Long story short I recently went from an 08 IS350 to a 2015. The latter although definitely more comfortable and stable (handling wise) feels more like I'm driving a 250 than a 3 when it comes to acceleration and overall rev happiness. I'm also still trying to get use to the, from what I consider, unnecessary amount of gears. I feel like the car can never decide what gear it wants to stay in. Suffice to say, all new and amazing creature comforts/excellent handling aside, I'm kinda disappointed and definitely miss my bullet of a 2IS. Can anyone in a similar situation relate or am I just being whiny?

 

I also went from 2IS 350 to 3IS 350. I know what you mean but now with a few thousand miles on the 3IS it feels a lot better. I do miss the ventilated seats.

Aloha,
Larry

 

I dont miss my 2IS any bit compared to the 3IS. Drive in the 3IS for a couple months then sit in a 2IS. The 2IS rear gear is more aggressive, but for everything else performance wise the 3IS is superior

 

You will get use to 3IS after a few months. I felt the same when I first got the car but handling is way better and S+ mode put a smile on my face everytime. No comparison to 2IS.

 

That is true but first gear is less aggressive (4.596 compared to 3.52). I believe if you do the math they are about the same as far as low end take off.

 

I do feel the car is slower than a 2IS, but I think it may just be a sensation due to gearing. The car has plenty of scoot in 3rd and 4th gears on the highway though. I find 2nd gear feels as though they built a little "slip" into it, as if the TC doesn't fully lock (even though it's supposed to lock in all gears). They could have made the rear end shorter without sacrificing much in terms of MPG. It makes me wonder if this car is putting down the same RWHP as the 2IS is? Maybe do to a less efficient transmission of crank power because of more gears?

FWIW, I find my Invidia mid-pipe livens up the car overall to help offset any lacking acceleration needs. I am satisfied with the acceleration now. Have you guys seen the OEM midpipe? That crossover section is terrible and not as well-designed in terms of flow as compared to the 2IS.

 

So basically I'm just being whiny. Lol.

I do love my new 3IS and do prefer it over my 2IS overall. I just wish Lexus hadn't sacrificed its pep for a few extra mpgs. Oh well.

 

I've test driven a 3IS and it definitely feels slower than the older generation . It revs faster and has much more grunt which is my feeling too. I was about to trade my 2IS for the 3 but despite the improvements in handling , it's hard for myself to justify getting a newer car that is slower in flat out speed. Yeah I wish there wasn't that tradeoff but as everyone said, you'll get used to it. It's a great car !

 

I kinda felt the same about the engine till I had my first oil change done at 10K.. not sure what the hell happened, but its feels a lot quicker and revvy than before

 

I'm amazed by your comments. It sounds like I'm hearing you saying it next to me - my cousin had said the same thing. He had an 06 IS350 which was fairly new with 50,000 miles. He ended up trading it for a '14 350 F-Sport in AWD and not only he said it felt slower but also less responsive to your foot on the pedal. At first he thought it was the AWD on the '15 since the '06 didn't had AWD, but then concluded it was the transmission. Up to this day, he still claims the '14 is slower than the '06, but he's happy with it overall. And I'm mad cause he didn't he sell it to me Not speaking to him on Thanksgiving dinner LOL

 

Have any of you ran a 2IS 350 and a 3IS 350 through the quarter mile? I am curious as to what gear you are in at the end in both cars.

 

That will be very interesting. Anyone??