StraySheep

iTrader: (1)

In sport mode, I can feel that the throttle response is more sensitive and steering feedback is slightly stiffer.

In snow mode, only the throttle response is less responsive.

Are there anything else the sport / snow button do to the F?

jkeifer3

Although I don't own the car anymore, I believe the car starts out in 2nd gear with snow mode selected. Someone else can probably confirm this.

daedalus

iTrader: (2)

snow mode is just less responsive throttle. transmission won't kick down unless at WOT and even then it still overdrives in a higher gear than normal mode. you still get 1st gear starts in snow mode. steering feels lighter in snow mode but maybe that's just my perception. if you're just doddling around town though you can use snow mode to boost MPG to around the 18mpg in the city. I average around 15 in normal mode.

Vervish

iTrader: (4)

In sport mode I believe that the threshold for the traction control to kick in is raised. Allowing you a little more freedom to spin the tires. I least it feels like it is to me.

dannyk8232

Agreed. IIRC sport mode changes the setting from 'full' traction control to 'mid'

WillRockwe

Snow mode starts out in 3rd gear, it is only for snow or if you let your mother drive
Sport mode changes a lot of things, I would love to see a list. I'm pretty sure it changes the steering, wheel response seems stiffer in Sport. I drive in regular mode in winter with snow tires on, with regular tires I always drive in Sport. Sport allows you to drift more on turns, but will still not let you switch ends. If you turn off all traction control you can switch ends easy, which I do not advise. I've seen reviews by race drivers where they say Sport mode is excellent for the track.

daedalus

iTrader: (2)

only thing i disagree with is snow mode starting in 3rd? at least for me if you change the display to show which gear the transmission in it seems to start in 1st each time?

WillRockwe

Here's what Car and Driver said:
"In winter, our Lexus was often plain scary. It was difficult to get the car moving even in the driver-selectable snow mode, which starts the car off in second gear. When approaching a snowy uphill grade—even a slight one—the F would slip backward, or worse, slip sideways. Also, if snow was deeper than the car’s 4.7-inch ground clearance, its low front end became a clumsy snowplow, and forward motion was more painful than passing a kidney stone. "

Personally, I think the F performs quite well in the snow wearing Blizzaks

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

If their test car had PS2s, PSS, or RE050As, it's no wonder it sucked in snow. I can tell you PSS sucks in snow and ice from the recent winter weather here in Atlanta. It has nothing to do with the F's fundamental competence, and everything to do with the tires not being suited to the conditions.

Snow mode does not start out in 3rd. It starts out in 2nd, see page 124 in the owner's manual.

Here's everything else that happens when you play with the mode switch: