Acura TL vs. Lexus IS
12-29-2008, 03:15 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Arizona
Age: 42
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Acura TL vs. Lexus IS
So I've been looking to buy a new car and it's down to the TL and IS....I've driven the base TL before but not the Type S or any IS models, so how does the base TL compare to the IS250 and Type S to the IS350 in terms of material quality, quietness, handling and comfort in your experience? Room and price isn't an issue for me though.
12-29-2008, 03:18 PM
#2
I say ISF for the win
12-29-2008, 03:25 PM
#4
Advanced
Join Date: Jun 2008
Age: 57
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So I've been looking to buy a new car and it's down to the TL and IS....I've driven the base TL before but not the Type S or any IS models, so how does the base TL compare to the IS250 and Type S to the IS350 in terms of material quality, quietness, handling and comfort in your experience? Room and price isn't an issue for me though.
the lexus generally has better material, fit & finish overall. better sound proof, (quietness
)
12-29-2008, 03:27 PM
#5
if room and price isn't an issue at all, then the is350 is hands down a better car. i got the tl-s because it has a better value overall. similarly equipped is350 would have run 3-4k more.
the lexus generally has better material, fit & finish overall. better sound proof, (quietness)
the lexus generally has better material, fit & finish overall. better sound proof, (quietness
)
12-29-2008, 03:29 PM
#7
Unregistered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 39
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
If I didn't find the TL I wanted I would have got an IS250/350. The IS run more expensive right now and I felt like they were smaller. Never actually test drove one though. I may just go do that for the hell of it. 
But you said that room and price aren't issues. Test drive one and see how you feel about it.
If price really isn't an issue that get what TeknoKing said, an IS-F.
But you said that room and price aren't issues. Test drive one and see how you feel about it.
If price really isn't an issue that get what TeknoKing said, an IS-F.
Trending Topics
12-29-2008, 03:31 PM
#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Arizona
Age: 42
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thx for the inputs....so between the base TL and IS250 which car would you say is a better highway cruiser and with the Type S and IS350 a better sports car for say mountain driving? and when I said money wasn't an issue I ment between mid 20K to mid 30K so that rules out ISF, lol.
Last edited by Phil05; 12-29-2008 at 03:36 PM.
12-29-2008, 03:34 PM
#9
ahh, so money is the object in your decision.
Mountain Driving = Snow = TL-S
Mountain Driving = Snow = TL-S
12-29-2008, 03:41 PM
#10
Unregistered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 39
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
From playing GT5, I can tell you that the IS-F is a great highway cruiser.
The TL is really comfortable and smooth on the highways though. I'd imagine both would be. As for mountain driving, I'm not sure. The TL's FWD might come into play.
The TL is really comfortable and smooth on the highways though. I'd imagine both would be. As for mountain driving, I'm not sure. The TL's FWD might come into play.
12-29-2008, 04:17 PM
#11
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
So I've been looking to buy a new car and it's down to the TL and IS....I've driven the base TL before but not the Type S or any IS models, so how does the base TL compare to the IS250 and Type S to the IS350 in terms of material quality, quietness, handling and comfort in your experience? Room and price isn't an issue for me though.
12-29-2008, 04:31 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
If you want a MT, your options are limited to a IS250, 04-06 TL, or the Type-S. Good luck w/ whatever decision you make.
12-29-2008, 05:21 PM
#14
I'm lost..
Before I got my 08 TL, I was tempted by the 250 (350 out of my price range). Needless to say I had my heart set on the TL since the 3g design came out and I didn't want to compromise. I have no regrets. Test drove the 250 AFTER gettin the TL simply because my mom was looking to upgrade from her 01 Accord. I found the 250, even though not very many horses, to be a fun drive, and extremely comfortable. The seats hugged me like no other car has. As for the interior, space, etc, I prefer the TL. Its more spacious, and the controls are better fitted for me, as well, I prefer 3 dial gauges. The navi on the TL is also a lot better and the Lexus does not have the voice activated climate system. Also, its programmed for I believe 1-200 commands, vs the TL's 600. Rear space is tight in the IS. However, I dont normally drive with a full load, so depending on what you use it for, it shouldnt matter. Car sits very low, as does the TL, and the IS did feel a bit heavier, yet wider and felt like it hugged corners a bit better (I'm sure the TL-S would dominate here).
Very comparable cars IMO and you couldn't go wrong with either. I AM surprised the IS base does not have bi-xenons whereas the TL's all come standard with it. When you add up the options in the IS to match the TL, you're looking at a very noticeable price difference.
Hands down, the TL is the best bang for the buck with all the luxuries that the IS models have. If I could have the IS seats in the TL, I would be extremely content. Not to say the TL is uncomfortable, but isn't a match for the IS seats. Oh yeah, the air conditioned seat feature in the IS is something I also wish I woulda seen in the TL, given the perforated leather.
