I’m planning to get an RC anytime soon, but I would like to know everything about it. The difference between the 200, 300, and 350. I kinda know is that the higher the fastest, but is there much different ? And the the base vs f-sport. I been looking though cars.com and I see that the dealer title says rc 350 base but then in the picture cars in the back says f-sport. Are all f-sports with red seats ? Cuz my perfect Lexus would be an rc 350 f-sport with red seats and the Mark Levinson sound system, it could be dark grey or black color doesn’t matter. But I’m doing my homework in trying to find what’s the difference between all of them and why some dealers post it saying it’s base when the back of the car says f-sport

 

There are base models, then there are F-Sport models....then there is the F model. Do not confuse the F with the F-Sport whatever you do....the F owners get very angry and will say nasty things to you if you do. Personally it depends on what you plan to use it for. The RC F is an amazing car but is more expensive with used 2015-16ish model years running you in the $40-45k-ish range. They are V8s and awesome. Can work as a daily driver but not sure I would do that. Of the lesser models I would go with an F-Sport. You get a few more upgrades and options. You can tell if it is an F-Sport becasue there will be an F-Sport badge on the front fenders and on the driver side of the truck. Interior colors are red, black and grey. Pick the options you must have and you should be able to find it.

 

The RC series comes with either a 4 cyl. 300 or a 6 cyl 350. There are many differences between the RC and the RC F Sport. The F Sport comes standard with most of the packages and features that are optional on the RC. If you are buying new go to the Lexus web site and build your own. You will see what is standard or optional in each version. I have not seen a 200 in the F Sport.

 

In 2015 & 2016 The turbo charged 4 cylinder RC was known as the RC200T. I guess, Lexus didn't like that moniker because in 2017 they changed it to the RC300. BUT, it was the same car as the earlier RC200T. The RC300 AWD has a detuned version of the RC350's 3.5 litre engine. Confused Yes, The RC300 and RC300 AWD, even though badged similarly have completely different engines. Makes no sense to me.

The RC350 has the most powerful engine of the RC line.

Horsepower - RC200T and RC300 - 241HP, RC300 AWD - 260HP, RC350 - 311HP

Note the RC350 is also available in an AWD model.

All models are available in an F-Sport version as well. The F-Sport contains some distinctive features. Interior, wheels and etc.

Edit - Just to add. No, All F-Sports don't come with the Circuit Red Seats, But if you want the red seats, the F-Sport is the only model that has them.

I am not including the RC F here as it is a different animal.

Lou

 

The 19 RC300 AWD comes with the 3.5 V6 as well.

 

RC200t (2015-2017) and RC300 RWD (2018-2024) have the 2.0L Turbo 4 (8AR-FTS)
RC300 AWD have the 3.5L V6 (2015-2016: 2GR-FSE, 255hp or 2017-2024: 2GR-FKS, 260hp)
RC350 have the 3.5L V6 (2015-2016: 2GR-FSE, 306hp or 2017-2024: 2GR-FKS, 311hp).

The RC300 AWD and RC350 have the same engine, just different ECU tuning. The RC200t and RC300 RWD are the same, they just changed the name of the car in 2018.

Jeff

 

on the fence on an RC200t and an RC200t F-Sport and not understanding the difference in the F-Sport other than the logos

different tune at all or anything like that?

could post the two cars if it matters though there is a '17 black(Caviar) on and the other is '16 gray(Nebula Gray Pearl)

 

It's not just the logo. Suspension (stiffer) , seats (sport) and certain packages for the car are include in the F sport and are not included and or not available for the standard car. Had a NX 200 F Sport which uses the same engine in the RC 200 T and the NX it could not get out of its own way so I can't imagine a 4 cyl turbo in an RC. JMO.

 

thank you, suspension is good enough for me

not too worried about aesthetics though wonder what other performance differences there are since I could eventually mod for performance if it makes more enomical sense or easier to mod a nonF-Sport

'16 RC200t
https://acceleride.bmwofarlington.co...el%3ARC%20200t

'17 RC200t F-Sport
https://www.sewelllexus-dallas.com/u...c197629250.htm

$10k~ price difference between the '16 and '17

 

Sorry meant RC. Keep in mind that the rear seat is pretty much only good for children especially if the the front seats are set further back. You could mod the suspension and the interior but why would you put that kind of $$$$ into a non F Sport. You would never get your $$$$ back.

 

yeah, just wondering if it was kind of like TRD package on a Tacoma where you could just do your own suspension work and save the TRD scratch

have had several vehicles since my '95 ES including a '16 BRZ and most recently a '17 Tacoma access cab TRD Off Road 4x4 though working on an '85 Celica Supra project right now

I have always liked the F-Sport packages on various Lexus models and originally thought Five Axis was involved with designing them as they have helped Toyota/Lexus with their concept vehicles

my wife just got a '22 ES350 F-Sport which is really nice and the dealership I brought her car to for service has the '17 RC200t F-Sport which I test drove bringing about my current wonderings

 

I disagree about the backseat, I see this comment often and I feel like people haven't actually tried getting back there, or are abnormally sized.

Of course, your results may vary, but I have passengers in the backseat fairly frequent and anyone under 5'10" fits just fine. Of course the front seats have to be moved forward but I have never felt like it's too much or impossible to drive and I am 6'1".

Now if everyone is > 6 feet and 300 pounds then people are not gonna fit too well but I would say if you are average sized, the RC is plenty capable with 4 passengers, the only coupe I have seen that compares or is better is the M2/M4, every other coupe I have been in like the camaro/mustang/911/LC has less leg/head room

 

thank you and I definitely had similar experience in my '16 BRZ Limited though may have mostly be my teenage kids complaining about being back there

other than the suspension, are there any other performance improvements with the F-Sport vs non?

I do like the badging and cannot say I know what other aesthetic differences there are between F-Sport and non

 

As a comparison, I test drove a 22 BRZ and the backseats are noticeably smaller than the RC, my gf(5'4") barely fit uncomfortably while she feels that the F has tons of room.

I think the F sport also has the better rims/tires and a much cooler gauge cluster.

If you like sporty/spirited driving, I would probbaly go F-sport.

Also what's your budget? depending on it, I would totally get a CPO RC F with the V8 and have the best the RC can offer

 

thank you for the additional information

would definitely like to have an RC F though not practical at the pricepoint they hold onto even CPO

I am a fan of sporty/spirited driving and do like comfortable seats to go along with it. Also, have to say I do like the wheels on the F-Sport I am looking at(below).

'17 RC200t F-Sport