Videos Video: M235i vs Lexus IS-F drag race

[Zafiro]

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[klier]

Bye bye IS-F

Don't want to see those stupid guys anymore though, damn.

 

[Deckhook]

I noticed they mentioned the fact it was at altitude which makes me wonder just how much did that effect the outcome?

 

[mentir]

I noticed they mentioned the fact it was at altitude which makes me wonder just how much did that effect the outcome?

These guys film their regular reviews/comparisons in Colorado, probably near Boulder specifically based on the scenery in some of their videos. Altitude would be a little more than a mile (5,430 feet / 1,660m) above sea level, so for a drag race between a NA vs FI car, altitude is likely a pretty big advantage for the M235i. To use nice, round anecdotal numbers, the old rule of thumb was that a naturally aspirated engine could lose 20% of its performance at a mile above sea level.
I was more curious whether they were using an old IS-F, but it looks like Lexus is actually still selling the old body-style IS-F.

IS-F - 416 hp - 3,780 lbs - 0-60 - 4.6s
M235i - 320 hp - 3,535 lbs - 0-60 - 4.8s A/4.9s M

So on paper, the IS-F should have been faster, but at that altitude I think it makes sense that they are probably putting out comparable levels of power with the M235i's weight advantage giving it the edge.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

I noticed they mentioned the fact it was at altitude which makes me wonder just how much did that effect the outcome?

It makes a difference. The better an engine can breathe the faster you go, this is especially true for a naturally aspirated engine at altitude. Boosted engines don't see as much of a hit, due to the turbo/supercharger forcing air into the engine anyway.

 

[Deckhook]

It makes a difference. The better an engine can breathe the faster you go, this is especially true for a naturally aspirated engine at altitude. Boosted engines don't see as much of a hit, due to the turbo/supercharger forcing air into the engine anyway.

As someone who lives at near sea level this phenomenon is something I've never experienced though knew it was there. I suppose the nearest I can get to this is the difference in performance due to air temperature which is hardly the same.