2024 Audi RS3 vs Lexus IS500 | Old School vs New School Sport Sedan

[@deel.4982]

500 is appealing because: 1. it’s very comfortable as a daily driver, it’s not sport sedan but more like a super touring vehicle. 2. It’s reliable and will outlast any of its competitors. 3. Resale value. 4. It’s the best looking sedan in its class. Period. 5. NA bulletproof V8. 6. Quality build, it’s built in Japan 7. Interior is bland but it works.. it has physical buttons. 8. IS500 is nostalgic …Think about it, the V6 4Runner is outdated, choppy transmission, bland interior but it’s the number one SUV in its class and sells like hotcake.. cuz it has that “magic” sauce that people love. The IS500 has that magic sauce and no matter all the annoyance it has, people will always walk away from it wanting more

[@scorchwhammin]

Traded my Audi S3 in for 2024 IS500 in blue vector color… no regrets, love my IS500

[@dacuse2009]

Great breakdown on the IS500 Deel…I purchased my IS500 Molten Pearl for all the reasons you identified…

[@u_s_e_rname]

Definitely more reliable and a nicer interior, but the looks and performance definitely go to the Rs3, and honestly the rs3's buttons are pretty nice for the most part, along with a bit of a Lower operating cost compared to other Audis. So basically if you want more comfort go with the Lexus, if not go for the Audi, and if you're working with a tighter budget no question go for in an integra type s lol

[@dv6439]

@@u_s_e_rnameis500 looks way better wat r u talking about

[@annenominous7220]

RS3 has WAY BETTER resell value, you can often get full MSRP for a lightly used 2 year old RS3... what are you smoking on that point? The IS500 engine makes great sounds, but is a mediocre performer. The interior is meh, ancient really. The controls are stupid outdated. The only thing it has going for it, aside from engine sound, is you can drift it like a mofo! Invest in good tires and DRIFT IT ALL DAY LONG. The RS3 is NOT a drift car. It is a boy racer. The RS3 is a superior driving car on the road, by far. But on a track, where drifting is safe (ish) the IS500 is many good times. In a race on the track, its not even a contest, the RS3 wins handily, but for drifting, almost nothing is as tail happy as the IS500.

[@ARentz07]

The IS 500 at the track shifted faster because it was fully warmed up. It's pretty much a meme at this point that no one knows this and bashes the transmission because they drive the car cold. If you just look up any video of an RC F or IS 500 POV when it has fully warmed up, you'll see what I mean. I recommend TheTopher's track driving video, for instance.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah I didn't push the car super hard being brand new. It was quicker shifting when we rode in one around Daytona. But still not quite as snappy as the RS3. Both cool cars tho!

[@ARentz07]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed For sure, I honestly have been tempted to look at RS3's a few times now. The 5-cylinder is one of a kind.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

It's a sweet package!

[@bradyobrien9]

False. The transmission is absolutely trash by 2024 standards. Yes, it's clunky at low temps, but outside of balls out in a straight line the tranny sucks.

[@davidxvu]

Great comparison video. I literally just searched is500 vs rs3 knowing they’re not in the same class thinking I wasn’t going to get any results lol. Luckily, this video popped up which is perfect as I’m cross shopping the two. I know they’re two completely different cars but I’m a fan of both

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Nice! Yeah even tho these aren't direct competitors, they are bother really cool sedans that would be something to look at. Both are very different. The IS500 would be a great 'dad' sedan. Plenty of power and yet it's super comfortable and roomy. The RS3 is a fun sport sedan that certainly focuses on the raw driving, but is also practical

[@kushing8]

I daily a 2018 TTRS and these are 2 of my favourite new cars, so definitely I would cross shop them.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh nice! These are definitely way different from each other. I could see if I was 40 with kids buying the IS500. Would be a great dad sedan!

[@HiiImChris]

DAMN. I didnt know the rs3 was 3.3s 0 to 60. Thats actually impressive, def have a new respect for the rs3

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah Motortrend tested it! Fast little rocket!

[@speeddemonRS3]

The car is a certified weapon for 65k, and you'd be flabbergasted by the increase in power just going stage 1!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@speeddemonRS3 Oh yeah they make some power tuned!

[@Jykobe491]

They are just unreliable and a pain to work on that's all

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I'd disagree, very easy to work on and reliable.@@Jykobe491

[@nickthequick]

Nice and creative comparison review, I really liked it.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you liked it!

