Am I crazy? Did I detect a chassis difference driving 2018 IS350-IS300 back to back?
#1
Am I crazy? Did I detect a chassis difference driving 2018 IS350-IS300 back to back?
I drove both cars today, literally hopped out of one, into the other. I drove the 350 first. (Disclaimer: I have a 2014 IS350 that I bought new...). The 350 was solid and stout, felt really planted.
When I drove the IS300 immediately afterwards, it felt "tinny" and less solid than the 350. My spouse noticed it as well, but I can't say for certain if I truly felt a difference or if I was just imagining it.
Can anyone tell me if, (other than the engine/GVW variables), there are chassis differences between the two cars that would make them feel (pretty dramatically it seemed) so different?
I love the NA engine, but I'm considering the 4 cyl turbo just for price point.
When I drove the IS300 immediately afterwards, it felt "tinny" and less solid than the 350. My spouse noticed it as well, but I can't say for certain if I truly felt a difference or if I was just imagining it.
Can anyone tell me if, (other than the engine/GVW variables), there are chassis differences between the two cars that would make them feel (pretty dramatically it seemed) so different?
I love the NA engine, but I'm considering the 4 cyl turbo just for price point.
#2
I drove both cars today, literally hopped out of one, into the other. I drove the 350 first. (Disclaimer: I have a 2014 IS350 that I bought new...). The 350 was solid and stout, felt really planted.
When I drove the IS300 immediately afterwards, it felt "tinny" and less solid than the 350. My spouse noticed it as well, but I can't say for certain if I truly felt a difference or if I was just imagining it.
Can anyone tell me if, (other than the engine/GVW variables), there are chassis differences between the two cars that would make them feel (pretty dramatically it seemed) so different?
I love the NA engine, but I'm considering the 4 cyl turbo just for price point.
When I drove the IS300 immediately afterwards, it felt "tinny" and less solid than the 350. My spouse noticed it as well, but I can't say for certain if I truly felt a difference or if I was just imagining it.
Can anyone tell me if, (other than the engine/GVW variables), there are chassis differences between the two cars that would make them feel (pretty dramatically it seemed) so different?
I love the NA engine, but I'm considering the 4 cyl turbo just for price point.
The IS350 has AVS with the F sport package. None of the other models have AVS. That may account for some difference.
#3
EZZ, I bet you're right. I got to drive twisties and round abouts and the sales person let me get into the throttle a bit. That was the part of the test drives where the two cars really stood apart from each other.
Thank you!
Thank you!
#6
#7
Turbos added weight and the "ancient" V6 is actually relatively light. There is such a big advantage to the IS350 F Sport relative to its other incarnations that I would have chosen other cars vs the lesser models of the IS. The AVS and 306 hp makes the car really come alive (and its about the same as a BMW 328/330 comparatively equipped).
The 350 variant also is hard to find which can only help resale in the future. I think if you get an IS, get the full 350 F Sport. If you are looking at other variants, there are better cars out there.
The 350 variant also is hard to find which can only help resale in the future. I think if you get an IS, get the full 350 F Sport. If you are looking at other variants, there are better cars out there.
Trending Topics
#8
Thanks all. I’m literally trying to make the deal on the 350 F sport as I’m posting this. Since I daily drive a 350 currently, I’m a bit spoiled.
As expected they’re lowballing my trade, but that’s how I figured it would go...I’ll see what today brings.
As expected they’re lowballing my trade, but that’s how I figured it would go...I’ll see what today brings.
#11
Not so sure it did, and even if so, it is minimal. Don't forget the 8AR has integrated manifold so it doesn't need a chunky heavy external manifold. the turbo itself is a tiny doozee--not much weight to speak of there. It may even be lighter than a similar I4. Who knows. Doesn't matter anyway as Lexus would not be using an n/a inline 4 on a Lexus. Point is moot. The end point is overall packaging -- 200T is 10 lbs lighter overall than the 350, therefore the 4 cylinder is lighter. Not much, but lighter.
#12
Turbos added weight and the "ancient" V6 is actually relatively light. There is such a big advantage to the IS350 F Sport relative to its other incarnations that I would have chosen other cars vs the lesser models of the IS. The AVS and 306 hp makes the car really come alive (and its about the same as a BMW 328/330 comparatively equipped).
The 350 variant also is hard to find which can only help resale in the future. I think if you get an IS, get the full 350 F Sport. If you are looking at other variants, there are better cars out there.
The 350 variant also is hard to find which can only help resale in the future. I think if you get an IS, get the full 350 F Sport. If you are looking at other variants, there are better cars out there.
#13
Originally Posted by dizlex
The IS350 is plenty "alive" without the "AVS" suspension. It's still in a very sporty state of tune. Unless you track you car and want that "extra stiff" suspension, I dare say the AVS does you no good. The non-F is, really, the better car.
#14
I have the 2017 350 F sport and I recall being able to do some sort of configuration in the menu set up of the car. The car is parked away for teh winter so I can't check but can someone confirm that there is such a configuration setting available.
#15
Can also just use the optional Lexus Bilstein dampers. The AVS seems to just stiffen up the dampers on smoother surfaces so the effect would be the same as just installing sportier dampers. the downside being is the "dumb" dampers wouldn't smooth out on rough road.
so basically your improved handling perception with AVS was simply the result of the dampers stiffening up when you were doing your handling tests.
so basically your improved handling perception with AVS was simply the result of the dampers stiffening up when you were doing your handling tests.