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Motor Trend compares the new 2015 BMW M4 and the 2015 Lexus RC F in a test drive. The Lexus RC F is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0 liter V8 engine producing 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the new BMW M3 and M4 is powered by a 3.0 liter, six-cylinder inline turbocharged unit. Here is an excerpt from the review:
What becomes apparent is that when pushed, the BMW drives like the Lexus looks, and vice versa. The M4 certainly feels faster—a product of its lower weight and meaty, torque-filled powerband—but the RC F remains no less satisfying. It’s also easier to approach; you feel like you can reach its limits after two turns. It offers stability in surplus, dropping the challenge of high-speed corners but not the fun. Its torque deficit and weight surplus only become apparent in tight second-gear corners where you have to wait for the engine to get back up to speed. Drifts are available but don’t come on unless provoked. When prodded, the RC F happily produces tire smoke.
The M4’s higher performance threshold means it takes a bit longer to get comfortable with, but it offers more reward. The M4’s electronically controlled differential and suspension setup offers the rear end as an additional handling tool, allowing the driver to change the car’s attitude mid-corner. Roll into the throttle after the apex, and the M4 tightens its line. Perfecting use of this tool takes some practice, though, as the M4’s torque delivery can transform those adjustments into slides of rapidly increasing lunacy. Go without supervision long enough and you’ll mark every corner you drive through with long black lines.
We drew quite a few new lines around our local Streets of Willow racetrack where resident hot shoe Randy Pobst set lap times and gave impressions. Those lap times? They fell within 0.3 second of each other with the M4 ahead, no surprise considering the advantage it held during our tests.
