Base VS F Sport Tires Ride Quality
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Base VS F Sport Tires Ride Quality
Whats up everybody. Looking into getting a 2013 GS F sport and just wondering how much different the ride quality is going to be compared to the standard GS which seems to have 225/50/17 versus the thin and wide tires on the F sport. I live in NYC and currently driving a GS430 with 225/50/16 tires so I’m sure I’m going to notice a difference. What do you guys think, how’s the ride difference between the two?
#2
Lead Lap
Came from a GS430 as well with the same 16" wheels here in NYC too. You will feel a ride difference because the 2013+ GS's suspension is very different from previous generations which ride a bit softer in general. Wheel size and tires will make the world of difference though.
If you get a 2013 GS F Sport (tires are 235/40/19 on AWD models), you will notice it to be jarring compared to the cushy 225/50/16's and soft suspension you're currently riding--I certainly did. Test drive an F Sport and see how it feels...but make sure you hit a few bumps/potholes to compare your tolerance level. Besides the premium price, I didn't like the ride of the F-Sport's I test drove as it felt too rough for me. I ended up with a '13 base/Premium GS with 18" stock wheels/tires (235/45/18).
However, you can always change out the tires to something more comfortable (e.g. Pirelli's or Michelins) and even go down in diameter size if you get an F-Sport...lots of folks do this for winter setups on their GS's.
Good luck and post pics when you pull the trigger
If you get a 2013 GS F Sport (tires are 235/40/19 on AWD models), you will notice it to be jarring compared to the cushy 225/50/16's and soft suspension you're currently riding--I certainly did. Test drive an F Sport and see how it feels...but make sure you hit a few bumps/potholes to compare your tolerance level. Besides the premium price, I didn't like the ride of the F-Sport's I test drove as it felt too rough for me. I ended up with a '13 base/Premium GS with 18" stock wheels/tires (235/45/18).
However, you can always change out the tires to something more comfortable (e.g. Pirelli's or Michelins) and even go down in diameter size if you get an F-Sport...lots of folks do this for winter setups on their GS's.
Good luck and post pics when you pull the trigger
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Whats up everybody. Looking into getting a 2013 GS F sport and just wondering how much different the ride quality is going to be compared to the standard GS which seems to have 225/50/17 versus the thin and wide tires on the F sport. I live in NYC and currently driving a GS430 with 225/50/16 tires so I’m sure I’m going to notice a difference. What do you guys think, how’s the ride difference between the two?
I have 18" wheels with Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 245/45R18 100V tires. It has a very nice quiet ride in all conditions.
Whatever you get (F-Sport with 19" or non-F-Sport with 18") be careful with the type of tire you get. A summer performance tire used below 40° is dangerous - like driving on hard hockey pucks. There are not many choices for the F-Sport staggered tire setup. Most GS 350s in your area are AWD, which does not have a staggered setup.
Watch those deep potholes you have up there!
#4
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Thanks guys. Yea I ONLY want AWD. So the AWD f sports have the same size tires front and rear ? I deff want the f sport for the looks, the extra + mode for suspension, leather and whatever else it adds. Worst case I can trade someone or get regular base wheels. I highly doubt I’m going to enjoy the harsh ride since I’m used to a soft one, is there a suspension mode that softens up the ride? I can’t imagine the ride ever being comfortable in NYC with 19 inch wheels that are this thin.
#5
Lead Lap
@bclexus : You're absolutely right, 4GS's with 17s are even harder to find than even say a Lux package GS and the OP should consider 18s vs 19s....
But I posted this last year as red GS was pulled up next to me with the stock 17" OEM wheels (first time I had ever seen this rare bird myself !). Check out the nice meaty sidewall on those tires perfect for our NYC roads:
But I posted this last year as red GS was pulled up next to me with the stock 17" OEM wheels (first time I had ever seen this rare bird myself !). Check out the nice meaty sidewall on those tires perfect for our NYC roads:
#6
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Oh wow those look ugly. I will never buy one with those wheels lol.
@bclexus : You're absolutely right, 4GS's with 17s are even harder to find than a Lux package GS but....They do exist...!
I posted this last year as red GS was pulled up next to me with the stock 17" OEM wheels:
I posted this last year as red GS was pulled up next to me with the stock 17" OEM wheels:
#7
Lead Lap
Thanks guys. Yea I ONLY want AWD. So the AWD f sports have the same size tires front and rear ? I deff want the f sport for the looks, the extra + mode for suspension, leather and whatever else it adds. Worst case I can trade someone or get regular base wheels. I highly doubt I’m going to enjoy the harsh ride since I’m used to a soft one, is there a suspension mode that softens up the ride? I can’t imagine the ride ever being comfortable in NYC with 19 inch wheels that are this thin.
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#8
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Oh I thought the f sport only added the sport + mode. Had no idea it changed the entire suspension design. Sounds like it’s going to be expensive to replace if I keep the car long enough.
Yup, all AWD F Sports have the same 19" wheels all around, non staggered with 235/40/19 tires. The non-sport modes in the F-sport (eco/normal) will ride the cushiest but F-Sports have active variable suspension which tends to react on the fly as road conditions change...a feature that gives great road feel, precision and handling but sacrifices some comfort.
#9
Racer
Luxury AWDs are a great confluence of performance, features, and comfort.
Pretty 18" wheels, full tire rotation, fancy seats, S+.
Pretty 18" wheels, full tire rotation, fancy seats, S+.
#10
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I’d actually prefer the luxury package but it’s impossible to find in the colors I like. I love the headrests on them as weird as that sounds. I didn’t know it has the sport + also I thought that was unique to the F sport
#11
Intermediate
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who likes the headrests in the lux package. I have a GS with the luxury package.
#12
Pole Position
Thread Starter
#13
Racer
I just looked now for fun, and I couldn't find a single 2015 Luxury available anywhere.
I wish the F Sports had the Luxury driver's seat. That would be a great compromise.
#14
Lexus Test Driver
#15
Intermediate
I lucked into mine. Dealer where I bought my LS with custom luxury trim happen to have a GS luxury. I love the noble brown interior. I would have preferred atomic silver since my LS was silver but I still love the liquid platinum!