Steven97

Hey guys, currently in the market for a new car! I've narrowed it down to the 2013 Lexus GS350 F Sport AWD or a 2014-2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport AWD. I really like the look of the IS350 but the GS350 still does not disappoint at all. I am also looking for whichever one drives better in terms of performance and what makes you want to go fast. Currently, these two models are about the same price, like a $2-3000 difference which is okay when it comes to being my next long-term vehicle! Convince me!

Toys4RJill

IS350 all the way. I like small cars.

JDR76

I've had both. They are both awesome cars, but with different missions.

I feel that the IS is the better looker, though I am quite fond of the GS, especially pre-2016 refresh.

My IS and GS drove quite similarly, though the IS feels lower and the GS feels more refined. The GS is also available with more features, especially on the F Sport versions. The GS also wins on interior materials.

I loved my IS, though ultimately it ended up being too small for my needs (kids in car seats). The move to the GS fixed that. Having had both, I would not go back to an IS.

peteharvey

What are your tastes like for: interior space, manoeuvrability, agility and dynamics, ride and refinement?
If you want manoeuvrability, agility and dynamics, go for IS350.
If you want interior space, and ride & refinement, then go for GS350.

AJLex19

I loved everything about my 2011 IS350 except for the space. It also felt quicker off the line than the GS...I traded my IS350 for a 2013 GS350...more trunk space, more legroom, more options. I know the 3IS (2014+) is bigger than the 2011 IS that I owned, but I've had a few 2014+ IS loaners and although the room felt adequate, the GS just feels like it has the right amount of room all around.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 GS? Personally I'd have to go 2014+, since they added 8-Speed Auto standard vs 6-Speed. Not to mention standard power folding side mirrors, and Siri-Eyes Free capability with the '14.

link13

It probably comes down to anticipated life changes. If you need more room in a few years, the GS is the better choice. I have not driven or ridden in the GS. I have had a '14 IS250 F SPORT and currently have a RWD IS350 F SPORT. I love the car. I am 5'8" and a passenger can sit behind me if they are 5'10" or under. If someone is taller than 5'10", the left rear seat is useless for them.

I would look at the '15. There's a documented battery drain issue with a lot of the 14s that you can find in the 3IS forum. My 250 had it. Some '15s have reported the issue, but it's much more common with the '14s. Hope this helps.

Kense

Do you like Big or Small Cars? The GS feels like a big slow boat , the IS is a more nimble car.

BoDarville

on AWD also?

PsykotiK

go drive them back to back and see what you like.. i went with a GS because its bigger, more comfortable and the interior. She's pretty nimble for a big ***** to

JDR76

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

No, unfortunately just for RWD.

peteharvey

Originally sharing platforms with the Toyota Corona, the Toyota Corona Mark II was a larger and more upmarket vehicle, but still below the Toyota Crown.
By the mid-1980's, the Toyota Corona Mark II was abbreviated, and became known as just the Toyota Mark II.
By 1992, as the Toyota Mark II grew in size, it eventually shared platforms with the Toyota Crown!

Back then, Toyota Japanese domestic market had multiple dealership channels, selling the Cresta which was more luxurious than the Mark II, while the Chaser which was sportier like the Nissan Skyline.
The Toyota Mark II was exported with the Toyota Cressida nameplate.

After nine generations of Toyota Mark II's, the tenth generation Toyota Mark II was renamed the Toyota Mark X, and is half a size smaller than the Toyota Crown/Lexus GS.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Altezza/Lexus IS has always been one full size smaller than the Toyota Crown/Lexus GS.

Due to the platform sharing, in common with Mercedes C/E Classes, traditional BMW 3/5 Series, modern day 5/7 Series, and Audi A4/A6's - that's why there is little difference in weight between the Lexus IS and GS.

However, there is a noticeable difference in size between the Lexus IS and GS, with the GS being almost a foot longer - depending on the low headlights and concomitantly longer front overhang styling used in each generation of models.

For anyone who is picky, thanks to the same platform on a shorter wheelbase - my two IS's have greater torsional rigidity and bending stiffness than my two GS's.

As a motor vehicles increase in length & width, the average mass of the motor vehicle is further away from the Center of Yaw, and this increases the motor vehicle's so called Polar Moment of Inertia.
The lower the Polar Moment of Inertia, aka the compact IS, the greater the agility - meaning the faster the speed of change in direction after steering input.

Think of a figure skater.
When he/she extends his/her arms/legs, his/her Polar Moment of Inertia is higher, so they spin more slowly.
When he/she brings their arms/legs together, bringing the mass closer to the Center of Yaw, his/her Polar Moment of Inertia is smaller, hence much higher rotational velocity.

The IS/GS has little difference in weight, and hence little difference in linear performance.
However, the Lexus IS is as much more compact in size than the GS, as the IS is also much more agile than the GS.

Not only does the IS change directions more quickly than the GS, but if the IS were to fishtail, the IS's fishtailing is much more controllable and comes to an end much more quickly than the GS's fishtailing.

For manoeuvrability and handling - go IS.
For space, comfort and refinement - go GS.

Or you could do what I do and buy both.
There are people out there who purchase a sedan and an SUV tall wagon - it all depends on their individual needs, wants and tastes; there is no right or wrong choice...

werewolf3

The GS is made to the US$50k to 60k price point. It will have pretty much everything that a modern sedan can have

The only drawback is the length of the car which may not be great if you're based in a city

Not to be rude but the IS is made to a lower spec

Stewart350

I have driven both and currently own a 2014 Gs F-sport RWD. I drove 2016 is350 f sport RWD for two days and it was a great car. Leagues above the other Is models. Did it handle better than my Gs? No. Was it faster off the line? Yes but not by much. Did it still out a smile on my face? Yes it did. I'd say you can't go wrong with either car. My only complaint is the cheap feeling interior. Aesthetically pleasing but felt rather cheap. The Nuluxe seats felt good for not being real leather so that's a plus. Base your decision on size and best deal. I wouldn't go older than 2016 for an IS and 2014 for a Gs. If your buying the Gs, pick up a luxury model. More features than the f sport. You could always swap to a F sport bumper later on.