The CT5-V Blackwing and M5 CS are both incredibly fierce sports sedans, but only one provides better value for the money.

For every person who likes chocolate ice cream, there’s another who likes vanilla. The same is true for cars as well. Some people want a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS, while others prefer a 2022 Honda Accord. Luckily there are options out there for everyone.

In today’s market, there are multiple options for buyers looking to buy an $85,000+ sports sedan. Two options are the BWM M5 CS and the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Both are among the fastest sports sedans of 2022 and both offer extreme speed and an abundance of luxury with slightly different ways of achieving it. Unfortunately, life isn’t like an ice cream cone, and most people can’t get two scoops, so the question becomes, which car is the one to buy?

There are 8 things to look at when making that decision.

What matters more: the size of the engine or what you can do with it? The Blackwing’s 6.2L supercharged engine is larger than the M5's 4.4L and makes more power—668 versus the M5's 600. However, when it comes to performance, the BMW outdoes the Cadillac both in the 0-60 mph run and the quarter-mile run.

The main reason is that while the BMW has AWD, the Blackwing can only put down power through its RWD-powered back wheels. That means there’s considerable wheelspin before the Blackwing can take off. There is also the matter of weight. The M5 CS has been put on a diet, replacing many of its parts with carbon fiber, thus increasing the power-weight ratio. While the Blackwing is still incredibly fast, it can’t keep up with the featherweight BMW.

Related: The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Is a Triumph of American Engineering

Both cars are beautiful, but the Blackwing is the way to go if the goal is getting attention. It has an upgraded grille, rear decklid spoiler, front splitter, and gloss black rocker moldings with extensions that leave no doubt that this is a more exotic car than the regular CT5-V.

On the other hand, the BMW looks hardly any different from a regular M5. There are some minor differences, but most people on the road wouldn’t be able to identify the M5 CS as anything different than the M5 unless they could see the badging. if anything, the BMW is a bit boring, with not much to differentiate it from the standard 5 Series, for that matter.

Related: Here's What's So Special About The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

The Caddy and the Bimmer both do an excellent job surrounding the driver in luxury. Despite their focus on performance, they both include adjustable seats, increased seat bolstering, and a slew of features that ensure the driver and passengers are taken care of. The M5 CS is expertly engineered, as you would expect from the Germans, but the seats have a strange carbon fiber block between the legs that can cause issues for some people on long rides.

Meanwhile, the Cadillac Is also well-built but suffers from a different seat issue. The leather covering the seat lacks grip to hold the occupants in place, which is not what you want when cruising at high speed. There is one feature that gives the Cadillac significance, and that is Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The result is improved body-motion control when turning a corner and a much more comfortable ride while cruising along on straightaways.

Related: 2022 BMW M5 CS Road Test: M Stands for Monster

There’s no doubt that if moving at breakneck speed is your thing, both cars will be enjoyable. They provide the confidence the driver needs to ensure that they will be able to survive the experience when they put their foot down. The difference between the two is the transmission. Many drivers are content with an automatic transmission that allows them to focus solely on getting from point A to point B, but if you want a more involving experience, the Blackwing’s 6-speed manual is what you need.

Many drivers have never learned to drive a stick shift, but if you have, the ability to be fully engaged in the experience is what you want. Few cars even have a manual option, and when it comes to a performance car, it’s a special thing.

Related:Why the Cadillac CT4-V, CT5-V Blackwings’ Manual Transmission Is So Good

This category goes to the BMW. The thought put into the experience gives it an edge over the Blackwing. While the Cadillac has a proper 15-speaker ATK sound system, the BMW has a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo that blows it out of the water. The infotainment system is larger and more advanced while being simpler to use. The M5 CS also gives the passengers a more customizable experience with individual controls in the back seat to optimize their comfort.

Another great feature of the BMW M5 is the M buttons on the steering wheel that can adjust to preprogrammed driving dynamics chosen by the driver, something the Cadillac can’t offer. The BMW’s gauge screen cluster is a step above what the Cadillac can offer, and the infotainment screen is 12.3-inches as opposed to the Blackwing’s 10-inch screen.

Related: 2022 BMW M5 CS review: Go for the gold

The whole point of buying a luxury sports sedan is getting the best of a 4-door everyday driver and a fast, powerful sports car. That makes both of these sedans “practical” options. Of course, the question becomes, is a vehicle that can reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds efficient? In both, the gas mileage is poor, and the prices make them a choice that doesn’t necessarily make sense for most people.

If you can forget both of those factors, the question becomes worth asking. The BMW has one less seat in the back but still has a large trunk, cabin dimensions, and functional usability. What it comes down to is the transmission. As it says above, the 6-Speed is more fun for a car enthusiast, but in daily traffic and on long-distance trips, an automatic makes more sense.

As you might imagine, the $142,000 BMW costs more than the Cadillac. You might not know that with the Blackwing’s $83,995 base price, it costs $58,000 less; that’s enough to buy both the Blackwing and also any of several luxury cars.

On the other hand, when options are added to the Blackwing, the price can quickly inflate to $125,890. Still not as much as the BMW costs, but not quite as much of a bargain.

Related: Compare BMW M5 CS vs Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

The CT5-V Blackwing and the M5 CS are special cars. Both are head turners that can fly and make earth-quaking noises, but the addition of the classifications Blackwing and CS make them more unique and more desirable. The chance of seeing either one on the road is slim, making them exclusive. They’re special because both will be the last version of the BMW M5 CS and Cadillac Blackwingwith a gasoline engine.

In the future, both will go electric, and that factor gives them the potential to be even more collectible down the road. Ultimately the BMW brand has more cache and a better reputation, giving it the edge.

Related: Introducing the new BMW M5 CS limited-run special edition.

So which car gets the nod as the winner? Based on the criteria above, it’s a tie. There are great things about each vehicle, and neither one has any significant faults, even if it came in second. What it boils down to is the buyer. They have to think about what’s important to them and what fits their life better.

Looking at it from strictly a performance perspective, the BMW takes the cake. However, the M5 costs significantly more than the Cadillac, even without the CS trim. So, if you are looking for sheer value for the money, the Blackwing is easily the better sports sedan in our book.

A long-time car lover, specifically passionate about European super sedans and coupes. Also enjoys learning about future super and hypercars, His favorite brands include BMW, Audi, Aston Martin, and koenigsegg. Fan of car spotting, stand-up comedy, baseball, Liverpool FC, and his Bulldog.