What would you rather buy – the cheaper BMW M3 Sedan or the Lexus IS-F?

Posted: Jan 29, 2008
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What would you rather buy - the cheaper BMW M3 Sedan or the Lexus IS-F?

Lexus had set BMW’s M3 as a benchmark when producing their competitor for the high-performance sedan segment. According to Yukihiko Yaguchi, chief engineer for the Lexus IS-F, “Since we were coming after the M3, there were numerical targets we had to hit.”

If you take a look at the technical specs of both cars, Lexus did a tremendous job at hitting their targets. The Lexus IS-F is powered by a 5.0L direct-injection V8 engine that produces 416hp with a peak torque of 371 lb-ft. 0-62 comes in at 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 200mph. The 2008 BMW M3 Sedan on the other hand, is powered by a smaller 4.0L V8 engine that produces a 414hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 time is the same as the Lexus IS-F coming in at 4.9 seconds.

But, both auto makers recently released the pricing for their mid-sized high-performance onslaught and surprise – the BMW M3 Sedan is cheaper by $1,425.

The Lexus IS-F starts at $56,000 while the M3 Sedan carries a starting price tag of $54,575. Now we’re not saying that the Lexus IS-F is overpriced, but $1,425 could be enough to lure fans away to an already established marquee such as the “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Not to mention its Lexus’s first year competing in the segment so we can expect a few hesitations from consumers.

Oh and of course, Mercedes still has to release pricing for the C 63 AMG which is expected to be around $63k. And let’s not talk about the $69k Audi RS 4.

Let us know what you’d want to take home in the comments section below.

 

2008 BMW M3 Sedan Gallery:

2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 2008 BMW M3 Sedan 

 

Lexus IS-F Gallery:

Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F brand_spankin_new_images_lexus_is_f_new_14.jpg Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F Lexus IS-F

 

[tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Automotive, BMW, Lexus[/tags]


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  • Kyle

    BMW every time. I’m not saying that Lexus cant produce a proper sports car, just that its not the one for me. I’d rather have a regular 6 speed than those clunky crossword puzzle style shifters. Also the new M-DKG would make an excellent alternative to a manual. Lexus is known for its styling and I’m just not a fan of its interior.

  • VegasJ

    I am hugely biased as a current BMW owner (now that you’ve stopped reading). I would have to take the M3. BMW just has handling built in to their DNA. You can talk specs all you want but I would take a BMW with less power/torque over a newcomer or the AMG’d Merc which is just point and stomp.

    Its all in the handling. That M3 would be a more rewarding to drive. Sure, not as flash as the IS-F but it will still look good years from now while the Lexus will design will just wear off. Having owned a couple of Bimmers, its just one of those cars that you continue to look back at when you park it and walk away even after years of ownership. Its a complete experience whereas others are just try to copy.

  • Kenny

    Easy…………M3 Sedan

  • scott

    Seems to me that lexus typically throws a lot of extras into their base price. Extras that to add to the BMW will raise the price considerably. How about you put together a package of comparable features and extras and then compare the two prices.

  • scott

    That being said…I would have to stick with the company that has dominated this market since forever. I’ll take the BMW today…give lexus a few years to get the hang of it and I might be buying a 2012 IS-F

  • Ben

    Why would anybody buy a Lexus over a BMW?

  • Ninja Turtle

    Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic?

    That and the BMW’s more decent design makes the M3 a winner.

  • Allen

    Good point to Ben. The BMW is not only cheaper, and more stylish (and its the Bangled M3, christ how could the Lexus be SO UGLY?), but its probably quicker through the turns.

    The IS-F is going to sell sloowwww past the first few sales.

  • Jacob

    I would buy the C63. A) I have both equal equal numbers of BMWs and Benzs. (B) Going to the dealer once a month with the Bimmers is a waste of my life. And (C) BMW dissapoints with their showy designs; what-ever happen to evading the police?

  • christian armen

    The M3 by all means for as long as it is produced in Germany.
    BMW uniques style is always a winner.
    Also lets be honest where exactly and on which roads here in US are we gonna feel the difference of 2 xtra hp even though 80lb more torques is significant?!

  • CatsMeow

    There’s gotta be hardcore lexus fans out there somewhere…

  • Kap

    The IS-F is starting to grow on me, lookswise, but Ninja Turtle said it: it’s a 6-box vs. an 8-autotragic.

    ///M3.

  • Stephenz

    I know Toyota is trying hard, but is that even a question??

    I have a 2003 M5 and I used to have a 1990 535I with manual gear box and I would steal be reluctant to trade it for that IS-Fugly.

    Bimmer anyday and over anything Lexus can offer.

    BIMMER 4eva.

  • James

    The IS-F is fast and the transmission is amazing, but even at a price point equal the the BMW M3, it would not be my choice.

    I’m not saying this because I prefer BMW over Lexus, I’m saying this (as a current Lexus owner) who knows how each of these cars performs. I’m also not sold on the front end of the IS-F, it really comes across as a bunch of aftermarket bolt-on, not a refined look you expect from a high performance vehicle.

    For those who were just in Vegas last week driving the IS-F, I’m certain you’ll agree, it’s a fast car, great transmission, but not the choice when it comes to the BMW M3.

  • x

    m3 sedan is butt ugly

  • Andy

    the front of the Lexus looks strange is the kindest way to say it. Never like the 3 series 4 door — so I guess I would go for the C63. the M3 Coupe and Audi S5 would be my top choice is coupe were included.

  • Greg4

    Faster, more advanced and with much better standard equipment:
    The IS-F offers a lot more then the Beamer.