IS-F against RS4

[Sleepy 1]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/v...f-against-rs4/

[festerfm]

if the test was the mid of january, i wonder who would come out on top, just a hint of cold stuff on the ground.... but then again, who drives their rs4 in winter?? thats what u'r 88 toyota pickup is for right?

[SuperAvant]

That was the most boring car video I have ever seen. I love how when they show them doing laps the car goes by at like 20 MPH. Open it up!

[jerrym]

.. lol funny video.

[likewater]

Just a marginal difference between the two and I doubt you'd feel that on the street. So even though they give the title to the Lexus, I would still be opening up my wallet at an Audi dealer. And, I think I finally figured out what the F in IS-F stands for. FUGLY!!!!

[mioStile]

There is no comparison between these two cars. A true sports car that isn't offered in manual - cmooooooooon...fughetaboudit.

a very noble competitor, but def, you won't find me anywhere else than the audi dealer.

[a4dc89]

IS-F looks like a piece of shit. The quad exhaust has the tip on the bumper and the pipes are like 4 inches under the body. IMHO its really cheap

[jerrym]

IS-F looks like a piece of shit. The quad exhaust has the tip on the bumper and the pipes are like 4 inches under the body. IMHO its really cheap

and this really cheap car can take a good walk on the rs4 and most other cars on the road

[jerrym]

IS-F looks like a piece of shit. The quad exhaust has the tip on the bumper and the pipes are like 4 inches under the body. IMHO its really cheap

and this really cheap car can take a good walk on the rs4 and most other cars on the road

[audikid66]

lol good walk? it was 4/10 of a second faster on the trak ha.. ill sacrifice the 4/10th of a second and take the rs4 anyday.. rs4 with coils and call it a day... way nicer then that fugly ISF...

[Sleepy 1]

Just a marginal difference between the two and I doubt you'd feel that on the street. So even though they give the title to the Lexus, I would still be opening up my wallet at an Audi dealer. And, I think I finally figured out what the F in IS-F stands for. FUGLY!!!!

IS-Fugly hahahaha

[Tiesto]

and this really cheap car can take a good walk on the rs4 and most other cars on the road

Because .4 of a second faster (forgetting the fact this is RWD vs AWD in good weather conditions) is totally considered "walking."

This car certanly aint cheap price wise, but you just can't look past those tacky Japanese car characteristics.

[Mello]

While I would prefer an RS, I think the F is a pretty sweet ride.

[SuperAvant]

I looked at one at a Lexus dealership the other day. The interior is incredibly chinsy especially the center stack where the gear shift is. It looks like right out of a sport edition cavalier. The quad exhaust tips made me laugh too. In the winter that would be weird to see the exhaust vapor not come out of the tips...

[festerfm]

at least the rs4 is a year round car.... not just a 6 month a year car.

[jerrym]

lol good walk? it was 4/10 of a second faster on the trak ha.. ill sacrifice the 4/10th of a second and take the rs4 anyday.. rs4 with coils and call it a day... way nicer then that fugly ISF...

hrm.. i guess i have to race one to see ..

[Lugi20]

This is one of those apples to oranges comparisons. I wouldn't be ashamed to pull up to a valet in either car, but my personal preference goes to the Audi.

Honestly though, we should all be stunned that Lexus did such a damn good job on the first car they built to fill this catagory. I don't think it looks bad, it just looks a lot like an IS-blah.

And yeah, Lexus is catering to a more mundane driver with the Auto-only option, just like Mercedies caters to the people who typically buy their cars with an Auto-only tranny on their cars as well. The demographic for both of those brands is 50+.

[SuperAvant]

This is one of those apples to oranges comparisons. I wouldn't be ashamed to pull up to a valet in either car, but my personal preference goes to the Audi.

Honestly though, we should all be stunned that Lexus did such a damn good job on the first car they built to fill this catagory. I don't think it looks bad, it just looks a lot like an IS-blah.

And yeah, Lexus is catering to a more mundane driver with the Auto-only option, just like Mercedies caters to the people who typically buy their cars with an Auto-only tranny on their cars as well. The demographic for both of those brands is 50+.

True although their IS series is definetly aimed at the mid 20's - mid 40's market. Same thing with Mercedes C class and their C63. I will never understand why they dont through a 6 speed in North American models but they seem to do just fine.

[mzaudi]

Er, I think that video clip is a bit biased. Here's another one from Edmunds (I know Edmund's is biased too, but it seems to be less biased than webrides lol)

http://www.thetidy.com/blog/2008/04/...-vs-lexus-is-f

[vovpar]

they should test the cars with some people that can ACTUALLY drive!!!!

