The BMW 3 Series just can't compete with the Lexus IS 350. 03/23/2011
A convertible is a luxury many Americans dream of owning one day, but between the 2011 Lexus IS 350 C and the 2011 BMW 3 Series, which is the way to go?
The Lexus is a little bit more expensive, with an MSRP of $45,840 compared to the BMW's $45,500 price tag, according to Edmunds.com.
Mechanically, the Lexus is much stronger. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that has 306 horsepower and 277 ft-lbs of torque. It gets good gas mileage with 20/27 city/highway mpgs, but premium unleaded fuel is required; average monthly fuel cost is $200.
The BMW 3 Series only has a 3.0-liter engine and inline 6 cylinders that gets 230 horsepower and 200 ft-lbs of torque. The car has a 17/26 city/highway mpg fuel economy, costing owners $220 per month for gas and requires premium unleaded.
In addition to the extra power, the IS 350 comes standard with Bluetooth technology, keyless ignition, iPod capacities and leather seats.
The BMW's sole win over the Lexus is its six-speed manual transmission, which always makes a car more fun to drive.
Still, the Lexus IS 350 C, with its 6-speed automatic, is ultimately better than the 3 Series.