Lexus IS350 vs IS-F
08-02-08, 10:06 PM
#16
On a big TRACK, The F can dominate....
On a Auto-X track IS350....
Trust, me the F would be a lot better on the track (big track with some decent straights) since it has a lot better acceleration...
IF YOU WANT A Real Track car, be prepared to swap the engine, BUY a new SUBi or Evo, or heavily modify your's. Cause the car needs more power. (power to weight)
End of story
On a Auto-X track IS350....
Trust, me the F would be a lot better on the track (big track with some decent straights) since it has a lot better acceleration...
IF YOU WANT A Real Track car, be prepared to swap the engine, BUY a new SUBi or Evo, or heavily modify your's. Cause the car needs more power. (power to weight)
End of story
08-03-08, 03:35 AM
#20
Doesn't matter how big or small the track is the result is the same: IS F > IS350. The question should be "how much better is the IS F than the IS350 on the tracks?"
On the bigger tracks, IS F's speed is one advantage that the IS350 couldn't overcome and on the smaller tracks, IS F's handling is another factor why it has the edge over the regular IS.
Do I think the IS F is a better DD than IS350? No. But when it comes to which one is the better track car, there should be no question about it.
On the bigger tracks, IS F's speed is one advantage that the IS350 couldn't overcome and on the smaller tracks, IS F's handling is another factor why it has the edge over the regular IS.
Do I think the IS F is a better DD than IS350? No. But when it comes to which one is the better track car, there should be no question about it.
08-03-08, 06:24 AM
#22
that sums it up right there
...
08-03-08, 08:04 AM
#23
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Let me chime in, as I've driven an IS 250, 350, F-sport and IS-F at the track, some more than once.
Stock, the IS does just about better than any stock Lexus but it clearly is no track day car, but a sporty car with luxury on the track. The brakes hold up well and acceleration is good with body roll in corners. The car is the smallest Lexus sedan so it drives the most nimble but compared to lighter cars or a 3, its clear the engine overpowers the chassis. Steering feel it needs but a Lexus is not about steering feel.
IS 350 complete F-sport kit, this car is a complete surprise and more than enough car for most people. You keep the IS speed but add what it needs, additional bracing. The car corners much flatter and is much more predictable in corners (sounds good too!). It is obvious the engine/chassis finally match but now the tranny is slow to shift and the seats need more bolstering since you can really swing this car around. I am a HUGE fan of this car, seriously, Lexus did their HW here. Again, it needs more steering feel, a retuned ECU or something.
IS-F with Michelin PS2, I mention the tires b/c the IS does drive different with the Bridgestones. The PS2s= godly tires. You can feel the weight difference between the IS-F and the IS 350/sport. You can feel that the engine again, overpowers, but mostly in a short autocross course. On the open track, this car REALLY REALLY REALLY comes into its own and its an ABSOLUTE BLAST to drive. Its clear the difference in speed here between it and the IS 350/sport and you can and will take corners faster. Its obvious. The car sounds superb as well. THe brakes are uncanny, no fade at all. Once again, steering feel is lacking somewhat, a Lexus trait. On the road it won't be a problem.
To be honest, you can actually meet/beat the IS-F with the IS 350 SPORT in a smaller autocross course where the IS-F engine really doesn't help since the car never tops 45mph. On a bigger roadcourse where you can top over 100mph, the IS-F is clearly the superior car.
As for the TL vs IS, I've driven both recently and the TL is no slouch but you can feel its FWD "pulling" the car, which just reminds me of a Kia or Corolla. The IS 350 has the proper RWD setup. The TL is also much larger than the IS and you can feel the difference in size.
Stock, the IS does just about better than any stock Lexus but it clearly is no track day car, but a sporty car with luxury on the track. The brakes hold up well and acceleration is good with body roll in corners. The car is the smallest Lexus sedan so it drives the most nimble but compared to lighter cars or a 3, its clear the engine overpowers the chassis. Steering feel it needs but a Lexus is not about steering feel.
IS 350 complete F-sport kit, this car is a complete surprise and more than enough car for most people. You keep the IS speed but add what it needs, additional bracing. The car corners much flatter and is much more predictable in corners (sounds good too!). It is obvious the engine/chassis finally match but now the tranny is slow to shift and the seats need more bolstering since you can really swing this car around. I am a HUGE fan of this car, seriously, Lexus did their HW here.
Again, it needs more steering feel, a retuned ECU or something. IS-F with Michelin PS2, I mention the tires b/c the IS does drive different with the Bridgestones. The PS2s= godly tires. You can feel the weight difference between the IS-F and the IS 350/sport. You can feel that the engine again, overpowers, but mostly in a short autocross course. On the open track, this car REALLY REALLY REALLY comes into its own and its an ABSOLUTE BLAST to drive. Its clear the difference in speed here between it and the IS 350/sport and you can and will take corners faster. Its obvious. The car sounds superb as well. THe brakes are uncanny, no fade at all. Once again, steering feel is lacking somewhat, a Lexus trait. On the road it won't be a problem.
