2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport vs. 2014 Cadillac ATS To Most Buyers All That Separates Them From A BMW 3 Series Is Style

Surely, you jest. The ONLY difference is styling?

In the overall scheme of things yes. The performance difference outside of the track is negligible. YES a BMW will beat them around the track, BUT 99% of all drivers will never be on the track in the US.

'009: Lets have this discussion again when we see BMW filing for bankruptcy and needing massive tax-payer bailouts to keep alive, and when every car maker and their uncle is claiming or aspiring to make a "Cadillac Killer."

Until that day comes, I'll continue to believe that it's more than styling that separates these vehicles.

Given that these cars all perform very similarly on the road, except for the 3-series which is notably faster, how is it that having the best track performance does not make a better sports sedan, but having edgier styling or other factors does?

TheSteve, apparently you've missed a whole lot of history. Funny thing is about 8 short years ago a BMW executive was quoted saying Audi's aspirations of being number one globally was a joke and they are currently ahead of them with global sales and their projected date was 2015 and we are only in 2014. That being said, history dictates that if one rests on their laurels they soon find themselves scrambling to become relevant again. Now if you've driven these cars and feel they don't stand up, great, it's your opinion and you're entitled to it as we all are. But when it's pure opinion based on just what you feel not what you've experienced it's kind of suspect. Now, drive them both then tell us what you think. I for one have and I prefer the ATS over both the 3 series and the IS350. The car just felt right and felt much like a German car feels which is why I was to say the least shocked. I had driven, VW's, Mercedes and Audi's all of my life so I had grown very accustomed to a particular feel and drive style which for so many years the American cars didn't have. Well, the cast out of the bag now cause the Americans have it. And that comment about the bankruptcy wasn't really supporting your argument because the truth be told that level of reality and adversity is what's bringing the GM group back. They now realize the resting on your laurels thingy I mentioned earlier lol. So I'm not here blindly defending them.

That was a well written article.

"Well written" article? Maybe, if your first language isn't English.

Well, it's quite the assumption, but somewhat correct. The styling of these cars are so different whereas the driving dynamics have little separating them. However, interior space/utilization may be an important consideration especially for young families (the IS has 4 fewer inches and the ATS 3 fewer inches of rear legroom than the 3 Series) and the "coupe-like" interior layout of the IS may not be what sedan buyers want.

Agree. for 99% of drivers both cars are excellent and they will never take advantage of their full potential. My ATS 3.6 is fantastic however in the 11 months I've had it I've never had the oppty to use the magnesium paddle shifters... The IS however is fugly, the ATS Coupe is athletic, poised, and I think will appeal to more buyers. We'll see....

ATS coupe?

As an Australian we miss out on great cars from the USA. I do feel sometimes that interiors can let them down but the cost of cars in the USA compared to Australia are good value. I urge the people of USA to support their local product or the USA may end like Australia and have no motor industry at all.

Australia has GM models (aka Holden) that GM has brought here as sports cars in the G8 and GTO before Pontiac was killed by GM. So thanks to the Australian market for having the demand for those cars. I understand there is a new Holden model that might come to the US as a new Chevrolet SS sedan too. A few Australian cars have served as inspiration for American sport sedans and coupe. The only problem I have with the ATS is that it is scarcely differentiated from the CTS. Have to look at the trunk lid to be certain of what you're looking at. The IS is unmistakably an IS and it is a standout.