

Neither car is a slug on the road but the Lexus IS 300 is a real powerhouse, with its 2.0-liter turbo in-line 4 engine boasting greater horsepower and torque than the Audi's similar 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor. The Lexus is quick off the mark, but it also has great endurance. With 22 lb-ft less torque than the Lexus, the Audi can't transmit power to its wheels as efficiently. You certainly notice the difference behind the wheel, with the Lexus able to pass cars and climb steep inclines more confidently than the Audi can.
Driver comfort is paramount when you invest in luxury cars like the latest Lexus IS 300 and Audi A4. Both cars have generously sized interiors, but the Lexus is a shade more comfortable, especially for taller drivers. Both cars offer comparable front headroom. However, with 3.5 inches more legroom up front than the Audi, drivers and front passengers should feel less cramped in the Lexus. The Audi does offer an extra one-half inch of rear headroom and 3.5 inches of rear legroom, but many motorists will wonder whether it's worth compromising on space up front.
Both cars are of comparable length but the Audi A4 is an inch wider than the Lexus at 72.3 inches. It's a small margin, but it could make all the difference when you're squeezing into your parking space, especially coupled with the Audi's larger turning radius.
The 2019 Audi A4 and 2019 Lexus IS 300 both get an impressive five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They've earned this rating thanks to the inclusion of many key safety features including:Â
ABS brakes
Forward Collision Warning
Driver and Passenger Airbags
However, rear side airbags aren't standard in the Audi as they are in the Lexus IS 300. The Lexus also comes with lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support, all driver assistance technologies recommended by the NHTSA, as standard. You can add lane departure warning to the Audi, for a price, but it doesn't feature the crash imminent braking or dynamic brake support.