A fully loaded GS300 RWD (minus PCS) costs about $50,000.
A fully loaded IS350 (minus PCS) costs about $43,000.

A fully loaded IS350 and GS300 have pretty much the exact same features. In fact, a fully loaded IS350 can be said to have more "features" than a fully loaded GS300, since the IS has more power and VDIM.

Both cars are Lexuses, same warranty, same dealership experience and about the same quality of materials. The IS actually has a bigger trunk.

So, essentially, are you paying $7000 for a bigger backseat?

(I realize, of course, there are subjective preferences in terms of looks.)

 

You sure GS3 loaded costs 50k? That sounds like GS43.

 

sticker price that's about right.

and personally? i would get the gs.

 

Are you talking about a comparbly equiped IS350 or a fully loaded one? Without getting individual options and just the premium package, luxury package with 18's, and navigation I'm already at
$45,525 for the IS250. Still a pretty decent MSRP price for it's segment, but not $7000 cheaper than the GS300. You can get mostly loaded GS430's for about $52-$53K as well so that is about 7-8K difference.

 

well again i think he's talking about msrp. i think that's better for comparison, coz' the IS you don't get much discount now but you get a lot of discounts on the gs430, which has a sticker of 58k

 

IS350:

MSRP: $36,030
Luxury Package (RWD): $3495
Navi/ML: $3990
Parking Assist: $500
Headlamp washers: $100

Total: $44,115

GS300 RWD:

MSRP: $43,845
Navi/ML: $4030
Ventilated front seats: $200
AFS: $525
Parking Assist: $500
Sunshade: $200
Moonroof: $1000

Total: $50,300

http://www.lexus.com/models/is/price_options.html

http://www.lexus.com/models/gs/price_options.html


So, the difference is more like $6200. I tried to make it as apples to apples in terms of features (so no 18's or Sport Package on the IS350).

Of course, the IS is selling closer to MSRP right now, so the real world price difference is less, but that's only because the IS just came out. Given time, similar percentage discounts will be offered on the IS.

 

Anyway, to address the original question, I'm not sure I would pay $6000+ more for the GS300 over the IS350 although I do really like the room in the GS much better than the IS350 which my wife and I ruled out because of the lack of space and no LCD screen without NAV (We are unable to get any Lexus locally with NAV). Those things alone would mean I'd choose the GS, but not the GS300 I'd spend the extra money for the GS430, or wait for the upcoming GS350. If not, I'd actually choose another brand of car before the IS. Sorry, I like the IS, but there are a few things about that car I just can't live with or without unfortunately

 

Wait for the GS350. It's due out in the fall, right?

 

Just another additional minor difference. I think the quality of materials inside the GS300 is a little better than the IS. The plastic panels of example, those in the GS looks & feel higher grade. I can distinctly feel I'm in a more upscale car inside the GS compared to the IS , besides the additional room.

 

This is a comparison I did on the IS and GS, and if there is less than only 2% difference (Coefficient of Variance; I'll finally put into use what I learned in my statistics classes) between the IS350 or the GS300, I will consider it insignificant and consider the measurements equal.

Comparison: IS350 vs. GS300

Horsepower: 306 vs. 245 hp = advantage IS350
Torque: 277 vs. 230 = advantage IS350
0-60 time: 5.6 sec vs. 6.8 sec = advantage IS350
Top speed: both electronically controlled 142 mph vs. 143 mhp = insignificant difference
Fuel Economy: 21/28 vs. 22/30 = insignificant difference
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.17 gallons vs. 18.8 gallons = advantage GS300

(no moonroof measurements)
Front Headroom: 39 in. vs. 38.8 in. = insignificant difference
Front Legroom: 43.9 in. vs. 43.5 in. = insignificant difference
Front Shoulder-room: 54.4 in. vs. 56.3 in. = insignificant difference

Read Headroom: 36.9 in. vs. 37.0 in. = insignificant difference
Rear Legroom: 30.6 in. vs. 36.4 in. = advantage GS300; Now this is the biggest concern...
Rear Shoulder-room: 52.7 in. vs. 55.1 in. = advantage GS300

Trunk space: 13 cubic ft. vs. 12.7 cubic ft. = advantage IS350

Cost of completely loaded model: 44K vs. 50K advantage IS350


Now, after looking at the numbers, I have realized that the significant difference between the two models is rear passenger room. It really depends on if you will be driving yourself or the family. It also depends if you are looking for value or class.

I am actually quite suprised that the IS has more front headroom, front legroom, and trunk space than the GS!!!

There are small differences between the two. It really depends on the purpose of your car. If you drive alone, like a little more handling, and want to save $7k (with taxes), the IS350 is for you. If you drive a lot with other people, prefer comfort over handling, and have the extra moolah, then the GS300 is for you.

Good luck in finding your car!

 

GS350? Shouldn't this be compared with GS460 too then, if we are talking hypotheticals? I assume typo..

 

Sorry. Cut-and-paste job...

It's fixed now...

 

Not quite. Here is the way I see it. Yes, both those cars are still hypothetical since it is not yet released; however, the GS350 should get nearly the same engine as the IS350. If/when that heppens the IS350 will still have a power advantage due to being lighter, but the GS350 will now be close and not as severely under powered in comparison. The cost of the supposed GS350 surely will raise a bit, but probably not too much, The GS460 though will probably have a significant power advantge, but the cost will surely be over $10K more than the comparable equiped IS350. It sounds like price wise the GS460 will simply be in a differnt league than the IS350 and even the supposed GS350.

 

is NVH same in GS300 as in IS350? Are materials the same? I doubt it... And this is what luxury cars are all about.

 

These 2 cars are in different segments, you could make the same comparison of the 330i to the 525i.

I personally like the GS a lot more in terms of interior and exterior styling.............Just spend some time inside both cars and a blind person would be able to tell that the GS is the higher quality vehicle therefore it costs more. Performance wise, the IS is def the winner.