With just basic option packages, (Price is around 35-36k) which car is better in these aspects:

1) Sportyness and Performance:

IS250: 204hp, 185 tq, 0-60: 7.9 1/4:15.59 (according to dragtimes.com)

C300: 228hp, 221 tq, 0-60: 7.1 1/4: 15.01 (according to dragtimes.com)

2) Utility/Space:

IS250 only good for 2-3 adults, interior very cramped, useless backseat, trunk is decent though

C300: don't know...but my friends 05 C230's backseat could fit 2 average size adults atleast

3) Luxuriousness:

You guys tell me


Based on the following, price aside, just looking at the car as a whole, which does the job better of being a "sport sedan"? Is the C300 an upgrade?

Oh, and on freeway ramps, would both cars still lose to a Rav 4? I did a few times...not fun

 

I think the C class has a better interior, and a little bit more space in the back.

 

Class's interior is pretty eh to me, and the headlight **** sucks, when you turn it quick it doesnt snap into place, the S class's one does though. At least my 250's turning stalk snaps into place.

Looks wise, C class is more classy, IS is more fun when modded. I would prefer the C class unmodded, but now that I modded my IS, its better looking than any C class modded or not, they aren't aggressive and sleek enough to be sexy. Still looks good though

 

not sure how to vote on this. if compare with the similar model year on base model, I would have no doubt picking up 250. However, if compare 250 with new model year C, I would be in favor of C.

 

I own both cars with manual transmissions. The merc provides a 'bank vault' type ride. Steering and sportiness (believe it or not ) is actually better in the is 250. The merc seems better put together and quieter. More torque on the merc but less peak hp ( the lexus engine is smooth all the way to redline and accrues power). The ride is better in the merc.

On a different note, in 3 years of ownership Ive never made an uncheduled visit to the dealership with the lex vs. 1( in a year) with the merc.

Point being made: drive both cars. See which one you like better.

 

Wait im confused now...how does the benz have less peak hp? 228 vs 204?

 

09 is250 vs 09 c300

 

Thanks. To me, 09 250 is essentially the same as 06 -08 model with minor updates. However, 08+ C has been completed redesigned. Thus, I would be in favor of C if comparing to 09 250

 

I hate the C300 interior! I think the IS interior blows all tha plastic pieces in the benz away by miles!

 

^^i agree the interior on the c is the worst in its class...that was the show stopper for me when i test drove it. it was way to plasticy for my tastes. when judging the exterior appearance it gets very objective.

for me the IS overall exterior is very sleek and well put together. nice lines and has a lot of balance. solid looking car from all angles

on the other hand the c300 is good looking up front but totally loses its swagger in the trunk area. the back bumper doesnt do it for me along with the odd looking slash through the side panels.

in terms of performance they both lack in this area...i wouldnt pick one over the other due to drivability.

 

Is ftw

 

i also own both. he pretty much summed it up except his last quote of not going to the lexus dealership unexpected isn't true in my case.

i've been time and again with little random things on my car, but overall i've always been happy with lexus. and especially when it comes to those oil changes ^____^

 

Besides, this is Lexus forum, I could expect the majority votes would be 250. If you post similar in MB forum, the votes could be the opposite.

 

Since reliability is not a concern, go test drive both cars and decide which one you like.

 

depends if you're going to mod the car or not, i say get the c300 if you're going for the classy look and the is250 if you want to have a more aggressive look?