Driving a Lexus IS 500 F-Sport Peformance...Better Than The ISF?

[@stevensilver1679]

Love this car/color combo. She's are the prettiest sedans on the market. Thanks for the review.

[@TheVenzetti]

Hope Marty brings an is500 or an lc500 to the channel one day. Not really into all the recent SUVs and sedans added. You do excellent down to earth reviews and mods/builds. That would really bring the life back to the channel for me.

[@LensOfMartin]

Currently just have the LS460 and my lady’s ES330, plus a business vehicle. But yeah they are all sedans 😅

[@Imsowayv]

Agreed

[@errolwilliams2270]

Finally, bro I love your content. I bought a is250 because of you and Scotty. And besides miner maintenance my car is running strong.

[@racr2687]

Same here I am about to buy a 2010 IS350 F Sport after searching for 4 years sadly selling my 2008 IS350 to get it but had a dream of getting an F Sport someday after watching Marty's channel since his earlier Lexus days. P.S Can't wait to see Marty announce he purchases an IS500 someday soon XD

[@2ZZGE100]

Good review. Being the owner of an 2016 RCF carbon fiber and TVD package (both track and family duty) while owning and having driven several other Lexus (currently, a 2019 IS350 F-Sport and RX40h etc.), I can say IS500 is better in some ways than the ISF and others the ISF is (since ISF is an F product even if it is 18 years old), the 3IS chassis was a much improved version of the 2IS chassis that underpins the ISF and much better engineering and stiffness in the 3IS over the 2IS, the transmission is much quicker in the IS500, more modern tech, better interior and quality, has the 2nd generation redesigned 2UR from the RCF with the 472 HP. The ISF on the other hand, even with older tech has bigger better brakes, F-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and tires etc. The ISF suspension felt a bit stiffer than the IS500. Compared to my RCF, the IS500 even with AVS in SPORT+ felt way softer primarily due to the much higher chassis rigidity on the RCF (I have a 3IS and the chassis rigidity is night/day with the RCF). That was the biggest difference I felt. RCF with TVD and the stiff suspension and chassis, feels much more agile and responsive with a flat attitude while IS500 rolled under high load and had light floatiness through the steering. That is why RCF is more expensive significantly for all of the F R&D. IS500 lacks the suspension, F seats, cooling systems, brakes, tires, wheels etc. If it had all of those then it would be called the 2nd gen ISF. It has the engine and power for an F car, but then rest is closer to an IS350 F-Sport with some tweaks. Better on the streets for daily driving while the RCF following the F philosophy blends the track driving days with the daily driving, practicality and luxury. However, the IS500 has the same V8 472 hp power and a slightly different software tune on the transmission.I

[@LensOfMartin]

Great breakdown!

[@2ZZGE100]

@@LensOfMartin Thanks. Great review. Keep up the great work.

[@hirise19]

Terrific! 🙌🏿👍🏿 Thank you for your take! With that being said, would you take the IS350 over the IS500? Why not save the money if it's a 350 with a bigger, gas-draining V8? It already drives like the 350...

[@2ZZGE100]

@@hirise19 I already have an RCF Carbon TVD, which has the high-revving V8 that IS500 F-Sport inherited. RCF is for track duty and spirited driving with some occasional fun drives with family and two kids as I have two baby seats installed whenever I want to take them out while the IS350 F-Sport is for daily driving along with an RX450h so instead of having one car doing a bit of what all three do, I have three cars doing separate things depending on what I need it to do. The IS500 is a step up from IS350 aside from the V8, no doubt. It has some other tweaks and upgrades, which makes the IS350 a cheaper car than the IS500 and also cheaper to maintain than the IS500 and more fuel efficient. Hope that makes sense.

[@hirise19]

​@2ZZGE100 It does. I am stuck between the two (IS350 and IS500). Sound, exhaust, and any palpable, instant power would be a huge win for the 500. But all the reviews say it's tame. The power is virtually non-existent unless you're in Sport+ and hitting it hard. If all of this is true, then I might as well save the money and just get the IS350. I test drove an IS500 a couple of weeks ago and I wasn't impressed. Granted, I couldn't get on it like I wanted to. Plus I'm coming from a Shelby GT500...so I'm a little spoiled when it comes to sound, exhaust, and power you can feel.

[@blu_is500]

I loved this production! I’m actually quite all-in for the new FSport Performance designation. The amount of track time most F or FSP owners will see is next to nothing; however, a better comparison is off track. In that realm, the 500 is a better all around proposition. Thanks for posting!

[@apexgtofficial]

It's a BIG shame they don't sell these on European markets :( This car will be very much sought after in future as it's a newer IS-F basically and will last a bit better given the 15 year difference but both are iconic NA V8's. Rare sight nowadays...

[@EvaSlash]

Can you order an is500 from the factory if you can't find one locally?

