The Audi RS4 represents steady, old-school performance that has been top dog in the 4-door sports car middle weight division. Newcomer Lexus has brought the hard-hitting IS-F, an extremely sporty and high performance rendition of the new IS350.
The 2008 Audi RS 4 starts at a cool $66,910. The 4.2 quattro 420 hp V8 spark ignition engine provide ample power for the 3957lb European. The 12.5:1 compression ratio and 317 ft-lb of torque launch the Audi RS4 like a rocket into straightaways. The RS 4 tops out at an electronically limited 155mph, hopefully fast enough to satisfy your need for speed. The RS 4 boasts in impressive 0 to 60 of 4.8 seconds and generates a modest 14/20 miles per gallon, a couple gallons per mile better than its sister S4. The 6-speed manual transmission allow the driver to fully feel and control the experience from behind the wheel. The 19" rims sport a seven double spoke design. Additional features include bi-xenon HID headlights that self-level, 60/40 split folding rear seats, multifunction 3-arm RS 4 steering wheel, silk Nappa leather interior, and Recaro sports seats.
The competing Lexus IS-F is priced more than $10,000 less than the RS 4 at $56,000. That's quite a hefty difference considering these two cars are in the same performance class. The IS-F's 5.0L V8 engine delivers a maximum 416 horsepower at 6600rpm and 371 ft-lb of torque at 5200 rpm. The 8-speed direct sport-shirt transmission gives the driver extremely fine control of the driving experience. The ULEV II IS-F goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds, a tenth of a second slower than the RS 4. With an EPA estimated fuel economy of 16 city and 23 highway, the IS-F's larger displacement engine still burns each drop of fuel more effectively than the Audi RS4. If 155 miles per hour doesn't harness your desire for speed, perhaps the IS-F's manufacturer limited 170 mph top speed can help.
In this shootout, Craig Stanton takes these two beauties the Horse Thief Mile and puts them head to head in 3 rounds of car-loving action. Can the newly designed IS-F take the Audi RS 4's label as top high performance sports sedan? Tune in and find out what Craig has to say.
