Feb R&T: Japanese sports sedan trifecta. TL Type-S vs. G35 Sport vs. IS 350
#1
AZ O.G NoOldManVetteOwner
Thread Starter
Feb R&T: Japanese sports sedan trifecta. TL Type-S vs. G35 Sport vs. IS 350
A little teaser vid to get you to buy the mag...but....
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4444
Ranking:
1.) IS350
2.) TL-S
3.) G35 Sport
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4444
Ranking:
1.) IS350
2.) TL-S
3.) G35 Sport
#2
what...#$@!^% The Lexus IS350 does 0-60 in 4.9 sec? Did I hear that right?
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
The TL-S is the best all around. It's got enough weight to it, handles tight, and got plenty power. The TL-S should've been the 1st place.
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
The TL-S is the best all around. It's got enough weight to it, handles tight, and got plenty power. The TL-S should've been the 1st place.
#3
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Tampa, FL
Age: 39
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up
#4
Originally Posted by joe80055
What's the point of modding our cars then if having a car that goes faster is dangerous?
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
#5
USDM -> JDM
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bellevue, WA
Age: 35
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Originally Posted by meowCat
I meant for the Lexus IS350 particularly. Because it's lighter, and is rear wheel drive. More dangerous when your floor that thing called a pedal.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
#6
After viewing all three cars I say that the TL-S has the nicest looking interior and the dashboard. The Infiniti looked really cheap on the dash. Looks like the inside of Pontiac GrandAM or something.
The quality on the Lexus is very good, like the Acura. The Acura has best of both worlds, styling and quality.
The quality on the Lexus is very good, like the Acura. The Acura has best of both worlds, styling and quality.
#7
Suzuka Master
I think as long as your driving alone the rankings are accurate, once you have some rear seat passengers the IS would rapidly fall to last place if you could even get the people to ride back there!
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Moderator
Go TL-S! This front-driver is still one of the best lux sport sedans out there.
Nice video review!
Nice video review!
#9
Racer
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ft Lauderdale Fl
Age: 48
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by 2K2SilverTL-S
A little teaser vid to get you to buy the mag...but....
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4444
Ranking:
1.) IS350
2.) TL-S
3.) G35 Sport
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=4444
Ranking:
1.) IS350
2.) TL-S
3.) G35 Sport
That should put some of the haters on this site at bay
#11
1. G35 - b/c of the HP and RWD, and handling (don't even try to tell me that our cars handle better... just dont)
2. TLS - b/c it's better than the Lexus
Lexus IS, IMO is a feminine car whose purpose is only to satisfy those who cant afford a GS, but who want to say "I drive a Lexus"
2. TLS - b/c it's better than the Lexus
Lexus IS, IMO is a feminine car whose purpose is only to satisfy those who cant afford a GS, but who want to say "I drive a Lexus"
#13
Racer
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ft Lauderdale Fl
Age: 48
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by JoeyASPEC
1. G35 - b/c of the HP and RWD, and handling (don't even try to tell me that our cars handle better... just dont)
2. TLS - b/c it's better than the Lexus
Lexus IS, IMO is a feminine car whose purpose is only to satisfy those who cant afford a GS, but who want to say "I drive a Lexus"
2. TLS - b/c it's better than the Lexus
Lexus IS, IMO is a feminine car whose purpose is only to satisfy those who cant afford a GS, but who want to say "I drive a Lexus"
#14
Racer
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ft Lauderdale Fl
Age: 48
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by JoeyASPEC
1. G35 - b/c of the HP and RWD, and handling (don't even try to tell me that our cars handle better... just dont)
2. TLS - b/c it's better than the Lexus
Lexus IS, IMO is a feminine car whose purpose is only to satisfy those who cant afford a GS, but who want to say "I drive a Lexus"
2. TLS - b/c it's better than the Lexus
Lexus IS, IMO is a feminine car whose purpose is only to satisfy those who cant afford a GS, but who want to say "I drive a Lexus"
#15
Advanced
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Torrance, CA
Age: 44
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
my
1st TL=practical and more bang for ur buck! and it's a GUY's car
2nd G35= toad like exterior (fat and bulky/chubby)
3rd IS=its a lexus so its a chick car am I right? interior with out navi is butt ugly...with navi hella overpriced
road & track sux... automobile mag is by far the best automagzn
1st TL=practical and more bang for ur buck! and it's a GUY's car
2nd G35= toad like exterior (fat and bulky/chubby)
3rd IS=its a lexus so its a chick car am I right? interior with out navi is butt ugly...with navi hella overpriced
road & track sux... automobile mag is by far the best automagzn
#16
2007 NBP TL-S
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kobi2002
experts said it. I drove the g35 and on a non bias test i did not like the g. Just to let you know that 20 more horses don't make a car a monster. .4 sec in 0-60 is barely car length. So you should not really even put that out as far as hp. One thing I can say is the G has more torque at the bottom but that does not tell the whole story
#17
Drifting
Originally Posted by meowCat
The Infiniti looked really cheap on the dash. Looks like the inside of Pontiac GrandAM or something.
