Comparo: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG vs. Lexus IS-F

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Calabogie, Ont.–In its quarter-century-long war with rival German automaker BMW and its vaunted M3, Mercedes-Benz drew first blood in the battle of compact sports sedan V8s with the C 43 AMG in 1998. A decade later, eight cylinders are more common in this class than speeding tickets. Toyota is one of the latest to join the thundering herd with its premium brand Lexus and the new IS-F. While Audi's RS4 is still on hiatus, the Cadillac CTS-V wasn't available and BMW Canada didn't want to put its M3 on the Calabogie track, we were left with the Johnny-come-lately Lexus stacked up on the road and track against Mercedes' latest in a long line of compact V8 hot rods – the C 63 AMG. Here's how they performed when matched head-to-head. FIRST PLACE: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG At $63,500, the less expensive C 63 AMG represents real sports and performance value combined with an über-aggressive personality. Much of the Benz's animalistic character has been wedged under its twin-power domed hood in the form of its monster V8. Although toned down to only 451 horses, it's the same hand-built mill found in the $159,000 CL 63 AMG (among other AMG-badged models). The Mercedes weighs a bit more than the Lexus (1,780 versus 1,715 kilograms), but its extra power more than makes up the difference. The C 63 AMG's tachometer shows serious torque. Despite having a one-gear deficit, the Benz's seven gears are more than enough to better the IS-F's subjective responsiveness and performance numbers. Granted, on real-world roads, the Benz's stiffer suspension is less forgiving on bad pavement than the more relaxed Lexus. For enthusiasts, though, the hot rod C turns into corners much more sharply than the hot rod IS. Plus steering feel (notably absent in past AMG models) is meaty and accurate in the new C 63 AMG. On the track, the Mercedes is much better balanced than the Lexus, especially on some of Calabogie's off-camber turns. It definitely resists the urge to plough better than the Lexus, and with such copious amounts of torque on hand, the AMG will gladly be induced into full-on hooliganism when asked. There is the outstanding issue of the AMG motor's thirst for dino juice. And the Benz's edgier handling may be intimidating for less skilled drivers. All-in-all, though, this match is an easy call: The C 63 AMG is the most refined handling AMG-badged Benz ever. WHY BUY: Best handling and steering AMG yet; gut-wrenching performance; engine sound. WHY NOT: Thirsty around town; gobs of torque may frighten unsuspecting drivers. SECOND PLACE: Lexus IS-F "For a rookie V8 sports sedan, the $64,450 IS-F still has plenty to offer as runner-up, especially for those looking to drive a little less on the wild side. The first F car by Lexus is based on the rear-wheel-drive IS sedan – which starts at $31,500. Lexus has shoehorned the 5.0-litre version of the V8 and the eight-speed automatic transmission (rejigged with a manual mode and paddle shifters on the steering wheel) normally associated with the automaker's LS 460 luxobarge. On public roads, the Lexus is a breeze to drive fast. Compared to the Benz's ready-to-rumble exhaust and angrier engine growl, the IS-F is as muted as your aunt's ES 350 until you really plant the throttle and engage the eight. Highway ride is relatively comfortable as well. Against the gluttonous Benz's 17.2 L/100-km fuel efficiency, the Lexus scores a significantly better 13.1 L in the city (both are rated 8.5 L hwy). The Lexus eight-speeder has to make more cog swaps than the Mercedes when accelerating. Put it in Sport mode, however, and shifting packs more punch. And its 5.5-second 0-to-100 km/h run is plenty for any highway on-ramp attack. But against Mercedes' weaponry, Lexus looks like it brought a pocket knife to a gunfight. With less motor (5.0 litre versus 6.2), power (416 hp versus 451) and torque (371 lb.-ft. against 443), it's no surprise the Lexus is almost a half-second behind the Benz to 100 km/h, and lags by almost an entire second in the all-important 80 to 120 km/h passing manoeuvre (4.8 versus 4.0). When pushed hard on twisty Ottawa Valley back roads or Calabogie's 5.05-kilometre main loop, the IS-F falls even further behind the C 63 AMG. The electric (instead of hydraulic) steering system on the Lexus lacks feel. And where the car feels aggressive on the road, it understeers like a front-drive compact when pushed on the track. And with a softer suspension than the Benz, the Lexus felt less composed when challenged with high-speed undulations. WHY BUY: Smooth drivetrain; fast and easy on public roads; NOT a German sedan. WHY NOT: Uncommunicative steering; does not like to be challenged on track.

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