My IS-F just hit 280,000 miles! And basically ZERO major repairs (tons of brakes, tires, and oil)…. I’d love to see what C63 owners have in that regard-

Great review and comparison. I came from a 2010 ISF to a 2014 C63 Edition 507 which borrows a few goodies from the Black Series. Both the ISF and C63 are amazing cars. I have a great deal of love and respect for both models. If I had to compare the two, I would say the ISF is a gentleman and the C63 is a Psychopath. The ISF is of course the more logical choice here for long-term reliability. You don't buy the C63 for this reason, you buy it because of how it makes you feel...

ISF is so bloody underrated. They look so awesome given the age!

If I was choosing between these two when they were new ten years ago, I would go with the Lexus. Bulletproof reliability and lower cost of ownership. The ISF sold a fraction of the numbers compared to the m3 and c63 which just makes it more appealing to me.

Hearing the C63 in real life makes you realise why they were so popular! Damn good sounding car 👌

C63 sounds like a WWII bomber.

Great Comparison. Yes, the Lexus 8 Speed was the worlds first 8 speed transmission. It was the same box they released with the LS460 in 2006 but with a sportier tune.

"It's not a car, it's an axe-murderer with headlights!" -Jeremy Clarkson on the C63 AMG

Great work bro, I have never owned a c63 but have driven a few and yes the power and aggression and fun factor is like no other . I have had a tuned ISF and the biggest difference between the two is that the ISF gets the power down every time especially if left in sports auto mode for drag racing. It will beat a huge amount of much more powerful cars in an 1/8 of a mile. Great video and comparison Johnny.

C63 is all about that engine. My friend has one it's about the best sounding v8 I've ever heard

Great video mate, both wonderful cars but yes the AMG is an absolute monster. I was following my father in his on the highway once, I was in my R35 and thought I'll rip past him on the overtaking lane and show him some Japanese power. Way harder task than had expected😅in the end 'm pretty sure he let me pass.

I've owned both, I'd prefer the isf, just for the reliability factor🤣

Lexus All Day

I just bought a 2012 lexus isf silver with red interior and only 34k miles! This is a beast.

I considered the C63, and I don't see many. But the ISF was what I chose. No regrets. FBO!

Those ISF are monsters plenty out there with over 300,000kms.. don’t see the Benz doing that 😂

I have a 2008 IS-F that I have owned since new as my daily driver, here in the USA...goes through all four seasons including snow without a beat. I also bought a new Supra recently and if I had to get rid of one, it would be the Supra. The IS-F is special.

The C63 swallows that's why you want it😂😂

I’d rebuy my c63 again and again if given the option. More smiles per mile than any similar car.

I still can't believe that AMG made an LSD optional on the C63.. it's a hotrod with leather seats.

Makes me happy to see someone else smile the way I do when I get in and drive mine. Cool footage video

Ok let’s bust some of these comments. The car in this road test is an early car, sometime 2008-2011. It is the pre-facelift car with different bumpers, skirts, lights and hood; it has aged worse than the facelift. The interior is marginally better than a 203, closer to the old E Class W211. It was only available as a sedan or a wagon and had the 7G torque converter transmission. In late 2011 the car was given a facelift on all models, and a coupe was introduced. Then, in 2012 for one year a Black Series coupe was available but we’ll forget that. The facelift had a new body kit with daytime running lights in the front bumper, more aggressive rear diffuser, full LED tail lights (aside brake light bulb) and as an option you could have the xenon intelligent lighting system, but the factory option was a halogen pair of units. The interior was reworked drastically and did not have the low-def flip up screen, it has a fixed mounted high-def screen that is now capable of running Car Play and streaming high-def content from your phone. Many of the cheap plastics were replaced for leathers and softer materials but, some remained as it was ‘just’ a C Class. The transmission remained 7 speed but was changed to the MCT which is a faster shifting wet clutch setup. Both are reliable, the MCT will take more power than the 7G. In both pre and post face lift cars, an extra power package was an option giving 480hp vs standard 456hp. This also gave you red calipers, and some lighter engine internals from the SLS such as pistons and a crank, then some styling parts like alcantara wheel and carbon rear spoiler. Realistically side by side, and if a standard car is tuned, the lighter internals don’t seem to make much of a difference. On the pre-facelift car, stiffer suspension was available but then became the same on all cars (aside BS) after the facelift. An LSD, mechanical only, was an option on all cars other thank the Black Series…you need to look for option 471. I’ve seen people comment on reliability here but without any knowledge. This isn’t an unreliable car. Pre-facelift had an issue with head bolts coming loose but, was part of a factory recall so, all cars should be done. Check this. Injectors can stick on cars less used and cause hydro lock, uncommon but you may need a new set, under $1000 for a full set. That’s literally it, the rest can be attributed to wear, tear and poor maintenance such as not getting suspension tracked properly causing bad tire wear, sun roof sticking due to dried grease and maybe a wheel speed sensor will go out from dirt ingress into the hub… about $100 to fix. I have had my coupe for 9yrs, it is a standard car (not power pack) and I have supercharged it. I don’t understand why Australians measure engine power in the same units as a dishwasher but, this equates to around 720hp, with scope for closer to 800 with interchilling, more boost from a 2.9L charger and a transmission rebuild. All cars can take a tune from standard and end up around 510hp, then with headers 530-550hp. The intakes on these cars are already ram-air so, no intake upgrades necessary at all. Once you tune a C63 (which is easy, and extra power comes from literally opening the throttle up closer to 100%), you’ll forget the ISF.