[@Donpepee]

I don’t know why people try to trash the Lexus is500, it’s the same thing they did with the lfa. Idk when buying a car was all about 0-60 or an infotainment systems. No one ever drives these cars on the track or even use half of the horse power. When it comes down to it, the 500 will definitely hold its value.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

We'll see how each car holds value. But both are great vehicles like I mentioned in the video. However the RS3 is a lot more exciting to drive quickly. IS500 is more relaxed and comfortable. SO depends on what your needs and desires are. If I was 40 with kids, I'd go for the IS500 all day. But right now in life, the RS3 is more fun and works better

[@abhisheknauduri7013]

That Lexus is absolutely stunning! 🔥 i own a 2023 IS350 F Sport RWD in Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 with a white interior

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Nice! Super cool color!

[@blu_is500]

Very interesting comparison! I love the RS3 and the RS6 Avant…but I own my cars too long to buy an Audi. The IS500 on the track was kept way higher than 4500K RPMs. The shift logic is much faster the higher you are in the power band. If it’s not wrung out, it’ll be slow. Thanks for posting!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah I can see that. Still a paddle delay compared to the RS3. But overall it's a great daily and I could see it being a great option for an older demographic who want the big V8 and comfort

[@ARentz07]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed Part of it is the transmission needs time to warm up. I've owned mine for about a year, and I've learned not to even bother with manual mode until I've been driving at least 10 minutes - sometimes it needs 15. Once it gets warm, it'll snap the shifts off pretty nicely - not like a DCT but certainly pretty aggressive for a torque converter.

[@rizekid2010]

@@ARentz07hey! I’m looking to buy an is500. I’ve had a hand me down from my dad and I’m 25 so really feel like it’s upgrade time. I drive a Honda civic so really nothing fast. But I’ve learned to love the reliability of Japanese cars and really like the is500 for the v8 and reliability. I’ve just been wondering if I would “regret” spending as much for something that isn’t “quick” enough. Don’t really know what quick enough is though so do you think I would feel like I wouldn’t have enough quickness in the is500?

[@3IS2UR]

@@rizekid2010 IS500 is not a number's car, it's not slow but it's also not the fastest, the reason it seems slow cuz it's not turbo and it's all top end power, kinda like a E92 or Honda B16 or B18, It was designed like savagegeese reviews said, a car that just makes u smile, and that V8 will definitely make you smile. Another thing is RS3 and IS500 is different style of cars, RS is like the F of Lexus. The S of audi is what Lexus now calls it the F Sport Performance which the IS500 is, so it should be compared with a S4 or S3 not a RS3 or RS4...

[@ARentz07]

​@@rizekid2010If you can test drive one, see if you like it. It definitely feels different from the turbocharged competitors. But it also has a sound and feel you can't get anywhere else.

[@Eflozzz]

Good comparison. I’ve owned both and ended up keeping the RS3 long term. While the IS500 offers a glorious V8, that’s all there really is to it, unfortunately. The infotainment is very outdated, the transmission is horrendous, it’s very expensive to get 30 extra whp and it looks too similar to a IS350 F sport. On the other hand, while both the last of their kind, the RS3 offers a lot of bang for buck in many regards!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah I can see that. I thought the 500 would be very different from the 350 and other IS cars. But it's just the engine. Great car overall, but if you really want a super performance focused sedan, the RS3 is something else!

[@u_s_e_rname]

How's the maintenance for the rs3, any complaints in general?

[@ditiprel4]

I feel like the audi is the better performer/ technology packed performance car, but the lexus is the one that people get to drive forever because of its known reliability. The audi rs3 looks stunning btw, but the huge grille screws it up. I would get the IS500 personally because I like old school cars and reliability.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah he IS500 is a solid car to keep very long term. However the 5 cylinder is pretty reliable and been put through a lot. RS3 has a lot of grille for sure! But are fun in different ways

[@joespeed5991]

Warm up that IS transmission and you will be surprised how faster it will shift up and down. Definitely not a double clutch feel but not as bad as you described it.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah I didn't push it crazy. But the one we were in at the Dayton track shifted much quicker. Still a good difference in paddle response to the DCT tho

[@JustAnotherRandomNPC]

​@@BrosFOURRSpeed..because this car wasnt fully warmed up.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@JustAnotherRandomNPC yes it was, just wasn’t driving like on the race track.

[@justinnabong9619]

These are the two vehicles I was between! Went with the RS3 and don’t regret it at all.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Nice! We are loving ours!

[@drewmorg.]

Damn that IS sounds good

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Gotta love a V8!

[@EvaSlash]

The audi is not something to keep beyond the warranty period. IMO it's a performance lease mobile. The Lexus is a car to keep for life

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I’d disagree. My brother has had 2 R’8s out of warranty’s currently he owns one, zero issues. I didn’t have a warranty on my S3. Audis are very reliable.

[@Nizon]

I also disagree

[@Sly_RS3]

You probably have never owned or cared for one, huh?

