I've driven two F's in the last year and I will say all in all the F is faster. BUT, given a city or even rural environment, the 350 can "feel" same or faster.. Its all about 1st gear and I believe the gas pedal is more sensitive on the 350.

My girlfriend's ex-boyfriend had an 08' F, well she got to drive it a bunch, and now she is dating me with a 350 and she always comments on how quiet my car is, but how she feels like its much more fun to drive around town and feels just as fast as his F, so maybe she's just F'n with me, but thats my $.02

 

I wish I was given a chance to take it to freeway but all of you guys nailed it. It felt just about as tame as IS350. I really do like the body styling especially the seat and paddle shifter. The body seems more sturdier and the brake feels really grippy which I like.

 

I can vouch that from a standstill, the IS350 and ISF are pretty much matched to around 50mph. From 50mph+, the ISF will walk the 350, not much but noticeably. From 80mph+, ISF will walk away noticeably.

Currently have a 2006 IS350 and a 2008 ISF and what carLx has said above is accurate.

 

What did you feel about the ride and handling. Was it a lot harsher?

 

IS 350 / ISF Are the same prolly up tabout 60 MPH. After that the ISF is faster. IS350 has better traction and a better 1st gear... To be honest, im not a fan of the body kit on the F. I do however like the fenders though.

 

Actually it was about the same ride comfort as my 350 with F sport springs. The car felt bigger from inside and definitely feels heavier. I was quite disappointed that it didn't feel that much faster than 350 but then I mainly drove it up to 55mph on street road. Paddle shifter is awesome. It was much quieter because I have exhaust and Fsport intake.

 

OK...so I had the chance to test drive a 2011 ISF - Special Edition (with around 19k miles) this weekend. The following is my review:

I currently own a 2008 is350, and while I love my 350, I've always wanted to know the REAL difference between my car and the much talked about ISF.

The first thing I noticed is the modified Recaro seats. You feel more "snug" in the car than in a normal 350. Now, this is a good thing AND a bad thing. If your a smaller guy like myself (I'm 5'5" on a good day..haha!), then it's PERFECT! However, If your 6+ feet tall, and above average weight, eh...might be a little "too snug" for you. Nevertheless, I absolutely LOVE the seats!

One big question I had was how different the 8 speed transmission was than the 6. HUGE difference, and shift response is SO much better in the isF than in the 350. It's honestly ridiculous how much of an improvement was made. The Tone of the V8 is also very noteworthy, as I found myself pressing my foot down just to HEAR the V8 at above 4,000 RPMs. Simply Incredible! The Brakes were definitely improved from the stock is350 brakes, as I did do a few 0-60 runs.. Love the "bite", made me feel pretty secure and confident.

Also, my 350 does not have the ML package, so it was the first time I got to hear the Mark Levinson sound system. Definitely noticed the difference.

I get what you guys are saying, that it may be more noticeable of a difference on the Highway, but I didn't feel the need to have to take it on the Highway to feel the difference.

I would say, just for the difference in the feel of the sport shifting along with the V8 power, I'd trade in my 350 in a heartbeat if the price was right. Plus, with that 8 speed automatic, I'd probably get the same Miles per Gallon as I do now, considering I love "spirited driving"...haha!

Anyway, just wanted to put my 2 sense in there. Definitely something to save for.. But for now, I'll stick with loving my is350. LMAO!

Cheers!

-Matt

 

This thread makes me wanna go trade in my is250 and get the isf lmao

 

Yeeeaa dude, I mean, I have a is350, and hell, if I noticed the difference from 300 hp to 400 hp on a superb platform..yea..I'd trade that little is250 in..haha! I'll probably trade my is350 in after Tax Season, and will be thanking UNCLE SAM every day when I start driving that isF. LOL!

 

It's better, but is it 20k better? Not in my eyes.

 

lol ima wait til I get a house with a garage first I'm only 21 and my is doesn't even have 40,xxx yet, but for sure isf is to classy to pass up I gotta get me one before I'm 25

 

You got a good point, what car would you buy for 20k better though? Just curious.

 

↑↑↑↑..good question indeed! I'm curious as to what you would buy with an extra $20k?

Considering everything that Lexus has to offer, the biggest of which being Reliability..I still feel like I'd still go for an isF. I've had a 2000 BMW 328ci Supercharged (basically the same power as an M3, with more torque)..and once it started to break down, it was costing me a pretty penny. I dunno, I guess part of it too for me would be Pride of Ownership..cuz the isF is a pretty unique car.

What cha think?

 

I would personally pick up a slightly used Aston Martin. There are plenty of good choices out there. I just felt like the 350 was the sweet spot so I went with what I have now.

 

Mercedes C63 AMG