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Hit my second service check-in and one-year maintenance detail to check over the ceramic coating and PPF. All is well so far, but seeing the new 23 options has me debating if I should swap my AWD for a RWD with DHP....tough decision, as I've loved everything about my 21 so far. Caught an LC owner at the park afterwards...nice guy, and told him I'm jealous of his hustle level 😂.
I had a 2016 IS 300 AWD F Sport, and it was fantastic. However, I can't deny the RWD car feels just a little more lively on back roads - especially obvious if the roads are damp! And while I averaged 19.0 MPG over the time I had my 2016, my 2021 RWD IS 350 has been averaging just a little over 22 MPG. Not a bad trade-up - that's about 40 miles or so extra range per tank. So there are definitely benefits to the RWD setup, but also, AWD is great in snow. I had a lot of fun hooning the 2016 in the snow.
I have to say the RWD car does feel much more modern thanks to the 8-speed. It's not always as smooth as the 6-speed auto, but it definitely responds a little quicker to the paddles and generally is a touch faster on shifts. The 6-speed was not bad considering.
Side note, these miles are flying by. It seems crazy to me that I'm almost to 14k!
I had a 2016 IS 300 AWD F Sport, and it was fantastic. However, I can't deny the RWD car feels just a little more lively on back roads
/snip
Thank you for all the insight! I've heard the 6 speed is actually pretty solid despite being a good bit older, and was curious how the 8 speed stacked up - some stated a bit more gear hunting and harshness, which I was skeptical about. Would you say that's mostly unfounded / being overly critical?
The new DHP eliminating all the features I didn't want is a big draw to me for 23, as well as having the memory package and a couple other niceties available now (DHP is a must in my eyes because of the diff, and the stuff I didn't want pushed me to the AWD). From your comparison, though, it'd be a close call - splitting hairs for a couple extra luxury options and a bit more ability to rotate the car. I wish the RWD was sold up here in Maryland, but dealers only stock the AWD, so I can't really compare unless I find a pre-facelift to drive used - big decision when custom ordering here.
Thank you for all the insight! I've heard the 6 speed is actually pretty solid despite being a good bit older, and was curious how the 8 speed stacked up - some stated a bit more gear hunting and harshness, which I was skeptical about. Would you say that's mostly unfounded / being overly critical?
The new DHP eliminating all the features I didn't want is a big draw to me for 23, as well as having the memory package and a couple other niceties available now (DHP is a must in my eyes because of the diff, and the stuff I didn't want pushed me to the AWD). From your comparison, though, it'd be a close call - splitting hairs for a couple extra luxury options and a bit more ability to rotate the car. I wish the RWD was sold up here in Maryland, but dealers only stock the AWD, so I can't really compare unless I find a pre-facelift to drive used - big decision when custom ordering here.
The 8-speed does have its foibles, no doubt. When it is not warmed-up, it can be downright clunky in some situations. But all in all, it does the job. Sometimes it is a bit slow to respond to kickdowns, but as long as you're either in Sport or manual shift mode that problem doesn't exist. Honestly, the RWD balance is great. The AWD handles great, but I think the RWD car just feels a hair more agile and definitely is better-geared thanks to the closer-spaced cogs in the 8-speed.
Overall, I'd say unless you are in the snow a lot, the RWD one is the one to get.
New aftermarket lip spoiler? At first I thought it was the factory spoiler just color matched to the car but then I noticed there was no dip in the middle of this one.
Prototype set of Eibach Sportline springs are holding up well. I'm still waiting on the revision which would bring the car slightly lower and may have some adjustments to the spring rate.
09-16-22, 12:07 PM
