What Are the Differences in DHS & DTS Cadillacs?
by Justin Cupler
The Cadillac DeVille had a long a prosperous life, beginning in 1949 when Cadillac introduced the Coupe de Ville. The original Coupe de Ville won Motor Trends first "Car of the Year" award. The 2005 Deville came in three different levels: Base, DHS and DTS. While the DHS and DTS were both DeVilles, they had distinct differences. After 2005, Cadillac dropped the DeVille name altogether, in favor of DTS.
Engines
According to specifications on MSN Autos, while both the DTS and DHS used the same 32-valve, 4.6-liter, Northstar V-8, the engines were slightly different in output. The DeVille DHS's 4.6-liter produced 275 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The DTS model's 4.6-liter produced 290 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 285 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Drivetrain
Both the DHS and DTS used the same four-speed automatic transmission, but the axle ratios varied. The DHS DeVille had 3.11-to-1 axle ratio. The DTS DeVille's axle ratio was 3.71-to-1. A higher axle ratio typically leads to better acceleration.
Handling
The DHS trim level DeVille used a comfort-tuned suspension, giving more comfort than performance. The DHS also had 16-inch rims with 225/60R16 S-rated tires.
The DTS used a touring suspension that provided both sports handling and high comfort. It also used adaptive suspension that stiffens and smooths out the ride based on the car's speed and the driving terrain. The DTS had 17-inch rims with 235/55R17 H-rated performance tires.
Performance
The engine, drivetrain and handling differences between the DHS and DTS also showed up in overall performance. The DHS accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.36 seconds and completed a quarter-mile racetrack in 15.50 seconds at 92.77 mph. The DHS handled up to .81 lateral g's before losing control and completed a slalom course at a top speed of 58 mph.
The DTS DeVille accelerated from 0 to 60 in 7.33 seconds. It completed a quarter-mile track in 15.47 seconds at 90.34 mph. The touring suspension allowed it to handle up to .86 lateral g's before losing control and it completed a slalom course at a top speed of 59 mph.
Body
There were only a few differences in the bodies of the DHS and DTS. One difference is that the DHS came with an auto-dimming left side-view mirror as standard equipment, whereas in the DTS that was an option. The other difference was in the vehicles' curb weights. The DHS weighed 4,049 lbs. and the DTS weighed 4,047 lbs.
Interior Seating
The interiors were slightly different between the DHS and DTS in 2005. The DTS had two bucket seats in the front, limiting the total interior seating to five people, while the DHS had a 40-20-40 split bench seat that brought the total seating capacity to six people. The DTS had a center armrest between its bucket seats, which the DHS lacked. The DHS had lumbar adjustments for the rear seats, which the DTS did not include.
Interior Amenities
The DHS model comes with a leather- and wood-trimmed steering wheel, while the DTS is only leather-wrapped. The DHS will automatically save the driver's and passenger's seat adjustments. This is an option on the DTS. The DHS steering wheel has heating and power tilt, and the DTS has a non-heated, manual tilt steering wheel.
Writer Bio
Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.
