42 Votes

GT-R vs IS-F: Which Is The Supercar And Which Is Just A Super Car?

Agent009 submitted on 9/26/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:20:45 PM

61 user comments | Category: New Cars | Source: | SOURCE: autos.canada.com

This comparison could almost be written based solely on the reputation of the cars and their respective manufacturers.

Lexus is, after all, the most stolid manufacturer in the business only now making its first foray into the truly sporting realm, while the GT-R is the stuff of legend - at least among the sub-thirtysomethings who play Gran Turismo - having a long history of super performance dating back to the original Skyline GT-R of 1969.

That means that one is a supercar while the other is a super automobile. The difference in wording may seem subtle, but the performance differences are not. For instance, based on spec sheet numbers, these two cars are separated by only 64 horsepower (480 hp versus 416 in favour of the GT-R). It's a significant number, but hardly otherworldly. In actual driving, that minor gap feels more like a major chasm.

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GT-R vs IS-F: Which Is The Supercar And Which Is Just A Super Car?

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— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

Should we even be having a debate about this?
Yet another moronic autospies post to get the Lexus fanboys worked up by feeding their egos.
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 12:29:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 20

w2009w114- I have an idea... find a great article for this afternoons top story if it is good I will post it. don't forget a pic!
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 12:45:08 PM | | Votes: -6

Jap bullet...
— hao420 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 2:04:39 PM | | Votes: -3

double zero 9, good job at finding another stupid article and attempting a flamewar
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 4:09:04 PM | | Votes: 10

Agent001,

That video was frightening. Fun but frightening! Especially if I was the one insuring the car!
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 3:04:51 PM | | Votes: 1

I don't like Nissan or Lexus, but the IS-F is the worst in it's class. The GT-R is mind-blowing while the IS-F just blows.

GT-R = Supercar
— AudiNewEngland (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 12:37:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 16

Didn't realize people were even still talking about the IS-F. The hype lasted for months and then when it actually came out, all the excitement was gone in a flash.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 12:38:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

They are both exceptional but the author doesn't realize the brilliance of the GT-R, that is, yes it's a full blooded track car, but it is supercar you can live with everyday as it seats 4, has a good size trunk, and can be safely be used during the winter months with its sophisticated AWD system, name one supercar that can do this.
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 12:39:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

This car does have a nice AWD system but is not going to help you at all in the winter months...used for traction and racing not to get threw icy roads, the car would be a sled...the lambo is AWD and you wouldn't think twice to bring that out in that kinda weahter either...AWD sport cars are not safe in winter conditions
— 350zdon17 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:06:54 PM | | Votes: -2

Two words for you "snow tires"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQlnGB5KsoE&feature=related

That's with the VDC off!

Looks like you can even use a GT-R as a rally car :)

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:26:21 PM | | Votes: 4

Agent001,

That video was frightening. Fun but frightening! Especially if I was the one insuring the car!
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 3:09:28 PM | | Votes: 1

Were there people on the side of the snowy road there at the end??? Jesus H
— ucla95 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/28/2008 8:14:30 AM | | Votes: 1

GT-R vs Chrysler Town & Country Minivan: Which Is The Supercar And Which Just Makes Sense?
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 12:43:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11

Unless its a 89 or 90 Chrysler 2.5L Turbo Minivan with a big turbo and some other tricks!
— Jaybrn (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:26:19 PM | | Votes: 5

Very good observations about the GT-R boy racer car. Quote:

"Park the Nissan in the same spot and it might as well be a Sentra with a gaudy rear wing on it. No props at all"

"But the twentysomethings who serve the wannabe tycoons their Johnnie-Walkers-on-the-rocks go positively ga-ga over the GT-R"

"If you've played Gran Turismo, the GT-R is the little Japanese car that could (as in beat Ferraris and Lamborghinis). If you don't have a PlayStation in your bedroom, you can't understand what all the fuss is about"

