difference is in ride softness, our TC's have a pillowy soft ride that can sometimes lead to bad handling. Well this Caddy feels more sporty, it does have struts, so no SL arm on the front suspension only on the rears though which BTW the Cad has a fully independent suspension. What I do like about the ride, is that the car stays flat at all times, you never feel like you could lose control, it does flatten out the bumps pretty good, but it doesn't have that soft plush ride that were used to when driving TC's. It doesn't rock side to side either which is good also. As for interior space and comfort, the leg room is about the same in both cars, but I give the upper hand to the Caddy here from front seat leg room because unlike our TC's, if your long kneed person, riding in the front passenger side seat can be uncomfortable because the way the glove box and dash is designed, your knees can touch it, well in the caddy, you wouldn't have to worry about that since you sit lower in this car, and plus the dash is curved inward, so you wouldn't have a problem with the "Knees hittin Dash" complaints that some people talk about. The TC feels much more airy and spacious when compared to this Caddy. I felt a little tight in this car, it could be because the way the roof was designed and smaller windows which leads to many blind spots.

Overall I was pleased with this car, I would say this cad is classy looking, which it looks nice, especially in a dark color. But the TC looks way more prestigous and elegant, it totally kicks the caddys *smurf* in looks from an exterior standpoint and in an overall presence. Love Townies, but can't believe it's cheapness and old tech when compared to the same year GM cars.

What a difference"

[BodybyFisher]

That is a good review and exactly how I would have described the differences. He is being very objective for a Ford owner. Typically Ford owners tend to defend Fords to the death, sort of like us GM owners. A Ford 'feel' is a Ford feel and a GM 'feel' is a GM feel, its sort of like a preference, like Mets Yankees and the two shall never meet. So I am even more impressed by his review.

He did give the ride feel to Ford, but then VERY smartly added that the Cadillac felt safer and more stable.. Soft is not good

[adallak]

That is a good review and exactly how I would have described the differences. He is being very objective for a Ford owner. Typically Ford owners tend to defend Fords to the death, sort of like us GM owners. A Ford 'feel' is a Ford feel and a GM 'feel' is a GM feel, its sort of like a preference, like Mets Yankees and the two shall never meet. So I am even more impressed by his review.

He did give the ride feel to Ford, but then VERY smartly added that the Cadillac felt safer and more stable.. Soft is not good

Mike, I liked that too - the honest way two cars were compared... Just curious...any Lincoln owners among our members? As for me, I like the looks of Lincoln Town Cars, but simple comparisson of specs leaves NO doubts Cadillac is more technically advanced in all possible ways. The Northstar headgasket issue seems to steer many potential luxury American ca buyers clear of Cadillacs... Too sad!

[jndnaps]

I think the DeVille is way better looking than those Town cars of the early 90's inside and out. 98 and up, the Town car looks good, but I still think the DeVille is over all a better looking car. See

[TDK]

Folks,

I don't think the '94 Concours had a 300 hp engine. That may have been introduced in '97 perhaps?

Our '94 Concours is still fine at well over 215,000-miles.

No significant engine work or tranny work ever, (since I got it at about 86,000 as my company car). I did have to replace the passenger side lock actuator but only swapped the driver's side window to the back. It has a front strut message, but my youngest son drives it to work everyday.

My attorney neighbor/friend has his old town car sitting alongside the house and it has not moved for years. I suppose it could look classy if washed up and shined, as long as all you wanted was a look, not a ride...

[BodybyFisher]

See this link > http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/cad1990/CAD94D.HTM

The brand-new 1994 DeVille Concours

An all-new class of six-passenger luxury automobile. One with an advanced 270-hp Northstar System, with perforated leather seating areas, Zebrano wood trim and many other amenities, all standard. One that creates a higher standard.

[Poobah]

Interesting and objective comparison. His only real complaint was the lack of the pillowy soft ride that the Town Car has. I noticed that he drove the Concourse model, which is the more sporty version of the Deville. I'd be interested to know how he would compare the ride of the standard Deville with that of the Town Car.

[JohnnyG]

I just can't imagine what his review of the 2008 DTS would be like! I had the "pleasure" of driving a 2008 TC. It was a rental with about 6000 miles on it. The person asked me if my Caddy felt "uncertain" on the road, since he didn't like this funny feeling he was getting out of this rental car. I offered to give it a try, just to compare the two, and to see if something might be broken. (I had a feeling that this topic would eventually come up)

The TC had a very cushy ride. Cushy to the point that you often wondered where it was going to go next! It's a classic example of the "tail wagging the dog"! The rearward mass, when directed around a curve, really wanted to stay that course, much to the dismay of the driver, who all this time thought he should be in control!

