Hite10

Hi

So I'm in the process of trading in my IS350 for an RC350. I live in Toronto and am having a really hard time deciding RWD vs AWD.

The price difference in Canada is only $200 due to packaging. AWD is useful for Canadian winters and this price its a no brainer, but it looks like i'm sacrificing a lot.

None of this is available on AWD:
VGRS + LDH
8speed
staggered performance tires
Silly transfer case hump on AWD
LED fogs (odd canadian packaging)
No 2 piece rotors and smaller calipers (i discovered this by comparing 2 cars, not on any spec sheet)- Is it true the RWD gets 6 pistons and AWD gets 4!!????

Also is it just me or does the AWD sit really high?

I love the staggered setup, I might swap it out myself or pay the dealer. Anyone doing a staggered setup on AWD?

I want your thoughts, would you choose AWD or RWD if this was the case?

AussieRC

I believe the (front) brakes on the F Sport are 4 piston, while RCF gets 6 piston.

dchar

Lexus AWD models have a significantly higher ride height than RWD models...maybe to have more clearance for driving in snow?

If you plan on driving in the snow a lot...then you should probably get AWD.

SRC350F

^ Agreed with the statement above, if you are going to drive it in poor conditions: rain, snow, go for AWD. If it is a car to drive when the weather is great, go RWD.

lexusjeff

That is a tough choice. I have driven my 2014 IS350 F-Sport RWD through the last 2 Buffalo, NY winters and with a solid set of winter tires, you will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of RWD while still retaining good winter capability as well. I used a set of Pirelli Soto Zero run flats on my IS and the car handled excellent in the snow, still rode very quietly or dry road and handled very well for normal driving. As long as you don't have a steep driveway or regularly park on city streets, the RWD should work well for you.

Bimmerbob

I have the AWD and also liked the staggered look so... I had lowered it, but liked the OEM wheels so I found RCF wheels on ebay that were 9" in front and 10" on the rear. The big challenge was finding tires that were the same diameter needed on the AWD. Found tires on tire rack that worked. The wheels have been on for awhile now with no problems. It has made the car look very aggressive, just what I wanted.

Hite10

Thanks for the information. What tire size you running? Also do you have some pictures.

FYI my IS350 is RWD. I love it, but even with winter tires its not without challenges. Got stuck at a stop sign and every time, I see a snowy hill I park and walk up Lol.

Guy Legend

Would get awd in Toronto. You'll get more use and versatility of your car year round.

dmac250

AWD was the only choice I would even consider...since i will have to most likely drive this year round. I may at some point end up getting a beater for winter to save miles. I feel more at ease around here with AWD tho.

SRC350F

I am just going to the dealer and see if I can up my miles LOL (12k-15k)
Already did 3k miles in 2 months >.>

GregCanada

If you have a winter beater - go RWD, if this is your DD, AWD.

The 6-speed tranny is nice.
The smaller brakes still grab very hard. You will only notice the difference when tracking it.
LED fogs you can add aftermarket for $150.
Staggered tires - use your stock rims with winter tires, and get staggered performance wheels for the summer.

Poqman

The transfer case hump is a non-issue to me. I rarely notice it. Can't speak for others, but my stance has settled in nicely. I don't consider it really high. I like to drive in manual mode and prefer the 6 speed to the 8 speed.

Best of luck in your decision.

JDR76

According to Lexus, both the RWD and AWD models have 5.3 inches of ground clearance. I think the GS is the only model where the AWD model rides higher than the RWD model (not sure about the LS).

Bimmerbob

Tires are Continental extreme contact DW 245/40-19 front and 275/35-19 rear.
Fronts have 20mm HR spacers,they come with the longer studs.

The diameter were 1/10 of an inch difference so tire rack shaved the fronts, they are now 1/32 different which is OK. The research I had done, 1/10th of an inch difference in diameter Is the maximum on AWD. There were a lot of tire manufactures that offered the sizes but the diameters were too far apart that's why I went with the continentals. With the all-wheel-drive and the wider tires the car handles amazing in corners.

Bimmerbob

Here is another picture it only allows me to post one at a time. Hope this helps. I had kept the old wheels and tires and most likely will run them in the winter, I have no other use for them.