IS250/350 vs GS350/450
12-19-06, 07:38 PM
#1
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IS250/350 vs GS350/450
Anyone own both the IS250 (or 350) and a GS 350 (or 450)? How do the two compare in terms of ride, handling, comfort, fun factor, etc. If you had to choose one, which would you rather drive? I've had an ES as a loaner car and there is no comparison to the IS. Sure the ES has more room, but the suspension is too soft and it doesn't come close in the "fun to drive department". I'd like to know how the GS compares.
12-19-06, 08:23 PM
#2
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I don't own both, but I've driven both, and here's my thought:
The GS is a very nice car. It doesn't handle like the big car it is (unlike the ES, when I had a loaner, it reminded me of an old Buick). The 350 is reasonably "sporty", with well composed handling and a buttload of power. The numbers reflect that its basically a stretched IS (or is the IS the shrunken GS?); the extra 300 pounds or so look to be the biggest difference.
But the IS feels that much sportier. The difference to me was day and night. Lexus marketing material calls the IS a "sport luxury sedan" and the GS a "performance luxury sedan". I think, in the end, you'll find its primarily a style and a cost question to the owners.
The GS is a very nice car. It doesn't handle like the big car it is (unlike the ES, when I had a loaner, it reminded me of an old Buick). The 350 is reasonably "sporty", with well composed handling and a buttload of power. The numbers reflect that its basically a stretched IS (or is the IS the shrunken GS?); the extra 300 pounds or so look to be the biggest difference.
But the IS feels that much sportier. The difference to me was day and night. Lexus marketing material calls the IS a "sport luxury sedan" and the GS a "performance luxury sedan". I think, in the end, you'll find its primarily a style and a cost question to the owners.
12-19-06, 09:40 PM
#4
I have the IS350. I've rented/driven the '06 GS300 over a couple of days.
The IS350 has quite a bit more power and spunk with handling than the GS300. It has a tighter interior, especially with passengers and luggage. You definately get a better feel of the road. Good gas mileage for the performance it provides.
The GS300 is smoother and feels "lighter" with its very comfortable and soft suspension. A lot more quiet than the IS, and less sport-inspired. I rented it for the weekend (a trip to Vegas) because I knew that the IS would not be as comfortable for my other two passengers.
Which would I rather drive? The IS.
Which would I rather ride? The GS.
The IS350 has quite a bit more power and spunk with handling than the GS300. It has a tighter interior, especially with passengers and luggage. You definately get a better feel of the road. Good gas mileage for the performance it provides.
The GS300 is smoother and feels "lighter" with its very comfortable and soft suspension. A lot more quiet than the IS, and less sport-inspired. I rented it for the weekend (a trip to Vegas) because I knew that the IS would not be as comfortable for my other two passengers.
Which would I rather drive? The IS.
Which would I rather ride? The GS.
12-20-06, 02:32 AM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
I think GS is a bit older and higher grade, and IS younger and sporter grade... IMP I think I will get a GS if I have to drive my family around all the time and if I only need to drive my wife(GF) and I, I will get a IS instead...
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12-20-06, 06:23 AM
#10
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I test drove the '06 GS430 back-to-back with the IS350; in my mind there was no comparison. The GS felt like a much bigger car, and was not nearly as much fun to drive.
12-20-06, 02:20 PM
#11
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It's more like 175 lbs - GS350 = 3,704 vs IS350 = 3,527
What's more interesting is that Lexus posts identical times from 0-60 and 1/4 mile for both cars. I have to think that the IS350 is at least a few tenths quicker in both than the GS . . .
If one were to get the GS, I see no practical reason to get a GS430 over a GS350 at this point, at least until the GS460 is released . . .
What's more interesting is that Lexus posts identical times from 0-60 and 1/4 mile for both cars. I have to think that the IS350 is at least a few tenths quicker in both than the GS . . .
If one were to get the GS, I see no practical reason to get a GS430 over a GS350 at this point, at least until the GS460 is released . . .
12-20-06, 05:30 PM
#12
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I own both car IS350/GS350 and I can't really say I love one more than the other. They each serve a different purpose for me. I took both of them to the drag strip, the IS does 13.5 and GS does 14.1
If you are single, I suggest you get the IS because it's so much more fun to drive. It handles much better than the GS, I'm sorry to say but the GS' handling is just a bit better than my mom's ES. When I take corners in it, it get mad body roll. The IS is definely a fun car compare to the GS.
When you drive the GS, it feels like a heavy boat. Although it's quick enough to keep up with a 350Z but it sure doesn't feel like it from the inside. The GS is more for comfort and luxury status. I paid about the same for both cars ($45K) but the GS does catch more attention than the IS and you can really use the back seats lol.
If you are single, I suggest you get the IS because it's so much more fun to drive. It handles much better than the GS, I'm sorry to say but the GS' handling is just a bit better than my mom's ES. When I take corners in it, it get mad body roll. The IS is definely a fun car compare to the GS.
When you drive the GS, it feels like a heavy boat. Although it's quick enough to keep up with a 350Z but it sure doesn't feel like it from the inside. The GS is more for comfort and luxury status. I paid about the same for both cars ($45K) but the GS does catch more attention than the IS and you can really use the back seats lol.
12-20-06, 06:16 PM
#13
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I've driven my dad's IS300 and it handles very similar to the new IS but I didn't compare them back to back. It's what sold me on the IS in general though I had recommended it to them before they bought. Driving my bosses IS350 really put the nail in the coffin to buying it. The ES wasn't even a consideration because it is front wheel drive. I considered the GS for the space but I love the IS rocket.
