Who Will Be King of the Hill? The Nissan GT-R or the Lexus IS-F?

The dawning of Japanese super sedans is just on the horizon.

Both the Lexus IS-F and the Nissan GT-R are set to debut over the next few months. Still cloaked in secrecy, with only tantalizing details available, each of these ground breaking cars are surrounded with rumor and speculation. The mystery is part of the fun.

Will the 400+ HP Lexus IS-F have the finesse and the sheer power to take on the legendary Nissan GT-R?

Will the 480HP 4 wheel drive Nissan GT-R have the technical prowess to stand up to the sophistication of the 8 speed IS-F?

This isn’t just about performance or luxury amenities. This is about bragging rights for who will best represent their country against the inventor, and arguably the benchmark of high performance, the Europeans.

A lot of us on the site are actively discussing how the sophisticated IS-F or the brutal GT-R might stack up against the Germans. But these enthusiasts might better be served by looking in their own backyard and comparing the two against themselves first.

We know both will have their strengths and their failings, but there is no denying they have had a target in sight for decades and they better have aimed their sights well.

Now as they prepare to take their best shot ever at the leaders, how will they fair? Will they be just another blip in the history of failed attempts to gain ground in the performance sector? Or will they pose a real challenge as a contender against the undisputed leaders in Europe.

You tell us.

Autoegr525 - 9/20/2007 2:22:37 PM

+25 Boost

Is this a serious post?

tekknikal - 9/20/2007 3:56:01 PM

+13 Boost

+1. I was going to post my 2c, but after I RTFA, I don't even know where to begin with this. He can't be serious.

answer - 9/20/2007 2:30:28 PM

+13 Boost

Completely different cars in completely differnt categories.

Both will be awesome.

Need4Speed - 9/20/2007 5:21:39 PM

+9 Boost

About the only things that these two have in common is that both will be performers and both will be really expensive. Other than that I'm lost as to the merits of what this article is trying to convey.

DaHarder - 9/20/2007 2:42:49 PM

+18 Boost

Auroegr525,

I ask myself the same question when reading the 90% of the headlines on/in this forum...

Silliness I tell Ya'!

theoptimisticpessimist - 9/20/2007 2:48:37 PM

+16 Boost

009, Come on this is just to start a flame war, to see how many post you can get. please stop.

M35MT - 9/20/2007 3:31:57 PM

+14 Boost

More acurate would be GTR vs. LF-A.

GTR will be a better performer, rivaling the 911.

LF-A will be more 'exotic', a la Aston Martin (in the sense that it will be expensive, luxurious, and perform well but not with the best out there)

Otherwise this thread is stupid. Different cars. And the GTR will be much quicker than the IS-F.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 6:57:17 PM

+1 Boost

"LF-A will be more 'exotic', a la Aston Martin (in the sense that it will be expensive, luxurious, and perform well but not with the best out there)"

Until it comes out, "LF-A" and "Aston Martin" should not be mentioned in the same breath.

Kinger - 9/21/2007 4:41:15 AM

+1 Boost

Nissan's previous Skyline's have had a reputation for performing up to Porsche 911 standards, the LF-A doesn't have a reputation yet.

M35MT - 9/21/2007 1:45:35 PM

+1 Boost

S4 - it was the best comparison I had at the moment.

How's this instead:

"High priced, high content, flashy performance car for the rich"

montyz81 - 9/20/2007 3:50:58 PM

+11 Boost

And that means what. As stated above, the GT-R is a class with the 911. That is the mid-level Exotic with ground breaking performance and sophistication. While the Lexus is in the M3/S4 class sports sedans. Entry level luxury cars with groundbreaking entry level sedan performance. Again, they are not targeted at the same people! I am so sick of the Lexus people have such close minded views of the world!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 6:59:52 PM

+2 Boost

The GT-R has more "heritage" and "prestige" than the Lexus IS-F could ever hope to attain. Just had to put that out there.

Designer1 - 9/20/2007 3:55:49 PM

+7 Boost

Definitely two different cats, a sedan and a coupe. The GT-R will definitely perform better. Its lighter, shorter, and lower. Until Lexus comes out with a coupe, and not the V10, cause that won't be fair to compare to the GT-R either, but something like the Supra GT, maybe? then the two can be compared.
The same goes to Nissan, when they come out with a tuned up sedan they we can compare it to the IS-F.