[BlackSpeed2.0t]

and this really cheap car can take a good walk on the rs4 and most other cars on the road

Lmao thats so the other way around not only the v8 on the rs4 but they used the heavy ass engine from the ls600? so no props for them.. they are lame and boring..

not to mention im sure a Rs4 can beat a is'f anyday anytime.. its all about the driver that .4 is nothing especially on the free way

[trapped]

The Is-f is brand spanking new! That Rs6 hasn't changed in 2 or so years. I am surprised the IS is only slightly better. I also perfer the styling of the Rs to the lexus. To me it lexus seems to flashy. Either way I am certin the 09 RS4 will absolutly dominate again!

[Quattroownsyou]

Saw the IS-F in person the other day on the highway....styling wise it doesn't really look all that different from the IS350, in fact the lines are awkward looking and the quad stacked pipes are gimmicky.

5.0 V8

[drexplode]

ehh...i said it once, and ill say it again: who the F' wants an 8-speed chic-tronic? Boooooooring.

Lexus looks fugly too.

No thank you. I would pick up a RS4 or E92 M3 over an IS-F anyday of the week/year/millenium

[Sharkfin]

did you guys also see that the lexus suspension was a little high? there was much more wheel gap then the rs4, another knock on the lexus!

[swoyekr.]

im not impressed an I don't think the rs4 is that fast. lol Plus, lexus is like the worst luxury brand out there, it's an overpriced toyota. Kinda typical because we're on an audi forum, but it's the truth, i'd say that about anything it stacked up against.

[vinny.dtw]

ehh...i said it once, and ill say it again: who the F' wants an 8-speed chic-tronic? Boooooooring.

Lexus looks fugly too.

No thank you. I would pick up a RS4 or E92 M3 over an IS-F anyday of the week/year/millenium

Haha, Nice Greg, to each their own on the looks, I'd agree I'd pick the RS4, or M3 over this, but then again, half the people that are bashing the new technologies of DSG can't even shift faster then a DSG themselves.

did you guys also see that the lexus suspension was a little high? there was much more wheel gap then the rs4, another knock on the lexus!

Ride height doesn't mean anything, a proper car with the correct suspension settings can sit higher. And out corner/handle for say a car that is nice and low.

im not impressed an I don't think the rs4 is that fast. lol Plus, lexus is like the worst luxury brand out there, it's an overpriced toyota. Kinda typical because we're on an audi forum, but it's the truth, i'd say that about anything it stacked up against.

Funny, cause we are paying for an overpriced VW... Worst luxury you say? They have a pretty flawless record on customer service/reliability and luxury.

Not trying to knock on Audi, but give credit where credit is due. The ISF is no slouch or a bad car by any means.

[drexplode]

[QUOTE=vinny.dtw;2482755]Haha, Nice Greg, to each their own on the looks, I'd agree I'd pick the RS4, or M3 over this, but then again, half the people that are bashing the new technologies of DSG can't even shift faster then a DSG themselves. QUOTE]


Im not bashing the technology; however, i am bashing specifically 8-speeds! What is the purpose of an 8-speed transmission...why not a 10 or a 20 speed? 5 or 6 will suffice just fine. If you are worried about MPG, then dont produce V8 capable of 400+ hsp.

Also, in the true form of a "sports car"; a manual tranny is more deserved. However, at the age of 27 maybe im placing my self into the senior citizen class. I'm sure my parents bitc*ed when VCR tapes went to DVD.

Based on the 1 article I read (which is enough for me), I dont even consider it a sports car. It is a lazy attempt to jump into a heavily dominated german market. You cant do a few hot laps around a track without rotors catching on fire (literally)?!?!? No thanks. (unfortunately i cant remember which mag performed this test)

However, it definitely gives the germans something to think about; which adds a little bit of competition.

[SuperAvant]

Ride height doesn't mean anything, a proper car with the correct suspension settings can sit higher. And out corner/handle for say a car that is nice and low.



Funny, cause we are paying for an overpriced VW... Worst luxury you say? They have a pretty flawless record on customer service/reliability and luxury.

Not trying to knock on Audi, but give credit where credit is due. The ISF is no slouch or a bad car by any means.

I would definitely say that ride height has a significant aspect in handling. Lowering the center of gravity on a vehicle will certainly make it handle better- sport tuned suspension or not.

Lexus is definitely up there for customer service and reliability, but IMO they are always one step behind when it comes to the luxury standpoint. I think the interiors are nice but still arent at the levels of say the MB S class which their LS seems to target.

