325i vs IS300

Detrich · May 25, 2006

amen brother! the things we do to impress girls. <lol> a good friend of mine had an 88 civic hatchback too b4 upgrading to a 318i years ago. and, to this day he still insists that he's going to buy another one someday to thrash around as a weekend beater because that car was so much fun. just goes to show that u don't have to spend big bucks on a pricey, aristocratic sports car to have the same kind of fun. [driving]

4Charlie said:

brahtw8 · May 25, 2006

Detrich said:

I have lived that dream, thank you very much. The car in my avatar used to be in my garage.

As for your "pricey aristocratic" notion, remember that a used NSX costs the same or less than a new 325i or RX8 and has stopped depreciating. My NSX was significantly cheaper than my M3 and held its value far better than the M3 will.

After 2.5 years and 29,000 miles of driving, including 1500+ miles on track, my NSX was sold for $600 less than I paid for it, not counting the $5k worth of aftermarket parts I removed before the sale to return it to stock and save for my next NSX.

Detrich · May 25, 2006

look dude, i was just making a joke and having some fun with this discussion. but, obviously u take everything too personally and u want to pick an argument.

but, in all fairness, "used" is just a lame excuse... if u want to be fair, u have to talk about a new car during it's PRIME era- ie when it was released and in the context of the time it debuted. <LOL> why don't we compare the nsx to the Ford Model T then? yah, i'm sure the nsx could dust that puppy. HAHAHAHAHA. geez louise...

u could argue anything about a "used" car to suit ur needs. if u want to argue that 15 years ago when the NSX debuted that it cost LESS than a 3-series or an fd rx-7 then u'r not only smoking a crack pipe, but i dunno wtf kind of cool-aid u'd be drinking as well... <LOL> when the nsx came out, u couldn't even get one because the waiting list was so long and dealers were marking them up like mad- at least here in los angeles.

look, this is just a discussion board- i think u'r taking this way too personally and seriously. all good...

brahtw8 · May 25, 2006

Detrich said:

look dude, i was just making a joke and having some fun with this discussion. but, obviously u take everything too personally and u want to pick an argument.

but, in all fairness, "used" is just a lame excuse... if u want to be fair, u have to talk about a new car during it's PRIME era- ie when it was released and in the context of the time it debuted. <LOL> why don't we compare the nsx to the Ford Model T then? yah, i'm sure the nsx could dust that puppy. HAHAHAHAHA. geez louise...

u could argue anything about a "used" car to suit ur needs. if u want to argue that 15 years ago when the NSX debuted that it cost LESS than a 3-series or an fd rx-7 then u'r not only smoking a crack pipe, but i dunno wtf kind of cool-aid u'd be drinking as well... <LOL> when the nsx came out, u couldn't even get one because the waiting list was so long and dealers were marking them up like mad- at least here in los angeles.

look, this is just a discussion board- i think u'r taking this way too personally and seriously. all good...

I am merely responding to your statements. You entered this thread to talk sh!t and when someone calls you on it you cry foul and whine.

As for the rest of your post, have fun talking to yourself and addressing arguments that have not been made.

Good day to you.

4Charlie · May 25, 2006

Funny thing gentlemen we have BMW too keep us in common.

bmw046series · May 25, 2006

Amazing conversation, and I wasn't even involved.

Detrich · May 25, 2006

yah, the thread got off topic... but, getting back on topic, i remember that a month or two ago Autoweek did a head-to-head evaluation of the new IS350 vs. the new 3. and, i think they said something to the extent of 'Lexus bringing a knife to a gunfight and still managing to shoot themselves in the foot.' <LOL> both cars they eval'd were around low 40k's, but they clearly felt that the 3 was the superior car overall...

brahtw8 · May 26, 2006

Until Lexus makes a serious commitment to performance and offers a manual transmission with the largest engine and the ability to turn off all of the electronic aids they will continue to rate below BMW as a driver's car.

///M SPEED · May 26, 2006

The last two posts are dead on. I have read a few articles and I have a couple of podcasts that state basically the same thing. The IS350 just isn't as aspiring to drive as the BMW, fun yes, but as stated by Ryan (brahtw8) until they offer a manual gearbox and let the driver have controls over electronic driving aids they will fall short in the driver enthusiast’s car of choice. With that said, I have a buddy that has both; an “05” E46 M3 and he just traded in his older IS300 for an IS350 and I must say it is nice car. I have driven it and it is fun to drive. Would I buy it? No, but I can see how others would….

P.S. I have to commend both of you Ryan and Detrich. I have been watching this thread to make sure it did not get out of hand. I have to hand it to you both for settling you differences and getting the original thread back on topic. This is not always the case when members have disagreements. It usually results in a warning, thread lock, and/or worst case a ban. Good job guys…..

brahtw8 · May 26, 2006

///M SPEED said:

I just want to know what Detrich (sic) did to the Enzo . . . [cheers]

THE BALLAD OF DIETRICH AND THE DEMOLISHED ENZO

His game platform failed cause
the l33t gamers nailed
Gizmondo's sad toy to the wall

But the money's still there so
He's got just enough to spare so
He won't have to beg, steal or crawl

It's cool now, living on venture cap
He grew a taste for exotics and alla that crap
High speed cruise up PCH and he don't need a map for that buzzzzzz ...

