Shoot Out - RS4 vs. IS-F "Bout of the Middleweights"

TataPower submitted on 04/24/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 5:04 PM
from: www.webridestv.com

Tags: video comparison comparo review test drive audi rs4 lexus is-f isf

video comparison comparo review test drive audi rs4 lexus is-f isf

Shoot Out - RS4 vs. IS-F "Bout of the Middleweights"

Watch the former Grand-Am Champion Craig Stanton as he drives and compare the Audi RS4 and the Lexus IS-F on the Willow Springs Raceway. Read Article

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AdHominem - 4/25/2008 5:00:40 AM

+1 Boost

This is such an obvious marketing piece. It was clearly bought and paid for by Lexus. The music and camera work give it away, although it is surprising that they would include some of the shots that show the Lexus getting out of control and dropping the rear wheel of the track from silly oversteer. At least the ISF can chalk some kind of a "win".

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IamEvilHomer - 4/26/2008 4:56:55 PM

+1 Boost

it is good to see that Audi set the benchmark 3 years ago with the RS4 / to bad they don't make the RS4 anymore. The new RS5 will be hot

silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:22:34 PM

-3 Boost

Lexus Wins.....He picks Lexus over Audi cause he stated Lexus was funer than the Audi. And this is coming from an expert Grand Champanion and he knows best!

Go Lexus!

I want me one. He made seem like it was so much fun..

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aarononymous - 4/24/2008 9:02:38 PM

-8 Boost

You have to be a grand champion to know what fun is? I had a G35 sedan as a rental, lot's of fun, but it got old quick....

RS4 is a legend

stash84 - 4/24/2008 9:51:24 PM

+3 Boost

theres always an excuse

bimmerfan25 - 4/24/2008 11:01:45 PM

+9 Boost

G35 is not that fun. I've driven the coupe a lot. IS-F is on another level

StickShiftCamry - 4/27/2008 3:12:10 AM

+1 Boost

Yea, a G35X may get old w/ the auto and AWD, but a G35 S w/ Manual and RWD does not get old each time u drive it it makes u smile and the fact that the payments are so low, lower than a 328 or C300.

silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:23:40 PM

-6 Boost

He also said that the Lexus was a lot more control...

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ILikeLambo - 4/24/2008 11:16:23 PM

+3 Boost

we heard you the first time

silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:27:29 PM

-6 Boost

He also said the sound of the Lexus IS motor was beautiful

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silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:28:05 PM

-6 Boost

He also said Lexus is the new Hot Rod

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lexusis350 - 4/24/2008 7:29:23 PM

0 Boost

I would have to pick the IS F as my favorite between it and the RS4. But not because I like Lexus. I am just so unimpressed with Audi. Talk about your overrated cars. Let the deboosting begin, but it's absolutely true.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/25/2008 8:40:29 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Have you even driven one???

Notjustlex - 4/25/2008 10:31:27 AM

+2 Boost

I have driven both the Audi and the IS-F. The Audi is nice but nowhere near the fun of the Lexus. both cars are fun to drive and I would probably drive the Audi as the daily driver but the IS-F with take your breath away.

Notjustlex - 4/25/2008 10:32:04 AM

-1 Boost

Will take your breath away..

lexusis350 - 4/25/2008 4:09:35 PM

-1 Boost

S4, yes I have driven one. I drove an 06 A4 and was extremely dissatisfied. The center console is weird and unsymmetrical, the ergonomics were uncomfortable and oddly unsettling, and I wasn't impressed with the comfort of the seats. It didn't really stand out driving either. They're just a bunch of overrated cars.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/26/2008 1:07:44 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

"S4, yes I have driven one. I drove an 06 A4 and was extremely dissatisfied."

Are you JOKING??? You're going by your experience with an A4 and thinking that's what the RS4 is like? I thought you would know better than that!

silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:34:00 PM

-8 Boost

He choose the Lexus IS because he stated it was fun, and cars are suppose to be fun to drive right? He said if the Lexus can't make u smile nothing will...

