Driving a 250 versus my 350...
10-30-07, 09:39 PM
#1
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Driving a 250 versus my 350...
< anti-flame on >
So the dealer gave me an 08 IS250 loaner while my 07 350 is in getting various TSBs and such done. What a PIG. Coming from the 350, my butt dyno may be a little off (OK, a lot), but it seems to lack a significant amount of power. I swear the 4 cylinder Camry had more get up and go. The outgoing Corolla (1ZZ motor) at least revved easier, so it actually felt like you were accomplishing something (making noise).
Don't get me wrong, you guys still get some pretty good chassis dynamics (I'm discovering the IS is pretty well sorted, after all), but the powerband just seems quite narrow. This makes the transmission kinda hunt for gears (when in ECT PWR, mind you) while going up/down inclines with or without cruise control, and makes it a little harder to hit those little tiny holes in traffic that I loved doing so much.
<anti-flame off>
Anyone else put in a similar comparison out there? I think its a somewhat smart move by the dealer, since its just about the lowest-priced Lexus right now. And you don't feel like a grandpa like I did in the ES.
(PS -- did you know the AFS headlamp assemblies cost like $850 apiece? yikes.)
So the dealer gave me an 08 IS250 loaner while my 07 350 is in getting various TSBs and such done. What a PIG. Coming from the 350, my butt dyno may be a little off (OK, a lot), but it seems to lack a significant amount of power. I swear the 4 cylinder Camry had more get up and go. The outgoing Corolla (1ZZ motor) at least revved easier, so it actually felt like you were accomplishing something (making noise).
Don't get me wrong, you guys still get some pretty good chassis dynamics (I'm discovering the IS is pretty well sorted, after all), but the powerband just seems quite narrow. This makes the transmission kinda hunt for gears (when in ECT PWR, mind you) while going up/down inclines with or without cruise control, and makes it a little harder to hit those little tiny holes in traffic that I loved doing so much.
<anti-flame off>
Anyone else put in a similar comparison out there? I think its a somewhat smart move by the dealer, since its just about the lowest-priced Lexus right now. And you don't feel like a grandpa like I did in the ES.
(PS -- did you know the AFS headlamp assemblies cost like $850 apiece? yikes.)
10-30-07, 10:29 PM
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10-30-07, 10:44 PM
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My assesment of both, I have MORE FUN in the IS 250 than the 350 and I'll tell again why.
THe IS 350 has so much power, the paddle shifters don't even matter. The engine just has plent of power in whatever gear and whatever speed. IMO the engine on the 350 shines and at some point overpowers the chassis (not fun). The best part is the acceleration, what power!!
The IS 250, was so much more engaging to me with the paddle shifters b/c there is a lot less power so I had to be VERY aware of what gear I was in and my speed and my revs. It made things fun as I had to be constantly aware of everything when I drove. It did feel slightly underpowered in 1st gear but I've been driving a V-8 GS for years now, most anything feels that way.
Both are great, don't sleep on the 250!
THe IS 350 has so much power, the paddle shifters don't even matter. The engine just has plent of power in whatever gear and whatever speed. IMO the engine on the 350 shines and at some point overpowers the chassis (not fun). The best part is the acceleration, what power!!
The IS 250, was so much more engaging to me with the paddle shifters b/c there is a lot less power so I had to be VERY aware of what gear I was in and my speed and my revs. It made things fun as I had to be constantly aware of everything when I drove. It did feel slightly underpowered in 1st gear but I've been driving a V-8 GS for years now, most anything feels that way.
Both are great, don't sleep on the 250!
10-30-07, 10:57 PM
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I can relate to the OP. I dove the IS250 and my impression was...> looks like an IS, but feels like a Camry. Even though I am just getting use to my 08 IS350, sometimes I feel like it could use at least another 50hp and 40tq. An IS250 would have me rocking forward in the seat, as in , telling it to "getty up and go".
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10-30-07, 11:15 PM
#9
My assesment of both, I have MORE FUN in the IS 250 than the 350 and I'll tell again why.
THe IS 350 has so much power, the paddle shifters don't even matter. The engine just has plent of power in whatever gear and whatever speed. IMO the engine on the 350 shines and at some point overpowers the chassis (not fun). The best part is the acceleration, what power!!
The IS 250, was so much more engaging to me with the paddle shifters b/c there is a lot less power so I had to be VERY aware of what gear I was in and my speed and my revs. It made things fun as I had to be constantly aware of everything when I drove. It did feel slightly underpowered in 1st gear but I've been driving a V-8 GS for years now, most anything feels that way.
Both are great, don't sleep on the 250!
THe IS 350 has so much power, the paddle shifters don't even matter. The engine just has plent of power in whatever gear and whatever speed. IMO the engine on the 350 shines and at some point overpowers the chassis (not fun). The best part is the acceleration, what power!!
The IS 250, was so much more engaging to me with the paddle shifters b/c there is a lot less power so I had to be VERY aware of what gear I was in and my speed and my revs. It made things fun as I had to be constantly aware of everything when I drove. It did feel slightly underpowered in 1st gear but I've been driving a V-8 GS for years now, most anything feels that way.
Both are great, don't sleep on the 250!
I love my 250, no complaints at all! All about the driver
10-30-07, 11:25 PM
#10
The 250 is adequate for me. It was either that fully loaded, IS350 base, or G35 coupe base. Almost wish I had G35 just for the extra hundred horses, but can't beat Lexus quality. In 3rd, I have more than enough power to get the tight pockets on the streets. I just love how you can keep it rolling in third, and then hit it. I can actually hear the usually silent exhaust somewhat wake up, although it isn't an HKS or Tanabe, but I'm a fan of the tone. 4th and 5th are more than enough for me on the freeway.
For the most part I only drive it to school, which is 6 miles each way, and I don't drive like a maniac all the time, but if I want to, I just have it in Sport mode and shift around 4-5k.
But yeah, can't complain!
For the most part I only drive it to school, which is 6 miles each way, and I don't drive like a maniac all the time, but if I want to, I just have it in Sport mode and shift around 4-5k.
But yeah, can't complain!
10-30-07, 11:26 PM
#11
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never bothered to even test drive it...although every dealership tried to sell me one... I told them the only car I was interest in from Lexus was the IS350 and even told them if I couldn't find one that meet my specs I'd go for a BMW since I meet to a few dealerships already and needed a car, but luckily the last dealership jsut got a shipment of them and had one I wanted.
10-30-07, 11:33 PM
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I own a 350 and drive a 250AWD as a demo. Both are equally fun drive IMO. I have to agree with 1SICKLEX in that driving with the paddle shifters gives you a touch of that "I'm in control of the gears" feeling. It handles MUCH better in cornering compared to the ES demo I was driving before. Even without the ML stereo, the sound system is a thousand times better than my girlfriend's '04 Accord.
10-30-07, 11:36 PM
#14
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I'm Dave's sidekick