Absolutely true. This is the real audience for the boy racer GT-R. Pimpled teenagers who lost contact with reality.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:12:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

Yeah I'm sure GTRs are completely sold out due to those pimpled teenagers.
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:29:16 PM | | Votes: 5

You need a reality check. The GT-Rs are rusting in dealer lots right now. Check your local Nissan dealers and see for yourself. The GT-Rs DON'T SELL!
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:49:16 PM | | Votes: -4

hmm, is that why there's $20k+ markups? Look up "Supply and Demand" in the dictionary.
— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:57:48 PM | | Votes: 3

I've seen mark ups on so many cars that finally ended up being sold for thousands off the MSRP. There is a lot less demand for this econo-racer GT-R than some of the press let you believe. There are plenty available for sticker right now and I assume that soon the mark ups will be replaced by discounts. Just watch.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 2:03:41 PM | | Votes: -4

The GT-R is one of the hottest selling super sport cars out there. I think if you driven one you would know. But if your talking about plenty being available I dont know about that they are pretty much sold out unless you want to buy one on ebay for about $90,000-$100-000 and they are selling because all the yuppies dont want to be on a waiting list
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 2:18:52 PM | | Votes: 6

I feel pity for some of you. You should have already know that those Ebay actions are fake. They are designed to artificially create the image that the car is in demand. It is not.

I'm sure that not all of the Nissan dealers will sell you the car for MSRP but there is no doubt judging after the rust accumulated on the cars in the lots that the GT-R is hardly an object of desire for people who can actually afford it. I'm sure that the Playstation addicts will disagree with me but I could not care less.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 3:40:51 PM | | Votes: -4

Star: "I feel pity for some of you. You should have already know that those Ebay actions are fake. They are designed to artificially create the image that the car is in demand. It is not."

Wow, Star you are so smart....all those ebay auctions MUST be fake!

And yes, It is obviously a boy racer car because most teens have $70-90,000 to spend on a car.

Amazing how many stupid excuses someone can come up with when the denial is so overwelming
— BJS470 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 6:49:53 PM | | Votes: 5

utahkid,

of course, I just imagine things. How can I claim that some listings on Ebay are a hoax. I must be crazy. I'm sure a 17 years old like you must be so much better informed than me. You are right kid, everything that appears on Ebay is real. Hey, why stop there. Everything that you see on television or read in papers is real. Have a good life kid. Ignorance is bliss.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 11:08:29 AM | | Votes: -3

Star, you are an idiot. eBay scams are few and far between. These are real auctions with real money and real cars. People are paying over sticker for the brilliant GT-R. Why does it offend you so much? Are you going to get a terminal disease because a Japanese brand has a successful sports car? I'd like you to try to convince me that you wouldn't want a car that goes from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and has the most sophisticated AWD system on the market, for $70,000.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 12:40:28 AM | | Votes: 1

Shut up old man. I warned you to not attack me again but you don't seem to get it. Take your c**p somewhere else and don't ever bother me again. You don't know ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING about cars so the last thing I need is a "correction" from a biased imbecile like you.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 7:51:04 PM | | Votes: 1

"but the IS-F is the worst in it's class"

it's absolutely not the worst in fact near the top. In Evo magazine (my favorite magazine and i think they analyze the performance aspect the best, u don't see them going on and on about the car's design or luxury features...etc they are hardcore performance evaluating magazine) M3 vs. IS-F comparison both cars got maximum 5 star rating and not to mention IS-F beating RS4 in numerous comparisons tests. I then have seen other comparison tests where RS4 beats IS-F and also M3. And then C63 beating all, it goes on….

Best way to know is try them in person, i tried my friend’s IS-F many times now (imported from US) and it's a great aggressive car. I love it's so quick 8 speed gearbox and noise of the car . When i drive i feel it can be driven just like IS300 i mean everyday no problem and still when u want to go fast u can easily. It's a great mix and i love it.
His car is black and fully loaded costed him nearly 270,000 Dirhams (70K USD) still far less than an M3 which starts at nearly 350,000(90K USD) here in UAE.

