metrathon

I was wondering why is Lexus' application of the 2.0T slower and thirstier compared to BMW's. The engine is brand new, it should be kicking ***. Is the IS much heavier? It shouldn't, because is it significantly smaller.

Noeh

iTrader: (3)

Lexus probably prioritized long-term reliability over peak performance. Real-world fuel economy should be about the same, the NX had similar or slightly higher mpg than the X3 at a recent motortrend review.

metrathon

That's about the only thing I can think of.

tea

i have no idea why, but damn, the BMW turbo 4 kicks Lexus's turbo 4s butt

ls430lover

hi there are many posts on the test drive thread comparing and contrasting, some thoughts to answer your question.
refinement about the same
power, the n20 bmw has a lower torque curve making lag almost non existent, and has better high end power, the motor is underrated with horsepower thats how my 528 goes 0-60 in 5.8
they both sound like a 4 when revved i would say equal sound
turbo lag, when i drove the is200 thought they did a great job not much lag but there is a difference the n20 torque comes on around 1250 rpm i don't believe the lexus 2.0 is that low
peak power peaks off with 2.0 lexus motor around 5k my n20 motor seems has another 1200 rpm before peak
gas mileage after 6500 miles averaging 26 mpg combined with a lot of city in my 5 i can't comment other than seeing around 15 mpg getting on the is200t loaner for about 20 minutes, i am sure it will be big improvement over the is350 in gas mileage.
the motor is only as good as the automatic, both 8 speeds do a great job of power delivery and economy, i didnt drive the lexus is 200 long enough but my 8 speed in the bmw is brilliant for what it is.
cheers

ls430lover

forgot almost most important piece, i have a cpo 100k warranty but you can be rest assured the lexus reliability and times in the shop will be a lot less. the n20 bmw motor is pretty reliable better than the turbo six, but it won't be a lexus/toyota ill bet my last dollar. people forget which goes to your original kick butt thing, bmw stared as a engine maker bmw stands for bavarian motor works,.
drive a new 340 or a 535 and you will see why,
again i love lexus and will get a new gs 200 or ls someday after i put 50 k on my car but for what it is i think bmw in engine technology is 4 years ahead of the Japanese. the 8 cylinder twin turbo bmw mortors called the n63 nave issues stay clear... just on my mind of what a joke of engine technology for the time is infinit/nissan serious management 2016 and your 2.0 turbo is coming out in 17 a little late to the game

peteharvey

Apart from higher peak power & better economy, the BM is a smoother revving unit; the Benz 2.0 the smoothest.

However the Lexus & Benz 2.0 both hit back with a more instant response, and flatter torque curves, while the BM's torque curve is more laggy & peakier.

IMO, the biggest problem with Lexus 2.0T is its refinement & joy to rev.

The Benz 2.0T is presently the sweetest 2.0T.

Presently, the BM 2.0T has the most power, but laggiest response & peakiest torque curve, with refinement & sweetness to rev in the middle ground...

ls430lover

there is virtually no lag in 2013 and newer bmw 2.0 the 12's had issues,
i come from a ls400 and ls430 which i miss dearly but time did come to let them go and so did the 19mpg combined.
the 2.0 n20 has a lower 1250 rpm torque curve with almost no lag,
in sport mode it is brilliant and the top end power keeps pulling,
the is falls off around 5000 to 5200 rpm
go drive them and feel for yourself don't take posters comments feel whats right for what you desire

peteharvey

Life is a compromise.
I suspect Benz & Lexus use small lightweight turbos that are more responsive, and almost instantly delivers the torque for a flatter and more naturally aspirated-like torque curve, however the small turbo doesn't have as much maximum power.

I suspect BM uses a larger turbo which is heavier, and slightly less responsive, such that when I plant my foot, initially the torque is low, but once the engine winds up to so many RPM, the BM's torque really kicks in, thus the BM is said to have a peakier torque curve, esp compared to an atmospheric engine.

The Benz & Lexus torque curve is flatter; the BM's is peakier.

The small turbo is more practical for the street.
The large turbo better for racing.

Life is a compromise.

Twenty years ago, Benz did try Kompressor supercharger to try to avert lag, but superchargers lack top end power.

Presently, they are playing around with electric motor assisted turbos for more instant response, and a flatter torque curve...

metrathon

I'm not sure what lag you guys are talking about. My '12 328i has no lag, not that I can tell of anyway. I drove/owned other turbos with lag, like the Volvo, or the A4 2.0T. But the Bimmer is as good as it gets. I also drove the NX200t extensively and it didn't seem to me to be more responsive than the X3 28i, same response time.

I think the 0 - 60 difference comes from the tranny. BMW's sport tranny shifts instantly - gotta experience it to believe it - while Lexus' take at least half a second. Change three times = lose more than a second to 60.

ls430lover

be speaking another language, ill say what it is
the bmw n20 is the best turbo motor out there
whoever thinks the benz and the lexus motor is best in class,
then start to test drive cars and read about cars
the best motor for a turbo car in the world is the b58 motor 6 cylinder bmw motor now in the 340 and the 740
the 2nd best turbo motor is the n20 4 cylinder today i drove 120 miles highway around 70 mph average,
got 35 mpg highway at that speed, best in class torque
best power
best mpg
no turbo lag

EZZ

That's pretty bold considering the GTR is 3.8L that produces 600hp and reliable up to 800hp. What about the P1 that gets in the 900+hp range with its 3.8L. BMW is best in class but is easily outclassed by other FI motors.

ls430lover

the p1 is a electric/turbo
the 918 is even better
the gtr, i don't have an interest in, its a good car, rides like a brick

EZZ

Doesn't matter how it rides. The engines are way better than he BMWs. So is the Porsche turbo engines. As I said, BMW is great for its class but many companies can produce great FI engines.

ls430lover

I'm more into engineering with gas mileage/ performance,
the gtr is pure performance so i can't comment
the bmw n20 blows the mercedes and lexus motor away