Lexus IS250 AWD or IS350 AWD--any good?
 

anyone here have one? if so what are your thoughts? other then horsepower is is 250 and is 350 is there any other differnces? AWD would be good in snow? its just heavier right?

i think AWD only comes in the is250 manual... is350 is only RWD auto...

is250 has AWD with automatic too..IS350 only offers rwd

obviously AWD would be better in snow. Also, AWD is heavier as you said, but I imagine AWD has pretty good benefits too.

The reason why WRX STi and Lancer EVO can smoke V8 Mustang for accelration is because they have AWD, maybe that is not the only reason, but I think it plays a big role about it. Same with GT-R can sprint faster than Viper SRT-10 and Corvette Z06(or even ZR-1).

A pretty loaded IS250 AWD ($48k) is similar priced to the IS350 w/o the Navigation package.

it really depends on what kind of AWD system the lexus puts into the IS250AWD... it could be full-time which is good... or it could be part-time which only kicks in when needed and most likely front baised then... i'm not sure on what kind of system lexus puts in the IS so someone look it up...

First of all, let's get rid of all the mis information
2nd gen IS' are available as follows

IS250 RWD 6spd MT
IS250 RWD 6spd AT
IS250 AWD 6spd AT
IS350 RWD 6spd AT
IS-F RWD 8spd AT

Don't bother with an AWD IS. They are so slow it's not funny.
Obviously we all want an IS-F, but that's not going to happen. If you're planning on loading up an IS250, I'd trade options for the bigger engine and the 100 more hp that you get.

I have an IS250 AWD, I find that its overall a good car, good handling, but it definitely lacks power. I would say this car is fairly slow, so go for a 350 and you'll probably feel some horses under your foot. I also have a E92 328i and that feels a lot faster when I step on it, so that just gives you a little comparison. The 328i only has 30 more textbook horsepower than the 2IS. Hope that helps a little.

To be honest, if I were you, I'd actually wait a little bit before you buy anything, incase they decide to include a bigger engine with AWD or something like that.

It's not as cool or as sporty, but the ES350 is a huge jump up from all the previous ESs aswell.

If it's in your price range, GS350s are also a nice car. A little bigger, but you can get a 350 with AWD.

becasue it doesn't have anything to do with horsepower as a number, but the torque and horsepower curves.

One have to remember AWD, robs you of mechanical efficiency and also weighs you down.

the 250 is gutless and useless...204 hp on a pig?? lol.

get a 328 or 323.. problem solved..

lol.. the numbers are even between 250 and 350..

too bad is350 doens't come in awd. gs350 awd is alot more i would think

it's a nie car, is250 is slow, but you are in comfort

get something different, IS and 3-series are everywhere

Like a Lincoln MKZ. Seriously. Fully loaded, its cheaper than a comparably equipped IS250 AWD, but has IS350 power. And don't listen to what everyone else will say, it's really just as good as the Lexus in terms of luxury and build quality. Oh, and I got better gas mileage in the MKZ too. Go drive one.

10char nvm found it.

nothing else really compares in awd though

I have the AWD and love it. Yeah it's not crazy fast, but I know when it snows I'll be able to go wherever I need to go. And it's pretty fun in the snow with the traction control off. (Although it still doesn't let you have full reign)

If you want a faster ride get the 350 but be prepared to buy a winter beater as well.

exactly why is250 awd is a good option for someone that doesn't want suv. only other awd option in price range is subaru

The CTS offer's AWD... the base engine's got 50 more hp than the IS250. I'd go with the direct injection engine tho... the base motor uses premium gas... for a few thousand more, you get the direct injection engine that not only makes a tad over 300hp, it's more fuel efficient than the base engine AND it does it all on regular octane.

base engine uses premium? hmm, i never knew that. but yes, i'd go for the DI engine too -- not that much more.

Believe it or not C230 4matic starts at 39k, it is also a 2.5L despite the name.

Just get a G35xS, ATTESA AWD FTW. Its RWD until the system detects slippage and can transfer up to 50% to the front wheels.

That's the same with awd is250. I believe the 250 only transfers 20% to the front. What Timpo said is wrong and doesn't apply to the Lex. He's just memorizing reviews and brouchures and throwing it out. (no offence there but that's what you seemed to do best :D) That's why Subaru advertises their awd as full-time awd.

Anyway if it's a family car, and you drive in the snow, then the is250awd is pretty decent. Yes it's slow but why do you need to drive fast in the city anyway other than passing people. There are way too many people hogging the left land anyway haha.

If you don't floor your car like 95% of the people here do, then there's no point of even mentioning the is350 or isf. Not everyone needs a powerful DD.

I have to agree with 1983 Z28. The Lincon is a great car but i asume since you're on the market the Lexus, you won't be looking at those cars anyway (especially you're honger and what not)