2007 Audi RS4 vs. 2008 Lexus IS-F Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

5:58 min

2009 Lexus IS F vs. 2007 Audi RS4 Toyota shook things up in 1989 with the introduction of its Lexus luxury-car division. The luxury-car segment had been dominated by German manufacturers. The Lexus brand's immediate success embarrassed the Germans into dramatically improving their product quality, their customer service, and even their prices. Lexus would like you to believe that its 416-hp IS F will have a similar impact on the market for hot-rod sedans. As was the case with luxury cars back in 1989, this segment is owned by the Germans. We decided to put the IS F to the test by pitting it against one of our favorite German uber-sedans, the Audi RS4. Won over by its 420-hp V8, we recently described the all-wheel-drive RS4 as "the best-driving Audi ever." Styling is largely a subjective matter, so there may be some Toyota fanboys who admire the IS F's nose, which to our eyes, calls to mind that of a Beluga whale. But we'd be surprised if the car's stacked quad-exhaust tips drew any support. These tips aren't connected to the exhaust system in any way; they exist purely for show. Still, with its 19-inch anthracite-finish BBS wheels, the IS F is sufficiently menacing. The Audi RS4 offers a more understated look that we find more appealing. Its gorgeous 19-inch wheels are shaded by dramatically flared fenders. On its trunk lid is a ducktail spoiler formed into the metal. The RS4 also offers a deep front fascia and satin-finish metal trim. This theme of low-key restraint continues within the Audi's cabin. The seats are unique to the RS4, and provide stellar support and comfort. However, the RS4's 104.3-inch wheelbase doesn�t leave much legroom for those traveling in rear. The rear bench seat offers seatbelts for up to three passengers. The IS F offers a flashier interior. Start it up and the blue needles for the tachometer and speedometer spin while a little "F" logo materializes between them. The almost-white woven-metal trim is a little showy for our tastes. The Lexus IS F rides on a wheelbase that's 3 inches longer than the Audi's. Still, its rear seats are just as tight. The back seat offers seatbelts for up to two passengers, and is divided by an armrest. The IS F's true beauty is found underneath its hood. Lexus threw everything it has at this 5.0-liter V8. It features titanium intake valves, hollow camshafts and a water-cooled oil cooler. But what you'll really notice is the dual air intake. At low speeds, the engine breathes discretely through the primary inlet. At engine speeds of 3,600 rpm or greater, a secondary valve opens and draws air from the right wheel well. The resulting intake howl sounds fantastic and it makes the IS F feel quicker than it really is. However, when experienced south of 3,600 rpm in city driving, the IS F's engine sounds much more pedestrian. Only a faint rumble separates it from lesser Lexus motors. Audi's 4.2-liter V8 offers less displacement than the Lexus engine, but it makes up for this with high revs. Its exhaust note is second to none, with a tone that never wavers. The IS F offers a somewhat complicated eight-speed automanual transmission. We'd recommend using the fully automatic mode only for traffic jams, since downshifts tend to be slow and not very well-timed. In manual mode, the transmission is far more entertaining, with tremendous responsiveness. The RS4 is offered only with a six-speed manual. For a dedicated performance car, this approach is still the way to go. Though it's 70 pounds heavier, the Audi is the quicker of these two cars. It rockets from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, and barrels through the quarter-mile in 12,8 seconds at 108.5 mph. The all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Gallardo posts better numbers, but not by much. The IS F goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and completes the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 109 mph. For all its displacement and technology, the Lexus 5.0-liter doesn't make the IS F much quicker than a BMW 335i, which makes 116 horsepower less. Both cars boast impressive stopping distances. The Lexus comes to a halt from 60 mph in 112 feet, and the Audi does the job in 117 feet. The Lexus beats the Audi on the skidpad, with 0.93g of grip to the German's 0.89g. But the RS4 was slightly quicker through the slalom, completing the task at 70.5 mph to the IS F's 70.2 mph. Give some credit here to the Audi's quick steering ratio and some blame to the Lexus' tail, which according to one understated tester, "gets pretty lively." The Lexus IS F handles nicely and the precisely. It's just too much for us, though. Too much to look at, too intricate to fully appreciate and too hard-core for the street. The Audi RS4 just plain burns rubber. It's less the rapier than the broadsword. But it's devastatingly effective as a street machine and it wins.