[@ApimpNamedSlickBack663]

Crashed my 2023 Audi s5 and just got a 2024 Lexus lc500. Best car I’ve ever owned period. And I’ve owned a lot of fast cars. My Audi was tuned with full bolt on and extremely fast. However the Lexus is much more satisfying to drive

[@tmchristmas]

@@ApimpNamedSlickBack663any plans to tune or turbo/supercharger for the LC500?

[@billchampion2234]

A few things you failed to mention on the IS500: it has a 360 deg camera as well as ventilated seats which aren’t even available on the RS3. The foot box is also cramped on the IS500 which really sucks for long trips which the car excels at minus that.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah those are good features. My feet actually feel more comfortable in the Lexus to be honest

[@joespeed5991]

You are comparing an awd to a rear wheel drive car? You should compare red apples to green apples in your next reviews.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I've done several comparison with the RS3. M340i xDrive. M3 Comp, Nismo Z, Supra, Dark Horse (coming soon) Might as well take a look at cars in the similar price category. It's fun to check out cars that are similar prices that offer very different things. Judging by the comments quite a few of IS500 owners actually also own an RS3. So seems like the viewers like these types of comparisons. Not every comparison has to be a direct competitor exact same kind of car.

[@joespeed5991]

@@BrosFOURRSpeedgot ya. Next comparison if that’s the case should be electric vs gas with similar price ranges😂

[@chrisr7553]

They are perfect to cross shop!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah I'm sure some buyers will. But these cars offer a very different experience

[@chrisr7553]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed i might buy both when my fleet is time for an upgrade. Two of the best sports sedan engines on the market today (I’m no fan of twin turbo stuff).

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@chrisr7553 Yeah these are pretty fun!

[@hypeboi676]

Even though on paper the audi is more impressive performance wise with all that power from a 5 cylinder I would still take the Lexus because it will last long term and that Audi will be a typical German nightmare to work on once warranty is out.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Honestly the 5 cylinder is pretty robust. Has been a proven engine to last a very long time. So I don't really see it having any issue surpassing 100k miles

[@davisselfollari940]

I have an is500 and when the trans is warmed up it shifts responsively and firmly.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah it must take a really long time to warm up. Nice car overall

[@Kris-xs7kc]

Does the rs3 have big carbon buildup problems in the engine like the GTI?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Not that I hav heard of. Very different engine then the 4 cylinder

[@danynadeau879]

The 5 cylinder has port and direct injection. Carbon issues are in direct injection only engines.

[@scorchwhammin]

I just went through his decision…It was a no-brainer IMO regarding the purchase…love my IS500 and no regrets choosing it over the RS3

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Glad you enjoy it! I love my RS3, no regrets either.

[@Katiemtz099]

If I had the money I’d get both or get a BMW instead of the Audi 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Both are great!

[@r0gue2dred786]

Lexus >

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

What makes it better? Certainly a nice driving car. But lacks the extra excitement for my taste

[@Adam_Clegg]

Also, the IS500 has legs they are known for the topend highway pulls. Kinda like the old ISF's. Actually is was cross shopping these but was worried about the DCT longterm, wanted a little more comfort, and I'm kinda of a Toyota fan so I was a little partial to be honest.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@Adam_CleggYeah it’s got some top end. We rode in one around Daytona and hit 150 coming out of the bank pretty easy. Can’t compete with the AWD launch tho

[@Adam_Clegg]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed yeah RWD high HP isn't going to be able to keep up with AWD from a dig unless it's got a big tire out the back and even then...

[@kawhiiee]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed I have an is500 and that NA v8 just hits different. That where all the excitement and money went towards this build,

[@greebuh]

I pulled on a modded RS3 in my FBO ISF. It was a lot closer than I wanted it to be. But it is close in power to a stock ISF. I'll never sell my ISF.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Really? Was the RS3 tuned? That would be significantly faster then an N/A V8 car tho

[@greebuh]

@@BrosFOURRSpeed My car puts down 432whp and the RS3 had an exhaust. Like I said, it was closer than I thought it would be. Those RS3s are quick.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Gotcha. An exhaust isn't really a 'modded' car tho. That doesn't add any power. But yeah a stock tuned RS3 and a modded ISF sound like they'd be similar. Would have been cool to race these two!

[@greebuh]

@BrosFOURRSpeed wait, so an exhausted isn't a mod now? So you think it will do nothing for power?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

@@greebuh Yes it’s a mod. But a simple exhaust does nothing for power. You need a downpipe and tune to gain power. Saying you raced a modded RS3 was implying it’s was faster then stock. Since a basic exhaust doesn’t make the car any faster, it’s not worth saying the RS3 was modded. A bone stock rs3 would have had the same result you experienced with the one you raced. Generally when people are talking about racing another car and say it was modded. That means that car had mods that made it faster than stock.

