2008 Lexus SC vs. Its Competition

2008 Lexus SC 430
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

These cars are much more expensive than the 2008 Lexus SC 430 but offer performance and seating closer to it than other convertibles on the market.

The Cadillac XLR and Mercedes-Benz SL are two-seaters with folding hardtops and arguably superior styling to the Lexus SC.

The Jaguar XK and BMW 6-Series have fabric tops, but better features and in the case of the Jaguar XK, glorious styling and a supercharged version.

Within the Lexus's price class, the Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible has seating for four and a fabric convertible top; plus, it's better-looking.

2008 Lexus SC 430 2008 Lexus SC
Browse Used Listings		2009 Cadillac XLR2009 Cadillac XLR
Browse Used Listings		2009 Mercedes Benz SL Class V82009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class
Browse Used Listings		2008 BMW 6-Series 2-door Coupe M6 Angular Rear Exterior View2008 BMW 6-Series
Browse Used Listings		2008 Jaguar XK XKR2008 Jaguar XK
Browse Used Listings		2008 Mercedes Benz CLK Class 6.3L AMG Black Series2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.6
The 2008 Lexus SC 430 offers a unique shape, a folding hardtop, and the Lexus experience, but the "bathtub" look is a major drawback in a class of beautiful convertibles.
8.4
The eye-catching 2009 Cadillac XLR starts with the sharp-edged Corvette and makes some compromises for the sake of grand-touring luxury.
8.4
The SL’s new look isn’t to everyone’s liking, but in AMG guise, it’s now more punch than paunch—and a worthy stealth Ferrari-chaser.
8.6
The 2008 BMW 6-Series is overwrought and overstocked with technology that distracts even from the M6’s heroic performance.
9.6
The 2008 Jaguar XK is the brand's best mainstream car ever, with performance equal to its German competitors and looks to beat them all.
8.2
If you appreciate luxury and complex engineering solutions, then you'll love the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.
MSRP From     
$66,355$86,215$98,500$76,600$74,835$46,450
Gas Mileage     
16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy11 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy11 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy12 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Gas V8Gas V8Gas V8Gas V8Gas V8Gas V6
EPA Class     
Sub-CompactTwo-seater2 SeaterSubcompactMini-CompactSub-Compact
Style Name     
2-Door Convertible2-Door Convertible Platinum2-Door Roadster 5.5L V82-Door Coupe 650i2-Door Coupe2-Door Coupe 3.5L
Drivetrain     
Rear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
422444
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
2-Door Convertible2 Door Conv2 Door Convertible2 Door Coupe2-Door Coupe2 Door Coupe
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODManual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2008 Lexus SC vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR2008 Lexus SC vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class2008 Lexus SC vs. 2008 BMW 6-Series2008 Lexus SC vs. 2008 Jaguar XK2008 Lexus SC vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class