Which is faster, IS300 or IS350?
The faster choice in stock form is the IS350, thanks to its larger 3.5-liter V6 and updated tuning. In everyday driving and on the track, the IS350 generally accelerates more quickly and delivers stronger straight-line performance than the IS300, though both models offer solid handling and reliability for their eras.
Engine and power differences
Understanding the core powerplants helps explain why the IS350 tends to win in speed tests. The IS300 sticks with a smaller, older inline‑six, while the IS350 uses a bigger, more modern V6 with more horsepower and torque.
IS300 (2001–2005)
The first‑generation IS300 uses a 3.0-liter inline-six (the 2JZ-GE family) paired with traditional Lexus tuning for strong midrange delivery.
- Engine: 3.0L inline-six (2JZ-GE)
- Horsepower: about 215 hp
- Torque: about 210 lb-ft
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (varies by year)
- 0–60 mph: roughly 7.2–7.9 seconds depending on transmission and conditions
- Quarter-mile: roughly 15.0–15.7 seconds
- Top speed: typically around 130–140 mph depending on market and gearing
Concluding: The IS300 delivers solid, engaging performance for its era, but it trails the IS350 in power and acceleration.
IS350 (2006–2009)
The IS350 swaps in a larger 3.5-liter V6 (the 2GR-FSE family), delivering noticeably more horsepower and stronger off-idle response.
- Engine: 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)
- Horsepower: about 268–272 hp
- Torque: roughly 238–277 lb-ft (depending on year and market)
- Transmission options: 6-speed automatic with manual shift; manual transmission was not commonly offered in US models
- 0–60 mph: roughly 6.0–6.8 seconds
- Quarter-mile: roughly 14.3–14.9 seconds
- Top speed: typically around 140–149 mph depending on market
Concluding: The IS350 benefits from more power and a more modern drivetrain, translating to noticeably quicker acceleration and faster times than the IS300.
Real-world performance benchmarks
In everyday testing and owner experiences, the IS350 consistently posts faster 0–60 times and faster quarter-mile times than the IS300, with the gap widening in models equipped with the automatic transmission. Transmission choice can affect these numbers, and manual variants (more common on the IS300) can shift the feel of acceleration, though they don’t erase the power gap.
Before each list, here is a quick note: the figures below reflect typical, widely reported ranges for US-market configurations across the model years discussed.
- 0–60 mph (IS300): about 7.2–7.9 seconds
- 0–60 mph (IS350): about 6.0–6.8 seconds
- Quarter-mile (IS300): about 15.0–15.7 seconds
- Quarter-mile (IS350): about 14.3–14.9 seconds
Concluding: In practical terms, the IS350 is a faster car in straight-line acceleration, while the IS300 remains a strong, more affordable entry in the IS line with a potential manual‑transmission advantage for driving enthusiasts.
Bottom line
For speed-focused buyers, the IS350 is the faster option across most stock configurations, delivering stronger horsepower, quicker 0–60 times, and faster quarter-mile performance. If budget, manual‑transmission availability, or classic early-IS styling matters more, the IS300 remains a compelling choice, but its speed deficit is clear when measured against the IS350.
Summary
Overall, the IS350 outpaces the IS300 in key performance metrics due to its larger engine and newer tuning. The IS300 offers strong everyday usability and, in some markets, a manual option that can enhance the driving feel, but when speed is the primary criterion, the IS350 is the faster Lexus IS model across the years commonly compared.
