Mercedes C350 vs. New Lexus IS350
3.5L V6 --- 306hp / 277tq. 0-60sec in 5.3! Car and Driver tests resulted in 5.1sec and a Quarter-mile of 13.7sec! That's a pretty damn fast car for a N/A $36,000 car....
Remember that the 2000 996 Carrera does 0-60sec. in 5.2 sec. So the new IS350's figures put it in Carrera range?!
I am no Lexus fan here, but this new IS350 sounds pretty good. I might have to test drive one and see for myself.
At $36750 MSRP fully loaded vs. the C350 sport starting @ $38K base model, I would have to really lean towards the Lexus.
The new IS350 if it can consistently do 13-second 1/4 mile times, will light up any normal E46 on the road.




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It may not be the couch on wheels that everyone thinks. Complement that with the 306hp/277tq engine and it might do some damage. Still, these are all paper figures which can be shattered during a test drive.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
IS250 ---> SLOW, too much body roll on tight turns, soft suspension.
IS350 ---> Great power from take off, "feels" faster than the 330i, not much body roll but still present, suspension still soft compared to the 330i, weak exhaust growl at full open throttle.
330i ----> Great power from take off, hugs the turns better than the IS350, less body roll, suspension feels just right, beautiful exhaust note at full open throttle.
All 3 were done with all the safety features turned ON. I'm no professional driver but from my own driving experience through the same track (test drove all 3 twice), I still pick the 330i as the winner...in terms of handling, power delivery, and shear fun. Luxury wise, I dislike the 330i's interior like no other. Lexus takes this one hands down....and I hate to say it, but my C's interior doesn't even come close either.
It sounds like BMW is in trouble with the arrival of the IS350!!!
A C350 fully loaded is about $47,000.
Right now on the Lexus official site, you cannot add options such as ML Radio with Navi $4,000. Nor the Sport package which is about $3,500. Both will be available within the year.
Last edited by Guest0001; Oct 22, 2005 at 12:53 PM.