This is all coming from a former Grand AM series champion Craig Stanton....

He just sold me a Lexus IS-F....I can't believe that this car is acutally that much fun.....

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stash84 - 4/24/2008 9:54:58 PM

-1 Boost

it really is..its unlike any other lexus..especially suspension/control..sounds amazing..and it doesnt get old quick..looks great in person..most people who disagree are judging it before driving it

silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:38:27 PM

-2 Boost

LOL! Yes let the deboosting begin. The Lexus be my favorite German car Audi. The german fans are going to be very upset that the Lexus beat a german car. The German envy lexus...

FLAME WAR ON!!!!

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Carboy - 4/24/2008 9:22:10 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I'm not bothered in any sort of way. It doesn't matter what others think, it's what you think.

silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:39:40 PM

-6 Boost

Where are the German fans???? There quiet.....I'm curious to what they have to say???
COME OUT!!!

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lexusis350 - 4/25/2008 1:06:54 AM

-5 Boost

I was just thinking the same thing. This is the first time I've had a positive boost rating since I can remember!

ravErdaveE92 - 4/24/2008 8:00:06 PM

+4 Boost

no one likes responding to these ridiculous rants because they make absolutely no sense... plus i think the countless reviews that praise the M3, C63, and RS4 speak for themselves.

and by the way, just cuz im a german car fan doesnt mean i like to rant about how superior the germans are and how their amazingness will take over the world (like some of you lexus fans do). i also like infiniti, italian cars, and even some lexus models... so i'm not the biased one (unlike go0bama and silver1)

a real car fan gives credit where its due, no matter where the cars from. you can't deny that the M3, C63, RS4, and IS-F are all fantastic cars, so stop flaming about the IS-F stomping the rest of them

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lexusrox123 - 4/24/2008 8:08:55 PM

-8 Boost

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... LOL!

stash84 - 4/24/2008 9:57:53 PM

-4 Boost

"and by the way, just cuz im a german car fan doesnt mean i like to rant about how superior the germans are and how their amazingness will take over the world"

youre one of a kind

auto001 - 4/25/2008 11:43:08 PM

+1 Boost

Audi fans/drivers seem to more objective and open minded and can appreciate a good car like IS-F... they don't have that childish/immature mentality like a BMW fan who will blindly lash out at the first opportunity :)

maybe that's why not much reaction here...

bulldogz - 4/24/2008 8:45:22 PM

-4 Boost

in 3,2,1..."yeah, well wait until the new RS4 comes out, it will DESTROY this piece of Jap crap"

....or "I'll take the RS4 anyday because it's AWD"

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BMW4me4ever - 4/24/2008 8:58:32 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

So what the IS-F has decided not to take on the M3 anymore and go against an aged car? It kills me that the lexus fans win against an aged RS4 and suddenly they are on top of the mountain. psst news flash but your car has yet to beat the New M3 in any comparison test.

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aarononymous - 4/24/2008 9:07:11 PM

-1 Boost

yes but it's SO FUN!!!!

macker83 - 4/24/2008 9:12:20 PM

+4 Boost

top gear thought the ISF was better than the M3.

stash84 - 4/24/2008 10:01:02 PM

-2 Boost

and it wont..it doesnt handle as well as the m3 but its just as quick..it has a much nicer interior and it costs less..its all about what you like and how much you value each car's advantages..

AdHominem - 4/25/2008 5:12:33 AM

+2 Boost

Top Gear did NOT think the isf was better than the M3.

In fact they said the isf was "flawed", the exact quote is "It's flawed. It's not for the hardcore among us. "

And for the M3 they said "The M3 is the best all-rounder".