[@yousef.al-assaf]

Yes. Just walk into a Lexus dealership and pre-order

[@is4life862]

How is the shifting? Does the shifting have a delay?

[@the_frankc]

It's the same as the RCF/GSF. It's quick if you're decisive going up or down. If you're on and off the gas debating to upshift or downshift there can be come delay.

[@JulianPard]

Went from a 2020 5.7 charger. I’d say my 23 is500 shifts faster

[@DahMexico]

Good ole Warminster ❤

[@racr2687]

Calling it... Marty's gonna be owning one of these one day! 😄

[@reggycoldros1113]

i have a question for you, i have a 2nd generation lexus is350 (2006-2012) and i want to install the 3rd generation lexus engine is350,(2014-2020) would this work

[@ARentz07]

Just a PSA for anyone watching. There is no "4th gen IS". The 2021-present IS is a pretty substantial refresh of the 3rd gen, but... having owned three ISes of the 3rd gen, a 2016, a 2021 and a 2023, I would say they're all the same car. The interior layout, engine bay, etc. are all the same.

[@LensOfMartin]

Pretty much, most people I’ve talked to call the 2021+ a 4th gen but it is the same car underneath

[@ARentz07]

@MartyMotoring I've gotta do my part to stop people saying "4IS" lol. When we get an actual 4th gen, this will look pretty silly.

[@Apoc447]

This is probably the best daily car for car enthusiasts. Reliable, practical, sport but just enough to get you into trouble. I think they would have had to supercharge it or turbocharge it from factory to be called a worthy ISF successor in today’s market, but then who would buy it? It would have to compete with a CT5-V black wing

[@s-man9528]

When I graduate imma try to find one in this vector blue. I know it is a reach since only a select few was made.

[@LONGWALDO]

ITS FRANK!!!!!!!!!!. His mudguards are great!

[@the_frankc]

🫡

[@dimmacommunication]

The pricing is good in US,here in Europe the RCF is outrageous

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Honestly one of the best looking sedans period. Combine that with the reliability, smiles per gallon v8, LSD.... solid package

[@voltaire9237]

pure cope HEEEEB. it's slow, outdated and drives like BOAT

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

@@voltaire9237 Bro i don’t even own this car lmao. Not looking to buy… it aint cope and i didn’t say it was super fast and shiny. If u want a super fast shiny car look elsewhere. You sound upset tho

[@LARayOfficial]

Lc500 is nice but I’m all for isf all the way they got basically the same performance at 1/4 the price

[@RandenMontalvo]

Actually to add, the IS500 is faster than the LC500 in essentially every performance-based metric. The F cars are better all around of course for track duty then the 500 series cars by design. You can mod a IS500 to be a great track weapon, not so much with the LC500 due to its sheer mass chassis wise.

[@AmericanAristo]

​@@RandenMontalvo Yeah I just wish they would squeeze a little more power out the LC to give it over 500hp. It deserves it as one of their flagships.

[@RandenMontalvo]

@@AmericanAristo wouldn't matter really the weight is the LCs true problem its just too darn heavy which is why there are no videos of it beating anything on the road sadly. It needs a lighter chassis not shared with the LS to be more performance oriented. Its more of a ambiance car in my view than anything, king of the road cars just stay away from racing anything and your in bliss. Amazing road car!

[@AmericanAristo]

@@RandenMontalvo Very true! I get that bc my GS350 certainly isn't beating many in it's class but I just cruise in my own lane and eat up miles as the car was intended to do! I like how you describe the LC as an ambiance car. It's just a pure vibe to be in and around.

[@ATLballer]

LOVE THE COLOR...........2018 GSF

[@JanBanJoovi-ol1qv]

I really don’t like the massive grill. Which is why i prefer the looks of the ISF.

[@ToeKnee831]

Get back on the Lexus is platform. We love those content

[@LensOfMartin]

It’s a little small for my needs but I love it! The LS is more comfortable as well

[@ernanv24]

No way Lexus didn't update the center console of the 2024 is500 it literally has the same center console as a 2014 Lexus IS😳

[@3on4off]

Nobody buys an IS500 for the center console.

[@ernanv24]

@@3on4off that's true that's who nobody is buying it.

[@lexusbruh904]

Lexus gannnng🎉💪💯

[@LONGWALDO]

I love mine!

[@qnunyuh8417]

I know work wheels are good brand and wanted that same wheel in gun metal with a chrome lip, but his look small, cheap and tacky on camera .love the color of the car though.

[@itznayem8441]

Bro u gotta get an 350 again

[@LensOfMartin]

I have an LS460 now which is V8 and AWD and a little more comfortable

[@RP-vr8pi]

This car needs a power train frim ls500

[@BryanPatrickVlogs]

Brother this is next to my house lol, you should have shot me a text! Nice vid

[@the_frankc]

I'm literally a mile away from Warminster Park. I love this parking lot for taking car pictures because it's always so open 😂

[@3IS2UR]

grecian water is the rarest of all the IS500

[@BokiXI]

60k... In Europe this would cost 100k at least.

