HOMER350

I'm reminded how small the IS is everytime I look for it in a line of cars haha. Even parked next to compact or midsize sedans looks small, and lower since its lower than factory.

To the OP, given your parameters, I would do the GS. Theres a reason it costs more, but if cost wasn't an issue I'd go that way.

Most important to me is the nimbleness and lighter weight of the IS. But if thas not on your list, GS. Although some reported very similar driving experiences so maybe not even giving too much of that up.

Then again, if cost wasn't a factor I'd do a GS-F. Id sacrifice a couple model years and some milage too if needed.

E46CT

This reminds me of the E46 vs. E39 (3 vs 5 series) debate back in the day (late 90s, early 2000s), when BMW was magical. The 5 Series was only 60 lbs heavier (roughly) but quite similar to the 3 Series (of the day) in terms of handling and suspension. 3 Series a bit more personal, a touch more nimble but the 5 Series had more presence and a touch more quality. The 3 series was really nice. But when you were in a 5 series, you knew it. And so did everyone else. Those were the days.

About the same as the IS vs GS debate.

EZZ

The issue with the IS350 was the packaging. Its not a small car but the interior space wasn't really optimized well. The IS350 F-Sport with AVS was a great handling car Really made a big difference. The GS feels bigger but it is more practical just about everywhere. both cars are roughly the same speed (neither are that fast). Also, the 8 speed in the IS350 was fun to shift manually. I think later GS got the same tranny.

JDR76

Re: weight. (according to Lexus)

IS350 RWD 3,593 lbs
GS350 RWD 3,737 lbs

So the difference in weight between an IS350 RWD and a GS350 RWD is 133 lbs.

IS350 AWD 3,737 lbs
GS350 AWD 3,891 lbs

So the difference in weight between an IS350 AWD and GS350 AWD is 154 lbs.

What I miss about my IS was the low slung driving position. I loved that feeling. But the GS makes up for it in other ways. One does not feel faster than the other, and there isn't anything I'd throw at the IS that I wouldn't throw at the GS. I think people overstate the weight, size, and driving differences between the two. They're very close. I would base the decision of of styling, features, and space. Go with whichever suits you best.

One thing that can be a deciding factor for some is that the IS comes with folding rear seats while it's just a pass through on the GS.

E46CT

Pass-through generally yields in additional torsional rigidity compared to non-pass through. Hate to bring up BMW again, but it's interesting that with the E46 (sedan), non folding seats (pass through) yielded 33% higher torsional rigidity compared to the same car w/ fold down seats. Just that one small detail made a substantial difference.

Lexus doesn't publish absolute #s on their torsional rigidity, but there is an advantage to having a pass-through vs fold-down. All things being equal.

But really for a mid-market premium car, it's not a huge issue.

LaZeR

Hi @khione, speaking from personal experience because I currently have, and drive, BOTH (well GS300 RWD and IS350 FSport RWD):

The IS absolutely wins wrt Cornering, U-Turns, tight (parallel) Parking spaces, handling, fold down rear seat(s), and FUN FACTOR. Also, you sit lower to the road like a sports car. The IS350 FSport is more suited towards being a "driver's car". Four passengers always fit just fine.

The GS wins wrt space, omni-directional sight lines, a smoother ride, overall more solid build which you can FEEL, and sophistication. As stated, I have an IS350 FSport, and a GS300 RWD, and the GS350 is wayyy better than my GS. If you go with the GS you're gonna get "way more car" so to speak.

On a swerving, curvy race track, the IS350 is gonna win. On more of a straight line race track, the GS350 might win.

I seriously don't get the "$10k more" part, especially when it's an older GS vs newer IS. IMO, experience, research, this is out of whack. If you look at CPO, quite often a newer GS350 CPO with lesser miles is often priced very close to a slightly older IS350 CPO with more miles - again speaking from experience - check Lexus dealers' websites. Recently, when I was in the market for an FSport RWD, either IS or GS, and test drove both, salespeople said the reason for this (anomaly) pricing is because the demand for IS350 FSport is greater, and they're "more rare" vs GS. WRT supply, search for "GS350 FSport" and they're a dime a dozen. Search for "IS350 FSport" and numbers are limited. Considering SAME YEAR models, FSport, RWD, & mileage, I went for a higher priced IS with red leather, over a GS, mostly because I love driving it, looking at it, and already had a GS.

Once again, with the GS, you simply get "way more car".