Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE VS 2015 Lexus RC Near Phoenix, AZ

Both the F-Type and the RC F have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the F-Type second among midsize premium sporty cars in their 2014 Initial Quality Study. The RC F isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2014 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Jaguar vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked third.

The F-Type V-8 S Convertible’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 28 more horsepower (495 vs. 467) and 71 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 389) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The F-Type R Coupé’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 83 more horsepower (550 vs. 467) and 113 lbs.-ft. more torque (502 vs. 389) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8. The F-Type Project 7’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 108 more horsepower (575 vs. 467) and 113 lbs.-ft. more torque (502 vs. 389) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Road & Track the F-Type R Coupé is faster than the Lexus RC F:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the F-Type’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The RC F doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The F-Type has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the RC F (18.5 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the F-Type’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RC F:

The F-Type offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The RC F doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The F-Type stops shorter than the RC F:

For better traction, the F-Type’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC F (275/40R19 vs. 255/35R19).

The F-Type’s optional 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC F’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the F-Type offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RC F’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The F-Type offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The RC F’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the F-Type is 1.4 inches wider in the front and 3.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RC F.

The F-Type’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52.4% to 47.6%) than the RC F’s (55% to 45%). This gives the F-Type more stable handling and braking.

The F-Type R Coupé handles at 1.00 G’s, while the RC F pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The F-Type R Coupé executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RC F (24.4 seconds @ .82 average G’s vs. 24.9 seconds @ .8 average G’s).

The Jaguar F-Type may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 500 pounds less than the Lexus RC F.

The F-Type is 9.2 inches shorter than the RC F, making the F-Type easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The F-Type Coupé has a larger trunk than the RC F (11 vs. 10.1 cubic feet).

The F-Type’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RC F’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the F-Type detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The RC F doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the F-Type offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The RC F doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The F-Type was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2014. The RC F has never been an “All Star.”

The Jaguar F-Type outsold the Lexus RC Series by over two to one during 2014.