Great review mate. Loved those bounces of the rev limiter too they sounded awesome. I love that Australia is right hand drive too like here in the UK so the cars seem relatable

ISF all day! There are a few out there with over 400k miles still running as strong as new. The only known issue is valley plate leak which is a simple fix relative to all the issues the c63 has. For that reason, ISF are appreciating in value year over year.

Your reviews keep getting better and better Ross ! That Lexus is a real road ripper, AMG goes overboard and we all have to accept that but at the same ignore because they are always ahead of any other car

Great review, both are incredible cars, I own 09 ISF pearl white with WedsSport wheels, very sporty and a fun car to drive!

The reason you think the AMG is old is because you were driving the old shape 2009 6.2 the 2012 shape 6.2 was a lot more modern

This 8 speed auto transmission was first used in the Lexus LS460 in late 2006/early 2007 which was the first 8 speed auto used in a passenger car and then used in the IS F shortly after though it was tuned to be a bit quicker and sportier shifting.

Great review! Have had 2008 ISF for 4 years and absolutely love it. 2 weeks ago added C63 S204 wagon as a daily for the added practicality. It is definitely sounds more insane than the ISF, as it had long tube headers, but both cars make me smile every time I drive them. Will see how reliable is C63 as it is still early days and it has 211k km, but ISF has been bulletproof during my ownership.

I have a 09 c63 bought it 12yrs ago. Low miles. I test drove the Isf before making a decision. I fell in love with the c63. With just tune 440whp. That isf is not stock exhaust.

C63 is a better car but the Lexus would be significantly better to own.

Love how you’re slowly developing more and more of an Aussie accent mate. 🤙🏽 Love the vids !

I'd like to drive the C63 AMG, it's a great car, but would never own one, IS-F all the way. I actually bought an IS350 (2012) this time last year shortly after checking out Ross's review on a white IS 350 F Sport (mine's a Sports Luxury). While I'd already made the decision, Ross's review really confirmed it for me! I remember he got a 5.49 second 0-100 km/h time in that car (in the dry of course). There is just something about that generation IS which still looks amazing today. My IS is Vermillion red with beige interior and it's in amazing condition. I had it fully detailed by my nephew (carnuba wax - didn't get ceramic as it lives in the garage during the day and night) but it looks so good it's often a talking point when friends and family see it..then they look at the interior and nearly fall over.. It's so solid and just works so well in just about every way. Only complaint a seat bottom cushion comfort could be better (weird because my neighbour's IS feels more padded and comfortable) ..and AM radio reception is rubbish (I need to use a phone app to listen to good old 3AW! LOL)..but the Mark Levinson Audio is great. I found it interesting that Ross said the IS feels big...maybe because I came from a 2008 Honda Accord V6 (the really big ones), but the IS feels positively compact and 'wrap around'. Anyway, as usual great review Ross!!!

I also just bought an ISF too! Can’t wait to pick it up.

i loved my 204! a while back i was considering to replace my 205 with a 204 507 but in the end i decided to stick with the 205 and wait to see if the CLE will be something. never been a fan of lexus it's looks but i don't think anyone ever regrets buying and driving a lexus.