#18
Drifting
Originally Posted by meowCat
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
#19
acura-cl.com OG
i thought the G35 was a better car, and i still do. the type-s is essentially nothing but a modded out 06, IMO.
i am sure that my a-spec w/ RSB would out handle a type-s right?
the lexus is a bad beast, but yeah it does look like a teenage girls car...too bad.
i look at it this way.....i wouldn't trade my 06 in on an 07 type-s, but i would trade it in on an 07 G35. the G35 just has alot of features the TL wont have until 09, which i will prob wait for until i buy a new car.
i am sure that my a-spec w/ RSB would out handle a type-s right?
the lexus is a bad beast, but yeah it does look like a teenage girls car...too bad.
i look at it this way.....i wouldn't trade my 06 in on an 07 type-s, but i would trade it in on an 07 G35. the G35 just has alot of features the TL wont have until 09, which i will prob wait for until i buy a new car.
#20
acura-cl.com OG
Originally Posted by meowCat
what...#$@!^% The Lexus IS350 does 0-60 in 4.9 sec? Did I hear that right?
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
#21
Resident auto maniac
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central, Florida
Age: 41
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm pleased with the results. I have driven the new Lexus IS350 and that damn car is fast... like real fast...
Damnit, just make a forking RWD TL already....
Damnit, just make a forking RWD TL already....
#22
Originally Posted by kobi2002
And remember that it is a type s they tested not the 06 you drive. So it is very possible it could handle just as good with the new suspension. My testdrive in the G was only speed, could not toss it around like i wanted to
#23
05 C230K & 09 135i 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: GA
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ding069
hater
Do you notice how people react to this? If they'd said "The TL does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds" people would be TL. They say it about the IS350 and suddenly cars are getting too powerful. How weak! Man, I can't believe TL owners can be such cry-babies sometimes.
I personally think R&T nailed it. The G35 is simply outclassed by the TL, which is outclassed by the IS350. The IS350 is the fastest of the trio easily, and has RWD. No TRUE sports sedan has FWD, guys. To call the IS350 a "chick" car is also off base. Just because it has world class quality and refinement does not mean it is feminine. It is not as hardcore as the TL, but it is a better car - and it deserved the win it just got.
We are all here because we love the TL, but let's not become a group of fanboys. Give respect where respect is due. No one was bashing the TL, they just gave the nod to the IS350 - a car in a different price bracket, with more power, and a fresher design.
EDIT: Apparently some of the fanboys on this site missed the IS350 crash test scores where it aced every single category, as well.
#24
05 C230K & 09 135i 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: GA
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by meowCat
I meant for the Lexus IS350 particularly. Because it's lighter, and is rear wheel drive. More dangerous when your floor that thing called a pedal.
Lexus IS350: 3557lbs
TL-S: 3559lbs
And have you heard of Lexus VDIM? That's its vehicle management system, which is much more aggressive than Acura's VSA. Trust me, the IS350 is anything BUT unsafe.
They are of the same heft. Put down the crackpipe, and back away.
#25
The Lexus IS350 is a really nice car....performance-wise. I think its ugly as f*ck...inside and out. It looks like a stretched out corolla IMO....Interior DESIGN is pretty wierd as well....not feeling it.
The G35....meh. They made it too fat....and the interior....wtf?! They need some new designers....asap.
The TL-S deff looks the best out of the bunch....has some muscle, veryyy nice interior, handles extremely well for a FWD, and just looks like its in charge.
The G35....meh. They made it too fat....and the interior....wtf?! They need some new designers....asap.
The TL-S deff looks the best out of the bunch....has some muscle, veryyy nice interior, handles extremely well for a FWD, and just looks like its in charge.
#26
Senior Moderator
I like the way the G35 looks. Further the 2007's interior is miles ahead of the previous model.
Neither is as good as the TL, IMHO, and I don't think I'm being biased. Honda once again applied their ergonomics magic to the TL to come up with that awesome interior. While my RL's interior is more refined, the ergonomcs are actually better in the TL in that there are very few "chiclet" buttons so fat American fingers can push the buttons.
Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of these three cars. Yes, the IS350 is fast as balls. Yes, the G35 is RWD and has a sweet weight distribution (50-50). Despite this, the fact is that the TL and TL-S are the BEST FWD sport sedan out there. It's so good it's constantly being compared with the RWD competition.....and holding its own. We should all be proud to own such a well-engineered car. And I still say that the torque steer is not as big a deal in the TL as in other sport FWD cars.
