Next year I am looking for a new high performance car and I am test driving a few that our out there now .I test drove the lexus is-f a couple of months ago and liked how it stuck to the road and the V8 response . I just test drove the c63 amg benz and was "floored" on how this car drove . In Canada a fully loaded is-f sells for $68,700.00 cdn and the c63 amg sells for $67,700.00cdn. Very competitive pricing here . Here is the breakdown of how I felt about these two vehicles . The is-f surprised me on how it handled and how quick the transmission shifted . The interior was a mixed bag for me , the dash was not as nice as I expected in terms of quality and fit but the seats were quite nice . The nav unit in the is-f was not up to the latest technology and the screen resolution was lousy. All in all I like the car and might consider it . The c63 amg I drove today basically blew me away , the handling on this car was excellent and well balanced , the engine was very fast and noticably quicker than the is-f and the interior was very tight in it's fit and finish. I am not a big fan of the c63's interior layout this year but it didn't rattle one bit over harsh road surfaces .The transmission was on par with the is-f for shifting response . The seats on the c63 amg were snug and comfortable . I am not sure which car had the better seats but both cars were nicely appointed in this category . On performance I have to give it to the C63 Amg but the maintenance may be more expensive against the lexus is-f and the reliability is certainly in favor to the is-f . If unless the new Cadillac CTS-V happens to sit at the same price as these two cars then my decision will have to be between the C63 and the IS-F . What our your thoughts ?

B D HEMI

 

M3 isn't an option for you?

 

I haven't considered the M3 but may test drive one soon .The price on the M3 in Canada is stupid high ! The M3 will be the most expensive car by over $10,000.00 k compared to the C63 and the IS-
F .
B D HEMI

 

if you wait til next year, the 09 IS/IS-F is supposed to get an freshened interior...

 

I am in no hurry so 2009 will be the time I'm off lease . I will certainly re-test the is-f for sure and probably a few other cars eg. CTS-V and M3 bimmer .
B D HEMI

 

I am honestly thinking of getting my deposit back and going for a C63, the car is just brutal. I needed a car to go to and from work in ,but I am against getting a two seater sports car as the wife needs a small car to haul the kids around the really narrow streets here. The C63 although may be more costly on the repairs, the way I see it is if you can afford the car you can afford the repairs. And besides, I believe benz has really picked its act up.

 

without a doubt C63. I could care less about its crap interior nor mb's crap dealer service, the car had me on the rumble it makes when you start the 6.2l V8.

I am too poor for these cars now.

 

Dave , that's one the things I'm grappling with and thats the fact the benz C63 is a seriously balanced machine . It definitely gives you the wow factor and is very poised on the road no matter what you do with it .
B D HEMI

 

Both are great machines. As a former new C class driver (the base model) I can tell you that it is a solid and well-engineered machine providing a great fusion between comfort and good handling. I can only imagine that the C63 is going to be the uber C class.

And as you can see from my signature my sister owns a Lexus IS250. Great little car, too. A bit cramped on the inside both in front and in the rear but other than that a solid and good alternative in this class. So no doubt, the IS-F will be a good car too.

I've not driven either of these specific C class or IS variants but if you're looking for the more lax ride I think you're better served with the C63 since it offers more interior space than the IS-F and thus might be more comfortable in daily operations. Such an issue can be the deciding factor for me.


Judging from your consideration of the IS-F and C63 I am assuming you prefer an automatic transmission. You might want to check out the Audi RS4 too, especially the new one when it arrives on the market as it could very well have one of those new Audi DSG transmissions as an option.

 

I still can't believe Mercedes screwed up major time on the C63's PP (Performance Package). And I've heard of the engine light turning on even before you get your car home from the dealership. Dont get me wrong, I fell in love with this car after I heard the exhaust note, but those little problems...ugh. Hopefully they fix everything by next year.

 

the funniest part is , mb still has enough ***** to charge 1500$ for removing the electronic speed limiter after they screwed up the whole PP option.

 

Ya lol, I believe the LSD was only like $1250 or something? The suspension, steering wheel, brakes were only like $1400? I had a good laugh when I saw that . Sucks for those who had to wait and then wait some more.

 

A month ago I would say the C63 of course. But after driven one in an AMG event last month I am not so sure any more. Reasons:

1. The steering is light, very light as matter of fact.

2. Does not feel any faster than the IS F.

If you clearly like the C63 or can find one that's cheaper then I say go for it. Otherwise I would say go with the cheapest one that you can find.

 

Just a word of caution.... beware of Mercedez reliability. I'm not sure how these new 63 motors are holding up along w/ the 7spd tranny, but my wife's car has been in the shop a couple of times on powertrain issues. First incident, I brought the car in to be checked for valve ticking noise. Opened the hood and found that there was also an engine oil leak coming from the valve cover. Valve ticking noise was resolved and had everything checked for leaks. They also replaced right and left gaskets. Second incident, 7-sp tranny had crappy shifting in sports mode (mainly upshifts and downshifts on 1st-3rd gears). They replaced the entire valve body assembly but shifting still feels a bit notchy for an auto. There have been other issues, mostly minor, but the car is still fun to drive.

 

c63 ftw.

german assembled mercs are probably as reliable as jap cars nowadays.