EnvyofyouRS5 - 9/20/2007 3:59:54 PM

+5 Boost

Audi RS4 or BMW M3, these are mere toy competitors for the real badboys of the track. pfff , 009 the only thing good about this post was quote, the benchmark of high performance, the Europeans. I think the new ss Camaro might stomp all. i hope

85bmw745i - 9/21/2007 10:02:31 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah in a drag race, but handling will never match them

JUGNU - 9/20/2007 4:14:38 PM

+18 Boost

"I am so sick of the Lexus people have such close minded views of the world!"

Don't generalize. The reason me (and i think many true Lexus fans) reduced their comments and responses are just because majority of u all think that all Lexus fans are same (just because of some posters like david989,houstoncutie2000...etc) who hijacked this site.

And even the credibility of ones opinion and comment is quickly fading.

so please respect others opinion and don't generalize. Rate (boost) someone according to the opinion and quality of his post and not because he/she is the follower of a particular brand.

Please guys do something to bring the old intellectual and intelligent conversations back.

BTW i agree with some GT-R and IS-F are not in the same class.

JUGNU

AdmiralT20 - 9/20/2007 6:11:38 PM

+10 Boost

Well said JUGNU: thumbs up

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 7:01:06 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, very good.

1970toyotamarc - 9/20/2007 8:44:36 PM

+9 Boost

"Don't generalize. The reason me (and i think many true Lexus fans) reduced their comments and responses are just because majority of u all think that all Lexus fans are same (just because of some posters like david989,houstoncutie2000...etc) who hijacked this site."

Agreed, my comments are down to just a couple a week, I just cant be bothered anymore.

Kinger - 9/21/2007 4:43:33 AM

+3 Boost

Well said, i'll boost that. ;)

Rupert - 9/20/2007 4:32:16 PM

+12 Boost

WTF is this?
Is this from the IKEA school of journalism?
If it is it certainly wasn't assembled properly.

KeyserSoze - 9/20/2007 4:45:24 PM

+7 Boost

something some badge whores here dont understand about the GTR is that it competes with some of the best out there, its one of the few Japanese sports cars that are truly great. it has never been about the badge, but more about the love for Godzilla

M6007 - 9/20/2007 4:49:06 PM

+6 Boost

Jugnu you come across like a guy that talks sense, unlike these lexus fans that dont appreciate a good car. Nissa GT-R and IS-F will both be good cars but GT-R, my personal choice.

KeyserSoze - 9/20/2007 4:54:02 PM

+1 Boost

Why Was the Skyline "GTR" banned in the The USA? Can somebody please explain the reasons to me!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 7:02:36 PM

+1 Boost

Well, it's coming here now, so get ready.

GTR35 - 9/20/2007 5:02:13 PM

+8 Boost

How can you insult the GTR like that 009? And you claim to be a car enthusiast. I have lost any little respect I had for you.

BMWreplicat - 9/20/2007 5:56:42 PM

+11 Boost

I read every night, but rarely post here...

Ban 009 now, for the idiocy...

While your at it...david989 too. <<Weakest troll ever.

cs4444 - 9/20/2007 6:41:32 PM

+4 Boost

I would take the IS-F b/c it is slightly less flashy(I like low key),fast enough,and probably the better everyday driver. My one buddy has an IS350 and i must admit you can have a lot of fun with that car.Also Lexus has some of the most comfortable seats, so does Saab....Just my opinion, no need to respond.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 7:03:15 PM

-3 Boost

Incorrect.

Hwany - 9/20/2007 7:13:04 PM

+2 Boost

I know it's your opinion but the IS-F is not understated... it's flashy!!

cs4444 - 9/20/2007 7:17:12 PM

+3 Boost

yes i know its flashy...but..when compared to the Nissan ,no its not as flashy.

S4 get a life.

Hwany - 9/20/2007 6:50:27 PM

+3 Boost

Can't compare since GT-R is aiming at Porsche 911 Turbo and IS-F is aiming at M3/C63/RS4.

What's going in the car jounalism these days?

Yesterday I read a comparison between M3 and GT3, few weeks ago S5 and M5. Now, IS-F and GT-R.

What's next?

Toyota 4runner and MB C63 AMG?

Make a comparison that is worth comparing!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 7:01:48 PM

0 Boost

I can see it now:

"Will the Toyota 4Runner's off-road prowess and trunk space be enough to stomp out the new Mercedes C63 AMG's 450hp V8?"

Hwany - 9/20/2007 7:11:32 PM

+4 Boost

Don't forget about the price and practicality which is a big thing to this "journalists".

