View Poll Results: Which one
IS 350 F-sport
16
19.28%
IS-F
59
71.08%
1SICKLEX in 2012!!
8
9.64%
Voters: 83. You may not vote on this poll
IS-F or IS 350 f-sport
12-28-08, 07:21 PM
#31
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
I will say this:
At the Lexus Driving Academy, they used IS250 (yes, the 250s) with F-sport goodies as the pace vehicle in the lead/follow with the IS-F. And, I don't think the instructors were letting us take "sunday cruises" out there, as we were driving pretty aggressively.
Plus, IIRC, the instructors themselves stated that the F-sport goodies made the car a better handling/more balanced vehicle than the IS-F.
I'm not trying to crap on any IS-F owners. There is no need for the 335 vs M3-like argument. The F is a really nice car, and I really liked it. And (as others said) the steering was so direct that it made me go out and get the F-sport sways in hopes to make it feel more like the F.
All I'm saying is that it depends on what you want out of the vehicle. Like the above poster said, the 350 is probably more than enough for most anyway.
At the Lexus Driving Academy, they used IS250 (yes, the 250s) with F-sport goodies as the pace vehicle in the lead/follow with the IS-F. And, I don't think the instructors were letting us take "sunday cruises" out there, as we were driving pretty aggressively.
Plus, IIRC, the instructors themselves stated that the F-sport goodies made the car a better handling/more balanced vehicle than the IS-F.
I'm not trying to crap on any IS-F owners. There is no need for the 335 vs M3-like argument. The F is a really nice car, and I really liked it. And (as others said) the steering was so direct that it made me go out and get the F-sport sways in hopes to make it feel more like the F.
All I'm saying is that it depends on what you want out of the vehicle. Like the above poster said, the 350 is probably more than enough for most anyway.
So, if you're looking for a track day car, the 250 with the F-Sport suspension isn't an all bad choice - except there are at least 20 other cars at or below the IS250's price that will run circles around it even with the F-Sport mods.
So, from a pure real world stoplight to stoplight perspective, it's tough to beat the F on the street. Sure the 350 will give a good run for the money, and it is 200 lbs lighter than the F (lighter weight is always good) and with the F-Sport pieces, the 350 is a formidable challenge to the F, but at the end of the day, when it comes time for resale, the F is going to win hands down.
Truth be told, if you want a track day car, none of the 2IS cars are a first choice. Elise/Exige will kill any 2IS and save you money. But if you want solid, reliable transportation with a pretty strong WOW factor, it's hard to beat the F. That's why I got one. Having a TT Supra also made sure I wasn't kidding myself about being able to have fun on a track day too...
12-28-08, 10:06 PM
#34
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
12-28-08, 10:32 PM
#35
Lexus Test Driver
IS-F all the way! The F is an absolute beast. Raced one around a track several times and the quick shifting trans and cornering grip is insane.
12-28-08, 11:16 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
I will buy a CPO IS F or C63 for value in a couple of years, because they will depreciate like a rock. But I agree "fun to drive" is a plus. And I agree the IS350 has more power than you usually need on public roads.
12-28-08, 11:18 PM
#38
Lexus Fanatic
12-29-08, 07:29 PM
#40
Just helped my cousin install F-sport sways and F-sport chasis brace on his IS250 RWD...I can tell that the car handles a lot better and it is very stable on turns. Will post some pics of his car on F-sport stuff such as the intake, and springs in addition to the sways and chasis brace. Plus he now runs my stock is-f rims since I don't think i'll ever run them again...haha...I have two sets of aftermarket rims for my IS-F so I decide to let my cousin have them for the life of the vehicle...but when he sells it I want those rims back...and yes...he's a good driver so no curb marks..haha 
01-03-09, 09:02 PM
#41
Get the IS-F. It's quicker even for the first 60 mph. My best 0-60 was 4.2 in my IS-F and 5.1 in my IS350. My beat 60' times are 1.92 with IS350 and 1.90 with IS-F using summer tires (not drag radials). Handling - unless you're at a track, you shouldn't be driving/turning that hard on public roads anyways. Wow factor and leaving black lines on the pavement and going sideways on the 1-2 shift? Besides, in the end, on trading in or selling, you'll get more for your IS-F than all the f-sport mods + IS350.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
