08IS-F

The new Benz C63 AMG just release their price at $53,800.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/mercedes-benz-c63-amg.html
And BMW E90 M3 price at $53,800 same as C63.
And Lexus IS-F price at $56,000.
Which car would you buy? and why?

dkaplan435

The only problem with this poll is that you can't buy the Lexus for less than $61k, at least in the midwest (they all come w/ options)

TwiBlueG35

I picked M3 sedan. Benz is never a sports car in my mind no matter how fast it is. So is Lexus, but I am really infatuated by its styling and overall craftsmanship, therefore I would like a IS350 or IS250 than IS-F, which I think the styling is a bit rice......M3 is just perfect, more so since it adopts the coupe's front end, unlike the regular 3 sedan.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

using the base msrp for comparison? that's as inaccurate as you can ask for

but regardless, i chose m3

Badman Forever

BMW and Benz have finally readjusted their MSRPs to reflect the cheapness of their products. It just goes to show you get what you pay for. IS-F all the way! (I should post this comment on autospies.. lol)

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

show me an options list for the C63 so I can see the nickel and dime fest

gsrthomas

iTrader: (1)

I picked the M3 because it has a true MT.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

And still likely buy it. At least there appears to be a 500 hp upgrade path for it. No doubt the IS-F will be I-H-E and only slight gains.

The full on comparos will be interesting.

Fa-suto

IMHO - Performance aside, I never did like Mercedes huge front emblem on any of their lines and reliability has something to be desire. That said, I would take an M3 over an IS F for performance, but add it up and the M3 will surpass the IS F in pricing when you start adding the options. So I'm back to the IS F, the blend of performance, luxury, and reliability is what I'm after when it's all said and done.

INHOCJP

No kidding, doubt you'll see any stripped base models at any dealerships. Which would I choose? That is a tough question. I like each car.

The M3 is truly the choice of "drivers." The Fifth Gear test of the M3 versus the C63 showed how much more nimble the M3 is on the twisties. Seems perfectly balanced.

The C63 is a brute, plain and simple. It's got a big 6.2L engine and it's fast...0-60 in 4.3 seconds (although C&D got some ridiculous time, I think 3.9). Reminds me of a big American muscle car...and sounds like one also.

The IS-F seems to be balance of the two. And the Lexus interior is nicer than the competition. I can see this being the best daily driver.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the c63 has a brutal 6.2L, but if i am in this market for a sport car, the m3 is probably a better choice. but i am definitely not discounting the 6.2L, that's one hell of an engine, especially in cars like the e63

a similarly loaded m3 is about 65-67k, compared to 61k for the is-f. it's really material

2slow

iTrader: (5)

m3 no doubt. Always been a m3 fan, but i somehow ended up with a is350. I cap on bimmers all day. A funny road i chose...

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

all cars are nearly equal price when you add in their respective gas guzzler taxes, $1300 for M3, even higher tax for the C63

STIG

C63 for me.

gengar

I still think the IS-F is the easy winner here. Not only do the other vehicles have other markup and nickel+dime costs, but the service quality is where the IS-F swings the value balance.