Don't get me wrong, it's not a dangerous condition. Nothing ever happened that would make me think that I was going to lose control. it was just a bit more like driving a boat in the water, than a car on solid pavement!

I continue to be amazed at the reviews that seem to belittle the handling of the new DTS, saying that it's not very good. To me, it's perfect! It's accurate, predictable, and sure footed. It gives you an uncanny feel of mastery of the highway in every situation, almost to the point of being TOO confident. I was driving down the highway yesterday at 71 mph, and I found myself actually thinking....THIS IS SO SLOW, I CAN GET OUT AND WALK FASTER THAN THIS!!! That's how a 2008 CADILLAC drives!

No, it's not a sports car. It's not a Porsche, nor ever claimed to be. It's not even a VW "knockoff" of a Porsche, and never even tried to be. I suppose the reviews/reviewers must have a second best in order to define the best, but for my money...THIS DTS is the best!

[BodybyFisher]

Interesting and objective comparison. His only real complaint was the lack of the pillowy soft ride that the Town Car has. I noticed that he drove the Concourse model, which is the more sporty version of the Deville. I'd be interested to know how he would compare the ride of the standard Deville with that of the Town Car.

Very Good Point

[BodybyFisher]

I just can't imagine what his review of the 2008 DTS would be like! I had the "pleasure" of driving a 2008 TC. It was a rental with about 6000 miles on it. The person asked me if my Caddy felt "uncertain" on the road, since he didn't like this funny feeling he was getting out of this rental car. I offered to give it a try, just to compare the two, and to see if something might be broken. (I had a feeling that this topic would eventually come up)

The TC had a very cushy ride. Cushy to the point that you often wondered where it was going to go next! It's a classic example of the "tail wagging the dog"! The rearward mass, when directed around a curve, really wanted to stay that course, much to the dismay of the driver, who all this time thought he should be in control!

Don't get me wrong, it's not a dangerous condition. Nothing ever happened that would make me think that I was going to lose control. it was just a bit more like driving a boat in the water, than a car on solid pavement!

I continue to be amazed at the reviews that seem to belittle the handling of the new DTS, saying that it's not very good. To me, it's perfect! It's accurate, predictable, and sure footed. It gives you an uncanny feel of mastery of the highway in every situation, almost to the point of being TOO confident. I was driving down the highway yesterday at 71 mph, and I found myself actually thinking....THIS IS SO SLOW, I CAN GET OUT AND WALK FASTER THAN THIS!!! That's how a 2008 CADILLAC drives!

No, it's not a sports car. It's not a Porsche, nor ever claimed to be. It's not even a VW "knockoff" of a Porsche, and never even tried to be. I suppose the reviews/reviewers must have a second best in order to define the best, but for my money...THIS DTS is the best!

Perfect description and EXACTLY what I like "It's accurate, predictable, and sure footed".

This is the main reason that I beef up my strut rod and stabilizer bar bushings, to make it even more sure footed.. I hate an unpredictable feeling. The worst car I ever owned was my mid life crisis, 91 Nissan 240SX, in wet weather it was a WHITE knuckle ride and you had NO idea where it was going to go on turns and in an emergency, forget it.

[Texas Jim]

I continue to be amazed at the reviews that seem to belittle the handling of the new DTS, saying that it's not very good. To me, it's perfect! It's accurate, predictable, and sure footed. It gives you an uncanny feel of mastery of the highway in every situation, almost to the point of being TOO confident. I was driving down the highway yesterday at 71 mph, and I found myself actually thinking....THIS IS SO SLOW, I CAN GET OUT AND WALK FASTER THAN THIS!!! That's how a 2008 CADILLAC drives!

JohnnyG,

I agree with you on THAT.

It is sure footed and predictable. That is one of the things I REALLY LIKE about it.

We were driving along today... out in the middle of nowhere in Montana, on some back roads... NO traffic AT ALL...

Darling Wife asked me... "Why are we poking around?" I had the cruise set on 83 but it sure didn't seem like it.

About 30 minutes later I ran into a REALLY BAD hail storm. Within 30 seconds the highway was totally covered in hail...probably 1 1/2 inches deep. Slammed on the brakes to turn around and go back the other way... the DIC said STABILITRAC ENGAGED as I slid to a stop on the hail/ice and started turning around. But it was all done with no fuss ..no muss. No dramatics.. (except for all the stuff in the back seat sliding off into the floor ) it just did exactly what you told it to do.

Have I ever mentioned .. I love my Cadillac.

[TDK]

Regarding the Caddy ride & control,

That '94 Concours of ours remains one of the most confidence-building cars I have ever driven.

A few years ago, we were driving back from Las Vegas after being rained out on a "Richard Petty Driving Experiance". We had followed a big rig for a while in the driving rain on a 2-lane highway. I leaned over a bit back from the malestrom at the back of the truck,while into a long wide left to get a peek at the road ahead, (of which I had some memory).