[vinny.dtw]

[QUOTE=drexplode;2482804]

Haha, Nice Greg, to each their own on the looks, I'd agree I'd pick the RS4, or M3 over this, but then again, half the people that are bashing the new technologies of DSG can't even shift faster then a DSG themselves. QUOTE]


Im not bashing the technology; however, i am bashing specifically 8-speeds! What is the purpose of an 8-speed transmission...why not a 10 or a 20 speed? 5 or 6 will suffice just fine. If you are worried about MPG, then dont produce V8 capable of 400+ hsp.

Also, in the true form of a "sports car"; a manual tranny is more deserved. However, at the age of 27 maybe im placing my self into the senior citizen class. I'm sure my parents bitc*ed when VCR tapes went to DVD.

Based on the 1 article I read (which is enough for me), I dont even consider it a sports car. It is a lazy attempt to jump into a heavily dominated german market. You cant do a few hot laps around a track without rotors catching on fire (literally)?!?!? No thanks. (unfortunately i cant remember which mag performed this test)

However, it definitely gives the germans something to think about; which adds a little bit of competition.

Fair enough :D

I would definitely say that ride height has a significant aspect in handling. Lowering the center of gravity on a vehicle will certainly make it handle better- sport tuned suspension or not.

Lexus is definitely up there for customer service and reliability, but IMO they are always one step behind when it comes to the luxury standpoint. I think the interiors are nice but still arent at the levels of say the MB S class which their LS seems to target.

So the lower you are? The better the handling huh? I guess every race car should have bags then. I understand your physics, but lower isn't always going to give you the best handling. Lots of things are factored into play in terms of handling, and ride height is one of them. However when you are for say "too" low, it does not give your suspension enough room to travel, and allow it to do what its intended purpose. Which equates to worse handling.

I'm not saying the IS-F will out handle the RS4, but i'm giving the kid a hard time, because when people think "low" = better handling. Its only true to an extent. Better me to tell him here, then to let him wonder off and talk shit like he know's what he is talking about.

[i_eat_staples]

i think the competition is a great thing to have, keeps audi, bmw, and mercedes on their toes

but with that said...the isf is fugly, and i actually dont mind the look of the new is250/350's...but the hood and tailend of the isf, yee-gads

[SuperAvant]

[QUOTE=vinny.dtw;2482836]

Fair enough :D





So the lower you are? The better the handling huh? I guess every race car should have bags then. I understand your physics, but lower isn't always going to give you the best handling. Lots of things are factored into play in terms of handling, and ride height is one of them. However when you are for say "too" low, it does not give your suspension enough room to travel, and allow it to do what its intended purpose. Which equates to worse handling.

True I agree with you - But I was under the impression that you said ride height has nothing to do with handling. Obviously suspension setup is the most important thing when it comes to correct handling (appropiately matched shocks/springs/etc). When you want superb handling, you dont want your suspension to move very much i.e. more movement = body roll. Please look at the attached pictures - notice anything? ... These cars are pretty slammed if you ask me.

[redhott06]

^ x2

[vinny.dtw]

[QUOTE=SuperAvant;2482885]

True I agree with you - But I was under the impression that you said ride height has nothing to do with handling. Obviously suspension setup is the most important thing when it comes to correct handling (appropiately matched shocks/springs/etc). When you want superb handling, you dont want your suspension to move very much i.e. more movement = body roll. Please look at the attached pictures - notice anything? ... These cars are pretty slammed if you ask me.

You got the wrong impression, what I'm trying to say is there is an optimum ride height for different cars and suspension geometry. Just because the RS4 is "lower" or any car for that matter, does not mean it handles better then let say a car that is maybe sitting higher. Plus lowering a car too much does have its negative effects like camber curves, increase bump steer, and roll couples.

Yes, those race cars are slammed, but I'd like to see you drive one everyday...Those race car applications are far different then a street car. Any car that is made for the street always or most likely will have one thing in mind "comfort". Which is exactly why you will never see any RS4's /M3's/ hell even ferrari come from the factory "low".

E.G, You have a gallardo that comes from the factory lower then a ferrari f430... Is that gallardo going to handle better then the F430 just because its "lower"? I don't think so...Not trying to start a war, but I just hate stupid post when "ride height" is a major factor in deducting points in purchasing car. Which is what the original kiddy posted.

[4-tified]

True although their IS series is definetly aimed at the mid 20's - mid 40's market. Same thing with Mercedes C class and their C63. I will never understand why they dont through a 6 speed in North American models but they seem to do just fine.

I agree. I do like the new DSG style trannies. Still, I like manuals and having the option for one is necessary in a "sport" version or model car.
MB can keep it's crappy manuals. I can see why they prefer and have perfected the auto-trans, they just work very well.

However, the last Lexus IS300 had an excellent manual trans.
It feelt better than anything Audi or BMW made.
My favorite manuals are from Honda/Acura, Lexus, and Mazda.