[@lavazza.vinzenzo]

Couleur top Marty, j en veux ,te connaissans elle vas dechirer ...

[@Thankyou_3]

RC-F is the last real F from Lexus.

[@floggyWM1]

lies, you do know they coming out with twin turbo v8 lfa, right?

[@LensOfMartin]

I kinda doubt that’ll ever happen other than a concept car. These brands are all going small engine because the EPA here in the USA makes manufacturers meet crazy guidelines fuel economy. Lexus is a pretty conservative company when it comes to power in their cars, 500hp is pushing it

[@Apoc447]

@@LensOfMartinyou may be surprised they have been testing the LFA successor’s GT3 variant as recent as March 2024. Rumors say ttv8 with hybrid system, but we shall see.

[@LU_JUST]

Not a fan of the wheels but u do u

[@homiefizzle5260]

10 year old tech, 10 year old infotainment, 20 year old feeling transmission, but hey at least it sounds good and is reliable 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@bdmr_isf]

yes i definitely had android auto in 2014, and also an 8 speed auto in 2004 🤦‍♂

[@homiefizzle5260]

@@bdmr_isf android auto came out in 2015, so you're not far off, this shape of Lexus IS came out in 2013 and had limited revisions to the infotainment since then. The Lexus isf came out in 2005 with the 8 speed sport direct shift transmission, a very similar (if not the same) transmission used in the IS500 now so maybe put your hands on a keyboard and do some googling instead of using them to facepalm 😂

[@lcameeno1]

​@@homiefizzle5260 The ISF came out in 2007 not 2005 lol

[@homiefizzle5260]

@@lcameeno1 my bad, thanks for letting me know.

[@ATLballer]

THEY FUCKED UP BY NOT CALLING IT AN F

[@LensOfMartin]

If they added the big brakes, chassis rigidity and extra cooling it could be a true F

[@sdlausen1]

Terrible wheels.

[@wreckless9715]

Is f is better

[@3on4off]

Based on what? It’s older Less power Less technology Slower

[@DJYAMIN107]

​@@3on4offlmao dude be quiet

[@Constabruity]

@@DJYAMIN107okay, but why is the IS F better than the IS 500?

[@RandenMontalvo]

​@@Constabruity ISFs don't overheat IS500s overheat much like the LC500s just not out of the box track cars like the Fs by design ( Lexus actually has a diagram where these cars are below F cars to simplify things ) . Brakes overheat also car quicker sadly ( seen that at an event actually oddly had to sideline the IS500 to cool off but ran a RCF track edition lap after lap same would be for a ISF any year ) . One of the reasons they're modded to do hot laps from suspension to coolers and brakes at races. The F cars any year or model Lexus runs them out of the box no mods because their tested to be beat to hell out of the box. With a IS500 you need to upgrade brakes, oil coolers suspension ...to get them to where it would be called a F. There is a reason the IS500 was denied the F designation and this sub category was created. The LC500 we know is a F performance car because a LCF was on release but was cancelled due to weight covid direction many reasons ...think of the Is500 and LC cars as the 850i & 340i alternatives of the Lexus performance world. The RCF GSF ISF are the perfected E92 era M car competitors not the G series I would say in my opinon. Me personally I would take a new 2014 ISF over a new IS500 but thats just me. A IS500 is a great entry branded car into the Lexus performance world for the money and thats the point of it. Great value.

[@pkagent14]

With how little they’ve depreciated if you wanna pay over 30k for a car that’s 15+ years old and has over 100k miles be my guest. I’m gonna save up for a Lexus is 500 😂

[@Corgiking521]

Like the car but interior would be too dated for me at the price point.

[@alj7094]

Gyat damn those wheels are ugly

[@the_frankc]

😂

[@CoolGuyLS3]

Slowest V8

[@latino914]

Overpriced, outperformed, outdated. Pass. Do better Lexus

[@ToeKnee831]

But this a car that you can drive every day of the year and race it and still be reliable

[@Investor_philips]

The fact comment likes this coming from an infinity guy is hilarious, we both know infinity does make shitboxes with the same interior from decades ago, meanwhile infinity doesn't even have any serious performance sedan that can even take on the ISF not even the is500

[@latino914]

@@Investor_philips there's a Q50 that runs 9s in the QT mile, let me know when any Lexus does that 🫢

[@RandenMontalvo]

@@Investor_philips Saying overpriced also is a personal finance limitation to note which I found funny. It's based on what we "perceive is expensive". Never understood when people say that as a point. It's like saying boars head ham is overpriced. Kinda moot.

[@jasonhayman9521]

But Infiniti is trash. ​@@latino914