Ok, Ken Steele bought a IS350 and were discussing other vehicles when we were haning out the other day. I guess a loaded RL is >=$50k Where as his loaded IS350 was less than that.

I don't see why anyone would buy the Acura over the Lexus.

The *only* feature the RL has over the IS350 is SH-AWD. And that's it. The IS350 completely schools it otherwise. A/C seats, rear backup camera, play DVD's via navi, MP3 player, faster, door sills light up, puddle lights for when you open the door... I could keep going...

Just curios to see people make a stand for the RL. I personally find it bland and boring from the outside, but the inside is gorgeous. However the outside is as exciting as a toyota corola.

Where as the IS350 (in person) is great looking both inside and out. I do find the RL has a touch nicer interior design, however it doesn't have any more functionality over the IS350. The IS has more features/functionality when completely loaded.

 

It all has to do with demographics. The RL has, is and always will be designed for the older generation.

 

Not comparable cars at all. RL is a good deal larger inside and out, more for smooth ride/luxury vs sporty etc.

Not really comparable IMO

 

Their both trying to attract a different market of people

 

ya, they are not too far off in size though. I agree they are definetly for different demographics.

On the luxury side the IS350 still beats the RL in luxury features. Ride would be the only arguable side of that.

But then I ask why would they put *SUPER HANDLING* AWD on a smooth riding luxury car...

 

Pretty far off in size

RL vs Lexus

Exterior Length: 193.6 in. vs 180.1 in
Width: 72.7 in. vs 70.9 in.
Height: 57.1 in. vs 56.1 in
Wheel Base: 110.2 in. vs 107.5 in
Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. vs 5.7 in
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs. Vs 3527 lbs
Interior Front Head Room: 38.5 in. vs 37.2 in
Front Hip Room: 55.1 in. vs 54.1 in
Front Shoulder Room: 58.5 in. vs 54.4 in
Rear Head Room: 37.2 in. vs : 36.7 in
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.1 in. vs 52.7 in
Rear Hip Room: 54 in. vs 53.7 in
Front Leg Room: 42.4 in. vs : 43.9 in
Rear Leg Room: 36.3 in. vs 30.6 in


Yup Lexus has some cool luxury features but doesn't mean it is more luxurious. I have not driven in both so really don't know. Does it drive smoother? Is it quieter? Does it soak up bumps better? Etc.

Hey just because it is a larger boat doesn't mean it has to handle that bad? It handles well FOR a luxury car.

 

You can get a loaded RL for less than 50k easily. Look at some of the prices the guys on the RL forum have been paying.

 

You can get a new RL for 40K. Its already fully loaded, dont need to get anything

 

Not true, there is the Tech Package which adds a few thousand to the price.

 

Those are major dimensional differences. The GS300 AWD is the most direct competitor to the RL and hopefully Lexus will give the GS3XX the 2GR-FSE motor (IS350). (But of course they probably cant until they give the GS4XX more hp/tq....can't have a V6 powered GS putting out the same power as the V8 )

 

what is the tech package? Never heard of it

 

That might be pushing it... I used to make the low 40K comment about the RL, but that's when the dealers were pushing the 05's out the door... It'll be interesting to see where the 06 prices (with or without the tech package) end up...

The sign up thread in the RL forum is great reference for pricing info...

 

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Michelin PAX
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

...whether or not it's worth the $4k premium, .

 

hadn't even heard of that package. Damn 4k though? Seems a bit overpriced.

Cool that they are actually offering some of those features though

 

A full loaded IS350 is like $46 and im sure they dont come down off the price as much as the RL... I think the prices are similar.
and while at this point in my life I'm more attracted to the IS but the price is pretty close and I honestly think with that in mind I would choose the RL just because it is such a nice interior and that price for what you get blows the IS away IMO.

 

Considering the transaction costs the RL is probably priced about equal to the IS350. But they are quite different in form and function, I can see myself buying either, just depending on what I wanted at the time.