BMW4me4ever - 4/25/2008 10:06:36 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

stash it only costs a few thousand less, but that is easily made up in the free full maint. for 4 years / 50k miles by BMW. The interior isnt nicer. The plastic , Platinum trim , looks very cheap around the gearshift lever. It is very plasticy sound when you tap on it. It is also quite a bit smaller in interior size compared to the M3. It is not as quick especially on a track. I have driven both on the same day in succession 2x on the same track. The M3 blows the doors of the IS-F

KZ258 - 4/25/2008 11:44:45 AM

+4 Boost

TopGear also said there is no clear winner

stash84 - 4/25/2008 12:20:26 PM

+2 Boost

m3 fully loaded is 67k. isf 62k. my maintenence for 5 years only cost 1400.00, so it is a few thousand difference. the m3 is quicker around the track, its lighter and its manual, but 0-60, quarter mile, its just as quick (depending on the driver) most people dont shift as quick as "professionals". the interior of the isf does have less room but imo, looks waaaay better that the m3, im not tapping on plastics or valuing each individual piece. the interior as a whole is nicer. even if the m3s interior costs 5k to build, the 300 hundred dollar lexus interior looks better, unless you like plain, boring, german interiors

AE86 - 4/24/2008 9:06:11 PM

-5 Boost

He chose Lexus because it appears to be an advertisement paid for by Lexus...

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aarononymous - 4/24/2008 9:11:44 PM

-6 Boost

exactly, c'mon the music and cut scenes when he drove the Lexus........

AE86 - 4/24/2008 9:16:33 PM

+1 Boost

No mention of no LSD.

Carboy - 4/24/2008 9:21:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'm not bothered in any sort of way. It doesn't matter what others think, it's what you think.

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bimmerfan25 - 4/24/2008 11:04:19 PM

+4 Boost

well you could say that about every one of the tests where Lexus has lost. not just the IS-F, every Lexus.

Lexus sells the most in USA, yet loses all the magazine tests. Hmmm I guess you have a point. People make their own choice.

BMW4me4ever - 4/25/2008 10:09:58 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

psst ... BMW sells the most Luxury Cars in the US. Lexus sells the most sport ute vehicles in the US. UNfortunately, Lexus sells more RX's than BMW sells 3-series. 60% of the sales in the US for Lexus are the RX series.

bulldogz - 4/25/2008 10:39:13 AM

+1 Boost

"..psst ... BMW sells the most Luxury Cars in the US. Lexus sells the most sport ute vehicles in the US. UNfortunately, Lexus sells more RX's than BMW sells 3-series. 60% of the sales in the US for Lexus are the RX series."

Great, and 56% of all BMWs sold here (over 40% worldwide) are of the 3-series variant (of which only 4% are sticks btw). Congratulations, your precious "luxury" company is overwhelmingly represented by an entry-level vehicle, how prestigious!

BMW4me4ever - 4/25/2008 12:00:24 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

bulldogz ... the 3-series just like the c-class, just like the G35, the acura tl, & the lexus RX350 or ES350 will always consist of the majority of luxury cars sold .... I was commenting on the fact left by bimmerfan in regards to lexus selling the most. Of the 56%, about 40% is the 328, 30% the 335, 20% are the coupe variants and the last 10% is the conv. actually most of the 3-series sold in the US is from the $37k range to the $50k range.

silver1 - 4/25/2008 12:27:42 PM

+3 Boost

"BMW4me4ever"

WTF!!!! You stated BMW was the #1 brand in U.S. in Sells!!!!

Lexus has been the #1 Selling Luxury brand in the U.S. for I don't how many years because I lost count...And they will continue that trend for years to come....

