Every time there's one of these comparisons, the IS gets dinked for not having a manual transmission. IMHO If Lexus wants to compete with the likes of BMW, then they need to get that manual tranny into their IS next year for sure. I understand that some people don't want to shift gears manually but Hello! it's a sport sedan, aimed squarely at the BMW 3-series! Just wait until next year when the IS has it's manual trans, then the real comparisons can begin
If all you want is a sporty sedan, not a sport sedan, then go get a Cadillac Catera, or some front wheel drive (Even the article said it: "Hang on! You'll feel the torque steer -- a squirmy sort of fishtailing at the front end -- even more jiggly over less-than-perfect surfaces. Just a few years back, we downplayed such rudeness as the cost of packing power in a small car. But it's a front-drive problem. Curious, we think, that the two turbos in this group are attached to the drive systems least able to cope with turbo torque." I know they're talking about an aging SAAB, but a true enthusiast's automobile means having great acceleration, handling, cornering, braking, feel, and rear wheel or all wheel drive at least in my opinion).
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MAD
[This message has been edited by junedog (edited December 29, 2000).]