997c2

I drove both cars today, literally hopped out of one, into the other. I drove the 350 first. (Disclaimer: I have a 2014 IS350 that I bought new...). The 350 was solid and stout, felt really planted.
When I drove the IS300 immediately afterwards, it felt "tinny" and less solid than the 350. My spouse noticed it as well, but I can't say for certain if I truly felt a difference or if I was just imagining it.
Can anyone tell me if, (other than the engine/GVW variables), there are chassis differences between the two cars that would make them feel (pretty dramatically it seemed) so different?
I love the NA engine, but I'm considering the 4 cyl turbo just for price point.

EZZ

997c2

EZZ, I bet you're right. I got to drive twisties and round abouts and the sales person let me get into the throttle a bit. That was the part of the test drives where the two cars really stood apart from each other.

Thank you!

997c2

...and I realize that I forgot to mention that both cars were F-sports.
I think that pretty much confirms what EZZ says.

tea

Also, not to mention the 4 cylinder will feel lighter up front compared to the v6

E46CT

the 4 cylinder is only lighter by 10 lbs. (at least pre-facelift anyway) but should be the same for 17+ models.

EZZ

Turbos added weight and the "ancient" V6 is actually relatively light. There is such a big advantage to the IS350 F Sport relative to its other incarnations that I would have chosen other cars vs the lesser models of the IS. The AVS and 306 hp makes the car really come alive (and its about the same as a BMW 328/330 comparatively equipped).

The 350 variant also is hard to find which can only help resale in the future. I think if you get an IS, get the full 350 F Sport. If you are looking at other variants, there are better cars out there.

997c2

Thanks all. I’m literally trying to make the deal on the 350 F sport as I’m posting this. Since I daily drive a 350 currently, I’m a bit spoiled.
As expected they’re lowballing my trade, but that’s how I figured it would go...I’ll see what today brings.

E46CT

turbos (did you mean turbo?) added weight... to what?

EZZ

I meant the turbo added weight to the inline 4 pot to bring it near the weight of the V6.

E46CT

Not so sure it did, and even if so, it is minimal. Don't forget the 8AR has integrated manifold so it doesn't need a chunky heavy external manifold. the turbo itself is a tiny doozee--not much weight to speak of there. It may even be lighter than a similar I4. Who knows. Doesn't matter anyway as Lexus would not be using an n/a inline 4 on a Lexus. Point is moot. The end point is overall packaging -- 200T is 10 lbs lighter overall than the 350, therefore the 4 cylinder is lighter. Not much, but lighter.

dizlex

The IS350 is plenty "alive" without the "AVS" suspension. It's still in a very sporty state of tune. Unless you track you car and want that "extra stiff" suspension, I dare say the AVS does you no good. The non-F is, really, the better car.

EZZ

We will agree to disagree. I felt the F Sport was noticeably superior especially on a nice canyon road. I tested both versions and it was no contest...F Sport is the only true sports sedan. I also feel the 3.5L is the only version worth getting too as the 2.5L and 2L turbo were underpowered. I hope the next IS comes with at least 350hp with forced induction. Or I'm going S4 or 340

wthrman2

I have the 2017 350 F sport and I recall being able to do some sort of configuration in the menu set up of the car. The car is parked away for teh winter so I can't check but can someone confirm that there is such a configuration setting available.

E46CT

Can also just use the optional Lexus Bilstein dampers. The AVS seems to just stiffen up the dampers on smoother surfaces so the effect would be the same as just installing sportier dampers. the downside being is the "dumb" dampers wouldn't smooth out on rough road.

so basically your improved handling perception with AVS was simply the result of the dampers stiffening up when you were doing your handling tests.