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Hey, folks, Michael from the ClubLexus editorial team. Today over on the front page, I took an early look at comparing the IS 500 vs M3 in five different categories -- https://www.clublexus.com/articles/l...-or-track-toy/
Basically, after spending some time with both (on paper & in visual media) and based on prior experiences, I think the BMW is a better track car, but the IS 500's V8 makes it a bit of a unicorn that would be more fun in almost every other situation.
I have an issue with this - the IS500 should be compared to the M340i, especially in regards to potential pricing/daily drivability. The M3 is in another category entirely.
The M3 starts at $70k. If the IS500 is that high, it's DOA. The M3 is also pretty fast at 0-60 in 3.6s. It also is way more track focused and the top trims can cost $90k.
I think the 2 won't be cross shopped all that much.
Chassis vs chassis? F30 chassis is more of a comparison. The new G20 is galaxies ahead in terms of torsional stiffness, materials, metal/alloy grades. The 3IS, even the facelift is old tech and a bit of a limp noodle when compared to newer current gen cars, namely Toyota's newest global platforms and their sub-variations.
Fun facts: The stiffest Lexuses (in terms of torsional stiffness) currently are the current gen ES, LC, and new LS nearing or slightly surpassing 40,000 nM/degree which is on par with the F80 M4. Which if you know anything about unibody construction is a pretty crazy/exotic #. Just 10 years ago a fully caged/track papped road car would be 40k. I think the new M3/M4 should be higher than 40k though. Haven't looked into it. (I spent an hour digging this up on Lexus yesterday since Lexus does not officially publish #s like BMW does) so you're welcome for this very special info.
I did run the #s through deduction on the 3IS and it's not bad either, I estimate it's around 27-30k which is about what the F30 BMW chassis is. Which makes sense for the generation it was designed in (same as 3IS)
It's crazy to think how fast chassis stiffness has evolved within the past decade. The carbon fiber LFA chassis had a torsional rigidity of 39k and that was highly touted back in 2010.
One thing not mentioned in your article : the IS500 will have a much better ride quality and much more daily driveable than the M3. Early reviews of the M3 already mention how stiff and crashy it is on roads. The face-lifted 3IS chassis was fine tuned on Shimoyama so as to give a perfect blend of sportiness yet comfort and fluidity over uneven road surfaces and many reviews of the 2021 IS mention this quality of the IS.
As CL editor, you missed the mark by not comparing the IS500 to the M340i as these 2 are much more comparable price wise and segment wise. F-Sport Performance and M performance are road cars with added power and suspension. F cars and M cars are track cars made livable for the roads. That's a big distinction. So comparing the IS500 vs a full M car 20K more expensive seems really off.
IS 500 vs M3
