Looking to purchase the 2016 version of this model.

For the RC 300, I want the sports package 1 + AWD. It's costing me $46 000 all in (after trade, etc).

For the RC 350, I want the sports package 2 + AWD. It's costing me $55 500 all in (after trade, etc).

According to my research, the two cars have the exact same engine, but tuned differently, therefore giving the 350 more power. Is this really worth the 9 500 dollar jump? What I like about the 350 is the fact you can get the sports 2 package (better sound system + front-end collision prevention).

What are your thoughts?

 

Personally, I was debating between the RC200t vs. RC350. Test Drove the RC350 and loved it. The sales man asked me if i wanted to test drive the RC300, I said no as i felt that RC350 was just about the power i was looking for. . He wanted me to put down 9K downpayment to lease it for 600/month. (Absurd) Walked away that day and started searching.

eventually, I put a downpayment and picked up the a pre-owned RC350 F-Sport with only 9k miles.

After a month, I don't think I'd be willing to downgrade it for a RC300. Mine is AWD as well.

 

Any word on spec. differences between 350 and 300?

 

The RC is a heavy vehicle... if you enjoy spirited driving you won't be satisfied in the 300. If you like the RC mainly for the looks then the 300 is the way to go.

I've got the 350 and feel an extra 50 hp would be great

 

I've heard it's a heavy car as well. I'm going to make the assumption that my assumption about tuning is correct. The website states that gas mileage is the same; I'm finding this hard to believe.

Could you confirm how your mileage is like?

 

I get about 19.9 in normal mode. Highway and local combine on the 350.

 

The extra horsepower, the RC300 uses the 3.5L V6 engine as the RC350. So if you want extra power, go for the RC350. If you just want it for the looks and wouldn't mind about 50 HP less, then RC300 is just fine.

Gas mileage for me, I drove it from NC to Maryland, got was averaging about 22 on the highway. Here driving it through local and highway roads, i get about 19.6MPG. sometimes even down to 17-18. Depends how hard I push it.

 

With 9.5k I'd use that to modify my RC300 lol. Easy to gain 50 crank hp with that much money!

-Josh

 

Why not the 350 RWD? What type of climate do you live in. I went for the 200t, for the MPG, and will probably go with winter tires.

 

I have a RC 300 AWD. As others have said it is a heavy car. No matter what model you get it's not going to be fast by todays standards. If you are looking for fast and fun to drive look into a BMW 228 or 235. It will smoke the RC for the same money

 

Get the rc350

 

I was just about to say that....I have the awd....but if you dont have snow where you live get the RWD...much more fun to drive!

 

Definitely go with rear wheel drive if you can. Less weight, 8 speed transmission, better MPG. Unfortunately I live in the northeast and you can't find a RC without AWD for a thousand miles.

 

Also, you will have the ability to run a staggered wheel setup. Its not recommended for me as it would probably mess up the expensive awd system. I also live in the north east and we get snow...even if its just a little...i've driven rear wheel drive Z's and G's and they don't move...had to get the awd to be practical!

 

RC300 AWD is perfect for me. Mostly city+highway driving. Extra HP might be what people want but not what people need during normal city/highway driving. Another reason why I chose RC 300 is because of the infrared color. It was the only infrared color one in the dealer here -_-

I got pretty much all the packages and safety features except for F sport package. It really is pretty useless in the city. Most road speed limit here in Oregon around 40-50 miles... Also , personally I don't like the F sport grill. I think regular RC grill looks firmer and sexier. (just my opinion)

If you are shopping for HP or Sporty feelings, go with RC F.