IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

IS350 doesnt feel fast at all. Test drove one.. wth

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Old 05-16-10 | 03:18 PM
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Default IS350 doesnt feel fast at all. Test drove one.. wth

it doesnt feel fast at all.. is there something wrong with this one? I drove a g35 to the dealer ship and it didnt feel fast at all. Very smooth though. Is this normal.
Old 05-16-10 | 03:28 PM
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the g35 is a torque monster but the 350 is not as torque-y and very smooth so thats probably why it didnt feel as fast but it does run low 13s
Old 05-16-10 | 03:28 PM
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I don't blame you, you shouldn't have driven the Zonda F to the dealer.
Old 05-16-10 | 03:29 PM
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Is350 is fast dude. It didnt feel fast cos its a luxury car
Old 05-16-10 | 03:42 PM
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That's actually an issue, because not only is the IS350 actually faster than a G35 sedan or coupe (or G37, for that matter), but from my experience, it feels noticeably faster than the G.

If the car did not feel fast, I would be worried about potential engine issues. I can only assume this is a used car that you test drove.

So, to answer your question - no, it's not normal. Keep test driving IS350s (driver only, obviously, you don't want to test drive a car with extra weight in the passenger seats) until you find one that feels faster.
Old 05-16-10 | 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by DajonDondo
it doesnt feel fast at all.. is there something wrong with this one? I drove a g35 to the dealer ship and it didnt feel fast at all. Very smooth though. Is this normal.
If anything the car is so quiet, serene and smooth. Throw on a new exhaust, always the case lol .

Originally Posted by BoOst3d
the g35 is a torque monster but the 350 is not as torque-y and very smooth so thats probably why it didnt feel as fast but it does run low 13s
How is the IS350 less torque-y than the G35 and G37 if it has more torque?

Last edited by Hoovey689; 05-16-10 at 03:49 PM.
Old 05-16-10 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
If anything the car is so quiet, serene and smooth. Throw on a new exhaust, always the case lol .



How is the IS350 less torque-y than the G35 and G37 if it has more torque?
thats what i wanted to kno.

so there is something wrong... hmm...
Old 05-16-10 | 03:53 PM
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Its the torque curves.
Old 05-16-10 | 03:58 PM
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Next time test drive with the Power ECT on and you'll definitely feel a big difference. Is with this mode, you'll feel the full potiential of the Torque and low to med HP.
Old 05-16-10 | 04:02 PM
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Did you floor it in both cars? There's no way an IS350 would be slower IRL. Pedal travel in the cars is different though, G35 has faster tip-in IMO. 2IS in general is more linear/soft feeling so it won't have "pep" off the line.

VWs are notorious for this, G is more refined but still same type of behavior. That's not to say the G is a worse car in this regard, just different.
Old 05-16-10 | 04:05 PM
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Torque curves nothing, the IS350 gets to 45-50 MPH almost a full half second faster than the G35 6MT.

A full half second should be pretty noticeable by anybody.

Here are some things to consider - was traction control off during your test drive? The traction control in the IS350 is ridiculous in that it bogs down the car by kicking in when it's not needed. Great safety feature, but annoying sometimes.

Having traction control on can literally add a full second to your acceleration runs, depending on the street conditions, and it's very noticeable.

With traction control off and decent tires, you should be able to feel a noticeable difference, especially the 1st gear of this car. 0 to ~40 MPH in the IS350 is nearly as fast as an '03 Gallardo, for comparison, thanks to the phenomenally aggressive gearing in the IS350. Far more aggressive than the G35 or G37 which is precisely why it's faster than these vehicles despite having comparable HP.

With the G37 coupe for example, the additional 14 HP to the IS350 (rated at 316 from the factory at the crank) is pretty much entirely mitigated by the added weight. Then you take into consideration the gear ratios, and it becomes obvious why the G37 is not nearly as quick.
Old 05-16-10 | 04:26 PM
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^^^ What you said pretty much hit the nail on the head. As we've all talked about time and time again, the power, weight, and gearing has proved the IS to be faster car.

And just to reiterate what carLx stated, there are many factors why the 350 may have felt slower (quieter, traction, environment conditions) etc.

Not sure why the IS felt slow to you Dajon, but it is the faster car. I suggest looking for a different 350
Old 05-16-10 | 04:30 PM
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^^^ +1. If you tried accelerating from a roll without power ECT it might feel a little slow, that's the only thing I could thing of. If you had traction control off and were flooring it from a standstill and it STILL didn't feel fast... get a GT-R.
Old 05-16-10 | 04:52 PM
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thats probably the thing. I was on a roll. Im gonna try these things when i go. Thanks alot. You all are very helpful.
Old 05-16-10 | 05:54 PM
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I think car makers play around with the throttle tip in (non linear throttle mapping) to give a sense of more power. This was my experience 3 years ago when I compared the Acura TL-S to the IS 350. On the TL the throttle was so sensitive that it literally jerked my head back when I started from a stop unless I stepped on it ever so lightly. It made the TL feel faster initially but it's all smoke and mirrors.


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