Standar 350 vs. F Sport Steering
07-04-13, 08:16 AM
#1
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Standar 350 vs. F Sport Steering
Hello. Just joined. About to pull trigger on a '12 IS 350. A have a question that I could otherwise answer myself but am stationed in Germany and can not test drive. Can someone tell me whether the performance of an F Sport is significantly different than standard IS 350. Suspension wise, I've read that its basically the old sport package, but curious as to steering feel. I own a BMW 328I and have driven nothing but German cars, but I've always loved the IS 350 and am 95% certain to buy one and have it shipped. But, is the F Sport worth the cost? I am a sports sedan kinda dude who relishes corners and handling. I don't understand Car Magazines obsession with BMWs, though they are good. Love to hear anyone's informed opinion. Thanks.
Last edited by gbsjake; 07-04-13 at 11:39 AM. Reason: misspelling
07-04-13, 11:42 AM
#2
The F-Sport does have a different steering ECU. One thing most of the magazine reviews complained about back in ~'06 was the steering was too light and had no "feel", so the IS-F and F-sport both have different, stiffer calibration. See this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ering-ecu.html
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07-06-13, 09:13 AM
#9
It still has different shocks, springs, sway bars, larger rear brakes (IS250), different suspension geometry (from IS-F), body parts, black headliner, seats with nicer bolstering, different wheels, rear spoiler, front lip, etc.
F-Sport parts are USA-made aftermarket accessories that Lexus sells through dealers, they are not factory parts. Factory F-Sport models have different parts from the factory. They're just not the same, but that doesn't mean that the F-Sport doesn't have different parts.
Jeff
F-Sport parts are USA-made aftermarket accessories that Lexus sells through dealers, they are not factory parts. Factory F-Sport models have different parts from the factory. They're just not the same, but that doesn't mean that the F-Sport doesn't have different parts.
Jeff
07-06-13, 12:48 PM
#11
F-Sport factory is different from F-Sport Accessories. F-Sport at least on the CT and IS originally was just an appearance package. Slightly stiffer sways, shocks and springs vs the non F-Sport versions but its so marginal that it doesn't make a difference. Now the GS F-Sport really kicked it off with differentiation, and RX, IS, LS have all followed suit. But yes originally just an appearance package.
07-06-13, 04:24 PM
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Well well all this bickering has me more confused. But sounds like there are some modest differences between the two models. I just wanted to know if the steering was different. Will i be happier than with my BMW? I guess i will have to buy one.
07-06-13, 05:16 PM
#14
Buying one without first driving it first is asking for trouble. A-lot of people prefer how a 3 series drives to how an IS drives. If you like how your 328 drives I'd be even more wary of buying the car before driving it. Honestly the only reason I didn't get a 335i is because I didn't want to take a chance on the reliability.
07-06-13, 07:15 PM
#15
The F-Sport accessories are the accessories you can buy later to put on them. I noticed it throws people off because the F-Sport accessories came out first way back in 2008 before they renamed the IS factory sport packages "F-Sport" so automatically people expected the IS F-Sport package vehicles to come with the accessories. It would be nice though if it came with the F-Sport accessory exhaust or something, which I've always wanted.
But yeah like Hoovey said, the current generation F-Sport package models in the Lexus lineup come with way more differences than just exterior cosmetics.
But yeah like Hoovey said, the current generation F-Sport package models in the Lexus lineup come with way more differences than just exterior cosmetics.