Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat should be a sport sedan; after all, it's German and comes from a company that traditionally puts a priority on handling. There's plenty to like about the new Passat. It's roomier and more affordable than ever before, and the handling does have some of that Germanic tautness. Plus, if you're willing to spend $6,000 to $9,000 over the price of the base 2.5-liter 5-cylinder model, you can get a 280-horsepower V6 or a 40-mpg diesel engine. But no matter which engine you get, there's something sluggish about the Passat that makes it feel less zippy than you would expect from a VW. That's OK if you just want to haul your family around in a stylish, practical sedan, but the car's performance won't distract the kids from their iPhones.
Do we think it's a sports car? No
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Audi A4
The A4 is a longtime contender to the BMW 3 Series and ranks just a tick below it in capability. Nevertheless, we love the look and feel of the A4. Like most Audis, the cabin is so stylish and high-tech it convinces you that you're driving in the future. Even though the A4 comes with only a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it's a heck of a powerplant that delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Like the 3 Series, the A4's steering and suspension let the driver communicate his will effortlessly to the road, and the optional, legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system gives drivers the capability to muscle their way through turns in a thoroughly enjoyable way.
Do we think it's a sports car? Yes
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Cadillac CTS
Cadillac has come a long way from its reputation as the luxury boat of choice for pensioners and pimps. The brand has staked its reputation on a combination of luxury, modernity and performance, and Cadillac has several models that can justifiably be called sports cars. The CTS is almost one of them. It's a firm road-holder with impressive steering and suspension. But, especially with the base 270-horsepower engine, it feels a bit listless under full power. That said, everything else about the CTS is impressive, from its slick interior design to its high-tech goodies and respectable build quality.
Do we think it's a sports car? Not quite
Cadillac CTS-V
What a difference a "V" makes. The CTS-V's 550-horsepower V8 engine is an overflowing bucket of torque and horsepower, barely contained by an adjustable magnetic suspension system. Sure, the CTS-V can get a little squirrelly on the squiggly roads, but if you have the discipline to hang back just a bit at its limits, this car can hang with — indeed, beat the pants off of — many supersedans twice its price.
Do we think it's a sports car? Absolutely
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Buick Regal
The Regal is a bold and impressive step for Buick, which has been trying to leave behind its reputation as a maker of retirement-community cruisers. The Regal has some surprisingly nimble moves when you twist the wheel, and it really does look the part of a sleek speedster. But with only 182 horsepower out of the box, it shuffles its feet a bit on full throttle. The turbocharger and GS engines improve the situation almost to the point of inclusion here, but when you start spending that sort of money, you can find a sport sedan with a far higher pedigree.
Do we think it's a sports car? Not exactly
Sam Foley is a Connecticut-based automotive journalist who has written for GQ, Forbes, USA Today, the New York Post and various other publications.
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