Och

iTrader: (3)

Right, the same can be said about GS300 vs GS430, the GS300 is much more agile in the curves compared to nose heavy 430. But then again, the E class is a total pig, even the 320 feels heavy in turns. I dont know about the AMG model, I would assume its a lot better, but regular E is just blah.

TRDFantasy

Why would you say that? Did you drive the IS350 with the VDIM systems turned off? In most reviews, objectively speaking, the IS350 keeps up with the 330I in handling. The problem is that the reviews complain about the driving feel , not the handling of the IS350. Most people confuse the two. Fact is, Lexus never wanted, and never intended for the IS350 to have the same rock hard feel as a 330i. Lexus intented to make the IS350 a luxo sports sedan, while keeping true to Lexus values, all while pushing performance to new limits. It never wanted to make a BMW immitator.

Different strokes for different folks. Many reviews, and many owners say the IS350 handles with extreme confidence.

jrock65

The 4465 lb. S550 does 0-60 in 5.3s.

So, I'd guess that the 3850 lb. E550 can do 0-60 in 5 seconds flat. Even a sub 5 second time is possible.

TRDFantasy

You're right. It will be a close match between the E550 and GS460. Both look like they should be sub 5 second cars.

olorin

Or, you could look at it this way:

Edmunds tested the S550:

Power: 382hp
Weight: 4270lb
0-60: 6.1

Also tested the GS450h:

Power: 339hp
Weight: 4134
0-60: 5.6

With the GS460 (probably) weighing less than the 450h, and with the extra 31 ponies, Edmunds should achieve a low 5-sec (maybe 5.2?), with Car and Driver coming in at 5.0 or possibly lower.

Lenscap

There were no cosmetic changes when the ES 300 became the ES 330 for the 2004 model year. The changes occurred for 2005, a year after the engine upgrade. Also, I thought the RX 350 received no visible changes from the RX 330 (although I could be wrong on that one).

spwolf

hybrids are completly different story. Better would be to compare 430 with its 300hp and new 460 with 380hp, and about the same weight.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

The RX350 recieved very minor exterior changes that I know of. The lower front air dam area has been redesigned to look more aggressive. It is suttle, but very noticeable if you are familiar with the RX330 design.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well i haven't driven the gs300 (new one) so i can't say much about it yet compared to the gs430. the 2gs is a totally different story since the i6 is as heavy as the v8. but yeah, balance is pretty important i think

well, when i drive the car i wasn't timed, so i can only talk about how i feel and how the car respond to my commands. all these together with what the passengers in the car think as well. somehow with the is350, when i toss it around, it seems like the car wants to go out fast, it can't give me close to the kind of confidence i get on the 330i. even the is250 somehow give me better confidence when i make quick turns.

imho track time is one thing, i respect that, but for most of us (including me), road feel and every day driving is probably something i focus more. i want to be confident in driving my car and push it hard every day without having the feel that it's going to flip over easily

TRDFantasy

Ah, fair enough. That lack of confidence, according to a bunch of IS350 owners, is due to the VDIM systems always working and intruding in the driving experience. I mean VDIM is seamless according to most, but intruding in the sense of not giving you 100% complete control of the car.

Most IS350 owners and those who drove it using the "cheat mode" say the car feels wonderful. For me, I tend not to like the feel of most BMWs.

LexFather

What I am finding incredible, no RWD GS will do 0- 60 over 6 seconds and we have a GREAT chance all will do the 1/4 mile under 14 seconds.
Did that hit home to everyone?

I mean, the GS 350 around 45k is a TASTY idea.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

come to think about it, maybe i should indeed try to take away the vdim and see how the car drives. let's just hope i don't end up in the bushes

Gojirra99

If you do end up in the bushes, it's you, & not the car

doug_999

Och, don't confuse driving dynamics with weight. The E500 weighs only 67lbs more than the GS430 and I have no clue where you get flimsy chassis from - it is one of the most solid ones out there.

The car does drive like a pig (IMHO), don't get me wrong, but that's not due to weight or a flimsy chassis.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

A BMW 330i is hardly rock hard. Now an M3...

It doesn't want to immitate you're right, but it wants to COMPETE, and on its own terms.

Source of reviews that say this? Owners may well say this because they may have driven Hyundais before. I've yet to hear of a BMW owner buying an IS350 and say "this handles with extreme confidence!"

The IS is a great vehicle, and Lexus has put an awesome engine in the IS350. But because the chassis basically isn't up to all that power they make the VDIM kick in to make it less dangerous.