Lexus IS 500 and IS F Compared In Fascinating Video
Is the IS 500 good enough to be the new IS F we all wanted?
Old Versus New
It was pretty much inevitable that everyone was going to compare the brand new IS 500 to the old IS F. After all, the IS 500 marks the return of the naturally-aspirated V8 to Lexus' compact luxury sedan, a moment we've been patiently awaiting for years now, even if the IS 500 isn't quite as hardcore as its F predecessor. Regardless, most are wondering how, exactly, these two cars stack up, which is what makes this video from Car Bibles so darn interesting.
Many Similarities
As one might expect, the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 in both of these cars is very similar, with only a few minor revisions taking place when you compare the new car to the one that was built 13 years ago. They even look quite similar under the hood, save for the intake manifold and a couple of other minor details. Things like the actuators, battery location, fuse boxes, and even coolant expansion tank are the same.
>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 and IS F right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Power Comparison
Obviously, this isn't a bad thing, as this engine is known for providing plenty of reliable power. In fact, our host points out that he isn't a fan of the IS 500's F-Sport engine cover, as this powerplant is clearly deserving of a full-fledged F badge. In terms of actual output, the new IS 500 pumps out 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque compared to the IS F's 416 hp and 371 lb-ft.
>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 and IS F right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Minor Changes
Things have also evolved in the braking department, as the IS 500 features six-piston front brakes with two-piece rotors compared to the four-piston units and one-piece rotors in the IS F. The new car also features an aluminum double-wishbone suspension with a large front sway bar, though the basic structure hasn't changed much at all.
>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 and IS F right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Easy to Work On
That means that even the new IS 500 is incredibly easy to work on, as our host discovered while removing bits and pieces underneath the car to get a better look. That can't be said for most modern vehicles, which continue to get more complex with each passing generation. For the shadetree mechanic, this is fantastic news.
>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 and IS F right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Compare and Contrast
With the mechanical inspection complete, our host takes these two cars out on the road to see how they compare in the driving department. Right off the bat, he notes that the IS 500 features superior ride quality to the IS F, though the latter is sharper in the turns. The Torsen limited-slip rear differential is a big upgrade over the old car's open diff, and even though the new brakes are bigger, they also feel a bit mushy.
>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 and IS F right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Similar, But Different
He also notes that the IS F feels faster and more agile than the more powerful but heavier IS 500, like a factory-built hot rod compared to the refined and luxurious modern version. This is precisely why the IS 500 isn't a real F successor, of course, which Lexus has been very clear about. Whether or not that's enough to satisfy the masses, well, we'll just have to wait and find out.
>>Join the conversation about the IS 500 and IS F right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
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