Originally Posted by GatorLCA
The Lexus HIDs were probably brighter because they were at a 4,200K output where you have a 6,000K output. The 4,200K will be brighter and whiter than the 6,000K. Just get 4,200K bulbs (about $130 last I checked).
Color temp ! = brightness. The 4,200k bulbs will be brighter than 6,000k bulbs, but not as white. In order to get the color temp you want the bulb manufacturer has to put in additives that will absorb the yellow/red end of the color spectrum. The higher the temp the more additives. Your light will be whiter but not brighter. Best visibility is with 4,200k - 5,000k.
My 6,000k lamps are almost a little too blue and I will probably swap them for 4,700k bulbs when the time comes.