Being that basically it's all the same. Is it just the ECU that gives it the extra 50 HP? Before anyone says it (I've seen it on here before), I didn't cheap out. I wanted USB and no one in the area had one in the 350..lol.

 

Correct. It's the same engine, with different programming in the ECU.

 

Somewhat off-topic, but since you mentioned it... If anyone says I cheaped out by getting the 300 instead of the 350, I'd point them to the fact that you pay about $3000 more to get the 350 AWD, and I really saw AWD as a nice thing to have here in the Midwest. So you get the same engine and AWD for thousands less. Plus, to me the 300 feels pretty quick anyway.

 

what about the carbon build up issue?
affected?

 

No, that does not affect either the 300 or the 350. The 2GR-FSE used in these cars does not suffer from this issue because of the dual direct injection/port fuel injection system.

 

The thing which got to me is the MPG rating on the spec is the same between the 300 AWD and 350 AWD. Some people who have tested and thought about the 300, actually were encouraged to try the 350 and to their surprise, they were happier with the 350's power and went for that instead.

For more enthusiast driving, the 350 RWD could be an option too.

 

I saw someone say this to another member, which is why I said that.

 

Guys, check out our thread on this forum.

We recently tuned an IS300 AWD. Just tune = 38hp! We have dyno results and details in the thread.

The IS300 and IS350 are identical except for ECU calibration!

Rafi