85bmw745i - 4/25/2008 9:30:11 PM

+1 Boost

What do sales have to do with it. The Ford Explorer was the best selling SUV in the U.S. for a long time and it was one of the biggest pieces of crap ever, along with the S-10 blazers. I like both cars personaly. The M3 is for the enthusiast. the ISF is for someone who wants to have their cake and eat it. Luxury, extremely fast, automatic ETC. I think it delivers about 90% of what the M3 does, but much easier to have as a daily driver for those who don't have the patience for a manual or want something that shifts smoother than a DSG in automatic mode. Bottom line is all of these sedans, be it the M3, ISF RS4 AMG all have their unique traits that appeal to different buyers. I wouldn't call either one of them a POS or say one is better than the other because they are all better than each other in certain areas. Audi with its AWD, AMG with its build quality, M3 for being the hard core no frills track car, and the ISF auto, smooth, somewhat like a hot rod, along the lines of the AMG, with the v8 auto, etc. less hard core but still bad to the bone. Me personally I'd take the M3 but I will admit the AMG or ISF would probably be easier to live with especially in traffic. If I were up north, I'd take the RS4 so that I could have my performance year round, rather than seasonal. If I were to old or my body was too stiff to live with a manual I'd get the Benz or the ISF.

Atenza28 - 4/25/2008 1:39:27 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The IS-F should win... As a matter of fact I think it has beaten the RS4 consistently in these comparos, but the main story has always been the M3 and C63 being better than the IS-F. But back to the topic, the IS-F is going up against a 4-5 year old car that is waiting for its refresh. When you have that sort of time to research a vehicle, you damn well better beat it! A fantastic car either way but if it lost there is a lot of explanations that Lexus would have owed us.

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S4cabriofoxone - 4/25/2008 8:44:14 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

No, it actually hasn't. This is the only test in which both have been involved and the IS-F beat the RS4. Check your facts, please.

Heyhuub - 4/25/2008 3:12:29 AM

+4 Boost

Give me the Audi please.

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Czelinski - 4/25/2008 3:56:32 AM

+1 Boost

Would take the Audi any day of the week. Superior interior design and materials, a much more stunning vehicle from an exterior design point of view also.

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MunichRob - 4/25/2008 5:39:32 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Wow you know the only reason the "German fans," or at least myself, have any issue with Lexus is because of ignorant & annoying fan-boys such as "silver1" or "Go0bama"... You guys should try taking after "lexusis350," he's like the only user on this site putting a good name to Lexus from the "fan" standpoint.

Also I say ignorant purely because there hasn't truly ever been a class leading Lexus like there has a Mercedes or a BMW & sometimes even Audi, in other words they've given us way less reasons to praise them [Lexus] as the best.

Lexus is like the inheriting corporate billionaire that no one likes because he didn't work for his position & on-top of that, he acts like he runs the show.

So in my mind one's love affair with Lexus has to be the result of the fact that they're either....

1. The kind who want the most comfortable & softest suspensions on the market.

2. Elderly or just people who show no interest in ever pushing any car to its limits.

3. They are young & grew up with generations of their parents LS's in the garage.

4. Absolutely taken by Lexus's handsome designs (Handsome but by no means original).

5. They prefer RC Cola over Coca-Cola & Pepsi.

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BMW4me4ever - 4/25/2008 10:15:16 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

gobama ...ML Performance? which car and in what category. Lexus hasnt led a performance category. Engine Refinement? Lexus has won only 1 engine of the year award. BMW has won 19 engine of yead awards. Actually, I would say BMW has that lock atock and barrell so to speak.'

gobama. you and some of your cronies are so ridiculous in your regards to Lexus. As are some of the German fans. I will say at least you provide a good laugh for some of us at your ridiculous statements.

Rupert - 4/25/2008 12:43:20 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Commitment to the environment? Ha!

silver1 - 4/25/2008 12:48:23 PM

0 Boost

"BMW4me4ever"

ML performance..

He's speaking of the World's best sounding in car factory audio sound system 19-speaker Reference Surround Sound System the "Mark Levinson" when he mentions ML...

Only the Audi's Bang Olufsen, and Acura ELS comes close...

answer - 4/25/2008 2:52:59 PM

+4 Boost

I whole-heartedly agree with your assesment of the moron Lexus fans.

However, the rest of your post showing your attitude towards Lexus, is just as bad.

