2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2021 Lexus IS

Sometimes, it's good to give in to our feelings. Rewarding oneself with what the heart wants is always gratifying but, if we don't do it every time, it's because there can be consequences to acting somewhat irrationally. There are no consequences to buying an Alfa Romeo. In fact, it's the exact reward we deserve.

Heart racing performance

Getting familiar with the Alfa Romeo Giulia is discovering a car that was designed and engineered to please. With a history like Alfa Romeo's, it's no surprise to learn that its standard turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder is as potent as they get in the segment. In fact, it beats out the competition's V6 engines, and in more ways than one.

With 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, the Giulia's powertrain out-performs the Lexus IS' turbocharged 241-horsepower 2.0-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines. Even the mightiest V6 bows to the Giulia's torque output by 26 lb.-ft. What's more is that the Alfa Romeo is delivered as standard with all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lexus IS have a 6-speed automatic transmission. Here's another fact: the more powerful Alfa Romeo is also more fuel-efficient.

The Giulia delivers an unmatched driving experience as well. The Alfa Romeo's la meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) spirit is imbued in all mechanical components for the most precise and communicative steering in the segment. Finally, the Giulia is equipped with front Brembo brakes for the ultimate feeling of control.

Heartwarming cabin

The sense of control is very real and furthered by the Giulia's impressive cockpit-like cabin. The driver sits behind a steering wheel that screams speed. The driving position feels tailor-made and all manners of controls fall perfectly underhand. Beyond the functionality is beauty, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

The Lexus IS' cabin is cold and with little personality. In this category, a buyer is entitled to something special and unique. As well, the Alfa Romeo's included 8.8-inch display is artfully integrated into the dashboard whereas the Lexus' 8-inch unit juts at the very top of the center stack.

The heart knows what it wants

And that is beauty, elegance, and purposeful design. Everyone enjoys art and that is what the Alfa Romeo Giulia is: it is rolling art. Its muscular curves and voluntary simplicity are signs of confidence and self-worth. There's nothing excessive about the Giulia's style unlike what can be found on the Lexus IS.

And to accentuate the Giulia's uniquely stunning shape, Alfa Romeo enables the owner to select from an uncanny collection of interior and exterior colours. This is quite unlike the limited variations on a few shades offered by Lexus.