GREAT REVIEW THE FIRST 8 SPEED AUTO WAS IN THE 2007 LEXUS LS 460 THATS A LONG WHILE AGO

Great to see the ISF. Miss mine 😂🤣 Yes, they had the worlds first 8 speed auto. Designed in Japan by Aisin. Less parts and less power loss than the later ZF. That car you are in is a MY10. First with the Torsen limited slip. Worst way to launch an ISF is by loading the torque converter 🤣🤣😂 Off idle (500 rpm) as it “surprises” the converter and launches harder. Best I got in mine was 4.6 with street tyres on a normal road fighting TC. With TC off it would just wheel spin. On a sticky drag strip with AR-1s was 4.08 my best 0-100. 1/4 was 12.1 full weight, spare, tools, carpets etc. Never got the right conditions to do 11.9. Hope one day to get another and go further with development of the inlet manifold with better inlet porting, a GSF TB and open up the PPE headers where they merge. That is a bottle neck. Love your videos. Great content 😀👍😎

Later years of the merc got the updated interior, much nice and modern

I don't know which one I'd choose! They both have more power than a stock VFII SS or even an FG-X XR8, in a smaller body! The W204 is the best C Class in my opinion, much better than the previous W203 and the next gen W205, especially for interior materials and quality... The second generation IS is also really cool as well, it's a shame they didn't continue the 'F' brand... Great video 👍

It’s amazing how much better and modern the interior is in the 2013 facelift of the C63. I wish you had the facelift version here! If your in the market I highly recommend the facelift. They also fixed some issues on the engine so it’s much more reliable.

That exhaust on lexus sounds amazing. Which aftermarket exhaust system is it?

Both brilliant cars with high displacement which is a rarity these days. Love the c63 a bit more but would love to own both

ISF hands down.

Hey Ross, awesome review and agree the C63 is a monster. I owned one for a couple months and it was definetly smiles per gallon rather than miles! Random question, is your arm tattoo a ta moko from New Zealand? It looks like one!

Both awesome cars, I'd take the F for sure, it opens up quite a bit with headers etc although they're not cheap & it's not an easy install without a hoist

that sounded soo good at 5:16, sounds like a velociraptor

Great video both cars are both beast in the there class of performance

Can’t wait to see this. Might make me sad. I miss mine.

I love my ISF!! Getting ready to sell it but it’s been amazing! I can’t recommend it enough, I just need more space.

Great video. I have a Supercharged ISF I'd love to see your reaction in that she's a monster 😂

btw for those that want to buy a 204 and want a bit of nice interior, go for the facelift and a lot of the parts you can switch with those from the E class like having a nice digital climat control panel.

Lexus every time, another great video John 👍

Be careful, Karen could be filming you from a tree disguised as a koala.. lol

I had a ride in an SL63 2014. It was like a plane taking off. I want the ISF as my daily 😀. Great review Ross👍

Haha I drove past you when you were doing the intro! I was in a Datsun 280zx!

Any idea of the exhaust setup on the ISF and did it drone?

That's a fair match up! And yeah the mercedes 7g tronic works well in luxury applications but it's not sporty.

Legendary M156 at its best !

Interesting comparo. The IS-F is probably going to be the more reliable car, the Mercedes M156 has some known flaws, head bolts/studs and sticking/leaking injectors. The 2UR as far as I'm aware only has the known valley plate leak. My brother has an 2010 IS-F. Goes really nicely.

You never really hear about the ISF in the league between Audi RS5, BMW M3 or the C63, but it definitely deserves to be considered on the same podium. Great review.

Both of these were on my list. I test drove a C63 Estate and fell in love. But at the end of the day, I couldn't justify the price he wanted and the fuel consumption. Even though I know for a fact, that every time I heard the thing I would be grinning like an idiot. I didn't get to test drive an IS-F unfortunately.

Great sounding IS F. Do you know what brand/model of aftermarket exhaust is fitted to it? Cheers

The Lexus ISF is a better overall car. But I'm drawn to the C63 because it is flawed and imperfect. The maintenance will wreck your account but that's why I'll have one soon.