Lexus does not have the history of the German lux brands. No intelligent person would say otherwise. But at the same time, no intelligent person would say history is all that matters.

By your logic, any video game console that doesn't say Atari on it is a coat-tail-riding poser. Or any non-Superman comic book is devoid of merit.

Get over it. Stop using the complete jerkoffs like goobama as an excuse to crap on Lexus.

If you don't like Lexus that's fine, but why hate on the brand? Would you prefer everyone to have the same damn car?

Lexus did the same thing Lamborghini did. They made a successful entrance into an already well-established market segment.

If you hate Lexus for not being original, you had better hate Lambo too.

85bmw745i - 4/25/2008 9:33:03 PM

+1 Boost

I like Rc Cola, but I love my BMW's. I like how you put that though. ;-)

auto001 - 4/25/2008 11:58:54 PM

+3 Boost

So building car that is almost equal in performance and ever so reliable is not something to praise?

I would think that would be a more accomplished technical feat. - on the part of Lexus.

evilm - 4/25/2008 7:00:50 AM

+3 Boost

the audi is a classic car. The Lexus is tacky with its bolted on ricer parts. That's why it costs less.

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DasAuto - 4/25/2008 9:15:22 AM

+1 Boost

The RS4 has been out for a couple years and was the benchmark for the C63, M3 and ISF. Seriously what kind of image would the ISF give if it couldn't beat the RS4? Please no one is gonna make a performance car to go slower then its rivals that are currently out on the market. The next RS4 will top the current cars from MB, BMW and Lexus, then when the other companies bring out their next performance sedan it'll beat the Audi, just one long ass cycle of power battles between companies which is good.

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bulldogz - 4/25/2008 10:41:07 AM

-1 Boost

but the problem is it will most likely BARELY beat the current AMG C or M3, yet still cost at least $10k more.

amazinBimmer - 4/25/2008 2:49:48 PM

-5 Boost

and the winner is.... BMW m3. all day.

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lexusrox123 - 4/25/2008 6:34:17 PM

+2 Boost

u and your utopias.....

autopro - 4/25/2008 6:49:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

They invited the BMW but it was in the shop!!! Stay tuned for the next shootout!!!!!!

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carnuts - 4/26/2008 1:27:40 AM

0 Boost

IS-F is worst in the segment, PERIOD!!!!!

Deal with Lexus kids, that can't even afford a Lexus.

IS-F 4.4 seconds slower a lap than the M3 sedan.

4.4 sec 4.4 sec 4.4 sec 4.4 sec 4.4 sec 4.4 sec

SLOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sports/112_0805_bmw_m3_lexus_is_f_mercedes_c63_amg_comparison/photo_16.html

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carnuts - 4/26/2008 1:28:41 AM

0 Boost

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

4.4 seconds slower

Your ugly ass car blows!

abcd - 4/26/2008 4:03:15 PM

+1 Boost

carnuts:
if you like cars that are fast on winding roads( like motor trend track ) there is even better choice than new M3 :

evo x -152,92sec
M3 -154,2sec
135i -156,34sec
c63 -158sec
is-f - 158,6sec

links:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sports/112_0805_bmw_m3_lexus_is_f_mercedes_c63_amg_comparison/photo_16.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0806_bmw_135_mitsubishi_evo_mr_comparison/photo_12.html

autopro - 4/26/2008 12:06:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The put the weakest drive in the Lexus that's why it lost.

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goojman - 4/27/2008 7:32:25 PM

+1 Boost

Why do you guys waste your time arguing with these buffoons? No one who knows anything about driving/performance even considers Lexus in the same category as BMW, Audi, etc. Please don't continue to waste your time arguing with people who are immature and uninformed. They thrive on it.

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RandyM - 5/1/2008 6:02:23 PM

+1 Boost

amazinBimmer=assclown

He wears BMW underoos, lives in his parents basement and is 30 years old. They don't know what to do with him.

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