Even thouh I love the new M3, who the hell compares that to the GT3?

aprilia99 - 9/20/2007 11:50:44 PM

+3 Boost

me thinks this site is a bit low on hits given its tendancy to dream up ill-informed article titles designed to get you clicking some more. Sub-average journalism=autospies removed from my rss reader.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 6:56:03 PM

+1 Boost

Is this a joke?

Wow. I'm at a loss for words.

Wow.

LOL. Wow!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/20/2007 7:06:54 PM

0 Boost

Now that I can catch my breath, let me put it this way:

The GT-R is a vehicle that I would happily test-drive against an Audi R8 or Porsche 911 Turbo. It will be an incredible performance machine, gaining kudos from American sports car owners who probably didn't even know it existed. This car is a legend- it's a bargain that will crush much of the competition.

The IS-F... has yet to prove itself. We don't even know how much horsepower it has. In light of devastatingly good recent offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, I can't say it will be a break-out star in its segment. It's just too hyped-up. However, it looks like it will be a good performance sedan, but not good enough: it will be an alternative, similar to the C-Class AMG's previous position against M3 and S4/RS4. But now that the C63 AMG is completely in the game, we have three all-too-formidable competitors that the IS-F may just not be able to stand up to.

The GT-R is, without a doubt, the better Japanese performance representative. We all know it will be amazing; the IS-F is still a bulgy blue question mark.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/21/2007 12:06:44 AM

-1 Boost

Please, enlighten me as to what part of my comment was absolutely biased. From what I've read of yours, you are totally 100% Toyota biased and could not ever be possibly swayed in any other direction. I am simply a car fan and devour what is before me. The GT-R and IS-F should not be thought of as competitors, much less directly compared. They are not fighting for the same buyer. However, the GT-R has proven itself time and time again as an amazing vehicle and there is nothing about the new model that threatens to tarnish that reputation.

But the IS-F? Nobody knows anything about it yet. You are just as speculative as I am.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/21/2007 12:08:42 AM

-2 Boost

The IS-F is not a joke, BTW. Nothing with 400hp is a joke.

However, the article title is, and you seem to think the IS-F should be as highly regarded as the GT-R. That's like comparing the RS4 to the Porsche 911 Turbo. It's just a no-no.

richardp996 - 9/22/2007 8:37:12 PM

+1 Boost

S4, you are not getting any love.

MrGunFun - 9/20/2007 7:22:19 PM

+9 Boost

As a enthusiast news reader, this post is pure crap.
Someone ban 009 already. 009 has crossed the line.
How can one compare IS-F (family saloon) to Nissan GT-R (2-door)? What's next?
BMW M3 vs. Corolla S? C'mon now.

Lexus - 9/20/2007 8:09:42 PM

+5 Boost

They are in different category so you can compare the two, are you drunk agent009 when you posted this?

Anyway I love the new Lexus IS-F but I'm not how well it will perform against it rival. But I bet it perform will surprise both Lexus and German fan as well. Come Lexus I know you can do really well in this category.

On the other hand the Nissan GT-R has legendary perform that rival the like of Porsche king of sportcar. I know this Nissan GT-R will be a force to reckon with for sure.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/21/2007 12:12:26 AM

+1 Boost

"When the hell have Germans made a sports car?"

• BMW M1 (super-successful)

• Audi urQuattro (super-successful)

• BMW Z8 (eh)

• Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (eh)

• Audi R8 (super-successful)

• Over 50 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL (super-successful)

And so many more.

• Lexus LF-A (?)

A lot of power and a sleek body does not a sports car make. The LF-A's true test will just be how good of a sports car it is. Aston Martin can get away without having the fastest cars- but Lexus will have to push the envelope to get buyers. I wish them well, and can only hope it doesn't turn out like the SLR.

Kinger - 9/21/2007 4:45:33 AM

+5 Boost

Eh nicad, you say the Germans have never made a sports car, then say the LF-A will be king of the hill bar the German made Porsche 911... seriously, is this guy for real?

85bmw745i - 9/21/2007 10:14:01 PM

+2 Boost

Lambo built the body because at the time the ///M division wasn't established as a line yet and they did not have the resources to build the body. And then they couldn't make to minimum production numbers to race it so they came up with the pro car series in which they took champion formulay one drfivers and put them in identical ///M1 cars. Remember this car was created as a project by some of the BMW engineers. ///M did not exist at that time. The e30 ///M3 is the car that made ///M possible, and that was what got the whole division started, not to mention is was one of the most successful touring cars of all time. //M has a history to it, and if you have ever watched legends of motorsport history of the ///M car episode you will learn alot about the history of the ///M. as far as these two cars go, apples to oranges. I favor the GTR because of its history and it has yet to fail to deliver. Lexus has something up their sleeve, and although I am a die hard BMW fan, everyone better watch out, because they could very well pull the same stunt with this car as they did in the luxury segmant when the first LS came out. I would not sleep on the F. I think it will be a very worthy competitor.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/23/2007 9:13:35 PM

+2 Boost

"--Audi R8 also has a lot to do with Lamborghini, since VW owns them both."

