Oct Car & Driver Comparison (0-60 in 5.1 seconds)#1 330, #2 IS 350// Scans pg 6
08-29-05, 05:28 PM
#77
Is this Car & Driver issue at news-stands to buy yet? Is the IS on the cover?
08-29-05, 07:53 PM
#78
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I wonder if the difference in 0-60 times between the mags has to do with the performance exhaust that is optional. If in fact is is a "performance" exhaust, that should be good for a little more power, especially if the stock exhaust is the typical lexus quiet i.e restrictive.
08-29-05, 07:58 PM
#79
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Originally Posted by abcdang
I wonder if the difference in 0-60 times between the mags has to do with the performance exhaust that is optional. If in fact is is a "performance" exhaust, that should be good for a little more power, especially if the stock exhaust is the typical lexus quiet i.e restrictive.
James
08-29-05, 08:49 PM
#80
GX and 2IS Moderator
IS350 in C&D
First I have to say that I have been a subscriber to Car and Driver for almost 20 years. Second I have to say that in those 20 years they have shown a positive bias towards BMW. After driving the 530i at their editor for a day event I can understand why..BMW makes a driver's car, they always have. They have set the bar by which all other performance (non-supercar) cars will be measured...but that said I do believe that Lexus has definitely hit the mark.
Now for those of you that are interested by the end of this week I will have for you all side by side comparisons of a 2004 330ci and the IS350 and 250AWD...not taken from C&D or any other publication...this will be live and in person.
Mike/Ryan,
I told my boy he HAD to bring his bimmer or he wasn't invited...We will do a side by side exclusive comparison with pics and all for everyone...to be posted by the weekend.
Now for those of you that are interested by the end of this week I will have for you all side by side comparisons of a 2004 330ci and the IS350 and 250AWD...not taken from C&D or any other publication...this will be live and in person.
Mike/Ryan,
I told my boy he HAD to bring his bimmer or he wasn't invited...We will do a side by side exclusive comparison with pics and all for everyone...to be posted by the weekend.
08-29-05, 09:55 PM
#86
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Ok, that last table makes me wonder! Everything makes sense for the IS until the performance part. Since braking and handling are accounted in different categories, isn't performance speed, power, and all other go-fast parts? If that's the case, how the hell did it get a 17, which is second LOWEST, when it trumps every car in the test in the performance section? Something fishy there. Also, they rag on its handling capabilities and give it a 9? Consistency isn't their high point.
If each tester were to rate the cars separately and then average them out for a grand total, I doubt it would be a one point margin. That's just too good to be true, where they give so much praise to Lexus, complain how the 3 doesn't even WORK properly, but give it juuuuust enough of an edge to take the win. They don't even mention the one point margin in their results. Ah hell, I shouldn't be expecting anything else from C&D though, we all know they love the 3 series.
James
If each tester were to rate the cars separately and then average them out for a grand total, I doubt it would be a one point margin. That's just too good to be true, where they give so much praise to Lexus, complain how the 3 doesn't even WORK properly, but give it juuuuust enough of an edge to take the win. They don't even mention the one point margin in their results. Ah hell, I shouldn't be expecting anything else from C&D though, we all know they love the 3 series.
James
08-29-05, 10:03 PM
#87
Lexus Fanatic
My gosh, thank you Mr. 1SICKLEX.
C&D did a good job pinpointing the good and the bad of each on this one.
While I'm a bit saddened to see the IS350 coming in last in lane changing test due to a combination of artificial steering feel and a lack of grip, what really bothers me is the comment about the un-Lexus-like ride, that it has "an overdamped suspension that was annoyingly busy on the freeway."
That could be a true deal-breaker for me if that is really the case. Now I just gotta go test drive it myself to find out if it is acceptable to me. Apparently it is to flipside909 at least.
Ahh...to beat that 3...
C&D did a good job pinpointing the good and the bad of each on this one.
While I'm a bit saddened to see the IS350 coming in last in lane changing test due to a combination of artificial steering feel and a lack of grip, what really bothers me is the comment about the un-Lexus-like ride, that it has "an overdamped suspension that was annoyingly busy on the freeway."
That could be a true deal-breaker for me if that is really the case. Now I just gotta go test drive it myself to find out if it is acceptable to me. Apparently it is to flipside909 at least.Ahh...to beat that 3...
08-29-05, 10:05 PM
#88
Super Moderator
We assumed you would buy a Boxster if you didn't need the rear doors, so we held the back seats to vigorous scrutiny and voted accordingly . . . . . . . . Space remains the shortcoming of the IS. The backseat was slagged with our lowest score for comfort . . . and a reckless squandering of space . . .
Plus they actually give the 330i a 1 point margin over the IS350 in exterior styling
There's the margin of the scores between the 2
08-29-05, 10:30 PM
#89
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by AmethySC
Plus they actually give the 330i a 1 point margin over the IS350 in exterior styling
There's the margin of the scores between the 2
08-29-05, 10:55 PM
#90
Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
I am not going to debate what people think of the car. That is their opinion. I will debate your claim BMW is near tops with reliability.
BMW is in the tops in UNreliablity
Don't get me wrong, I love BMWs.
BMW is in the tops in UNreliablity
Don't get me wrong, I love BMWs.
BMW quality is the best among the german car maker. And has been steadily improving. Although not as good as toyota/lexus. It's latest quality ranking is just behind honda/acura.