IS300 diff question

[grahamd]

Not a bad idea at all - looked at the list and now I know what other modes are similar size diff.

[blueck]

is200 are about 1400kg, is300 shouldn't be too much more then that. a tad less then a jza80 i think.

(still not sure if an is200 with 1jz conversion is the way to go or not after learning there weight and how the is300 pales in comparison to the is200 in handeling)

Please explain why you think a IS300 "pales in comparison" to the the handeling of a IS200? Besides the IS200 having a lighter and powerless 1G, I don't see a difference between both models.

[urantia]

*waits for nark*

Well i can't say i've driven both models. Yes only what i've heard from others and read numerious times on the inernets. But i think you will find no doubt at all stock for stock the is200 is a better handler.

[JustCallMeOrlando]

Besides the IS200 having a lighter and powerless 1G, I don't see a difference between both models.

Thats lighter and shorter and not as tall. You just answered your own question.

[Nark]

*waits for nark*

I drove both IS200 (6MT) and IS300 (5AT) back to back when I was looking to buy a new(er) car and the difference in handling was astounding. Where the IS200 was nimble and light on its feet, the IS300 was sluggish, didn't want to change directions, was nose heavy, had mismatched front/rear damping.

I was blown away by the IS200 and deeply disappointed in the IS300 (perhaps moreso since the IS200 was so good and I had really high expectations?).

Please explain why you think a IS300 "pales in comparison" to the the handeling of a IS200? Besides the IS200 having a lighter and powerless 1G, I don't see a difference between both models.

The front suspension was different as well, to handle the extra weight.

[blueck]

Well when Toyota introduced the 5-speed manual IS300 in America it came with a upgraded stiffer suspension, LSD standard (was just an option before), quicker steering ratio, wider rear wheels and tires, and a lighter curb weight. I have to say this IS300 doesn't handle bad at all, to me it feels very nimble, sharp and responsive. The 2JZ really comes alive with the manual transmission and the difference between this model and the 5AT are quite noticeable. So I am going to assume this model doesn’t handle anywhere near as bad compared to the IS200 as you are saying – and the 60+ hp and 75 ft/lbs (94 nm) of additional power more than make up for any shortcoming.

[3sgte]

So I am going to assume this model doesn’t handle anywhere near as bad compared to the IS200 as you are saying – and the 60+ hp and 75 ft/lbs (94 nm) of additional power more than make up for any shortcoming.

Since we are comparing the performance versions of the cars, the HP is a wash (assuming BEAMS 3SGE w M/T), it goes without saying that the 2J has more torque and a friendlier torque curve.

I have driven IS300 M/T, IS300 A/T and Altezza 3SGE 6M/T, and hands down I would choose the Altezza.

For me, this is a personal preference, I prefer the (significantly) lighter car, even if I have to trade torque.

If we are talking about the 2.0L 6, in the European IS200, then I can't offer an opinion, as I haven't driven one. (apologies, as I don't know about Aus. availability)

Please note, even though I would choose the Altezza 3SGE, I found the handling of the IS300 to be excellent, and I am not putting it down.

[Nark]

Please note, even though I would choose the Altezza 3SGE, I found the handling of the IS300 to be excellent, and I am not putting it down.

Oh, no doubt it's a great handler. It's just that in comparison...
And I'm talking about the Aussie-spec cars. No idea what's different between our cars and those found on other continents.

[Mr Revhead]

iv driven altezzas with both the 3sge and the 1g as well as the gita with the 2jzge. iv also driven the TRD altezza with the turbo 3sge
the TRD tezza was awesome, but not applicable here.

the gita was by far the best drive, the 3sge altezzas are good, but that fly wheel makes them a pig. the 1g version.... well um... why?!

my conclusion? 2jzge FTW!

[Mos]

Mr Revhead - permit me to say "Don't think so Tim" - 1UZ is what should be in there

I heard a vague rumour the 2JZ Gitas/wagon/sportscross handle better than the 2JZ sedans. This could make sense as the rear is heavier, potentially balancing some of the front. Mind you the rumour came from people without 1G experience.

Everything being equal, you simply can't ignore mass sitting further back in the car... with the same suspension, the lighter and further back the engine, the better the front end response...

To point out the hypocrit in me I haven't driven the IS300, but I easily have enough trust and respect in Nark's judgement (in such context ).

The IS300 might make a nicer "package", but it comes at the expense of handling. It's not a win-win situation.

In summary, 1UZ.

Mos.

[Draven]

go to sleep you crazy crazy man

[Mr Revhead]

haha yeah 1uz would be a sweet one.

the problem with the 1g engine is its basiclly gutless compared to the others.
i prefer handling over grunt. however only to a point!!

[Nark]

but I easily have enough trust and respect in Nark's judgement

WTF?!?!
Whoever you are, give us our Mos back!

Good point with the wagon vs sedan. I know with my Liberty, the wagons have an extra 200kg over the back. That would more than make up the difference in weight between 1G and 2JZ!
Also, the springs, shocks, and swaybars are all uprated.

go to sleep you crazy crazy man

I hope you were waking up at that time, dude!

i prefer handling over grunt. however only to a point!!

That's a personal thing. I prefer handling above everything else.

[Mr Revhead]

my point was the 1g is sooooo gutless as to be not worth the bother.....

[Nark]

my point was the 1g is sooooo gutless as to be not worth the bother.....

Put it this way, if not for the wife (who couldn't stand how gutless it was), I would've bought the IS200 over the 180kW/297Nm spec.B which does a 14.9s 1/4 mile.
And the spec.B isn't a bad handler either, it's got the Bilsteins, STi 6 speeder, and Bridgestone RE050As.

I suppose you have to take my comments about the IS200 vs IS300 with that in mind. My opinion is that of someone who values handling above all else.
If you don't fall into that category, then you should probably ignore my opinion.

FWIW, on my test drive, I took some well known corners in the IS200 at speeds that I am still unable to replicate in either the Celica or the Liberty. Not bad considering that I wasn't familiar with the car and that the engine is so gutless!
Oh, and the IS300 didn't come close to those speeds.