Why do u think hype is over..etc. IS-F is a great car no doubt just as promised by it's maker. Next would be even great. stop reading too many magazines and try them in real.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 1:57:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

"His car is black and fully loaded costed him nearly 270,000 Dirhams (70K USD) still far less than an M3 which starts at nearly 350,000(90K USD) here in UAE."

Now I started to understand your support for Lexus.
If a fully loaded IS-F would costs $20K less than a base M3 in America I would surely consider the Lexus IS-F myself.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 2:11:09 PM | | Votes: -7

i'm a Lexus fan but I would pick the M3 over the IS-F any day.
— Lexurious (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 6:07:09 AM | | Votes: 6

"it's absolutely not the worst in fact near the top."

Sure, it's near the top. There are only three cars in that class right now so third place is pretty near.

"not to mention IS-F beating RS4 in numerous comparisons tests."

Show me.

The only one I know of, with the IS-F and RS4 being compared directly, was Edmunds. Guess which one lost?

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123158
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 12:43:09 AM | | Votes: -1

BTW, I'm sure it's an amazing car, and I would be happy to have one, but I would be just a little bit happier to have an M3 or C63 AMG instead. They each have a little something extra, for the same money.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 12:44:05 AM | | Votes: 2

ok..so every1 has an opinion about the isf and they havent even driven one. obvoiously, most care more about the attention a badge brings than the car itself. in its class, it is similar in price but when you add in the amount of gas you will be using in the c63 amg to go a bit faster, its a BIG difference. i really like the 8 speed auto. the car has two personalities which is great for conserving gas/cash. sure, the m3 is a great car and so is the c63 and the rs4 but when comparing ALL the aspects of each car, the isf is definitely not lacking. i dont like the blue color, which is often shown but in black, red or granite, the car looks great. its interior is far better than the interior in the m3 and the c63. the rs4 is extremely nice though. it was definitely a difficult decision between the 4, but i chose the isf. one of the main reasons is because its a toyota. it may be funny to most, especially the ones who care about image but im very happy to own a v8 toyota that smokes almost everything out there and still gets 20mpg cruising my neighborhood. if i were to get a real sports car, id get the 911 turbo..but as far as luxury sport sedans, i know i made the right choice
— stash84 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 2:39:36 AM | | Votes: 0

What a dufus article. It spends more time drawing contrasts than actually comparing the two (as if they even SHOULD be compared).
— 222max (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 2:09:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Star
It's not like IS-F is cheap, it's just that M3 is way overpriced here in Middle East. BMW and Mercedes know here people would buy their car just because of the emblem on the hood. Here most of the people don't know much about cars and most don't do their homework when buying car. Yes even the ones who spend close to million or half included.
example. S500 is nearly 120K (32K USD) more expensive than LS460. In fact S350 is exactly the same price as LS460. Why? Because they know people would blindly buy it.
On other hand GL500 is exactly same price as LX570, 350K-380K (135K-150K USD). Why? Because MB knows that GL is all new car and let's wait for it to become popular (unlikely) in 3 to 4 years and then start rip-off people.

Same goes for X5(hugely popular) and Q7 (not popular), Land Cruiser (popular) vs all competitors(no even 1/4 as popular)...etc price difference. It's huge.

Here dealers/market work like this. We do this business we know it. Unlike US or Europe where People asks lot more questions and research lot more especially on the internet.

What u pay in US for the M3 and IS-F describe value of the car better. Both costs nearly same i guess.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 2:41:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The new Land Cruiser is a total rip-off. 250k AED when a brand new Escalade costs 270k, and a yukon Denali costs 200k.

and btw JUGNU, the biggest badgewhores here drive Toyotas. The new corolla is the best example. The lancer is cheaper, and much better but people still buy the corolla like crazy. Also I still have no idea how that ugly LC sells so well when the Escalade is a much better vehicle and costs slightly more. And dont tell me its a better Off-Roader. Not many will take their 250k car to go offroading!