Neither is as good as the TL, IMHO, and I don't think I'm being biased. Honda once again applied their ergonomics magic to the TL to come up with that awesome interior. While my RL's interior is more refined, the ergonomcs are actually better in the TL in that there are very few "chiclet" buttons so fat American fingers can push the buttons.
Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of these three cars. Yes, the IS350 is fast as balls. Yes, the G35 is RWD and has a sweet weight distribution (50-50). Despite this, the fact is that the TL and TL-S are the BEST FWD sport sedan out there. It's so good it's constantly being compared with the RWD competition.....and holding its own. We should all be proud to own such a well-engineered car. And I still say that the torque steer is not as big a deal in the TL as in other sport FWD cars.
#27
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Phoenix...Greatest City on Earth
Age: 72
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by meowCat
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
Originally Posted by meowCat
I meant for the Lexus IS350 particularly. Because it's lighter, and is rear wheel drive. More dangerous when your floor that thing called a pedal.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
As the owner of a car with 505/510 at the rear wheels, those are the most ludicrous statements I have ever read. And by the way, even thought the TL does handle admirably, all things being equal, a FWD car will NEVER handle with a RWD car. If that were true, you would see them configured that way on race tracks across the country. Flame on.
#28
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by CobraGuy
And by the way, even thought the TL does handle admirably, all things being equal, a FWD car will NEVER handle with a RWD car. If that were true, you would see them configured that way on race tracks across the country. Flame on.
No need for a flamesuit, there's no disputing the laws of physics!
#29
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6
I hope you're joking.
Lexus IS350: 3557lbs
TL-S: 3559lbs
And have you heard of Lexus VDIM? That's its vehicle management system, which is much more aggressive than Acura's VSA. Trust me, the IS350 is anything BUT unsafe.
They are of the same heft. Put down the crackpipe, and back away.
Lexus IS350: 3557lbs
TL-S: 3559lbs
And have you heard of Lexus VDIM? That's its vehicle management system, which is much more aggressive than Acura's VSA. Trust me, the IS350 is anything BUT unsafe.
They are of the same heft. Put down the crackpipe, and back away.
#30
Cant wait for this issue to arrive
Well we have all been waiting for a while to get some legitimate non-biased performance scoop. I had a big smile on my face when I saw the G35 in 3rd place
In addition I dont believe that the Lexus has too much HP, I also believe that it is probably a better vehicle albeit too small for me (no FWD). I couldn't live without my navi, but I could get lost in a closet. The Lexus is a much newer design than the Acura. There will be a role reversal here when the new Acura Debuts. I will be first on the list baby!
The Infiniti is a fantastic car. I love the new interior, I hated the old interior. I also love the look of the car. It has alot of appeal to me except it's not a Honda. I know that the engineering in the TL is second to NONE. I'm not sure about the Infiniti.
For all of the TLS naysayers who basically said that buying a TLS was an ignorant buying decision, I'm glad I didn't listen to you. I hope they didn't scare off too many potential Acura owners.
- Feb edition comes out in January
- Car and Driver almost always emulates comparos of R&T
In addition I dont believe that the Lexus has too much HP, I also believe that it is probably a better vehicle albeit too small for me (no FWD). I couldn't live without my navi, but I could get lost in a closet. The Lexus is a much newer design than the Acura. There will be a role reversal here when the new Acura Debuts. I will be first on the list baby!
The Infiniti is a fantastic car. I love the new interior, I hated the old interior. I also love the look of the car. It has alot of appeal to me except it's not a Honda. I know that the engineering in the TL is second to NONE. I'm not sure about the Infiniti.
For all of the TLS naysayers who basically said that buying a TLS was an ignorant buying decision, I'm glad I didn't listen to you. I hope they didn't scare off too many potential Acura owners.
#31
05 C230K & 09 135i 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: GA
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cary, there probably won't ever be role reversal. Lexus is working right now on a V8 version of the IS.
But that's okay, the TL only competes price-wise with a fully loaded IS250. Lexus costs more, but you get what you pay for. I can't see how even owners of the TL could say it was the best car of the three. It was not the fastest, not the best handling, not the newest, not the poshest... It was second or third in every category and that was what kept it out of first place.
The TL is, in the words of some review I read long ago, a jack of all trades but a master of none.
But that's okay, the TL only competes price-wise with a fully loaded IS250. Lexus costs more, but you get what you pay for. I can't see how even owners of the TL could say it was the best car of the three. It was not the fastest, not the best handling, not the newest, not the poshest... It was second or third in every category and that was what kept it out of first place.
The TL is, in the words of some review I read long ago, a jack of all trades but a master of none.
#32
Originally Posted by ding069
i look at it this way.....i wouldn't trade my 06 in on an 07 type-s, but i would trade it in on an 07 G35. the G35 just has alot of features the TL wont have until 09, which i will prob wait for until i buy a new car.
the type-s is essentially nothing but a modded out 06, IMO.
i am sure that my a-spec w/ RSB would out handle a type-s right? .
i am sure that my a-spec w/ RSB would out handle a type-s right? .
