Topic: Lexus GS300 AWD VS IS250 AWD

[ttc]

Can anyone comments on why the big price difference between the two cars that are similarily equiped? I have ordered a GS300 AWD with the Touring Package for November delivery with an option to switch to an IS250 AWD with Luxury Package after test driving the car. Even with a good discount on the GS300 , I am still looking at a net difference of $15 - $16K before taxes. Other than having a clearance sensor, power folding mirrors, a slightly bigger engine and a bigger body, the 2 cars are almost identical in features (at least on paper). Do you think that warrants the price difference or am I missing something? P.S. I have not got time to test drive the IS yet and cannot comment on the feel or material used on the car.

[Traum]

Isn't the GS a significantly bigger car? That's your reason right there.

-Rick

[tpl]

Even if the GS isn't all that physically bigger, and I thought it was, its still in a diffeent size "class"

[johngenx]

I get it.  We had both an E-Class and C-Class Mercedes at the same time, and the price difference was not justifiable.  Of course, that gap was over $20K.  The extra inch of rear leg room and small amount of additional trunk space didn't make a big difference size-wise.

I doubt you'd find the differences in driving, either.  They'll be small.

The $40K-ish cars have just become SO good thanks to the intense competition in the category.  Personally, I'd stick with the IS250 and pocket the sizeable difference.

[toolatecrew]

Engine: 245 hp, 230 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve DOHC V6
Curb Weight: 1,705 kg (3,759 lbs)


IS 204 HP 185 lb/ft torque
Curb Weight 1,656 kg (3650 lbs)

There is a big price difference. Only a test drive will tell you if its worth it but this jumps out at me.

Both are heavy cars especially with AWD and Auto only tranny's. The GS has a better power to wight ratio and a substantial torque advantage.

I don't know how important it is to you but the IS 250 AWD quoted 0-60 is 8.3 seconds. It means you'll get smoked at stoplights by Mazda 3s. For a "sporty" BMW 3 series competitior that would simply be unaccepatable to me.

Nice dillema to have Gs or IS.

[quadzilla]

On the BMW site the 325xi (auto) does 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds.

I don't people that buy a 325xi or IS250awd are worried about 0-100kph times.

Besides, once the roads are snow covered, the awd will win when the light turns green.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think size is the the biggest issue. If you're carrying anyone in the back seat, you'd probably want the GS. Width and shoulder room are probably much more comfy in the GS. But the IS is larger than before, thankfully.

Also, ride quality should be better in the GS.

As for materials, I expect they will be very close in look and feel.

Depends what you use your vehicle for, but that's a lot of money between the two. The IS will be sportier, but the GS does portray a more upmarket image.

[toolatecrew]

On the BMW site the 325xi (auto) does 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds.

I don't people that buy a 325xi or IS250awd are worried about 0-100kph times.

Besides, once the roads are snow covered, the awd will win when the light turns green.

THEY may not worry about 0-60 times but its the numbers they have available. My guess is that someone who spends 40K on a car expects efortless acceleration and passing . 180lb feet of torque is not going to give you that FEEL regardless of what the numbers say.

[Snowman]

On the BMW site the 325xi (auto) does 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds.

I don't people that buy a 325xi or IS250awd are worried about 0-100kph times.

Besides, once the roads are snow covered, the awd will win when the light turns green.

THEY may not worry about 0-60 times but its the numbers they have available. My guess is that someone who spends 40K on a car expects efortless acceleration and passing . 180lb feet of torque is not going to give you that FEEL regardless of what the numbers say.

I would expect to beat my wife’s Highlander…..anything over 8 seconds should not be considered a drivers car IMHO.

[johngenx]

anything over 8 seconds should not be considered a drivers car IMHO.

I disagree. The Miata could not break into the 7's, and it's much more of a  "driver's" car than many that are quicker.  An old Porsche 356 is not all that quick, but an amazing car to drive.  No power steering, no power brakes and not very quick, but you can feel the road and every movement of the car.

I doubt an Austin Healey Sprite could go under 8.0.

As to dynamic capability, I'd take a BMW 3-series that does 0-100km/h in 9.0 over any SUV that did it in 7.0.  On a good road it'll take more skill to go fast without the power. The handling and feedback provided by the BMW would provide a much more enjoyable experience.  Is it about numbers, or fun?

[avtoller]

anything over 8 seconds should not be considered a drivers car IMHO.

I disagree. The Miata could not break into the 7's, and it's much more of a  "driver's" car than many that are quicker.  An old Porsche 356 is not all that quick, but an amazing car to drive.  No power steering, no power brakes and not very quick, but you can feel the road and every movement of the car.

I doubt an Austin Healey Sprite could go under 8.0.

As to dynamic capability, I'd take a BMW 3-series that does 0-100km/h in 9.0 over any SUV that did it in 7.0.  On a good road it'll take more skill to go fast without the power. The handling and feedback provided by the BMW would provide a much more enjoyable experience.  Is it about numbers, or fun?

I'm with John on this. The Austin Mini Cooper S was around 10 sec 0-60 mph, the Sprite couldn't beat 12 sec on a good day, but both were barrels of fun for a real driver to push to the limits. My old BMW 2002 was fairly slow 0-100, but a definite driver's car. Brute power is over-rated IMO.

[Snowman]

anything over 8 seconds should not be considered a drivers car IMHO.

I disagree. The Miata could not break into the 7's, and it's much more of a  "driver's" car than many that are quicker.  An old Porsche 356 is not all that quick, but an amazing car to drive.  No power steering, no power brakes and not very quick, but you can feel the road and every movement of the car.

I doubt an Austin Healey Sprite could go under 8.0.


When I exit the apex of a corner I want to be able to accelerate and feel power. I love a good handling car but to me a driver’s car requires power to challenge the handling abilities.


As to dynamic capability, I'd take a BMW 3-series that does 0-100km/h in 9.0 over any SUV that did it in 7.0.  On a good road it'll take more skill to go fast without the power. The handling and feedback provided by the BMW would provide a much more enjoyable experience.  Is it about numbers, or fun?

I'm with John on this. The Austin Mini Cooper S was around 10 sec 0-60 mph, the Sprite couldn't beat 12 sec on a good day, but both were barrels of fun for a real driver to push to the limits. My old BMW 2002 was fairly slow 0-100, but a definite driver's car. Brute power is over-rated IMO.

[mdxtasy]

I'm jumping onto the genx bandwagon too.  Driving experience and feel are key factors in making the driver feel like they are going faster than they really are.....and numbers/stats don't truly tell you the whole story.  Like that Bugatti thread, 2.5sec 0-death time.....does it matter?  It's 4300lbs, no clutch, probably can't corner....and looks like some alien lifeform.  I thought supercars were supposed to be aggressive and menacing...not some cartoonish character.