It was a GO, and the Big Red Dog jumped from about 50-mph to go around the truck into matter of a few seconds or so. All the trucker saw was the wet hind end of the Big Red Dog with its ears back and tongue out. It was awesome to dive into a cloud of opaque overspray at speed and in a pulse...exit into the clear!

I looked down after we had rocketed past and we were climbing past 111-mph in the driving rain. OK that's probably enough and we eased back inot our lane. My son, the SCCA weekend racer said something like, "Dad, I really want this car when you find another newer one like it." I'm not gonna repeat what my wife said - after she let out her breath.

The Big Red Dog was alway tuggin on the lease and raring to run as hard as you wanted and then some. There were no "traction control engaged" messages on that run. But there were plenty when I was trying to pass a bus and got on top of about an inch of icy slush...but that's another story.

I don't think a rear wheel drive Lincoln TC would have had it in it or been able to hang on to itself.

[WarrenJ]

Regarding the Caddy ride & control,

My son, the SCCA weekend racer said something like, "Dad, I really want this car when you find another newer one like it." I'm not gonna repeat what my wife said - after she let out her breath.

Ha Ha! Great story.

The Lincoln didn't always have that pillow ride. My '71 MK III was a long, low, wide, heavy, overpowered (460cid/365hp) road hugger and went like a bat out of you-know-where. I wouldn't mind having it back today. My '83 MK VI was a high and long underpowered (302cid/125hp) pillow-riding thing that was great for a straight line highway drive. However, at no time EVER did I have any feeling of confidence regarding its ability to help me avoid any accident situation. Quite the contrary.

A year and a half ago I had to do a successful zig-zag accident avoidance maneuver on the L.I.E. @ 75mph with my old '98 Eldorado ESC. I'm still stunned that the car didn't get "out of shape." I don't believe any other car I've ever owned (except the TR-6) could have done that. The Lincoln MK VI might likely have rolled over. I'm even more confident of the current ETC. Still, sometimes I wish it rode a little more "pillow-ish." My kidneys are old and tender!

Regards,

Warren

[adallak]

Are not Lincoln TC and Ford CV pretty much the same cars mechanically? How does police use the latter for decades if it does not "hold the road" well?

[Caddynut]

Well, this is not a comparison of the Deville and Towncar, but my '92 Seville vs. my neighbors '97 Continental. As far as overall years of durability, my 92 beat it. The Continental has the whole back door rotten out and the paint has lost its luster. My '92 still has a beautiful gloss and only has a couple of surface rust spots. The Continental does have a little firmer of a ride than my '92 and the leather in the '97 Continental has held up a little better, but the Continental has about 40,000 less miles than my Seville, so that should come into consideration. I am partial to Cadillacs, but it all boils down to every car has their good and bad points. I know for a fact that the Continental has had many more problems than my '92. Now....to compare that '97 Continental to my '01 STS......NO COMPARISON!!!! The STS blows it away in every aspect!!

[TDK]

Are not Lincoln TC and Ford CV pretty much the same cars mechanically? How does police use the latter for decades if it does not "hold the road" well?

You bring up a number of valid points to ponder, which I hope to address from both a personal and public perspective.

1. From a Personal perspective:

The company car I had for a year of so before the '94 Caddy Concours was a '92 Mercury Gran Marquis. It was a dark gray 4-door and as I recall, had a 32-valve 250-hp V8. I will say that it handled everyting I handed out. Including a 126-mph run for many, many miles west on I-80 into Wendover Utah/Nevada, (permission granted - because she had to go pee). The other interesting time was when I was testing the antilock brakes from about 50-60 on our road into work, which had a particularily, enticing, smooth coating of heavy ice. It eventually went in the ditch backwards at about 20-30 mph and I had to have the guys push me out. Aside from those times, it was simply not that memorable. However, several guys at wok have handed it down and it still runs, albiet with less paint and a few non-working windows.

2. From a Public perspective:

The Troopers and local PD who run the Crown Vics and such have the "home field advantage" on the roads they drive for many hours each day and know so well. They are probably also on average, better drivers - in particular during interesting situations. They also enjoy the "renter's attitude", such that they are not making paymets, momma doesn't need the car, etc, and the car is just another tool to use. Any minor or major damage seldom makes the news unless bystanders are involved. The service departments might actually maintain the tires, brakes, etc better than JQ Public. The car is their primary defensive position whether moving or stationary and they appreciate the bulk in any situation. Mileage, technology and luxury are simply not objectives for consideration.

All in all - a very servicable vehicle and this design has indeed served Ford well for many years.

But still,

Its just not a Caddy.