BLexodus

iTrader: (1)

The Lexus website states the following:

-----------------------top-----------------------------------
Car: - (0-60) - (¼mi) - mph - drag - weight
350 RWD – 5.6 – 13.9 – 144 – 0.28 – 3,527
350 AWD – 5.7 – 14.1 – 131 – 0.28 – 3,703
IS 350 C – 5.8 – 14.1 – 141 – 0.29 – 3,880

http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/detai...fications.html

http://www.lexus.com/models/ISC/deta...fications.html

The performance numbers are not drastically different, but I was wondering if anyone has owned more than one of the above or has experience in more than one. Is there a noticeable difference in acceleration, handling, or any other performance aspect?

I saw a nice looking IS350c today and it just got me thinking.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I've been lucky enough to experience all of these (work at an automall w/Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, BMW and Mini). In terms of power, they're all similar but the 350 RWD being the lightest feels the fastest. The 350 AWD takes the corners very well (not that I could wring it out too much on surface streets due to it being new), but stock vs stock against a RWD, cornering would be more planted. Compared to my own 350 RWD with performance tires, coilovers, sways, strut and chassis brace though, I'm certain mine would prevail. I can feel the body roll in the 350C due to the weight. More of a boulevard cruiser than corner chaser

iRock

iTrader: (12)

ive drivin 350c bec i almost bought one.... and i drive a 350RWD right now..... they are both really quick 0.2 is not a big difference in performance... all of them are gonna be hella fast... if you gonna go to the track a lot get RWD.

cloo7

awd is heavy for this car so rwd is definitely way to go if wintery mix is not an issue.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

and if it is just buy proper tires... there's a ton of folks on here with RWD 350s in Canada, upstate NY, upper midwest, etc and they get around just fine in winter.

BLexodus

iTrader: (1)

So the convetible actually feels heavier?

I need to go drive one.

machefai

As an fyi, those Lexus 0-60 and 1/4mile times are not very accurate. Stock rwd/awd's have reported low to mid 13's in the 1/4. For 0-60, you can find plenty of RWD folks doing 0-60 in the 4.7 to 5.0 on youtube. I've only seen one awd 0-60 video so far, but it ran 5.1 stock.

I think the biggest factor causing the discrepancies with the lexus times is really just turning off traction control and using brake torque at the line. You will immediately see a .5 sec+ improvement.

As far as the extra weight goes, in order to help visualize, the diff between rwd and awd is like having a passenger in the car. RWD to C is like having two passengers ride along with you.

EdwardK

Get a look in person.

I'm not sure you'll like the appearance of the rear beltline with the top down. When you stand next to it, the trunk is rather high and slightly awkward looking. At least to me it was.

syzygy

The "official" Lexus times aren't even updated on their main site yet. They took off .3 seconds from all figures because they realized that, for example, 5.6 for the IS350 RWD was far too much of an understatement.

In their official press release in 2010, they knocked off .3 seconds (from 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile) from every model, but this change isn't yet reflected in the data panels at lexus.com

Here is their official press release for the 2010 IS350 RWD, for example -

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

The IS 250’s 2.5-liter V6 engine delivers 204 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6 offers a more potent 306 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350 RWD model can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Both engines employ dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

Aside from its larger displacement, the 3.5-liter V6 also differs in that it augments the direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors. In light- and medium-load conditions, these additional injectors help produce a precise burn, optimizing power and efficiency. A dual exhaust system reduces backpressure at higher engine speeds.

An advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is standard on the IS 350 models and the IS 250 AWD. The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission, with the paddle-shift automatic offered as an option.


http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/07/1...icial-details/

The "official" times are actually 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5 for the RWD, AWD, and C respectively, and then there is still the matter of needing to optimize those times further because most "official" times are typically understated to some degree.

machefai

I remember seeing that. You'd think the website would be an easy fix for them! Especially since the awd was new for '11! Wnder which one dictates?

Thanks for the info though syzygy, I forgot there was some uncertainty with the official lexus times. And the funny thing is, they're still way off from what it can actually do stock!

GrandSedanFan

iTrader: (1)

Quoted 0-60 times are worthless. They don't even work in comparison to each other because there is no standard for testing parameters.