Edmunds: 328i M-Sport vs. ATS 2.0 Premium vs. IS250 F-Sport
05-13-13, 06:34 AM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Edmunds: 328i M-Sport vs. ATS 2.0 Premium vs. IS250 F-Sport
Edmunds- 2013 BMW 328i M-Sport vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium vs. 2014 Lexus IS250 F-Sport
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/...ison-test.html
1. BMW 328i M-Sport
2. Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium
3. Lexus IS250 F-Sport
Fully expected this outcome. The IS250's powerplant hasn't moved up in step with the 328i. It's more of a match to the ATS' 2.5 I4 in capability.
http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/...ison-test.html
1. BMW 328i M-Sport
2. Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium
3. Lexus IS250 F-Sport
Fully expected this outcome. The IS250's powerplant hasn't moved up in step with the 328i. It's more of a match to the ATS' 2.5 I4 in capability.
05-13-13, 07:16 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
05-13-13, 07:28 AM
#5
Pole Position
The slalom speed is illuminating.
Despite the superior torque/acceleration and tires(Skidpad), the M-Sport 328i has a slower slalom speed than the IS250 F-Sport.
Again further evidence that the F30 is the inferior chassis to the new IS.
Also this comment by Edmund's is significant :
So basically Edmund's says that the IS is a better driver's car but was let down by its tires, drivetrain and and it's nonadjustable F-Sport suspension. Note that the IS350 F-Sport has adjustable suspension standard, 8 speed gearbox mated to a far superior 3.5L 2GR-FSE and tires can be changed easily.
IS250 = better chassis and steering
328i = better straightline speed and gas mileage and is more comfortable
Truly the world is upside down when Lexus and BMW trade places on the handling/luxury continuum.
Despite the superior torque/acceleration and tires(Skidpad), the M-Sport 328i has a slower slalom speed than the IS250 F-Sport.
Again further evidence that the F30 is the inferior chassis to the new IS.
Also this comment by Edmund's is significant :
Where the Lexus does trump the BMW is in steering feel and precision. We'll say it again: The 2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport has better, more precise, sharper and more communicative steering than the BMW 3 Series. Unfortunately, thanks to substandard Bridgestone Turanza ER33 tires, most of that communication is, loosely translated, "Please slow down. I have no grip. Here's some understeer!"
IS250 = better chassis and steering
328i = better straightline speed and gas mileage and is more comfortable
Truly the world is upside down when Lexus and BMW trade places on the handling/luxury continuum.
Last edited by natnut; 05-13-13 at 07:37 AM.
05-13-13, 07:37 AM
#6
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
The Q50 in that other thread has me looking at that more and more though.
05-13-13, 07:43 AM
#7
Pole Position
Car and Driver remarked in their comparison of the IS350/ATS 3.6/335i how the adjustable suspension in the IS350 F-Sport managed to nail BOTH ride and handling.
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05-13-13, 07:58 AM
#8
too bad the 328 similarly equipped to a IS350 F Sport Navi/ML is still more expensive by $4500. Just more reason not to get the IS250, but anyone concerned about sportiness wouldnt have considered it to begin with
Last edited by 4TehNguyen; 05-13-13 at 08:05 AM.
05-13-13, 08:19 AM
#9
absolutely it is, and I've been saying this for years. The IS250 is the equivalent to a 4 banger, but it's better than a normal I4. Reason being the two extra cylinders provide smooth power vs a comparable say TSX and it's buzzy 2.4L I4. Both have over 200hp (well 204 and 201), but the difference in torque is about 30lbft. The IS250 gets 21/30 mpg and the TSX gets 22/30, so really it's decent for what it is. Unfortunately for Lexus the competition is using turbo 4's now in most applications C250, A4, 328, ATS 2.0, S60 T5, and for what it's worth the Jaguar XS will have a 2.0T. So in order to stay current the IS200t really NEEDS to come out asap WITH an 8-speed auto
05-13-13, 11:14 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
I agree 100%. The IS250 had a much smoother and quieter acceleration than the 4 bangers. I prefer that by far. It may also have a bit more torque. What I liked is the smoother revving and the ability to shift with the paddles to really pull all of the power and performance out of the car
05-13-13, 05:06 PM
#11
Right the IS250 was never meant to be raced, that's what the 350 and F are for. Rather the two extra cylinders help keep things smooth while the relatively low displacement nets decent mileage. I won't knock the IS250 because it did what it was supposed to, some folks just don't realize that. With that said, because of the current market and what is now being offered as a base engine, the 250 will have a super hard time (as evident from this comparo) competing, so bring on that turbo!
05-13-13, 06:19 PM
#12
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absolutely it is, and I've been saying this for years. The IS250 is the equivalent to a 4 banger, but it's better than a normal I4. Reason being the two extra cylinders provide smooth power vs a comparable say TSX and it's buzzy 2.4L I4. Both have over 200hp (well 204 and 201), but the difference in torque is about 30lbft. The IS250 gets 21/30 mpg and the TSX gets 22/30, so really it's decent for what it is. Unfortunately for Lexus the competition is using turbo 4's now in most applications C250, A4, 328, ATS 2.0, S60 T5, and for what it's worth the Jaguar XS will have a 2.0T. So in order to stay current the IS200t really NEEDS to come out asap WITH an 8-speed auto
k.. Reread my post that says "in most applications", and next to Volvo S60 I wrote T5
05-14-13, 05:38 AM
#14
Right the IS250 was never meant to be raced, that's what the 350 and F are for. Rather the two extra cylinders help keep things smooth while the relatively low displacement nets decent mileage. I won't knock the IS250 because it did what it was supposed to, some folks just don't realize that. With that said, because of the current market and what is now being offered as a base engine, the 250 will have a super hard time (as evident from this comparo) competing, so bring on that turbo!
