BMW 330i v Lexus IS200

[Justin]

See www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/9120/html/Toyota5.htm#IS300 (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/9120/html/Toyota5.htm#IS300)

Nope, not there yet, Lexus, even though this isn't a true test. I'd still get the BM, but it would annoy me to have to pay £10k more (which I assume will be the case), perhaps enough not to buy it. So will the BMW really be worth paying the price of a Y'arse more than the Lexus?

[Tony]

Just a small quote from the article: <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>In contrast, the marvellous 3-series never has such problems. Basically, there is no difference in handling can be felt among 318i, 323i and 328i. What separate them is just the wheel and tyre, which give the pricier models a positive edge<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Now how can someone compare a (slow) 4-cylinder 318 with a straight six, its incomprehensible!

No matter what the price difference is between the IS and BMW, there's no getting away from the fact that the IS is simply another Toyota (albeit RWD). I've seen several around now at this stage, and to be quite honest I think the car looks short and stubby, and its design is quite anonymous. The car in front may be a Toyota (IS!), but I certainly didn't notice!

[Anders]

The interior of the IS300 (and presumably the IS200) is more of an occasion than anything BMW has ever produced. The IS300 is a product for the US, remains to be seen if a bit of understeer will affect sales.

I'm waiting in eager anticipation for a test of the 330Ci.

[Justin]

I agree on the comparison. Also, the six cylinder engines weigh a lot more and so must be quite different with extra weight over the front.

I am also looking forward to hearing about the 330Ci, and I don't care that much about the Lexus (but why oh why will the BM be so overpriced?)