IS F (2008-2014) Discussion topics related to the IS F model

IS-F handling

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-02-08, 02:09 PM
  #1  
thechamp55
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
thechamp55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default IS-F handling

Hey guys,
I haven't had a chance to drive an IS-f yet, I have driven the IS350 which felt a little soft when cornering, and I have driven the 335i which to date has been the best handling car I have driven. I was just wondering if those that have driven the 335i and the IS-F and can tell me how the handling compares between the two. It has been a couple of years since I drove it, but I remember how stiff and tight it felt going around corners, with next to no body roll. Hopefully next spring is the magic time for me to get one, the wife loves the IS-F more than me, so that is making it a lot easier.
Thanks.
Old 09-02-08, 02:12 PM
  #2  
btwanky
Lead Lap
 
btwanky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

my sister has a 335... but the is-f just feels so perfect... when you just get in the car.. and sit there... its a whole new feeling.. kinda sounds weird.. until you actually do it...
Old 09-02-08, 04:43 PM
  #3  
houstonT
Lead Lap
 
houstonT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I sold my 335i to purchase the F. The BMW DID inspire confidence when pushed and the steering feel was VERY communicative. The IS-F is much more stiff than the 335i it WILL outhandle the 335i if you're looking at straight lateral G's. I also had Pilot Sport's on the 335i and have the Bridgestone's on the IS-F. Steering feel overall I give to the beemer, all other handling traits to the F.
Peter
Old 09-02-08, 04:53 PM
  #4  
f=ma
Lexus Test Driver

 
f=ma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: California
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Um... since i have all three, ill chip in. The IS F handles as well as or slightly better than the 335i. Which imo, is really good considering how well 335i's handle.
Old 09-02-08, 05:49 PM
  #5  
BigMikeISF
Lexus Champion
 
BigMikeISF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by f=ma
Um... since i have all three, ill chip in. The IS F handles as well as or slightly better than the 335i. Which imo, is really good considering how well 335i's handle.
I have driven a friends 335i a few times recently and I agree with f=ma. The 335i has good handling and steering feel but the IS-F takes the cake in both in my opinion
Old 09-02-08, 06:29 PM
  #6  
thechamp55
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
thechamp55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Well this is great to hear. I still look at the 335s longingly b/c of how well the one I drove handled, first car with sophisticated suspension that I had driven, and I have been hoping that the IS-F would be at least as good.
Old 09-02-08, 07:04 PM
  #7  
ArticKnght
Advanced
 
ArticKnght's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Posts: 679
Received 173 Likes on 81 Posts
Default

Hopefully next spring is the magic time for me to get one, the wife loves the IS-F more than me, so that is making it a lot easier.
I am hoping to for the same. However my wife does not love the IS-F due to the price . Hopefully I can turn that around by next summer .
Old 09-02-08, 07:59 PM
  #8  
FPR1939
Pole Position
 
FPR1939's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

We, too, have both the 2008 E93 and the IS-F. Both are great handling cars. I drive the F every day and my wife drives the E93. We both agree that the steering on the E93 is somewhat heavier than the F.
Old 09-02-08, 09:58 PM
  #9  
primecut
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
primecut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

If 335i owners can agree that the F's handling is as good if not better than the BMW, then I think it speaks volumes for Lexus. How about compared to the m3? Anyone driven or own both?

BTW - I assume that you guys are in sport mode, correct? From my own experience, the sport mode makes a huge difference in handling characteristics.
Old 09-02-08, 11:33 PM
  #10  
thechamp55
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
thechamp55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by I nd ISF
I am hoping to for the same. However my wife does not love the IS-F due to the price . Hopefully I can turn that around by next summer .
Good luck, just keep ending all conversation (even if not car related) with "... and it gets great gas mileage!" I lucked out, my wife liked it long before I did, she kept pointing out how "hot" it was.
Old 09-02-08, 11:36 PM
  #11  
thechamp55
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
thechamp55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by primecut
BTW - I assume that you guys are in sport mode, correct? From my own experience, the sport mode makes a huge difference in handling characteristics.
Hoping not to appear too clueless, does Sport Mode affect the suspension too?
Old 09-03-08, 12:31 AM
  #12  
avgj0F
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
 
avgj0F's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 644
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Sport mode = More firm & stiffed.

Originally Posted by thechamp55
Hoping not to appear too clueless, does Sport Mode affect the suspension too?
Old 09-03-08, 02:18 AM
  #13  
larrysb
Driver
 
larrysb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by thechamp55
Hoping not to appear too clueless, does Sport Mode affect the suspension too?

Nope. Does not affect ride control one bit.

Unlike Corvette with magnetic selective ride control.
Old 09-03-08, 06:24 AM
  #14  
BigMikeISF
Lexus Champion
 
BigMikeISF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I'm under the impession that Sport mode only changes the shift times and doesn't have anything to do with the steering or ride stiffening in any way, where is Flipside to answer this

Last edited by BigMikeISF; 09-03-08 at 09:21 AM.
Old 09-03-08, 06:39 AM
  #15  
NYMETS54
Driver School Candidate
 
NYMETS54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NJ
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

What up guys!

I have both a 335i coupe and The IS-F and I can tell you that around a corner the ISF feels more planted than the 335i. The IS-F is a stiffer car for sure. However in the 335i you can feel whats on the road a tad better. Overall both very good handling and fun to drive cars.


Quick Reply: IS-F handling



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:35 AM.