Itching to buy. A list of questions. IS350 comparison.

[NeueKlasse]

http://www.zeroto60times.com/Lexus-0-60-mph-Times.html

Some people have gotten even better times.

[warmtoes]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Have you driven one with AS? I don't lose anything with active steering, but gain a much better steering response. You only notice AS at lower speeds and makes the car feel much more responsive. At higher speeds you'd never know the difference. BMWs without AS still have power steering. I don't see how that is anywhere near comparing a manual transmission and an auto.

Absolutely I have. I wouldn't comment on it otherwise. I actually drove it on an autocross course setup for the 1 series launch. There was a low speed course with sharp esses that was setup to show how good AS was. I drove both back to back. And, even with the instructor telling us how awesome it was, both my friend and I found it disconnected compared to the non-AS cars.

Anyways, the point I was trying to get across is I don't like it and you do. But, I can respect that. Unfortunately, you cannot respect that liking or choosing an Auto is something only for people who like to drive cars that drive themselves. That's what I'm calling you on.

I would rather people just understand to each their own without needing to make their position superior to others.

[escobar929]

Originally Posted by NeueKlasse

http://www.zeroto60times.com/Lexus-0-60-mph-Times.html

Some people have gotten even better times.

from what i saw on that website, it says 4.8-5.0, dont know where you get the 4.5-4.7 numbers

and the is-f being at 4.3 sec

those numbers are still faster than what ive seen else where though

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by warmtoes

Absolutely I have. I wouldn't comment on it otherwise. I actually drove it on an autocross course setup for the 1 series launch. There was a low speed course with sharp esses that was setup to show how good AS was. I drove both back to back. And, even with the instructor telling us how awesome it was, both my friend and I found it disconnected compared to the non-AS cars.

Anyways, the point I was getting trying to get across is I don't like it and you do. But, I can respect that. Unfortunately, you cannot respect that liking or choosing an Auto is something only for people who like to drive cars that drive themselves. That's what I'm calling you on.

I would rather people just understand to each their own without needing to make their position superior to others.

You failed to understand my point completely. I never once said an auto is only for people who like cars to drive themselves. That comment to Slowboy was just a joke based on his praise to all new car technologies that are developed. Someday cars will probably drive themselves in some form. It was in no way a generalization about those who prefer automatic transmissions.

As far as AS is concerned, whatever you are not used to will feel more disconnected. It took me a few days of driving to feel comfortable with the short steering ratio of AS, but as someone who drives a car with and without AS pretty often, I can say I prefer AS and feel more in control of the car with it.

[warmtoes]

If that was not your intent then we have no issue. My issue is pointed at those who cannot allow people to have their own preferences without feeling it is an afront to theirs.

As for AS, I can appreciate that you find it very good and prefer it. I only had a few hours to compare so my analysis is hardly complete.

[Yes2m3cs]

I really wanna drive an IS-F...its on the list for the next ride

[warmtoes]

Originally Posted by xG35guy

I really wanna drive an IS-F...its on the list for the next ride

My boss has one that he's allowed me to drive. It is very impressive. The sound of the engine is incredible. It's even better than our 135's. Despite the fake "quad" exhaust it is still an impressive automobile.

[ManMachine]

About auto vs. manual - one important factor is reliability, if you buy and plan to keep it around for some time. The auto are notoriously unreliable compared to manuals, even Honda has trouble with them (V6s on TL, CL, Odyssey, etc.) The story for BMW is probably worse, just read Tech Talk columns in Roundel.

Plus the factor that it's cheaper to own a manual, if you don't have to worry about wife/GF complaining, a manual is a pretty good way to go, at least $ wise.

Another thing about auto tranny is that people get lazy with it in rush hour traffic - they floor the gas and then quickly brake, don't anticipate, and contribute to stop and go mess. With a manual, the driver in traffic tends to speed up/slow down more smoothly, helping the traffic into a steady flow.

[themyst]

Originally Posted by NYC6

I deal with NY traffic, have bad knees and have had quite a few fast manuals over the years. Todays autos are much faster shifting than those of not long ago and are often faster(0-60&1/4 mile) than their stick counterparts. My weekend car, a C6 Super Charged Corvette Auto runs 11's 1/4 mile consistenly and whips similarly equipped stick cars.. Manual transmissions are great but so are autos. I'll stick with autos from here out. To each his own.

+1
I have a 6MT 135i but I wouldn't regret it one bit if I got the auto!