IS-F vs. E90 M3
08-06-12, 07:10 PM
#32
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
I usually keep my cars long after the warranty is expired. I would not own a street BMW without a BMW warranty. If I bought a BMW for a track car, I would not be worried about warranty at all...
The Lexus is a capable track car, and actually lapped VIR quicker than the M3 in the last Lightning Lap. So, from that last ounce of performance perspective, the cars are really neck and neck, and it truly is a driver's race. I've tracked my F without ever having an issue (once I knew to turn off the stability controls). It shifts reliably, makes really good power, and handles far better than anything else with a Lexus badge on it under $375k.
Top it off with typical gas mileage around 21 mpg mixed driving, and it's difficult not to like the F.
The Lexus is a capable track car, and actually lapped VIR quicker than the M3 in the last Lightning Lap. So, from that last ounce of performance perspective, the cars are really neck and neck, and it truly is a driver's race. I've tracked my F without ever having an issue (once I knew to turn off the stability controls). It shifts reliably, makes really good power, and handles far better than anything else with a Lexus badge on it under $375k.
Top it off with typical gas mileage around 21 mpg mixed driving, and it's difficult not to like the F.
08-06-12, 07:23 PM
#33
Lexus Test Driver
From an engineering perspective it's an amazing accomplishment: The IS F extracts a huge amount of performance from every system reliably, efficiently, and comfortably? If you think about what that means, this is the one to get. I wrote about how I was converted when looking to buy a 4GS: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...eek-lexus.html
It's a long post, so I'll cut to my conclusion: The car [IS F] makes me want to go over the top with praise. Gawd does it feel good when you nail the pedal and Thor’s hammer strikes the anvil, shooting lightening out of the exhaust. The IS F is addictive – creating an intense adrenaline rush.
It's a long post, so I'll cut to my conclusion: The car [IS F] makes me want to go over the top with praise. Gawd does it feel good when you nail the pedal and Thor’s hammer strikes the anvil, shooting lightening out of the exhaust. The IS F is addictive – creating an intense adrenaline rush.
08-06-12, 09:06 PM
#35
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Let the wife drive? Not a bad idea. But, I know she will say Lexus over BMW. She has a thing against the 'pinky up BMW driver'..... She does say I would fit right in though...
HMMMMMM.
HMMMMMM.
08-06-12, 09:36 PM
#37
Lexus Champion
08-07-12, 07:40 AM
#39
08-07-12, 07:44 AM
#40
That guy seriously helped seal the deal for me to go and test drive the IS-F. I was pretty set on looking for an E90 M3 myself once I decided to consolidate my sports car and my sedan into one car that could do it all, and I had almost forgotten the IS-F existed. I started researching things and ultimately came across that vid, and after watching it I wanted to test drive one that very moment. Best review for the car I've seen, and that guy is very good at his job.
08-07-12, 08:10 AM
#42
Lexus Champion
^^^I'm not sure the guy in the video has his facts straight. The car doesn't do 0-60 in 4.2...at least I haven't timed it, but Lexus rates it at 4.6 seconds. Top speed is 168 not 170...among some other things....decent review I suppose.
08-07-12, 09:29 AM
#43
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Big con for the M3 IMO . . . in my experience there are way more fanboys who are blindly loyal to the BMW brand regardless of the facts. There's a few in the Lexus/Toyota camp too but most that I've run into are level headed and keep an open mind.
08-07-12, 10:12 AM
#44
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
Some of the magazines have posted a 4.2 second 0-60. I'm scratching my head on the 12.5 quarter mile though. Not a lot of people have seen a stock IS F that quick.
I'm also wondering why the motoring press still hasn't vetted the claim of lighter front end suspension components. There have been zero changes to the part numbers for the front end pieces since 2008 with the exception of the springs and shocks. This whole thing about lighter pieces is a fabrication not rooted in reality at all. Add to that - the Torsen limited slip is a new for 2010 feature, not a new for 2011 feature. The rear suspension got a complete update in 2010 along with the Torsen, so all these claims about the 2011 being improved are foolish at best. 2012 is when they really made the biggest changes and it was the 2012 model that went fastest at the VIR Lightning Lap. It's also the one people say rides much more Lexus-like. Clearly the factory engineer who tuned the new configuration has talent.
