I went in to the dealership with being completely open on which one I would choose. Ended up getting the the is350 f sport white over red vs the rc350 f sport. The RC was little bit more expensive payment wise but was very do able. I really wanted to choose the best car for me.


RC350
Pros:
1. The look of a RC-350 f sport from the front is amazing and the side. Ultra sonic blue and Ultra white by far the best colors IMO.
2. Sports car feel vs the sports sedan feeling over all. Just something special about a that.
3. The lines of the car look very nice.

Cons:
1.Did not feel as quick as the is350
2.The rear is horribly UGLY. Those fins on the rear side just look bad.
3.Little more expensive

IS350
Pros:
1. Faster
2. More functional (back seats)
3. Overall look of the car is very classy
4. Priced better

Cons:
1. Not sure.


Let me know what you think? I just wanted to share my thoughts because I was in the running for both of them.

FYI im from Chicago and chose the RW version.

 

Ive read that the RC350 is slower due to increased weight. I haven't test driven one myself so I really couldn't tell you from personal experience. Everything you said about the IS is true. The CONS for me would be ....everyone and their mom has one..

 

The only con for me on the IS is I like the center console more in the RC.. To me it is laid out better and more functional.

As for PROs for the IS I think there is more aftermarket support for the IS simply because they sell so much more.

 

I tried the touchpad and thought it was bad. Worse than our mouse.

 

The Mouse is horrible compared to the already bad mouse in the IS.

I'm disappointed that RC was slower.

 

Well, it's over 100 lbs heavier. The RC can accommodate a V8 though while the IS cannot.

 

I like the design proportion of the IS over RC. RC looks good in sections, where as IS looks good overall. And RC350 should have RC-F front bumper.

 

Would you buy the RC350 hoping to put the v8 monster in there? I

 

No, they were referring to the fact that the engine bay can fit the V8 used in the RC-F. The IS can't fit that V8, which is partly why there's no IS-F AFAIK.

 

the spindle grill and rear bumper of the RC350 is so ugly. go with the IS

 

Enjoy the IS! (Now you don have to change your name)

I think the 2-door and 4-door difference may have some subliminal influence to a decision maker. Hence affecting ones choice greatly.

I test-drove them both, no doubt they are both excellent!
I chose the RC. The most noticeable difference to me was, the RC feels more planted to the road while pushing it to it's limits. Which now happens daily. And likely due to the size and weight.

 

Great point. I didnt get a chance to drive the RC to its limits but does feel heavier. Which probably means it handles a bit better.

 

I like the IS and love the RC.

 

I bought the 3is before the RC comes out. Visually I like the RC except for the back, on the other hand I'm very disappointed with the RC performance as I would expect a coupe to be faster than its sedan version. All in all I would buy the 3is again if they came out on the same time. Anyway this is only my opinion as I know some people prefer the back of the RC more than the 3IS.

 

That's not the reason. The main reason is the ISF isn't selling (whereas the M3/M4 is killing it). It is also the strategic direction of the market. With the slow introduction of turbos, they are probably looking to start changing the V6 & V8 soon.

You can absolutely fit the V8 engine used in the ISF in the (new) IS body.

Wait, how do you figure a car with the same engine but weighing 100lbs more, be faster? lol