Hey all - new to the forum after a few weeks of lurking. I have an F80 generation M3CS, which I absolutely love, but recently have been taken by the NA V8 of the LC. Wondering if anyone here has made such a switch, and if so what their impressions are? Realize the CS is more sports oriented vs the LC which is more GT like. Any ownership impressions / compare and contrasts between the two cars from those who either own or have driven both?

 

I guess it depends on personal taste ! Some people like Lexus, some hate them. Some people love bmw, i had one and i hate them ! Drive what you love and what pleases you bro !

 

I have F80 M3 comp and have driven LC500 with performance package several times including on back roads.
The M3 is the more complete car by far in terms of its range of practicality and performance. It has back seats, normal trunk and way more space inside.
The performance is superior - F80 is faster, much lighter, better brakes, DCT trans is better, much easier to mod, superior cooling for the track etc…Overall it feels more raw and direct. The ride is rough and Dct is not always smooth.

The LC500 is great for its design (exterior/interior) and the V8 engine. The exhaust/engine sound is one of the best for a stock setup and much better than M3. The styling is more exotic and the interior is built to a higher quality standard but tech is lacking compared to M3.

It just depends on what you prefer.

 

I cannot comment on the F80 M3 and the LC500. I do have an F90 M5 and the LC500 with Performance Pack. I have to say very similar comments to @RNM GS3 . The performance, tech, and practicality of the F90 M5 is in another league. The M5 is a rocket ship.....period. It has considerably more tech and better UI than the LC. On the flip side, the build quality, design (interior and exterior), exhaust note, rarity and "special feeling" you get in the LC cannot be matched by the F90 M5. They're both very different in what they do - and as others have said, it really depends on what you're looking for. Oh yeah, I find the M5 (based on my experience) is a little more finicky when it comes to reliability. I've had my fair share of issues, and not satisfied with the service experience I've received from BMW. Now of course, it could very well be that even though I went to 2 separate dealerships, they still fell under the same ownership umbrella. Lexus on the other hand, has been very good. I've done some videos on the issues I've faced with both vehicles. Feel free to check em out.....

 

My brother was cross-shopping the LC 500 convertible with the new M4 convertible last year and ended up ordering a new M4 solely because of the backseat area since he has a 4yo.
I really like it.

 

Not an F80 owner but a G82 owner. The M4 is a manual. I absolutely love both of these cars but for totally different reasons. The M4 is dynamically sharper in every aspect. Build quality is close but the LC takes it by a hair, and would undeniably win against the F gen BMW. However, the visceral feeling of pleasure I get from the LC is unparalleled. The noise from the V8 is intoxicating and addictive. It really comes down to what you want of a vehicle. Perhaps look on Turo and see if there is an LC nearby to drive for a couple days.

 

carcinoid, that's your garage?

 

M4/M3 can be mistaken for any plain old 3-Series or 4-Series both new and old. This mean to the general public and just in general, any M variant such as M3CS can be mistaken for a plain old used played out BMW worth 10k. Any kid can get a used based 3/4 series and carbon fiber/alibaba the daylights out of it and create an M3CS-esque car. Will the 1% of enthusiasts be able to tell? Probably. but the association is way too easy. i'm a multiple time ///M owner so I know the ropes, know the culture, etc. Played out--never again.

With LC, there will never be such comparison. The LC is a standalone and will be a classic.

I'd absolutely vote LC.