He didn't need friends, though
He did love that Enzo
So bright red and wicked and clean

She whispered his name
Filled the hole left where fame
Had deserted his IPO dreams

He said to his friend, "Hey Dietrich, jump in
"Let's open her up, take her out for a spin
Six-hundred horses are horny and want to get into the reddd ...

First gear paddle-shift, hit the gas
Second gear smacks him right in the ass
Third screamin' up to 109 miles an hour

In fourth the palm trees start to blur
Fifth gear hurts but it makes him feel sure that
Sixth gear will give him the ultimate power ...

Chorus (SHOUTED)
Damn you, Dietrich, you SON OF A BITCH!
You jumped out and ran, now they think I pulled a switch!
You hung me out to dry in a Malibu ditch, now I'm hoooooosed
And every day I sit in jail the legend of the Enzo grows.

(backup vocal)
Gizmondo, no Bondo
Gizmondo, no Bondo
Gizmondo, no bondo, etc.

One of two men they say
Wa-as driving that day
When the Enzo took leave of this earth

But at 162,
Physics gave them their due
The car suddenly lost all its worth

P-P-P-Pirellis lose their grip
F-F-F-Ferrari starts to slip
He and D-D-D-Dietrich managed to clip the car clean in two 'gainst a pole ....

Chorus (SHOUTED)
Damn you, Dietrich, you SON OF A BITCH!
You jumped out and ran, now they think I pulled a switch!
You hung me out to dry in a Malibu ditch, now I'm hoooooosed
And every day I sit in jail the legend of the Enzo grows.

(backup vocal)
My Enzo, not my Enzo,
My Enzo, not my Enzo,
My Enzo, not my Enzo, etc.

///M SPEED · May 26, 2006

I heard he finally admitted to being the driver and Dietrich was a figment....

coolmonk · May 26, 2006

I have never driven the M3 but I would imagine its handling characteristics are above that of the IS350. As much as I love Lexus, they've never had it right with sports cars. The best handling Lexus is the IS300 (which I currently own) and even it cannot compare to the 330i. Sure the IS300 is more fun to drive (at least I think so)...but for a true sports car enthusiast, Lexus just doesn't have it right.

This is why we must wait for the IS500 vs M3 (V8).

Detrich · May 26, 2006

objectively, i don't think the is350's target demo is an exact match to the m3. the 350's probably more in the luxury realm of a high-end 330i or audi a4 i'd imagine, whereas the m3 is more for pure sports car enthusiasts wanting the best performance. and, that's probably why most of the reviews compare the 350 to the 330... i've driven an 98 m3, but never an 350. but, everything i've read about the current m3 is pretty much the same- ie if u can swallow the price tag & don't mind the high tco, u'r really getting one of the very best performing sports sedans in that class, period.

///M SPEED · May 26, 2006

coolmonk, the comparison at hand is with a 325i and IS300. There is no comparison what-so-ever with a M3. The M out performs the IS in every category unless you going for pushiness of ride. The M is a true sports sedan and drives as such.

My comments above are in reference to someone who owns both; a M3 and an IS350 (previously IS300) and I have had the chance to drive each. I am just stating that IMO IS300/350 is a nice car, but for pure driving pleasure the BMW beats it (both forms) hands down. I don't share your opinion that the IS is "more fun to drive". I would much rather drive the BMW any day, but then again, I am sure my driving mannerisms and preferences are considerably different. The Lexus just isn't as inspiring to drive as the BMW is. It is a fun car though and appealing to many in the market for a sport/luxury sedan....

P.S. Welcome aboard the board....

///M SPEED · May 26, 2006

Detrich said:

objectively, i don't think the is350's target demo is an exact match to the m3. the 350's probably more in the luxury realm of a high-end 330i or audi a4 i'd imagine, whereas the m3 is more for pure sports car enthusiasts wanting the best performance. and, that's probably why most of the reviews compare the 350 to the 330... i've driven an 98 m3, but never an 350. but, everything i've read about the current m3 is pretty much the same- ie if u can swallow the price tag & don't mind the high tco, u'r really getting one of the very best performing sports sedans in that class, period.

I agree, the IS is more compared to the 330i and assume that is Lexus's target when designed....

4Charlie · May 26, 2006

Excuse my ignorance to the subject But what did you gents mean by electronic control? My friend that has an IS300 and I swap cars and took a drive down the 5 frw and pacific coast highway. Let me say power wise the IS was better but we both agreed the handling and fun factor the 3 series took it. Not to mention you get more looks from girls. But again on the electronic control what is that? [driving2]

Detrich · May 26, 2006

mmm... i think they mean active traction control- ie DSC in bmw lingo? many auto magazines like to test the cars in different driving conditions- like auto-x, wet surface etc. and, more experienced drivers like to turn off traction control to control the car themselves.

the lexus, from what i understand, has electronic mechanisms preventing the average driver from "truly disabling" the electronic traction control- even if u turn the button off... (ie it's still turns itself back on when needed or something like that- which is something pro drivers don't want.)

coolmonk · May 26, 2006

M SPEED, when you speak of the fun factor are you comparing the IS300 to the M3?? Or are we still talking about the 325i/330i??

///M SPEED · May 26, 2006

325i/330i, I would never compare an IS300/350 to a E46 M3. There's no point in that....

4Charlie · May 27, 2006

No i was still speaking about the 325I but in speed the IS felt better but on twist and turns 325I felt better. I am still happy with my selection.

325i vs IS300

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