Lexus LC 500 Review vs 2017 Lexus GS F Review
After driving both cars around Laguna Seca, Engineering Explained emerges with a clear preference..
To date, we have yet to hear too many negative opinions regarding the Lexus LC 500. Pretty much everyone that has driven it loves the new grand touring coupe. And how couldn’t you? It’s an amazing looking thing that aims to make the simple act of driving around a pleasant experience. And that simple pleasure of driving is something we seem to have lost in recent years.
The LC seems to be a competent performer as well. But looking at the numbers alone, you wouldn’t expect it to be much of a track car. Regardless, everyone is going to wring it out on the track because, well, that’s what we do. And that’s exactly what YouTuber Engineering Explained did recently at the legendary Laguna Seca.
Our driver also got to drive a brand new Lexus GS F that day, a car that he’s admittedly smitten with. In fact, he considers it to be “the best vehicle offered by Lexus.” But would a day in the LC change that? Turns out, it didn’t. Our driver immediately thought that “the balance felt off” around the first corner, noting that “the rear end didn’t want to cooperate.”
He notes that the GS F was simply “more predictable” and “easier to throw into the corners” than the LC 500. Interestingly enough, none of the other journalists in attendance agreed, and all though the LC provided a better drive. But a look at the data revealed that our tester turned in better lap times in the GS F.
Both cars sport similar power figures, and the LC has two more gears with its 10-speed auto. But the LC weights 246 pounds more than the GS F. And the GS F has wider tires and much larger brakes, interestingly enough. Not to mention better weight distribution and a standard torque vectoring rear differential.
But as the reviewer admits, he might be missing the point here. And we believe he is. Buyers of the LC aren’t looking to win track days. They’re looking for a drop dead gorgeous ride they can take out and enjoy on the weekends. You know, a grand tourer. So sure, if you want a fun dual purpose ride, by all means opt for the GS F. But the thought that a higher price tag should equal better performance is really missing the point of the LC.
