Vs German AMS: 325i vs IS250 vs C230

[Yperion]

Osna you forgot to mention the really tight space in the rear seat for the Lexus and the small trunk. Of course you might not care much about those but it's a decisive factor for many buyers.

BTW i was reading the Greek version of Car magazine yesterday and they had a comparo IS250 vs BMW 325. They liked the design of the Lexus better and they even said that BMW should follow their example! Of course 325 won the comparo as it was superior in every aspect.

As far as i am concerned Lexus doesn't stand a chance next to 3 series. The design has so many obvious Toyota details that make the IS look downmarket to me.

 

[cawimmer430]

I 'm not asking you to support your economy. I 'm asking you to support the best cars in the world (German) and not the Japanese wannabe.

I like a lot of Japanese cars, but I'm also nationalistic.

 

[cawimmer430]

I read the comparison and C230 won because it had best comfort and softer suspension than 325i. 3er was sportier and agiler but since C230 had a softer suspension they thought it was a better compromise for "everyday life".
IS250 drank too much gasolin and the suspension was the stiffest and therefore it came on the last place.

BMW 325i / Lexus IS 250 / Mercedes C 230
0-100 km/h 6,8 s / 7,8 s / 8,0 s
Braking distance 100-0 km/h 36,7 m / 38,6 m / 39,4 m
Fuel consumption 10,8 L/100 km 12,1 L/100 km 10,7 L/100 km
Basic price 32.800 € / 35.850 € / 32.480 €

Lexus cost more than both a 325i and C230 in Germany. I think IS250 is cheaper than the others in Sweden.

They thought the C230 was the better "everyday car". If they had tested sporting abilities, the BMW would have been first. Either way, it's just opinion on the reviewers part.

 

[Zafiro]

They thought the C230 was the better "everyday car". If they had tested sporting abilities, the BMW would have been first. Either way, it's just opinion on the reviewers part.

of course its their opinion and I dont agree with them. I already know which one suits me the best

 

[Yperion]

Sorry wimmer but there is no way a C class can compete with new 3 series. It only wins in comfort and looses in interior spaces/handling/brakes/gearbox feel ect. ect.
Even the German people don't trust ageing C class anymore. It's a distand third in sales after A4 and E90.

 

[Zafiro]

Sorry wimmer but there is no way a C class can compete with new 3 series. It only wins in comfort and looses in interior spaces/handling/brakes/gearbox feel ect. ect.
Even the German people don't trust ageing C class anymore. It's a distand third in sales after A4 and E90.

Dont forget what Catwimmer once said about german AMS and german Autobild

Im glad that swedish AMS isnt paid by the german AMS. They had the same cars and placed them as this:
1. BMW 325ix
2. A4 2.0Tq
3. Is250
4. C 230
5. Subary Legacy
6. Saab 93 Aero

 

[Zonda]

Dont forget what Catwimmer once said about german AMS and german Autobild

Im glad that swedish AMS isnt paid by the german AMS. They had the same cars and placed them as this:
1. BMW 325ix
2. A4 2.0Tq
3. Is250
4. C 230
5. Subary Legacy
6. Saab 93 Aero

Most swedish car mags have weak spots for BMW

 

[Zafiro]

Most swedish car mags have weak spots for BMW

so for mercedes, audi, volvo and saab

 

[Osnabrueck]

Osna you forgot to mention the really tight space in the rear seat for the Lexus and the small trunk. Of course you might not care much about those but it's a decisive factor for many buyers...

You're correct Yannis, and it's those factors that put my bias twoards the 3er over the top.

The 2 points that I hilighted were with regard to the IS's "Sport Sedan" credentials. A miniscule trunk and a tight backseat can be overlooked when we're just talking about performance - but Lexus slipped up and created a car that was a dose of sport on top of luxury instead of the other way around.

In any case - not only does the 3er trump the IS in the "real driver's car" category, but it also functions as more well-rouded daily driver.

The IS is another fine Toyota'ish effort, but I'm really "unwowed" by it. In fact I'd be more apt to cross-shop the A4 if I was ready to buy a 3er.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Sorry wimmer but there is no way a C class can compete with new 3 series. It only wins in comfort and looses in interior spaces/handling/brakes/gearbox feel ect. ect.
Even the German people don't trust ageing C class anymore. It's a distand third in sales after A4 and E90.

Amen to that. Facts not biased BS.