Hey Azine, wanted to know what is your overall opinion on these 2 cars. Consider the styling, reliability, roominess, performance, gas mileage, and depreciation value. I have a cousin who just got out of residency and was wondering which car is better. He wants it new or 2009 the latest...

 

M3, because it comes with 3 pedals.

When you can afford one of these...reliability doesn't count as much.

 

I personally find the BMW to be the better track car by a long shot. Both its transmissions work better on the track, as does the rest of the car.

But for the road and thus for the vehicle I'd actually buy it'd be the IS F. I like the engine and seats more, plus I trust Lexus reliability. And I like the styling better but especially with the IS F it's a subjective point.

That said, C63!

 

Ya, he considered the C63, but he says he doesn't like the styling of it, and test drove one and claimed he didn't get the same feeling as he did in the M3 or the IS-F. So since he will not track it (highly probable it will not see the track) you say IS-F is better.

 

This is gonna be M3 with an overwhelming majority

 

That is absolutely true, although it will be a position I disagree with. For everyday use, I'd stick with the Lexus as well.

 

Everyone knows i get bored of cars easily but I have had my m3 for almost a year and i am still in awe with it.

Plus read Edmunds long term report on theirs. http://www.insideline.com/bmw/m3/200...term-test.html

C&D http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

Hell, i dont think i recall the IS-F winning any comparisons to the M3. Many reviews say it has a very harsh ride for everyday use. Its not the comfortable lexus ride that most of us imagine.

 

M3 but only with EDC and the dual clutch trans. You get more for your money with the Lexus.

 

Both are beasts. So, it is all about styling and curb-appeal. I am almost certain that he would opt for the M3 - better status symbol.

 

M3 for sure.

 

the sedan or coupe?

either or, or still voted for M3

 

IIRC from reading car and driver and motor trend, they say the IS F has actually a worse ride than the M3. M3 handles better, has a better ride, looks better, is even faster in a straight line IIRC (weird though since the IS F has much more torque and similar power numbers. I've never sat in either but I would guess the IS F may have a better quality interior maybe, but Im not sure since i havent sat in both. Im sure you will get a better driving experience in the M3. Reliability of course will go to the lexus, depreciation lexus probably, and more standard features will come with the lexus i believe.

Has the M3 won pretty much every comparison test? I believe so. There's a reason why so many car magazines love the M3

 

Just for the sound!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0KI2...eature=related

 

Nice sound from the IS-F....

M3 please.

 

Either car would be awesome but the M3 is my personal dream car...

 

I'd go with the IS-F...In LA I'll see 2-3 E90/92 M3s a day easy. I'll see an IS-F once in a few weeks if that.

Both are great though.

 

If he is looking an used, there are probably much better deals on the IS-F which not a villain product but not as passionate as M3. Sometimes that additional 10K$ just worths it.

 

M3 because its a damn M3.

 

I personally can't get over the fake exhaust outlets on the Lexus, they look so incredibly cheesy... There's no way I'd get an IS-F over an M3, though I'd probably choose a C63 over either.

 

Wait why doesn't he just buy a CTS-V?

 

 

 

here you go

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Based on looks....M3
Based on performance....M3
Based on value...M3
Based on aftermarket support....M3
Based on track usage....M3

Never was a fan of the IS design-wise...and the IS-F just looks funny/unbalanced

 

Couldn't agree more. Nice starter car after residency until his cousin can save up for a Carrera S


IDK. I have friends who stick with Porsche over Ferrari because of perceived and/or actual reliability issues and definitely maintenance costs. Anyone I know with an F-car has an extended warranty even if they are putting only 1000 miles on it a year

 

M3 until warranty expires.

 

Ok. Just send him the Top Gear YouTube link above - it summarizes the opinion of most.

 

The ISF did get a real LSD recently, rite? I'd be curious to see how much it improved with it.

 

Corrections the IS F needs:

1. More tire. 225sF and 255sR is pathetic. A Buick Lacrosse can be had with 245s on the front....as does the M3. LOL

2. Transmission needs to be able to skip gears like Mercedes' 7G-Tronic. It eliminates the feel of "searching" through the gears that reviewers complain about.

3. Full LSD standard if it hasn't received it already.

4. Retune the engine for more low and midrange torque.

Honestly those things alone would really bring the IS F into contention.

 

I'm diggin' the IS-F. It's Lexus's 1st performance car and they did a great gob. I haven't driven either, but from the reviews I've seen, they need to refine a bit more. BMW has been doing this for awhile. They seem to know their stuff so my vote is for the M3.

 

Oh the Lexus' vote pool is up to nearly 16%. It's catching up to the Bimmer!

 

Can't lose with either, I have the IS F and my cousin has an M3 coupe (manual), and they are both monsters. IS F really needs a coupe version (with a carbon fiber roof option to cut weight like the M3) and offering a manual transmission would also be a smart move.

BTW the 2010 has a mechanical Torsen LSD instead of the electronic one found on the 08 and I think the 09.

 

"Your children can now have their spleens crushed too" "Under all this Japaneesy playstation stuff" Lol, love Clarkson.

I'll take an M3 sedan please!

 

True, this is one beast of a car. It should be roomier also right? Plus 550hp , but I would still take a M3 since its more of a dream car to me, but the CTS-V is one I would recommend to anyone.

 

I'm surprised the IS-F has gotten any votes at all. It is a really great car, I just wish they had left alone the styling as the IS350 looks better to me than the IS-F....

 

M3 over IS-F....CTS-V over them both

 

^You know...he actually never considered a CTS-V. I will run it by him. I kinda expected the M3...but I wasn't really sure because I'm a huge M3 fan.

 

+1 on the CTS..M5 killer

 

Of the two....M3 of course, and for the reasons stated by others above.

I am obviously biased toward the CTS-V but am in awe of the M3 as a true driver's car. BMW got this one (as usual) right. The IS-F doesn't do it for me, honestly, from the faux exhaust tips to the teeny back seats.

[cock mode on]Of course, I'll still blow the doors off the M3 anyday. [/cock mode off]

 

M3 without a doubt .