View Poll Results: What car would you replace your IS with?
Voters: 105. You may not vote on this poll
If you had to replace your 3IS today, what would you replace it with?
#92
#94
#96
#97
I have the newly redesigned 2017 A4 S-Line (similar to " F Sport" with a sport suspension, sport wheels, seats, etc.). I had the IS 250 AWD F Sport.
Exterior and Interior styling: IS better - it's sexy/sporty/sculpted, A4 is smooth and somewhat bland and not digging the horizontal "vents" spanning most of the dash.
Exterior fit/finish: tie
Exterior build/solidity feel: tie except the IS has a more refined vault-sounding door slam.
Interior fit/finish/material quality: A4 better - looks and feels more expensive including the beautiful steering wheel.
Interior build solidity/tactile feel: A4 a touch better.
Handling/fun to drive: IS F Sport a touch more fun to drive/slightly better balanced but feels a touch heavier.
Engine/exhaust sound: IS V6 light years better (no comparison)
Power/responsiveness: Tie. IS V6 better in responsiveness, but the A4's Turbo 4 builds power better at mid-range/highway driving.
Snow traction: Not a fair comparison since my A4 is FWD and my past IS was AWD (AWD on all-season is better in snow than the A4 with winters).
Tech: A4 better. Infotainment looks and feels more advanced and the Virtual Cockpit (don't have) is sweet. Also have the 360 camera and Memory seats in the A4, something not possible on the F Sport.
Ergonomics: IS a touch better, more intuitive and easier to reach controls. Also visibility to gauges is not obstructed (A4's wheel partially blocks the temp and fuel gauges)
Tranny shifter: IS much better. A4's is electronic similar to the Grand Cherokee's making gear selection finicky.
Parking Brake: A4 better as it's electronic and easier to engage/disengage.
Ride quality: Tie
Seats: IS F Sport seats are better - they fit you like a glove, A4's sport seats, not so much.
Road/wind noise: A4 a touch better
Powertrain Vibration: IS V6/tranny smoother though the A4's 4-banger Turbo is smooth except in high gear/low rpm where the DSG introduces some minor vibration under load.
Tranny: Tie. A4's DSG shifts quickly but IS's is slighthly smoother shifting. Both have paddle shifters.
Interior room: A4 better - can fit 3 at the rear in ok comfort, no so much in the IS.
Cargo room/folding seats: Tie
Fuel economy: A4 light years better at 28 MPG combined vs 20 MPG for the IS under similar conditions.
Insurance: Tie (A4 costs me 15$ more a year, negligible).
Dealership experience: Lexus better. The purchase and servicing experience with the A4 was no better than at VW or Toyota.
Misc: No de-icer on the A4 makes for frozen wipers vs IS does; A4 sideview mirrors are considerably smaller than the IS'; heated seats are scorching HOT in the A4 vs "OK" on the IS at their highest setting. No cargo mat in the A4 vs standard equipment in the IS (in Can at least); A4's carpeting including textile and rubber winter mats are of thicker more premium quality and feel vs IS; visibility is slightly better with the A4 all around.
Price/Value: Styling aside, A4 edges out the IS thanks to similar pricing like for like with options.
The million dollar question: What would I pick today after 1 month of ownership with the A4? Toss-up today. The IS is the more exciting choice but the A4 is more the sensible one.
Last edited by corradoMR2; 12-21-16 at 06:06 PM.
#99
As for the Quattro, I had it as a loaner (below) last week and it's got more power, feels a little heavier, grips better in snow, and was a little less efficient on gas (~25 MPGs). Besides that, the rest of the comparison is valid.
#100
#103
Thanks. Wheels are Verde Axis. See build for more details: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...ml#post9053581
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