CAR WARS! The Sports Car Shakedown YOU'VE Been Waiting For — BMW M4 vs. Lexus RC F

In the automotive world, this year's sports cars are quite simply amazing. And while there's been plenty of conversation about the top supercars this year, there's been a bit less discussion about the more attainable street cars.

Cars like the all-new BMW M4 and Lexus RC F that are direct competitors.

Although both products have different methods to their madness, they both are meant to do the same thing. Go really fast on the street and put a toothy smile across your face.

So, who's better? Well, we'll let YOU decide after taking a look at Motor Trend's recent story.

Though we're sure you'll know who wins, we wager you'll be surprised just how narrow the margin of victory is.

All that said, check out the FULL story by clicking "Read Article" below!


...Alas, the M4 remains the faster car in our tests. Its less-frustrating-than-before-but-still-more-complicated-than-it-should-be launch control and broader torque band help it pass the quarter mile 0.5 second and 5.6 mph faster than the Lexus. The same goes for braking and road holding. The BMW gets more power out of its Michelins and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, stopping 9 feet shorter from 60 mph. It also completes its figure-eight lap 0.7 second faster and generates 0.04g higher average lateral grip in the process.

While the test numbers give the M4 the edge, the real world proves more of a level playing field. If you forget the numbers, you'll have a great time in either car...

...What becomes apparent is that when pushed, the BMW drives like the Lexus looks, and vice versa. The M4 certainly feels faster—a product of its lower weight and meaty, torque-filled powerband—but the RC F remains no less satisfying. It's also easier to approach; you feel like you can reach its limits after two turns. It offers stability in surplus, dropping the challenge of high-speed corners but not the fun. Its torque deficit and weight surplus only become apparent in tight second-gear corners where you have to wait for the engine to get back up to speed. Drifts are available but don't come on unless provoked. When prodded, the RC F happily produces tire smoke...

Read Article

JDMUSMuscle - 12/9/2014 1:28:23 AM

-5 Boost

As you can see the comments on that original article, there is no way in Hell Motortrend would let Lexus win, because guess what, pretty much most of the American auto journalists are worshippers of Europe.

Just like how not many rich people around the world would actually choose something American or Japanese, the same applies here as well.

Agent00R - 12/9/2014 6:25:35 AM

+4 Boost

Although I agree with your first point, your second point couldn't be any more incorrect.

I hope this is a satirical comment.

7msynthetic - 12/9/2014 12:28:14 PM

+1 Boost

Incorrect - the recent IS350 has beaten the 3 Series in a number of comparos.

w222 - 12/9/2014 2:54:29 AM

+2 Boost

Between the 2, the Lexus has a more modern and polarized look. These days not one car maker will have tremendous advantage over another maker in the same segment. That's how far cars have come along... When it comes down to it, it's all about personal taste. For me it's the new c63 over these 2 any day...

Agent00R - 12/9/2014 6:26:40 AM

+2 Boost

Solid observation. I've found myself saying this to friends and colleagues when they ask for car shopping advice; however, if you really care there are significant differences between these two.

cidflekken - 12/9/2014 3:24:25 PM

+1 Boost

Couldn't agree more. Small differences in performance numbers are meaningless.

If I want understated styling with more passenger space, the M would be the choice.
If I wanted "look at me" styling, a much better designed cockpit, and more stable handljng, then the RCF is the choice.
Like you, I'd actually choose a C63 over either, may even an RS5.

HoustonMidtown - 12/9/2014 7:25:00 AM

+3 Boost

Lexus had a "ride and drive" event here in Houston a few weeks ago - we got to drive the RC-F and M4 back to back around a parking lot road course - I came away very impressed with the RC-F...not sure about the looks, but its a great driver...the M4 was more high strung than the Lexus - you can't go wrong with either

iamdabest1 - 12/9/2014 9:11:12 AM

+1 Boost

i had the is-f and while i didnt like it as much as the m3, i would still get another F model, including this rc-f.
when i configure the m4 its like 78k the rc-f its like 73k the way i like.
if i were to buy one id take the m4, if they both lease the same, i take the m4, if the rc-f leases for 700 and the m4 is like 850, i take the rc-f.
it would have to lease at least $100 apart to take a lexus over the bmw because of free maintenance.
( i was paying 769 on my 60k 2009 is-f then 811 for a 77k 2011 m3 convertible)
its gona have to be a real good deal to get me into this rc-f !

leej - 12/9/2014 9:42:46 AM

+1 Boost

Why are all the hyperlinks in these articles popping up as you scroll through them...this is annoying as hell and makes reading anything here a pain in the ass.

chewy - 12/9/2014 10:32:08 AM

+3 Boost

Pretty small gap on the track considering that the M4's performance numbers are all better. Small lap though.

diessel_xp - 12/9/2014 1:33:06 PM

+4 Boost

Let’s see: The RC-F is easier to drive,handles better on public roads (where 99% of all owners will drive),costs $10,000 USD less,has better technology and a more impressive cabin. On the other hand,the BMW has a powerband that “over-delivers” and “offers a higher performance envelope”.

How does the M4’s “higher performance envelope” over-deliver? By returning a track time just 0.32 seconds faster than the RC-F.

The M4 performs (marginally) better than the RC F on the track,it’s right there in the numbers. The testing is not the issue.

No!the issue is that a major automotive magazine has decided that a half-second and subjective opinions are worth more to their readers than near-identical performance, $10,000 and better everyday driving comfort,technology and utility.

Dr550 - 12/9/2014 2:05:07 PM

-2 Boost

The RC-F uses a Frankenstein chassis: a GS front, last generation IS convertible middle section, and a current IS rear. Throw in a V8 from a the LS and there is your $10,000. For what it is worth, the RC-F has a larger displacement engine. Should be making more power than that. This is like comparing F1 and NASCAR.