nathantse

I've drove the 200t multiple times, driving positions is nice, comfortable. However, I never actually got to drive it hard. I only felt the turbo kick in one time when I really floored at while going 30MPH

I have not tried to is350 yet. I am planning to test drive it this weekend, and possibility make up mind and buy either one.

JDR76

The character of the two engines is not that similar, so I would just drive them back to back and see which one speaks to you more. That may help to cement your decision to go for the 200t, or push you toward the 350.

evident

it's not even a question. get the 350. Fuel economy is not too bad on the 350, but obviously a 4cyl should get better fuel economy.

dleex84

scheduled appointment at longo to test drive both the is200t and is350. sales rep was very courteous. i might as well ask them on spot if i can test drive a rc350 also. ill let you guys know but i will eventually choose one soon.

EZZ

I think if you test drive both back to back, floor it and see how they drive. Also, make sure the 350 is in F-sport plus mode. It will stiffen up the steering and suspensions...very different than the regular sport mode in the 200t.

I think the 350 is a completely different animal than the 200t...

nathantse

Let me know how it goes. I will be doing the same as well this weekend.

And I do agree. the 350 and 200t are completely different in terms of performance. But to be honest, I don't think I will ever tap into the power of the 350 unless I'm on the freeway lol..

nathantse

Do you drive a 350? What is your experience with the fuel economy? Normal mode vs Eco vs Sport.

peteharvey

We don't need full throttle to tell the difference between the 200t and the 350.
Even around town, the 350 is much sweeter to spin than the louder and more raucous 200t.
But then the 200t is more economical.
Horses for courses.

Rudiculous

iTrader: (15)

Another thing to think about is…

Dependability

The 350 has been around for ages and will continue to stay in the IS, ES, GS, etc. for the unforeseeable future. A true tank of an engine.

I personally have a 350 and have driven the 2.0 turbo. I prefer the 350 because of the smoothness, the 2.0 was zippy but it didn't feel like the 3.5 where it had no trouble pushing the car forward. You shouldn't worry about MPG if you're not planning on flooring it, ECO mode with an 8-speed will work fine for you.

Not only that, but the ML system is worth it in itself. The loaner cars without it sound absolutely terrible.

J3ffrey

I can't stand the vibrations that a 4 cylinder car gives off...even with a turbo... every single 4 cyl I've ever driven has the same old vibration issues.

peteharvey

I have GS350.
Economy is fine, regardless of mode.
Gasoline is cheap in the US.

Small capacity turbos were originally created for Europe where gasoline prices can be very high, and because of hi population densities in Europe, carbon pollution must be strictly minimized.

tea

get the 350. unless the 200t is the new ultrasonic blue color

nathantse

I was leaning towards the ultra white or silver lining metallic lol.

After further research.. with a price tag of 45kish...

Should I check out the Audi S3? Performance/Fuel economy wise, I think it will out best the is350. The only downside is that the Audi s3 interior looks really plain when compared to the is350's..

tea

a few members here have switched over to the S3, but can't recall who they were at the moment. I'm sure performance is pretty similar to the is350, but i just don't like how the S3 looks, inside and out.

J3ffrey

I vote 350 Fsport in USB.. but then again I'm only a week and a few days into owning it, so I may be still in the honey moon period I'm coming from an is 250... even with the gas mileage on the 350 it's okay.. this car has made driving fun again...