Oh well, If i could go back and do it all over again, TL FTW. Throw in the 350 and maybe I'd have to re-consider
Very comparable cars IMO and you couldn't go wrong with either. I AM surprised the IS base does not have bi-xenons whereas the TL's all come standard with it. When you add up the options in the IS to match the TL, you're looking at a very noticeable price difference.
Hands down, the TL is the best bang for the buck with all the luxuries that the IS models have. If I could have the IS seats in the TL, I would be extremely content. Not to say the TL is uncomfortable, but isn't a match for the IS seats. Oh yeah, the air conditioned seat feature in the IS is something I also wish I woulda seen in the TL, given the perforated leather.
Oh well, If i could go back and do it all over again, TL FTW. Throw in the 350 and maybe I'd have to re-consider
12-29-2008, 07:01 PM
#17
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
12-29-2008, 07:27 PM
#19
Team Anthracite member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Get back to the basic question: FWD (TL/S) or RWD (IS250/350)? Stick (TL/S or IS250) or Auto (TL/S or IS350)? Best bang for the buck TL/S. Daily commute or hauling people? I test drove an IS300 back then and it was too small inside so opted for the TL. Test drive both or hit an autoshow and compare them both on the spot, that made up my mind.
TL/S. Daily commute or hauling people? I test drove an IS300 back then and it was too small inside so opted for the TL. Test drive both or hit an autoshow and compare them both on the spot, that made up my mind.
12-29-2008, 07:29 PM
#20
6th Gear
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Massachusetts
Age: 71
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My wife and I went through the same decision recently when deciding on a replacement for her 02 Accord. We test drove the IS-250 - nice car, handled well, excellent quality, nice interior, and the all wheel drive was a plus. However, the interior room was lacking and the car felt a bit small. I'd say it compares more to the TSX size-wise than it does to the TL.
We then made a visit to one of our Acura dealers. Sat in the TSX, no interest at all. The TL however, was a winner. One test drive and my wife was convinced. The handling was excellent, fit and finish were normal Acura high quality, and the car was incredibly comfortable. And we got a lot more car in the Acura than we would have in a comparably equipped Lexus for a lot less money.
I'd suggest test driving the Lexus - then come to your own conclusion as to which vehicle suits your needs better. For us, it was the TL.
We then made a visit to one of our Acura dealers. Sat in the TSX, no interest at all. The TL however, was a winner. One test drive and my wife was convinced. The handling was excellent, fit and finish were normal Acura high quality, and the car was incredibly comfortable. And we got a lot more car in the Acura than we would have in a comparably equipped Lexus for a lot less money.
I'd suggest test driving the Lexus - then come to your own conclusion as to which vehicle suits your needs better. For us, it was the TL.
12-29-2008, 08:42 PM
#23
Intermediate
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I recently had the same decision and went with 08 Base TL over the IS250. What sold me was highway comfort and size. The TL was more comfortable on the highway and that's where I do most of my driving. Yes the Lexus was smaller and my wife noticed that the minute she sat in the car. I had some paint issues with my Base TL and ended up trading it in for a 08 Type-S and couldn't be more happy. The Type-S is an incredible car for the money. Either way you'll get a good quality car.
12-29-2008, 09:01 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
here's a fairly recent thread in Car Talk: https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/anyone-know-anything-about-lexus-is250-is350-700670/
12-30-2008, 01:37 AM
#25
Safety Car
the IS is indeed a nice car. it's uncomfortable for anyone who's considered to be "tall", such as myself. i've driven both - if you're power hungry go for the IS. handling and everything else - go for the TL. the IS is no doubt...not the best looker imo...
overall...TL wins
overall...TL wins
12-30-2008, 03:11 AM
#26
i test drove a is350 before. as far as normal driving. auto tl-s/is350 is about the same. you wont really feel the difference in power. not sure about handling. i was only going in a straight line but the tl-s does handle pretty good stock wise. the is350 is a lot more expensive for the same accessories and its smaller inside. it wont fit 5 people comfortably. the is250 is just plain slow. one thing i notice was that the backup camera was a lot more clear than the tl's and the shifter was in a weird position with the arm rest.(i personally didnt like how it was setup, uncomfortable). other than that like everyone else has already said, the tl is the best bang for the buck.
12-30-2008, 07:51 AM
#27
A coworker of mine has an IS250 and I've driven it before. Very nice car but very small. The resolution on the navi puts mine to shame - very clear and accurate. I was starting to feel sad until I tried to input an address. It has some weird way of making you choose your preferred route after you enter the info. Not user friendly at all and it locks most of the functions out when the car starts moving. Ours in the TL is by far the simplest to use of the two.
12-30-2008, 09:46 AM
#29
Advanced
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: CN, NJ
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive driven both my mom used to have an IS350 and althought performance was great i just wasnt comfortable in the car. I'm not big but I always found myself cramming into the IS. the TL fits more people comfortably.
TL room and comfortability > IS
IS performance > TL
TL room and comfortability > IS
IS performance > TL
12-30-2008, 10:34 AM
#31
^ umm. no.