No, Lamborghini is not owned by Volkswagen- they are owned by Audi. Audi had a hand in developing the Gallardo, which means that technically, the R8 is theirs from the ground up. The only thing the two cars share is a platform and the sequential transmission- everything else is unique.

chewy - 9/20/2007 11:06:49 PM

0 Boost

completely different vehicles, but the GT-R would destroy the isf

lexusis350 - 9/20/2007 11:20:35 PM

+1 Boost

Would it? Like you said, they're completely different vehicles, but no one really knows for sure, do they?

S4cabriofoxone - 9/21/2007 12:12:56 AM

0 Boost

Is it hard to predict?

lexusis350 - 9/21/2007 4:58:21 PM

+2 Boost

Yes, actually. Lexus may surprise us with the IS-F. It will have over 400 horsepower, but who's to say it might be closer to 500? No one knows. It's hard to predict things without the facts.

MrGunFun - 9/21/2007 1:32:43 AM

+1 Boost

Good point. I mean, what's up with that?
I don't wanna see the Samurai in car news website.
What's going thru your mind these days Agent009!

lexusis350 - 9/20/2007 11:18:50 PM

+3 Boost

I don't think it matters which car represents its country best. Both Nissan and Lexus are respectable brands and both of them are good enough to represent Japan. Now if it was Suzuki, that would be another story.

farabira1 - 9/20/2007 11:41:16 PM

+3 Boost

The GTR is probably the only true sports car to come from Japan in the last 5 or so years. And Lexus IS F is shaping up to be a good competitor, but the Side air intakes seriously does no go well with the overall body, really looks like an aftermarket kit, and i am sorry Lexus, but M3, RS4, and C63 Amg just look more coherent in terms of design philosophy, Lexus tried to gain too much street race creed, and so they installed a side skirt and side gills that just messes up the otherwise sexy look of the regular IS 350; Simply not classy, looks non coherent.

07mcs - 9/20/2007 11:58:37 PM

+1 Boost

Between the GTR and the IS-F, the GTR wins.

EL34 - 9/21/2007 12:20:12 AM

-2 Boost

Shouldn't the comparison be more like?

Nissan GT-R vs. Lexus IS-F vs. Volkswagen Microbus

MrGunFun - 9/21/2007 1:35:40 AM

-2 Boost

No, it's GT-R vs. Corolla S vs. IS350

8000rpm - 9/21/2007 2:53:14 AM

+3 Boost

Isn't it hilarious that you all criticize the article and then promptly reward the author with a shytload of bickering comments?

Htay7500 - 9/21/2007 8:43:37 AM

0 Boost

nissan has a prolonged history with racing, and the GTR is the truest car to come out of Japan. the GTR is for me.

r15mohd - 9/21/2007 9:21:56 AM

+5 Boost

009 has recently been putting up "flame-filled" threads. this again is of no significance. 2 different classes, 2 entirely different types of cars, segmented to 2 different types of consumers.

answer - 9/21/2007 5:21:29 PM

+4 Boost

You are correct, just remove the word "recently" from you statement.

4wheelsnme - 9/21/2007 10:24:46 AM

+4 Boost

Yeap! Agent009, your misstep hasn´t been taken with much ease by many...It really looked like you were trying to start a flame war... These two cars are not in the same league at all.

jon21 - 9/21/2007 10:25:53 AM

+5 Boost

Agent001 please spank agent009 for me. :)

MrGunFun - 9/21/2007 2:45:38 PM

+1 Boost

Uh oh, I have a bad feeling about this.
First it was German vs. Japan
Now the table will turn to German vs. American?

BTW, CTS-V has some potentials.

ronnsscooby - 9/23/2007 10:34:14 PM

+2 Boost

I think the gtr will have a way better drivers feel, but no refinement. I believe you cant honestly compare the two. The GTR will be way faster than the IS-F, But the IS-F will be fast with more Pizazz. Its the same argument that you here from the people with the audi R-8s, and BMW M-5s , arguing that the Subaru WRX STI is junk. It will boil down to what you want ---raw performance, or performance with some luxery.