 

For what it's worth, if you've sat in an IS for an extended period of time, you start to realize whether or not you have claustrophobia.

 

I wish the IS had the rear leg room of the RL.

Michael

 

thats coming for '07. GS350 & GS460

 

or even the rear leg room of a civic would be nice

 

Two different classes.

 

Can t compare the two

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1567 - thread we somewhat talked about this in the RL forum.

I think size is a big factor between the RL and the IS350. I paid under $45 for my RL new - with TTL.

 

I wouldn't pay the $4k premium for it. MAYBE $2k.

 

I have seen the 06' without tech package selling for $43k from a few dealers. It is killer for resale - for those people who bought their 05' RL at MSRP.

 

The RL has had puddle lights, even the last gen had them. Most new cars in the midsize range have them these days, anyway. I agree that there are some blatant missing items on the RL (for the 50K price) that would make it a nicer car, such as the back up camera and the lighted door sills.

But there are some subtle features that are nice on the RL. Glove compartment actually has 2 compartments. Doors open 90 degrees, windows roll all the way down (rear passengers too), drop your key fob into the trunk and you will not be able to close it, sunshades on the rear passenger doors. I know, trivial stuff, but still cool IMO.

Given that size isn't an issue, I would get an IS350 over the RL, though. The speed aspect, so i've read, is really convincing. The RL, from most reviews, offers performance that doesn't seem to live up to that advertised 300 ponies.

 

The 06' RL offers an optional (dealer installed) backup cam. Stupd IMO, it should be standard. Lacks cooled seats also.

I agree - the biggest thing that I like is the two glove compartments - it is excellent.

^^I agree, if size isn't an issue - get the IS350. The RL doesn't live up to the 300hp. If I were to do it again, I would give the IS serious consideration. I have never driven a RWD so I really don't know how the IS would handle in the snow - but if it was going to be a decent handler in the snow, I would probably consider getting it over the RL. Size isn't really and issue with me.

 

Yup, I know. I was just indicating that even though the 2GR is out now, if it were in the GS3 now it'd probably cannibalize GS430 sales. (306hp vs 300hp)

That said, I personally feel that Lexus should have waited a year an then introduce the 3G GS as an ALL NEW sports sedan (i.e.: design, features and powertrain). Despite the new RL and M, the 2G could have held its own for another year IMHO.

 

Cool discussion, thanks! I wanted to see what everyone else was thinking.... ya i know comparing them is kinda crazy. but you can guarantee anyone 25-40 years of age will compare them if they are shopping in that price range. They are two different animals.

 

maybe they'll come out with "IS350-L"?

 

^^ "xl"

 

I dont see how you can compare the two... apples to oranges. They are not even in the same class.

 

I noticed Siggy is on a IS350 kick. When ya getting one?

 

Other then the high price of the IS350 fully loaded (around $47K) and small rear seat it's a nice car.

 

That's not a fair comparison, the RL is only a V6 and 290 hp, plus AWD, which is slower than the IS350, but I feel the RL you get a better value cause it's bigger and has more room, is AWD for all-weather conditions, and is loaded. It's just the engine is the disappointment where the IS350 will walk all over it and you're paying for the Lexus name.

 

Just because Acura doesn't offer options doesn't mean their vehicles are loaded.

On topic, I don't see who would cross shop these vehicles if they knew what they wanted in a car. The same comparison could be made of an Is350 vs Gs300. They can be optioned the same way but the Is350 will walk away in speed/ its smaller, Gs300 will be more comfortable/ its larger.

 

i could see my dad buying an RL. i could NOT see my dad buying an IS350. He doesn't want an edgy looking car that will attract attention and he puts high value on things like interior room and AWD for winter driving. I'm also certain he would like the interior of the RL more than the IS.

now if it were me...i'd pimp the shit of that is350

 

 

The IS is claustrophobic? Are you talking about the old IS, or the new one?

 

Is 350 just to small for me