how do lexus cars really compare to european cars?

[niky]

You're asking what I' ve owned. I didn't start that particular subdiscussion.

I was merely opinion that parts-sharing doesn't make Audis any worse than Mercs or Bimmers... who have their own foibles. That's all.

You're stating the very obvious.
The question is, have you owned both to know the "real" difference?

Nope. I've driven them. And again, it's much like the difference between a Lancer and an Evo. In the way that both the Evo and the M3 are ridiculously fast, ridiculously stiff, ridiculously noisy and ridiculously expensive compared to the base models... though at least the M3's interior isn't filled with economy-grade plastic. Of course, the M3 does feel incredibly special, but if we're talking strictly nuts and bolts, the comparison is still true.

Only reason nobody asks Clarkson if he's "owned" everything he reviews is because after being in the game for so long, he's incredibly rich. That doesn't mean he doesn't spout BS every now and then. (And if I spout BS myself, you're welcome to debate me on it, as we're doing now) Ownership gives you more insight into specific cars, but saying that only someone who's "owned" everything can give an opinion is a bit much, because nobody (except Jay Leno) has owned everything.

Ain't going to get into a pissing contest here. Honestly don't know what you're so worked up about.