I own a rare Japanese vehicle, a 2017 Acura NSX. Love it to pieces but it's my weekender baby.

I am exploring the Lexus LC 500 as my daily driver (not sure coupe vs convertible), or Jaguar F-type (V8), or (lesser desirable) a C8, or (future dream) Tesla Roadster.

I have test driven the Jaguar F-type and loved it. However it does not have rear seats, so it's not much more practical than my NSX other than a bigger trunk. The LC looks great from what I've seen on the road, and the rear seats are good for extra luggage (weekend trips, groceries, etc).

I'd like to know what your thoughts are on the Lexus LC vs F-type, or any other cars I haven't considered. I do not like BMW / Mercedes / Audi cars but open to other brands.

 

Last F type i drove was a 2015 R and it was a handful to drive sliding all over the place and not in a good way. I think the AWD fixed that. I loved the styling of the 2015 but don't like the new refresh and the interior looks boring and dated. I am only a few days into owning the LC have mainly owned german Porsche,BMW and one Lately a Maserati Granturismo, after owning the Maserati the german cars felt a little stoic not unique or special so i was looking for something with more style a little more soul , and think i found it with the LC, never thought i would say that about a Japanese car.

 

As a former F-type owner (had two versions of the v-8 up until a few months ago), I can tell you the following:
-The LC is way more luxurious, and has better tech (even with the track pad).
-The Jaguar is smaller and size and feel nimbler. Steering feel on the RWD of the F-type is wonderful but I dislike how vague it is on the AWD version. LC steering is good enough in Sport or Sport plus mode (it’s bit loose for my taste in other modes)
-The Jaguar is noticeably faster, especially the AWD version (16' and newer). It also handles tighter than the LC.
-The Jaguar exhaust is louder, BUT, the LC exhaust is more refined and sounds more exotic.
-The build quality in the Lexus is miles ahead of the Jaguar. Even in full leather trim spec, the Jaguar still feel cheap in many areas, especially to the touch. And don't even look at the Jaguar if you are OCD about panel gaps.
-The gear boxes are about the same in both cars in term of their responsiveness in auto and manual modes.
-To non-car people, the Jaguar brand/badge carries more prestige and pedigree of high social status. Some of my friends think the LC is "just another Lexus", that is until they get to experience it themselves.



I would get the Jaguar as a second or even third vehicle, but as a daily driver, my pick is the LC. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the f-types, and at some points may pick up another one to add into my stable. But the LC is better vehicle and a better buy.

 

Petlizard, great post and welcome.

interesting your comments about steering in sport/sport+ modes vs other modes. I've not noticed any difference in any mode, but maybe i've not driven the car in a 'spirited' enough fashion.

does your LC have the perf / dyn handling pkg?

 

My car has the torsen LSD, but the convertible does not come with the performance package. For me, for 90% of street driving, the LC steering is more than adequate. It's only noticeable when the car is pushed hard on the twisties, but then again, not many of us drive around like that much of the times.

 

The LC with the handling package is fun. I love mine.

 

I would pass on both vehicles and purchase a Porsche. I never knew how special Porsches were until I test drove a number of them. You would laugh at some of these so call performance cars. Plus the Porsche PCA club is awesome. Now if your looking for a luxury coupe nothing beats the LC or Benz.

 

Porsches is a true sports car. I drove the Cayman GT4 and it was the best clutch and stick shift I have ever driven, with such a great precise steering. The LC is a GT, not a sports car.

 

I would disagree a bit. Porsche is a GT car as well. GTS,GT2,3, etc

A grand tourer (GT) is a type of sports car that is designed for high speed and long-distance driving, due to a combination of performance and luxury attributes. The most common format is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement.

 

I own a 911 Carrera 4s cab with rear wheel steering. I also have an LC coupe. I love both cars but there is a big difference. The Porsche is smaller with go-cart handling and good comfort. The LC has good handling with excellent comfort.Very different feel which makes it enjoyable switching up.. The f-type is more like the 911 than the LC.

 

I truly think the Porsche is an awesome driving machine. However, I can't stand the looks of those vehicles, and it's German so that's another knock against it.
Local Jaguar dealer is enticing me with a F-type Type R but my eyes are really fixated on the LC for some reason.

 

Test drive a 2021 LC with the Dynamic Handling Package and see how you like it. The convertible doesn't have that option because there is no room for rear wheel steering due to the required structural bracing of the convertible. The trunk on the LC is pretty small, so you'll put the rear seats to good use if you go on a trip that requires a decent amount of luggage. The LC will hands down be much more reliable than anything else out there if that matters to you.

Steve

 

My opinion the LC convertible is much better looking then the Jag. The spoiler on the Jag looks odd.

 

Those cars are named GT after a class of racing not necessarily the same meaning as the LC being a grand touring vehicle. If you've ever driven the 911 GT2 or GT3 they are hardcore vehicles. The 911 Turbo or Turbo S would be more geared toward competing with the LC, but they are still much more of a sports car.

Steve

 

BMW agrees with you also




Jag did a really nice job on the rear.
However, I like this new front end, very R8'ish: