There was a review by a major BMW magazine(forgot the name) that compared the 320i vs IS200. Keep in mind these are european models. The IS200 is a 6 speed manual 2 liter engine.

Long story short the reviewer who works for the BMW magazine said the 320i won the shootout but only because the interior of the 320i was better. He acknowledge that the IS200 handling kicked butt and quote "is very, very good" end quote.

Imagine if the reviewer was non-bias against Lexus, we would have a better review and most likely won....