What Would You Rather Buy? The BMW M3 Sedan or the Lexus IS-F?

[keshy]

Lexus has set its eyes firmly on the M3 and it is considered as the benchmark when they finally release the IS-F, their official competitor for the high-performance sedan segment.

When comparing the technical specs of both cars, it becomes apparent that Lexus did a tremendous job at hitting its target. Powered by a 5.0L direct-injection V8 engine that produces 416hp with a peak torque of 371 lb-ft, the Lexus rockets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 200mph. The car the Lexus aspires to beat, the 2008 BMW M3 Sedan is powered by a smaller 4.0L V8 engine that produces a 414hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M3 completes the century sprint in exactly the same time as the Lexus; 4.9 seconds, albeit with a smaller engine.

The power difference is at par, it’s all down to the drive and handling, a segment the Beemer is well acquainted with and the Lexus only just being introduced, considering it’s the first time it is competing in the high-performance sedan category, and both the Beemer and the Lexus look like they mean business.

So what would it be then? The BMW or Lexus?

I think it's kind of obvious. Let's see what you have to say...

BMW M3 Sedan

Lexus IS-F

 

[GT_AUTO]

the lexus look nice.

 

[Z_Edition]

I think people will still go for BMW, even if Lexus or Audi do a better job.

 

[5115]

buy both,bmw for mistress & lexus for wife

 

[syokz]

vote for lexus...

 

[maverick84]

i quote jeremy clarkson on beemers..' good god its ugly'.

 

[David_SGTi]

i'l choose beemer rather than lexus...pay more for japs car?? hell no

 

[na_power]

both suck :p

 

[rajie]

Audi Rs4..........

 

[GABrally]

BMW M3 sedan, ugly! just like typical M3 wannabe! Lexus, if minus the dolphin (the fish, not the honda!) head bonnet, very cun!

 

[Ernest]

i think i will choose lexus but if u let me choose M3 coupe and IS-F maybe i will choose M3 coupe...i don't like the tail light of 3-series sedan

 

[si|verfish]

Let's be honest, the M3 saloon is a bit of a mongrel in terms of looks. It just doesn't look the part of a sports saloon. It looks soft compared to its rivals.

The IS-F on the other hand looks like its had too much steroids. Seriously aggressive looking.

In terms of overall dynamic ability, I think the M3 would be better. Because of that, I'd take the M3 saloon.

Screw that, I'd take the M3 coupe.

Actually screw that as well, I'd take the C63 AMG.

 

[Casanova]

the M3 sedan looks so boring compared to the M3 coupe

 

[jeffblazed]

200mph,,,,,,so i guess ill take the lexus......and the lex wont break like the beamer....cause the guys at bmw always like to push things to the limit....just look at the m3 e46beemer......cant last as long as the amg benz...

 

[bien335]

I'd go with neither.

Me and silverfish will be heading to the MB dealer later to test the C63 AMG. In my RS4 Avant. With rajie following behind in his black RS4.

Flashing his xenons, begging us not to.

 

[ephique74]

I'd love to have the BMW. You guys up there, always blame the car, BMW looks weird this, BMW looks weird that. Blame Chris Bangle you wombles. Before he entered BMW, everything was absolutely perfect. Curse Chris Bangle. But 3-Series Coupe range is exceptional. I think he wasn't involved at all. It looks good to me. Not too shouty like the over-blingly C63 AMG or too boring like the RS4.

Back to the point, against IS-F. Eventhough it's American... It's not. It's Japanese. And the performance is not that what I say "whooaa". It's good. But not as good as the M-Division bred machine. They don't have the reputation on handling as the M-Division has. But hey, the choice is yours to choose which is the best for you.

In summary, M3 is good if you live somewhere in the mountain range and have to cross a mountain pass just to get to work. Lexus is good if you want to be on someone's rear view mirror and make him say "uh-oh". C63 AMG is good, if the road doesn't have any corners. And the RS4? it's like a World War, with rubber bullets, firecracker bombs and water filled missiles.

 

[lapsap25]

Not impressed with 5.0L engine by Lexus. Should have outclass M3 with that kinda cc. BMW !!

 

[si|verfish]

I'd love to have the BMW. You guys up there, always blame the car, BMW looks weird this, BMW looks weird that. Blame Chris Bangle you wombles. Before he entered BMW, everything was absolutely perfect. Curse Chris Bangle. But 3-Series Coupe range is exceptional. I think he wasn't involved at all. It looks good to me. Not too shouty like the over-blingly C63 AMG or too boring like the RS4.

Back to the point, against IS-F. Eventhough it's American... It's not. It's Japanese. And the performance is not that what I say "whooaa". It's good. But not as good as the M-Division bred machine. They don't have the reputation on handling as the M-Division has. But hey, the choice is yours to choose which is the best for you.

In summary, M3 is good if you live somewhere in the mountain range and have to cross a mountain pass just to get to work. Lexus is good if you want to be on someone's rear view mirror and make him say "uh-oh". C63 AMG is good, if the road doesn't have any corners. And the RS4? it's like a World War, with rubber bullets, firecracker bombs and water filled missiles.

I'm sorry mate but that's a load of (stereotypical) tosh.

Wake up and smell the tyre smoke. BMW don't have the super saloon market all to themselves anymore. Check out every comparo that have been done between these cars. These cars are all very very even. Sure, the M3 still has a bit more dynamic polish (unfortunately it has gone all softie on us), but the rest are really, really close and in other areas has the BMW licked. The Lexus can handle a track, the C63 can corner and the RS4 still is bad ass (and would give the M3 a run for its money anywhere) despite being several years old and out of production.

Publications have been split and victories awarded to its rivals, unlike the old days when you'd bet your house on the M3 to sweep all before it. Even Autocar (a mag I have branded as pro BMW before) gave a victory to the RS4 over the M3.

But, for the BMW fanboys, relax. I have a feeling the M division will pull out all the stops for the CSL and make it what the M3 should have been.

 

[effie]

id go for the ISF

 

[si|verfish]

Not impressed with 5.0L engine by Lexus. Should have outclass M3 with that kinda cc. BMW !!

Christ! I repeat, BHP per litre is the gayest performance figure in the history of automobiles. So stop.