cpham4

I had the "pleasure" of driving a IS 250 base model for a week as my f sport was at Lexus for minor repairs to the rim. I noticed a few differences between the two cars...

Besides what everyone knows already between the two models...

1) The base model uses a **** instead of a mouse to switch radio stations. It's much easier and quicker to change channels, but it looks cheap.

2) The base model's air intake does not get tuned so it sounds quieter than the f sport. The f sport makes a meaner sound upon acceleration.

3) F sport comes with leather wrapped on the side of the radio console area. Base model is plastic which really adds to cheapness on the interior

4) The base model seats are more comfortable than f sport seats

5) There is a slight difference in the suspension. The ride feels a bit more comfortable in the base model.

There's probably more but I just didn't notice it.

abcsoup

Thanks for the interesting observations. The ride quality might also be affected by the base 17" wheels vs the 18" ones on the F-Sport.

JGard18

For you other tall folks like myself, do not expect to be able to fit into a non-F-sport model. I test drove a "regular" version and I had to recline VERY far in order to not have my head tilted about 45 degrees sideways just to fit. I'm not even THAT tall at 6'5".

The F sport seats sit much deeper than the others and thus headroom is at least somewhat adequate.

Skinnyfats

Sorry for such a small car 6'5" is very tall. Keep in mind this is a Japanese car and the avg height of a Japanese male is 5'7" and the avg height of an American male is 5'10".

A GS might be more in line with your height. Just my 2 cents.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Average_height_around_the_world

BoredWork

Besides point #3, that was the reason I got the non fsport.
I wanted really comfy seats for me and my passenger, we wanted suspension to be softer cause I'm in an area full of potholes but the ride can still take a good turn, and I wanted it to be quiet since my last car had a bov and the turbo was loud....also didn't like the navi mouse and my garmin works fine.

neilvosko

what car did hou have before?

coming from bmw even the f sport is comfortable ffor me

Atmicpunk

I too opted for the Non-F-Sport but I didn't want to sacrifice power. So, I got an IS 350--it's got plenty of power, better looking factory rims than the F-Sport and comfortable seats and smooth ride. My days of modifying my car are over (97 Honda Accord) so I don't want to start again.

JGard18

Of course it is, but it's not more inline with my car preferences or wallet!