BMW 545i

$77,700 Cdn.

Brand new in ’04, car zealots have had their shorts in a knot wondering if BMW was going to screw up their beloved 5 Series. Driving-wise, no worries. From the ideal 50/50 front to rear weight distribution, to the car zealot-mandatory six-speed stick, to the smooth-as-a-locomotive 325-hp, 4.5-litre vee-eight from the 7 Series, the 5 borders on being a muscle car—but with class
2005 BMW 545i vs. 2005 Audi A6 4.2 FTLOD Comparo

New for 2005: Active Steering a standalone option
S-S.com choice: The stick and the Sport package in Titanium Grey
Cudda hadda: There are a few previously-lusted-over late model M5s out there
Why Buy?: The M5 is on hiatus, and when it does come back it will be SMG-equipped only. So…

Cadillac CTS-V

$70,700 Cdn.

Theoretically inspired by Teutonic tuners such as AMG and BMW’s M werkes, this is the first in what Cadillac is promising is another step to becoming The Standard of the World—again. Starting with the 400-hp, 5.7-litre Corvette vee-eight with its mandatory six-speed stick helps (a lot!). The rear-drive chassis was honed on what is becoming The General’s favourite proving grounds: the Nürburgring

New for 2005: Mandatory stick? Cadillac must be serious
S-S.com choice: In Stealth (yes, Stealth) Grey
Cudda hadda: Like we said, there are a few previously-lusted-over late model M5s out there
Why Buy?: 400 horsepower don’t lie

Audi S4 Sedan/Wagon

$68,250 - $69,700 Cdn.

Subtle styling tweaks, four-season power delivery from the hot-rod 340-hp, 4.2-litre vee-eight, aggressive, yet compliant ride and handling—and you get a functional five-passenger car with a typical Audi world-class interior. Throw on some snows and pretend you actually like winter
2004 S4 Cab FTLOD Review

New for 2005: Nada. New model with DaSilva nose-job coming mid-year
S-S.com choice: The wagon in Dolphin Grey with a stick
Cudda hadda: Two A4 1.8T Avants
Why Buy?: The Swiss Army Knife of cars

Volvo S60R/V70R

$59,995 - $60,995 Cdn.

After a one-year’s absence, the sportiest of all Volvos returns to The Straight-Goods. As before, Volvo's pulling out all the tech tricks with AWD, driver-adjustable traction/stability controls and dynamically variable suspension bits. Oh, and a 300-hp, 2.5-litre blown straight-five is a nice trick too. Not as connected to the road as the cars above, but this one fast mutha' of a Volvo

New for 2005: New front and rear fascias and interior equipment tweaks
S-S.com choice: Wagon with the stick in Titanium Grey
Cudda hadda: 2002 540i Touring with a stick
Why Buy?: “How could I’ve been driving that fast Officer, it’s a Volvo!”

Audi allroad 2.7T quattro

$58,800 Cdn.

With the demise of last year’s S6 Avant, along with its 340-hp 4.2-litre, vee-eight (sigh…), if you want an A6 Avant that’s fun-to-drive, the allroad with the 250-hp, 259-lb-ft of torque 2.7-litre turbo vee-six AND six-speed stick is all that’s left on the Audi menu. You still get the munificent A6 interior and trick air suspension and finally (!) a monochromatic paint scheme so no one mistakes you for an Outback driver

New for 2005: Not much, replacement coming in ‘06
S-S.com choice: Atlas Grey
Cudda hadda: V70R or allraod, we’d still go for a 2002 540i Touring with a stick
Why Buy?: Interior will make the Designer Guys proud

Saab 9-5 Aero Sedan/Wagon

$53,000 - $54,000 Cdn.

There are lessor Linear and Arc models, but if you want to find out what legendary Saab torque-steer feels like, go for the 250-hp Aero with the available five-speed stick. If you're looking for a non-Teutonic alternative, this is a well-built Euro-wagon with comfortable interiors, and smart highway manners. Class nerd looks do not attract attention—a good thing!

New for 2005: Three new colours, and an optional sat nav
S-S.com choice: With the stick in Titanium Silver
Cudda hadda: 2002 540i Touring with a stick...wadda you expect?
Why Buy?: We don’t need no steenking traction!!