2nd gen or 3rd gen?
2nd gen or 3rd gen?
Im looking to get out my 07 250 into either another 2nd gen 11-13 or considering a 14. While I still like and probably prefer the 2nd gen body style the 3rd gen has grown on me plus the interior is a major upgrade. Is driving 3rd gen 250 (non fsport) anymore fun vs the 2nd gen? Has there been any changes to the engine or same platform? Also any funky issues that I should be aware of with a 2014?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,629
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From: TX
Personally, I think the 3rd gen non-fsport drives much better than the 2nd gen. It's a lot more stable on the freeway, especially during windy days.
The chassis is new and a lot stiffer than the previous generation. The engine is carried over. I would test drive the 3rd Gen IS and see if you can feel the difference.
The chassis is new and a lot stiffer than the previous generation. The engine is carried over. I would test drive the 3rd Gen IS and see if you can feel the difference.
Well i drove a 350 when I took my car in for service and of course fell in love with it. But that may be a little out of my budget. So if i go 3rd gen it may be a 250. Thats why im asking if the 3rd gen is more fun to drive and has better handling. I do like how you sink in to the seats and it feels like youre in the cockpit of a fighter jet. Of course some of that ride will chance if I were to drop it on coils
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
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From: CA
Well i drove a 350 when I took my car in for service and of course fell in love with it. But that may be a little out of my budget. So if i go 3rd gen it may be a 250. Thats why im asking if the 3rd gen is more fun to drive and has better handling. I do like how you sink in to the seats and it feels like youre in the cockpit of a fighter jet. Of course some of that ride will chance if I were to drop it on coils
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,171
Likes: 1,823
From: WA
The weight difference isn’t as significant as people make it out to be.
For example, a 2015 IS250 AWD actually weighs 2 lbs LESS than a 2013 IS250 AWD (3,649 vs 3,651 lbs).
A rear drive 250 did gain as a 3IS, but only by 26 lbs. I’d take 26 pounds in exchange for the better handling of the 3IS.
For example, a 2015 IS250 AWD actually weighs 2 lbs LESS than a 2013 IS250 AWD (3,649 vs 3,651 lbs).
A rear drive 250 did gain as a 3IS, but only by 26 lbs. I’d take 26 pounds in exchange for the better handling of the 3IS.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
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From: CA
Originally Posted by JDR76
The weight difference isn’t as significant as people make it out to be.
For example, a 2015 IS250 AWD actually weighs 2 lbs LESS than a 2013 IS250 AWD (3,649 vs 3,651 lbs).
A rear drive 250 did gain as a 3IS, but only by 26 lbs. I’d take 26 pounds in exchange for the better handling of the 3IS.
For example, a 2015 IS250 AWD actually weighs 2 lbs LESS than a 2013 IS250 AWD (3,649 vs 3,651 lbs).
A rear drive 250 did gain as a 3IS, but only by 26 lbs. I’d take 26 pounds in exchange for the better handling of the 3IS.
This C&D article references 3465 lbs for the 2006 model.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.car...take-road-test
R&T references the IS250 at 3594 lbs.
https://www.google.com/amp/www.motor...irst-test/amp/
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,171
Likes: 1,823
From: WA
I find that there is over 100 lbs between the two models.
This C&D article references 3465 lbs for the 2006 model.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.car...take-road-test
R&T references the IS250 at 3594 lbs.
https://www.google.com/amp/www.motor...irst-test/amp/
This C&D article references 3465 lbs for the 2006 model.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.car...take-road-test
R&T references the IS250 at 3594 lbs.
https://www.google.com/amp/www.motor...irst-test/amp/
Note that your R&T link shows that the 3rd gen IS250 is not slower than the 2nd gen in their testing.
with 0-60 mph clocked at 7.2 seconds, the quarter mile at 15.6 seconds with a trap speed of 89.4 mph, and a stop from 60 mph in 113 feet. The last 2011 IS 250 F-Sport we tested did 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, the quarter mile at 15.6 seconds in 89.6 mph, and braked from 60-0 mph in 114 feet. Both cars are powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter V-6 with 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque and share identical gear ratios in the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 IS 250’s axle ratio is about 5 percent taller and its curb weight is 93 pounds more, but no measurable effect from the differences was found here.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Thats a good point. I've seen a wide range of 0-60 times for the 250 ranging from high 7s to low 7s so I thought weight could be a factor. I don't know if i'd trade a 2nd gen for a 3rd gen if you are getting the same engine though. Seems the cars are pretty similar. For the same price, you could probably swing a nicely equipped G37 sedan/coupe.
Thats a good point. I've seen a wide range of 0-60 times for the 250 ranging from high 7s to low 7s so I thought weight could be a factor. I don't know if i'd trade a 2nd gen for a 3rd gen if you are getting the same engine though. Seems the cars are pretty similar. For the same price, you could probably swing a nicely equipped G37 sedan/coupe.
Are there any articles detailing the 3rd gen and any changes to the engine they may have done compard to the 2nd gen?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,171
Likes: 1,823
From: WA
This article does a great job of explaining what changed from the 2IS to the 3IS, though it's getting a bit dated. Lots of good info, though.
https://lexusenthusiast.com/2013/03/...us-is-preview/
https://lexusenthusiast.com/2013/03/...us-is-preview/
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