#33
You hit it on the nose!
Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6
The TL is, in the words of some review I read long ago, a jack of all trades but a master of none.
#34
Racer
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Slinger, WI.
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by meowCat
I meant for the Lexus IS350 particularly. Because it's lighter, and is rear wheel drive. More dangerous when your floor that thing called a pedal.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
#35
Safety Car
Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6
x2
Do you notice how people react to this? If they'd said "The TL does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds" people would be TL. They say it about the IS350 and suddenly cars are getting too powerful. How weak! Man, I can't believe TL owners can be such cry-babies sometimes.
I personally think R&T nailed it. The G35 is simply outclassed by the TL, which is outclassed by the IS350. The IS350 is the fastest of the trio easily, and has RWD. No TRUE sports sedan has FWD, guys. To call the IS350 a "chick" car is also off base. Just because it has world class quality and refinement does not mean it is feminine. It is not as hardcore as the TL, but it is a better car - and it deserved the win it just got.
We are all here because we love the TL, but let's not become a group of fanboys. Give respect where respect is due. No one was bashing the TL, they just gave the nod to the IS350 - a car in a different price bracket, with more power, and a fresher design.
EDIT: Apparently some of the fanboys on this site missed the IS350 crash test scores where it aced every single category, as well.
Do you notice how people react to this? If they'd said "The TL does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds" people would be TL. They say it about the IS350 and suddenly cars are getting too powerful. How weak! Man, I can't believe TL owners can be such cry-babies sometimes.
I personally think R&T nailed it. The G35 is simply outclassed by the TL, which is outclassed by the IS350. The IS350 is the fastest of the trio easily, and has RWD. No TRUE sports sedan has FWD, guys. To call the IS350 a "chick" car is also off base. Just because it has world class quality and refinement does not mean it is feminine. It is not as hardcore as the TL, but it is a better car - and it deserved the win it just got.
We are all here because we love the TL, but let's not become a group of fanboys. Give respect where respect is due. No one was bashing the TL, they just gave the nod to the IS350 - a car in a different price bracket, with more power, and a fresher design.
EDIT: Apparently some of the fanboys on this site missed the IS350 crash test scores where it aced every single category, as well.
#36
Safety Car
Originally Posted by 03CoupeV6
Cary, there probably won't ever be role reversal. Lexus is working right now on a V8 version of the IS.
But that's okay, the TL only competes price-wise with a fully loaded IS250. Lexus costs more, but you get what you pay for. I can't see how even owners of the TL could say it was the best car of the three. It was not the fastest, not the best handling, not the newest, not the poshest... It was second or third in every category and that was what kept it out of first place.
The TL is, in the words of some review I read long ago, a jack of all trades but a master of none.
But that's okay, the TL only competes price-wise with a fully loaded IS250. Lexus costs more, but you get what you pay for. I can't see how even owners of the TL could say it was the best car of the three. It was not the fastest, not the best handling, not the newest, not the poshest... It was second or third in every category and that was what kept it out of first place.
The TL is, in the words of some review I read long ago, a jack of all trades but a master of none.
It's pretty obvious that you are a IS350 fan. You have proved your point, so move along.
#37
Racer
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ft Lauderdale Fl
Age: 48
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Cary
That is Hondas recipe for all of their vehicles! They have done well with it.
#38
Magnaflow Performance
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Age: 49
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by meowCat
what...#$@!^% The Lexus IS350 does 0-60 in 4.9 sec? Did I hear that right?
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
The TL-S is the best all around. It's got enough weight to it, handles tight, and got plenty power. The TL-S should've been the 1st place.
that's too fast.... not safe for cars like that. They need to put less powerful engine in there... otherwise the chance of getting accidents will go up, with the inexperienced drivers.
The TL-S is the best all around. It's got enough weight to it, handles tight, and got plenty power. The TL-S should've been the 1st place.
I expect that you are planning to trade your TL in on a Prius-
#39
Magnaflow Performance
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Age: 49
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by meowCat
I meant for the Lexus IS350 particularly. Because it's lighter, and is rear wheel drive. More dangerous when your floor that thing called a pedal.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
The TL's a little different story. It's heavier, meaning better grip, and is front wheel drive. It's also better in the wet/slippery road conditions, so it can use more power.
Heavier and front wheel drive mean better grip-
Holy crap- somebody better alert F1- and Indy-
They need to rethink their race cars-
#40
Magnaflow Performance
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Age: 49
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by ggesq
I'll agree that the IS350 has the goods but where it missed with ME is that it has no manual tranny offering. Lexus positioned the IS350 against the 3er specifically IMHO and it missed the mark because if it was truly to be an enthusiasts' car- it should at least have offered a manual tranny option.