Happy for you to take out my stage 2 c63s edition1 if you like to compare it to its competitors

yeah mate, you want her bad (C63) but deep down you know she's a gold digger...lol

Id take that lexus any day

Amazing review I’m a Lexus guy but I like c63 Amg also both of the cars are amazing I have ISF

oh man this is to good! both epic sedans

I've gotten 4.6 out of my stock ISF regularly. You weren't launching it in the most efficient manner. Don't try to build up revs. Just floor the accelerator. My ISF can easily keep up with more powerful C63 and tuned M4s because they can't put their power down especially in the wet. The ISF gets it's power down so easily.

I can clock 0-100 in 4.6 in my 08 (open diff) ISF with just custom catback exhaust and intake/tune. The transmission hates being stalled up. You just need to let go off the brake and drop the hammer with the right foot. In terms of long term ownership and reliability the ISF is far superior. In the C63 with the M156 you need to keep an eye on head bolts (if it isn't the revised engine), cam adjusters, worn camshafts, lifters, injectors and cracking in the intake manifold.

Noice video Ross Reviews. 20’000 Kilometre VE SS next please. To Ross Reviews From Jordan’s car reviews

Can you please let us know which aftermarket exhaust is in the ISF?

Are you from America or Australia?

Damn I am also laughing when you happy😂😂I feel same things in my phone.... damn how is that possible🤣super dope video👍

Had the same reaction 7:26 lol the thing is a beast for it’s time

Both cars are great in their own way Here in the states the ISF will run you 10k +more to buy, so even though c63 is less reliable 10k+ does take care of some problems you may have, you just don't have to pay upfront for it, I've owned 2 c63 different years and 1k a year is normal for fixing stuff 🙂

Just saw a isf on fb group with over 400k miles, still runs like a top

What brand is the ISF rear diffuser looks so great

Hey Ross I got a second gen toyota century . If you wanted to review it.

There is a reason no one wants to own a 10yr old amg as a daily driver. The Lexus is alot more refined but given the manifold is known for cracking, whack on some headers and free up the exhaust and they sound like a beast.

what is the exhaust setup on that c63 ?

Obsessed with the ISF!

ISF FTW🙌🏻

Headunit upgrade on the IS on The Fitting Bay channel, so no excuses now 😂

Hey Ross, love the content! Can u try and do a review on a GSF/RCF?

Both are great cars for sure... cost of ownership means a lot to me, ISF would be my choice.

The wheels on the ISF look sick, any idea what brand they are? Also, so jealous that the Australian ISF actually comes with RHD indicator/wiper stalks, the UK version just uses the same LHD stalks as Europe :( (Japanese manufacturers gave up putting RHD stalks on our cars after 2000 because nobody else was as the US/EU manufacturers never bothered and the UK car industry was dead).

Yes, the ISF was the first ever production vehicle with an 8 speed auto trans

the lexus is mint

Have a 2019 C63AMG ( 30k miles) and still own a 2014 AMGc63 2017e63 80k+ miles in both terms of reliability I’ve never understood peoooe saying they are not reliable even when driving the vehicle rough. I think if the owner takes care of the car and isn’t cheap or tries to cut corners with repairs or upgrades your in good shape.. unfortunately how many people don’t cut corners on their vehicles or buy badly serviced vehicles then trash the brand? Lexus doesn’t come close the c63 IMO not even the LFA tbh to some degree. Just my 2 cents

Why does the 204 hood not go all the way up like other amg models?

I now want this Lexus it soo good

C63’s are way easier to find and about 10-15k cheaper than an ISF. In Canada I’ve seen 2008 ISF’s going for the same price as 2022 c63’s…. And the isf’s were sold within hours. Market is going crazy for isf’s

The isf anyday ...that 5.0L has been into Toyota Hilux Dakar trucks and it sounds insane with highlift cams and headers.

Love both cars, but the Lexus wins it for me, more unique, better specs with the cooled seats and camera on all models, probably more reliable because its a Lexus. I can forgive it for not being as fast.

Love my 2008 IS-F 👍❤️

08 09 isf have no lsd or suspension upgrades like 2011 to 2014... c63 has p31 package and 507 edition.. all of them will perform different so this comparison is kind of useless.

ISF every time for me, but theres no denying the C63 is one of the best sounding cars ever.

Which car would you take stock?

Did they do a cat delete on that c63? Sounds way too loud