Lexus RC F Takes on BMW M4 In Interesting Drag Race
The Lexus RC has less power than the BMW M4, but it also has a quicker-shifting automatic gearbox.
Auto vs Manual
As most enthusiasts are painfully aware these days, automatic transmissions are no longer anything like the "slushboxes" of old. Autos are far quicker at shifting than humans these days, which has made them the preferred choice for those that want to go fast, even if we traditionalists still like to shift for ourselves. That superiority is on clear display in this recent drag race between a Lexus RC F and BMW M4, as we can see in this video from YouTuber Sam CarLegion.
Power Advantage
On paper, the M4 has an advantage over the RC F in the power department, at least. It's packing BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that churns out 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while the Lexus offers up a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 making 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque.
Weight Gain
The BMW also has an advantage in terms of weight, as it tips the scales at 3,830 pounds - 128 less than the Lexus coupe at 3,958. At the same time, however, the M4's manual gearbox figures to make it a tick slower than the RC F's automatic, depending on the driver.
First Race
Of course, none of these numbers matter once these two vehicles line up and race, which is precisely what they're subjected to - multiple times - in this video. In the first go-round, the BMW uses its power and weight advantages to leap off the line and take the early lead, though the Lexus manages to catch up in between shifts. Regardless, the M4 pulls ahead at the finish line to claim victory.
Second Race
In the second go-round, these two cars put on another close race with different drivers behind the wheel as the RC F leaps out to an early lead. Once the M4 gets going, however, it quickly eliminates that gap and brings home victory number two.
Close Roll
For the third race, the two cars start from a roll, and it's another close one that sees the BMW maintain a small lead on the Lexus down the track. The RC F sticks with the Bimmer, however, hanging in roughly a car length back the entire time.
Old vs New
The M4 also takes the fourth and final race that's ultimately even closer than the first three. It's clear that the BMW is the quicker car here, but the gap isn't that huge by any means, which bodes well for the rather old RC F going up against the much newer competition.
>>Join the conversation about this drag race right here at ClubLexus.com.
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