Per caranddriver.com
IS350
0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 104 mph
G37
0 to 60 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.9 sec @ 103 mph
PS. More hp does not mean faster car. IS350 with 303hp will walk around G37 330hp all day long. IS350 is a lighter, more agile car.
Per caranddriver.com
IS350
0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 104 mph
G37
0 to 60 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.9 sec @ 103 mph
PS. More hp does not mean faster car. IS350 with 303hp will walk around G37 330hp all day long. IS350 is a lighter, more agile car.
Last edited by TeknoKing; 12-30-2008 at 10:36 AM.
12-30-2008, 10:50 AM
#32
Burning Brakes
i would either get the TL or something else. the IS is too small and doesnt look good IMO. and having to park every time you want to enter an address is shameful. what if the passenger wanted to input the address?
but i would look at the G37 if i was in your position.
but i would look at the G37 if i was in your position.
12-30-2008, 11:37 AM
#33
AZ Community Team
The TL is less pricey and a better overall car for my use. Someone mentioned the G37, haven't driven one yet but I wonder how the gearbox is. The last G35 I drove had a very harsh and lag delayed 5AT gearbox. Nothing like the IS350 which had a crisp and extremely quick 6AT.
12-30-2008, 11:55 AM
#34
I originally went to Lexus dealership to look at IS 350... It is not spacious inside at all. The seating and the "cockpit" did feel good, but I was only wearing a t-shirt, this was summer. Imagine wearing a bulky jacket? I would of hated the ride in the winter. It is a great car, but everytime I see it now, I'm trying to figure out which girl is behind the wheel... Yep, it's a girl's car. IS-F or nothing at all 
So TL-S was my next choice.
So TL-S was my next choice.
12-30-2008, 12:48 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
^ umm. no.
Per caranddriver.com
IS350
0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 104 mph
G37
0 to 60 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.9 sec @ 103 mph
PS. More hp does not mean faster car. IS350 with 303hp will walk around G37 330hp all day long. IS350 is a lighter, more agile car.
Per caranddriver.com
IS350
0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 104 mph
G37
0 to 60 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.9 sec @ 103 mph
PS. More hp does not mean faster car. IS350 with 303hp will walk around G37 330hp all day long. IS350 is a lighter, more agile car.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...d/02073car.pdf
12-30-2008, 12:59 PM
#36
AZ Community Team
Looks like the lesser powered G35 would do a catch and pass on the IS350 once speeds reach well into the triple digits:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...d/02073car.pdf
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...d/02073car.pdf
12-30-2008, 02:34 PM
#37
Senior Moderator
However, I'll also not assume that an MT equipped IS350 (though N/A) would make it any quicker than its A760E counterpart.
That said, Edmunds' comments on the new 7AT sounds like a clear upgrade over the 5AT and maybe subsequent tests in performance oriented mags will reveal it to be on par with the 6MT:
Compared to the old five-speed, the seven-speed automatic has significantly shorter 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear ratios. In fact, it's geared more aggressively than even the six-speed manual gearbox. And like the old automatic, it matches revs on downshifts and can be controlled via shift paddles if you get the sport package.
Infiniti says the 2009 G37 sedan should be a couple tenths of a second quicker from zero to 60 mph — perhaps even a half-second, one official tells us. The last automatic-equipped G35 sedan we tested ran a 5.5-second 0-60. The BMW 335i is the one to beat here, of course, as that car goes to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat with a six-speed automatic.
Infiniti says the 2009 G37 sedan should be a couple tenths of a second quicker from zero to 60 mph — perhaps even a half-second, one official tells us. The last automatic-equipped G35 sedan we tested ran a 5.5-second 0-60. The BMW 335i is the one to beat here, of course, as that car goes to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat with a six-speed automatic.
12-30-2008, 03:00 PM
#38
Burning Brakes
its not all about speed and track times. its also about safety, convenience, appearance, features, etc... if it was just about speed then everyone would be driving a 335i. i would have considered the IS350 if it werent for interior space. im 6'3 and 200 pounds. it wouldnt be comfortable driving that car everyday.
12-30-2008, 03:21 PM
#39
Senior Moderator
its not all about speed and track times. its also about safety, convenience, appearance, features, etc... if it was just about speed then everyone would be driving a 335i. i would have considered the IS350 if it werent for interior space. im 6'3 and 200 pounds. it wouldnt be comfortable driving that car everyday.
12-30-2008, 04:01 PM
#40
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
I agree with Erick3 in regards to the IS's looks. I had to buy a car right about this time last year because of a car accident that totaled my vehicle. So I was going to look at Lexus, but to my surprise, the dealership wasn't open on New Year's Eve. But the Acura dealership next door was open! I just don't think the Lexus line is that good looking. There's nothing that stands out about it, except for the logo on the car. And I don't care what anyone in the 4G community says...the first thing that attracts you to ANY car is the exterior looks. The 3G TL is much more aggressive and sportier looking. I don't know guys...maybe I'm way off base here. But if I don't like the way a car looks on the outside, it makes it tough on the interior to make up the difference.