[b00st]

dang...i'm waaaaaaaay to late to say REPOST. but i will anyway.

and speaking to the person who said lexus is the worst premium/luxury car on the market...its just an overpriced toyota. this is a common phrase i hear from people who have never been in a lexus...but most like have been in a toyota. and they figure its the same without knowledge we just pass along garbage...as if it were true. what exactly makes it the worst premium brand?

the fact that its the top ranked car by JDPower and Assoc? Overall build quality? what makes it bad? lexus is pretty much at the top of the charts in every category that JDPower and Assoc rates a car for. But i guess i'm missing something.......

[swoyekr.]

dang...i'm waaaaaaaay to late to say REPOST. but i will anyway.

and speaking to the person who said lexus is the worst premium/luxury car on the market...its just an overpriced toyota. this is a common phrase i hear from people who have never been in a lexus...but most like have been in a toyota. and they figure its the same without knowledge we just pass along garbage...as if it were true. what exactly makes it the worst premium brand?

the fact that its the top ranked car by JDPower and Assoc? Overall build quality? what makes it bad? lexus is pretty much at the top of the charts in every category that JDPower and Assoc rates a car for. But i guess i'm missing something.......

I've driven just about every run of the mill lexus there is, having worked as a valet in college for a few years. And although they've moved a long distance from when they actually were overpriced toyota's with gold emblems, which was pretty much true in the mid 90's, i still just dont feel that your getting a whole lot of anything still. I mean, car and driver and all them might say their the best, and thats great, but when you drive an the same class vehicle from let's say mercedes or bmw, it feels tighter, it doesn't feel as cheap, especially the ones that have been around the block.. you can feel the difference between two similar cars with let's say 70k. Some of the newer "higher end" models are nice, but if I was going to buy a sports car, it certianly wouldn't be the lexus. I just get the overal impression that the cars are cheaper when you look at them and drive them, i'm a huge fan of honda/acura and i see lexus more on their level. Not junk, but no just so much "luxury". And if you like them, that's cool, I'm just saying I don't think their as nice.


oh and don't read to many of those reviews you'll never develop an opinion.

[b00st]

I've driven just about every run of the mill lexus there is, having worked as a valet in college for a few years. And although they've moved a long distance from when they actually were overpriced toyota's with gold emblems, which was pretty much true in the mid 90's, i still just dont feel that your getting a whole lot of anything still. I mean, car and driver and all them might say their the best, and thats great, but when you drive an the same class vehicle from let's say mercedes or bmw, it feels tighter, it doesn't feel as cheap, especially the ones that have been around the block.. you can feel the difference between two similar cars with let's say 70k. Some of the newer "higher end" models are nice, but if I was going to buy a sports car, it certianly wouldn't be the lexus. I just get the overal impression that the cars are cheaper when you look at them and drive them, i'm a huge fan of honda/acura and i see lexus more on their level. Not junk, but no just so much "luxury". And if you like them, that's cool, I'm just saying I don't think their as nice.


oh and don't read to many of those reviews you'll never develop an opinion.

much better response...at least clarified. and i can dig that. though the LS460H is prolly a luxury as luxury gets...it may not grab your fancy. has many options the S550 or BMW 750 have. massaging seats and all that. fit and finish is nice. i bought an RX350...i don't think its anything great buy any means...its nice...it holds its value.

considering my dad just sold his 07 ES350 for an 08 ULTRA ES350. and my aunt drives an 07 Camry. they are very different. same motor/chassis but very different overall. my other aunt was looking for a new car....she asked me...is it worth 10k to 15k more. i said absolutely...but you'd have to drive them to see. so we put it to the test, she drove my aunts camry and my dad's lexus....she bought my dad's black ES350 so he got the white ultra instead. he was tired of the black and trying to keep it shiney.

i understand the valet and driving about every car there is....but for the 30 seconds your doing it...i'm not sure its a truely fair comparison. JDPower and Assoc. is just a statistic as far as dependency/reliablity, luxury, how it ranks against the other models in its class, and more important how people view their purchase...if they had problems...would they buy again. lexus continues to be ranked no.1 though buick tied with them in 2007 for fewest problems per 100 vehicles made.

i too do not particulary look at lexus as a sports car...luxury i do. but i've also know some locals with up to 600whp IS300 Turbos that were pretty nice. with one pushing as high as 1000rwhp.

but to each their own...i can respect ones opinion...and i'm cool with agreeing to disagree.

[i_eat_staples]

friend of mine had an 06 camry...thing was built solid - very well put together, good materials for its price as well

wouldnt be ashamed to own one

[mystro]

Sorry. Anyone that likes how a German car drives and feels will never like the way a Asian car feels like. German cars have a X factor that the Asian car brands are desperately trying to copy without much success.