[@Jmarzx]

8:54 haha I knee u were gonna say it shifts slow ; because I was like shessh it took forever to respond to that down shift . I wonder of there is transmission tune sorta like the german cars so it responds faster.

[@speeddemonRS3]

No the transmission is like a hundred years old lmao

[@ARentz07]

It just needs to warm up. There are tons of other POV videos on this car on KZbin that show it performing a lot better.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

I think you have to drive it harder for it to shift quicker. Cool car, but even when it does shift fast. The paddles just aren't responsive as the RS3 DCT

[@shamialchaudhry1640]

Rs3 vs Supra!!!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That video is coming!

[@megotvtec]

Both have no issues putting down 550whp before needing forged internals and trans work. Both great toys. Have to lean towards RS3 due to AWD for my taste.

[@Dsam04]

Parroting previous reviews. On the street, what does saying a slow shift do or mean while driving?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Makes it less engaging and less fun to drive in a spirited manner. These are performance cars, not a basic daily driver. So when you drive these in a fun way, the Audi gives you more engagement and feedback. Which makes it more fun. Lexus is fine for daily driving and has a lot to offer, but the RS3 cranks it up a notch for enthusiasts

[@3IS2UR]

don't use manual mode in low RPM (4000 RPM or less) on the IS500, in manual mode and sport +, the higher the rpm the faster it shifts...

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah that's what I'm noticing. Great car, just not quite as responsive like the RS3

[@RobHTech]

You make some good vids content. I was an Audi fan and even went to Audi/VW specialty tech training school. But, a Lexus will always be a Lexus. Techs know what that means. The Audi is super nice, ... when it works. I mean who wants a car that spends 2 months/yr. at the shop? Ya, the Lexus shifts slowly.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

My brother has had two Audis, I had the s3 before this, not one spent time in a shop..

[@omarelsayed7997]

you REALLY REALLY have to wake up the Lexus transmission if you want faster/ crisper shifts which i know isn’t ideal & annoying but that’s what you gotta do 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah that's what I've heard.

[@cruisertechgt]

I have an IS500 and yours shifts way too slow compared to mine. It might be you have to warm up the transmission

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

The car was warmed up, but it might take longer possibly. The one we tested at Daytona shifted faster

[@geefim2144]

Got the IS500 as I wanted a car to buy. Lease Audis

[@caseyharris18]

4.4 sec doesn’t feel fast?

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Oh it's quick. But the RS3 being 25% quicker is very noticeable! 3.3 seconds with launch and AWD is a whole new experience

[@JustAnotherRandomNPC]

RS3 is a cool car, but it just looks like an economy car. The new Civic looks better lol. If the RS3 wagon was in the U.S., I'd buy but the sedan just looks like a little toy.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

There is a slight 'cheap' feeling to some parts of the car. But it still feels like a refined Audi. Way nicer to drive then a Civic lol. It just has some bulky looking parts, but it actually feels pretty nice with genuine materials

[@jayjohnson-t2y]

there is diff models of rs3, dynamic, carbon etc etc, base model is pretty bland lol but when you actually drive it you can see the preforamce value and what your actually paying for. I do think its slightly overpriced tho

[@scorchwhammin]

The Lexus IS00 is better looking car IMO..this coming from a previous Audi 8V car owner

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Looks are subjective, both are great for what the buyer will enjoy.

[@Kevin27182]

The is500 shift like ass def don’t get one with that gearbox

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

We took one around Daytona international speedway and it shifted pretty good. But still not quite like the DCT in the RS3

[@scorchwhammin]

Disagree with the reviewer…The IS 500 IMO is a better interior..not a fan of the new interior on the 8Y..and lets not discuss the rear bumper on the RS3..lol

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

That’s all subjective..pick the one that works best for you.

[@AKHKCZplus]

The Audi looks ridiculously small, & cheap in comparison.

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

In some ways. But the RS3 is certainly more exciting and faster to drive. And at least it has real leather and real carbon fiber instead of vinyl seats in the Lex.

[@98765432139267]

And we were blaming Bmw for having too much grill! God that Rs3 looks ugly from front!

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

It's a lot of grille too. Seems like how everything is going these days. Lexus has a big grille too

[@speeddemonRS3]

Must be seen in person to really appreciate the super wide stance and the overall design of the car! Looks aggressive in person, unlike a lot of pictures you see!

[@billchampion2234]

In person didn’t change things for me… front grill still huge. Hopefully that’s fixed on the refresh soon. Same for rear bumper…. That black strip needs to go.

[@Soul_Flow_]

only issue with RS3 is the front end, i think it is ugly. Looks like a pug face....

[@BrosFOURRSpeed]

Yeah it's a lot of grille!

[@speeddemonRS3]

Thankfully, looks are subjective because the RS3 gets way more love than hate from car people lol