The reason Lexus costs so much less here is that they dont bring it in full options like the US. The LS for example doesnt come with 8 speed transmission, auto-parking etc.. because with all these features the car will become expensive and if a Lexus costs close to a BMW or Merc, No1 would buy it.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 3:34:06 PM | | Votes: 2

Jugnu "It's not like IS-F is cheap, it's just that M3 is way overpriced here in Middle East"

I didn't say that the IS-F is cheap, I only said that if I could get one for $20K less than an M3 I would have hard time in choosing between the two. I know the M3 is better but is hard to say if is $20K better.

In other words, if I would have lived in the Middle East I might have been a Lexus fan myself just because of their aggressive pricing there.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 3:46:46 PM | | Votes: 0

M53R, the lancer looks great but it's a bad choice if you just want a small economy car.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 4:57:18 PM | | Votes: 2

Neither is a true supercar,even though the GTR does post performance numbers comparable to a supercar.I have seen both on the road and none of them makes your blood pump like a Ferrari or Lambo which are the true definitions of supercar.
— PrancingHorse (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 3:26:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

He's concerned with fashion (read his post) not performance. He's probably one of those tools that where Puma shoes w/ Ferrari horses on them. F'ing loser.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 5:04:08 PM | | Votes: -2

PrancingHorse = badge whore and not a true auto enthusiast.
— F1_Driver (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 6:28:35 PM | | Votes: -3

Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche has an appeal that goes beyond just the badge for a person like me. If the gt-r had the looks of europes finest and sounded as mean then you guys will have another reason to like the gt-r. So far the performance figures are phenomenal but it can't speak for the rest of the car (styling, super car sound, and interior plastic bits).

I test drove one last weekend. It's mighty quick. I highly recommend getting one if you're looking for a car in that price range but don't want to fork out that extra money to get a European exotic. It's a great car and is very fast. However, with that said, the GT-R is not for everyone. Although i'm not all about the badge, I want to travel in a "super car" where I feel like there's a sense of occasion. I love the noise, exotic styling, and quality. I run my R8 on the local track twice a month and i love it!, even if the R8 was a VW i'd still buy one.

Can you fanboys accept my comment? LOL. I'm clearly not putting down the GT-R just giving my perspective on what I want in a super car. Doesn't mean the GT-R isn't a good car. It's the super car JAPANESE STYLE. two thumbs up.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 6:00:29 AM | | Votes: 2

"Ferrari or Lambo which are the true definitions of supercar."

Italians in fact shaped what we today call a supercar . A first what you see when you think supercar is sleek Italian design . Nissan GT-R is a supercar ( if we can call it supercar ) in a different way than Italians .

"If the gt-r had the looks of europes finest and sounded as mean then you guys will have another reason to like the gt-r."

If the gt-r had the looks and sound of europes finest it would be only a imitation , it have to be different , though not everyone will definitelly like that otherness .
— abcd (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 5:39:21 PM | | Votes: -1

I saw a GT-R the other day at a gas station... I thought it was a new variation of the 350Z. It really does not look like anything that costs more than 30k.

As amazing as the performance is, I think the IS-F looks better.