To be honest, you can actually meet/beat the IS-F with the IS 350 SPORT in a smaller autocross course where the IS-F engine really doesn't help since the car never tops 45mph. On a bigger roadcourse where you can top over 100mph, the IS-F is clearly the superior car.
As for the TL vs IS, I've driven both recently and the TL is no slouch but you can feel its FWD "pulling" the car, which just reminds me of a Kia or Corolla. The IS 350 has the proper RWD setup. The TL is also much larger than the IS and you can feel the difference in size.
08-03-08, 03:19 PM
#26
meow cat: thanks, yeah the blue 350z was fast on the straights. He had an SC on it. That s4 was fast too, but slower driver. I switched around, on the shifting, but I like
the auto better on track days.
Pisaykotik, thanks yeah a monkey could drive that lotus, not sure what the driver was doing on that course. The track that day ran 1.7mi. I hate cresson though compared to
texas world speedway. You can seriously maintain a lot of speed out at TWS. Like insane. They have the texas 2k supra meets there.
passnu2: heeh yeah i am back from my ban, but don't really have much to post. this thread was the only interesting one latey because Joe and I just had a talk about this the other day. Also, I was talking smack to caymandive since he just traded up his is350 for an IS-F.
sr20****: thanks, yeah get out there and take your car to the track and be safe.
the auto better on track days.
Pisaykotik, thanks yeah a monkey could drive that lotus, not sure what the driver was doing on that course. The track that day ran 1.7mi. I hate cresson though compared to
texas world speedway. You can seriously maintain a lot of speed out at TWS. Like insane. They have the texas 2k supra meets there.
passnu2: heeh yeah i am back from my ban, but don't really have much to post. this thread was the only interesting one latey because Joe and I just had a talk about this the other day. Also, I was talking smack to caymandive since he just traded up his is350 for an IS-F.
sr20****: thanks, yeah get out there and take your car to the track and be safe.
08-03-08, 04:47 PM
#27
Well.. the reason why I am consider getting an IS-F is because after finishing taking an Advanced Performance Track school in my IS 350.. I asked an instructor (he's this year Champion at this track this year) what I need to do improve my skills, he said.. you have taken the car to its limit...get another car...
But I only take the car to Road Course maybe 3 times a year but I do more AutoCross.. that why installing a sway bar may be enough...
The IS-F may not be worth the extra $15K upgrade... I like more power and speed but was a little disappointed with the IS-F when I test drove the car... I noticed an instant difference between the IS 250 vs IS 350 when it comes to power but didn't see much or any different between the IS 350 vs IS-F... maybe I just didn't push the car hard enough or didn't had enough time with it.
In a way I am little disappointed with the IS-F... from all the reviews it's always behind the M3, RS4 and C63.. and all the video I have seen.. its seems a little unstable in comparsion to the other 3 cars. But I have no interest in the other 3 cars because of reliablity issues. Lexus did a good job for their first attempt at the Performance Luxury ... but I expected better it's not a M3 killer.
Maybe I should upgrade my IS 350 (+ sway bar for AutoCross and Road Course) skip the 2008 IS-F and wait until the Nissan GT-R is more available... this car will destroy all the cars above and it's not much more expensive.
Also.. how much more fun is the IS-F compare to the IS 350? Anyone disappointed that they upgraded to the IS-F from their IS 350?
But I only take the car to Road Course maybe 3 times a year but I do more AutoCross.. that why installing a sway bar may be enough...
The IS-F may not be worth the extra $15K upgrade... I like more power and speed but was a little disappointed with the IS-F when I test drove the car... I noticed an instant difference between the IS 250 vs IS 350 when it comes to power but didn't see much or any different between the IS 350 vs IS-F... maybe I just didn't push the car hard enough or didn't had enough time with it.
In a way I am little disappointed with the IS-F... from all the reviews it's always behind the M3, RS4 and C63.. and all the video I have seen.. its seems a little unstable in comparsion to the other 3 cars. But I have no interest in the other 3 cars because of reliablity issues. Lexus did a good job for their first attempt at the Performance Luxury ... but I expected better it's not a M3 killer.
Maybe I should upgrade my IS 350 (+ sway bar for AutoCross and Road Course) skip the 2008 IS-F and wait until the Nissan GT-R is more available... this car will destroy all the cars above and it's not much more expensive.
Also.. how much more fun is the IS-F compare to the IS 350? Anyone disappointed that they upgraded to the IS-F from their IS 350?
08-03-08, 05:51 PM
#28
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lol go check out the r32s tuned by HPA. i own one so that my opinion, and an m3 and for some reason when i go to the track or canyon runs i feel better on my r32. i love the isf but how things are right now i wouldnt get one. i rather tune up my 250 and have fun with what i have.
Last edited by LILDANTE79; 08-03-08 at 06:42 PM.
08-03-08, 07:07 PM
#30
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if you want a four door car that will work good on the track leave it to the germans either c63 amg or m3. the lexus is a great car dont get me wrong but what the lexus does good the bmw and the c63 do briliantly. wait for a gen 2 is f it will probably get a dsg/smg like gear box more power and sophisticated handeling.