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Old 12-06-2000, 12:29 AM   #1
IsraelGT
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Post Lexus IS300 or B.M.W 330i?

Just wondering which one do you guys preffer, and why?
assume they both have the same gearbox (Auto or manual, I know the Lexus still doesn't have a manual).
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Old 12-06-2000, 12:33 AM   #2
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IS300: I like the Interior, looks, and feel better. Its better handling, but slower, and I cant drive stick anyway The IS300 was my "car to get if I could affort it" car, until I heard about the WRX
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Old 12-06-2000, 12:53 AM   #3
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Old 12-06-2000, 01:37 AM   #4
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I drove both today and decided appling for the IS. Just seems so much nicer! Better suspention, and interior is more my style. I find out tommorow if I get it, if i don't, I will build a Legacy IS killer!!!
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Old 12-06-2000, 04:02 AM   #5
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I've driven the IS300, and it was nice except for the lack of manual trans. I haven't driven the BMW, but every review I've ever seen says the IS300 doesn't quite stack up the the BMW. They say its a new design and it lacks the refinement that the 3 series has achieved over the years.
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Old 12-06-2000, 06:35 AM   #6
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YOu know that C&D rate teh 330i at 6.1ticks to 60 eh? and mid 14s for the 1/4 mile while the IS300 still requires 15ticks to do so....
I like the IS initally but it looks jacked up. I dunno. It's not as hunkered down aggressive as the new E46 bimmers. Just my preference and the total lack of a manual means it's a family put put no matter what the mfg says. The chrono type display on the dash looks kewl for a bit but looks tacky and annoying fter a while as it is small to read. Oh well. Good try and I want to see improvements Lexus! I know you can do better!
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Old 12-06-2000, 06:42 AM   #7
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Nice thing about the IS300, its bascially got the Supra drivetrain in it and the JDM Altezza version has been around for several years. You could pop a Supra Turbo drivetrain in there and it'd be killer. Plus there are soooo many aftermarket parts avail since the Altezza has been around so long!
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Old 12-06-2000, 06:50 AM   #8
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Gambit, C&D tested the manual 330i, I guess the Auto versionwould be closer to the Lexus,
don't forget the Lexus cost around 5 grand less if not more,
and in April the manual is coming thats why I asked you guys to leave the gearbox out.
by the way the magzines tested the 328i against the IS300, and they say the 330i steering isn't as good as the 328i, so I guess you can't really say which is better.
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Old 12-06-2000, 08:04 AM   #9
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I would say 330i since i own a BMW before, and i have drove the new 3 series before too. BMW has very good handling, although, i like my subaru better now, heehee AWD.. However, IS is much slower than 330i, even 328i. I have a VCD comparing both cars.

The bad thing i don't like the IS is, it looks very similar to a Toyota Corolla.
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Old 12-06-2000, 08:09 AM   #10
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i saw a 3 series xi (awd) the other day.. i want one of those!!
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Old 12-06-2000, 08:12 AM   #11
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The BMW will be better in handling, acceleration (330i) and just the general driving "feel". However, the Lexus is pretty darn close, costs less and should be more reliable.

If you care about such things, Lexus service is usually a lot better than BMW service (I'm sure there are exceptions on both ends).

Jeff
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Old 12-06-2000, 08:14 AM   #12
Leonardo
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Whooooa!

Where is that IS from? Ground efects, Blue calipers, Fender indicators.

If it looked like that, The IS but my wife has a E46 323i an I like it. But love the style of the IS; in and out.
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Old 12-06-2000, 08:38 AM   #13
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My dad bought a 330xi a few months ago and it is amazing. That engine is unbelievably smooth as is the manual gearbox and its steering and handling is awesome. But i've never driven and ridden in an IS300, so I can't compare them.
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Old 12-06-2000, 09:00 AM   #14
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BMW all the way please..
the IS300 felt like a dolled up toyota corolla to me..
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Old 12-06-2000, 09:05 AM   #15
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Just add a Supra driveline to that Corolla and watch the faces on the BMW guys go sad. HKS and GReddy are working on a turbo kit for the IS engine with front mount IC. That should be interesting!

Leo
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Old 12-06-2000, 09:13 AM   #16
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I've autocrossed the IS - it is a tight handling car out of the box. Far superior, handling wise to the 330.

However, change the 330 rims/tires and you're looking at equal handling cars. And one is much faster.

Change the springs and shocks and the 330 reigns supreme.

Interior I've not comment on in either car.
Do you want performance out of the box? Is price an object?

price not object - go with the 330 and get new wheels/tires. you'll be very happy... especially with the 50/50 weight dist. or get the 330ix with AWD!!
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Old 12-06-2000, 09:33 AM   #17
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The IS300 has a more aggressive Look to it. Nuff Said =)
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Old 12-06-2000, 09:46 AM   #18
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BMW, I already have a better car than the Toyota IS300. I will NOT pay $32+ K for a car that is slower, mearly handles as well, and has less features than my 6 year old SHO.

The BMW atleast has a nice ride quality, isn;t a Toyota, has dynamic balance, and over all says "I made it". The Toyota IS300 Screams I am a ******* who just got a Computer related job.

Also the Supra turbo Motor DOES NOT FIT in the IS300. Something about the crampt engine bay, and the complete lack of space forward of the motor for an intercooler.
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Old 12-06-2000, 10:30 AM   #19
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The IS300 is a great attempt and I loook forward to improved versions. But right now if I have the money for both, I'd pick the 330Ci.
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Old 12-06-2000, 10:46 AM   #20
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Look, this is what I think: The BMW 3 series has been arround for a while, and is a very refined car. The Toyota IS hasn't (at least not in the US). The BMW will keep its value much better too. Also, if you look at the dash of the Toyota, to me it looks busy. And, you'll be driving a BMW... No matter what, Japanese cars will never be as classy as the German. Just my opinon.

Danny
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Old 12-06-2000, 11:38 AM   #21
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I know 2 people that are running around town with the supra motor in there IS. Fun cars.
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Old 12-06-2000, 11:45 AM   #22
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I have been told by a supera expert that the IS engine is slightly diffrent in mounting points and configuration and such. So a turbo Supra motor isnt a drop in. I believe there are turbo kits available for it though.
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Old 12-06-2000, 02:52 PM   #23
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imho the is300 is a hot car....but i'd probably get the 330...atleast the 330 can come in a coupe, w/ awd, and a 5 speed tranny(sound familiar?)

[This message has been edited by suby ej25 (edited December 06, 2000).]
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Old 12-06-2000, 03:16 PM   #24
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You guys probably know it already but the BMW "awd" system is simply a fixed 40/60 front-rear split and never adjusts.

The Subaru and Audi systems do adjust the splits, depending on slip but the BMW version does not and is thus not very effective.

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Old 12-06-2000, 03:18 PM   #25
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To those of you who said the Altezza/IS300 have been around for a while so that the aftermarket is good for it.. the Altezza in Japan isn't a 3.0L its a 2.0L with a turbo pushing like 250hp.. just thought id mention it. as for the originaly question.. if the IS300 came with a 6-speed id probably take it.. otherwise id take the 330.. but i want an Aspen White WRX so neither for me
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