Speaking of performance, when the GT-F pulled out of the gas station... it blasted off like a rocket. It was out of sight in a matter of seconds.
— SanJoseDriver (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 4:08:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

IS-F looks better? Hmm, guess you can't argue with opinions. But I have a very hard time seeing that one.
— tkindred (View Profile)

Posted on 9/28/2008 10:07:15 PM | | Votes: 2

Even in Japan Toyota doesn't really have race/performance creds. Nissan has a reputation for engineering in Japan, Toyota has a reputation for marketing and making money. Which we know they're good at. IS-F is a good try at mimicking an M3 but it falls far short. I would even go as far to say that this comparing apples to oranges. The GT-R is a far superior piece of engineering.
— E36er (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 4:56:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Holy crap did Star just admit he would consider buying a Lexus. Now that is news can I make an Agent post for that?
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 5:11:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

009, seriously? Are you paid by how many comments your stir up? This is why I visit the site less and less every week. What's up with titling EVERY article with a loaded question? You can title articles without question marks ya know....

We all know the answer to this question....
What's next week going to be like when your deadline is tight...."Porsche 911 (Carrera 4) vs. Honda Accord: Both Push Power to the Front Wheels, Which One is the King of the Track?????"

site's getting lame....
— jeeka715 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 5:17:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Toyota only wished the IS-F was a supercar. It's a shame their LF-A project is in jeopardy. It completely defeats the whole "F" tune badge doesn't it?. Where's the GS-F and LS-F?. Lexus wants to be known as a competitor of Mercedes but wants to also be respected as a performance brand, but it doesn't seem to be working. The best brand that has a mixture of superb luxury and raw power is Mercedes-Benz. I prefer a nuclear warhead (C63) over an IS-F.

GT-R = stud
IS-F = dud
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/26/2008 9:58:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

F-1 Fag for someone whos owned 2 generations of M3s and tracked over 5,000 miles in the 08 DCT coupe so far i think i am more of an entusiast than some kid sitting in his moms basement posting rubbish such as yourself.Why are so many keyboard warriors poping up on this site?
— PrancingHorse (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 1:34:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

PrancingFag, M3s are not supercars but grocery getters so you just proved your own opinions mean squat. FYI, I own a house and I drive a Nissan 350Z. A 350Z is a sports car for a true auto enthusiast, not some grocery getter that pretends to be a sports car.
— F1_Driver (View Profile)

Posted on 9/28/2008 6:57:52 PM | | Votes: 1

Wow, you drive a Nissan 350Z, no wonder you're sitting on your high horse all the time.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 5:11:27 AM | | Votes: 1

You're calling the IS-F a supercar? so the BMW M3 is supercar too? besides you're comparing it to a Nissan GT-R?
Plz what kind of article is that?
— Speedoholic (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 2:17:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I like the subject of the article, and definitely agree that these two cars aren't to be compared since the outcome is known for the GT-R, but what the heck sometimes it’s fun. But the point that I want to make about the writings of the article; it’s HORRIBLE.
I started reading the article and some phrases gave me a headache, I can't see what the author’s point of view is. Anyhow, just want to say the author's writing really sucks.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/27/2008 2:47:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The RS4 was roughly the same price as a Nissan GT-R.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 12:45:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

ok..so every1 has an opinion about the isf and they havent even driven one. obvoiously, most care more about the attention a badge brings than the car itself. in its class, it is similar in price but when you add in the amount of gas you will be using in the c63 amg to go a bit faster, its a BIG difference. i really like the 8 speed auto. the car has two personalities which is great for conserving gas/cash. sure, the m3 is a great car and so is the c63 and the rs4 but when comparing ALL the aspects of each car, the isf is definitely not lacking. i dont like the blue color, which is often shown but in black, red or granite, the car looks great. its interior is far better than the interior in the m3 and the c63. the rs4 is extremely nice though. it was definitely a difficult decision between the 4, but i chose the isf. one of the main reasons is because its a toyota. it may be funny to most, especially the ones who care about image but im very happy to own a v8 toyota that smokes almost everything out there and still gets 20mpg cruising my neighborhood. if i were to get a real sports car, id get the 911 turbo..but as far as luxury sport sedans, i know i made the right choice

— stash84 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/29/2008 2:44:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

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GT-R vs IS-F: Which Is The Supercar And Which Is Just A Super Car?

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