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C&D November - M45 vs. 550i vs. E550 vs. GS450h(performance stats pg.4)

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Old 09-26-06, 09:11 AM
  #46  
DASHOCKER
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The BMW 550 base price is 59k. Who needs "I"drive and other gizmos? That will drop the price down in the 60 k range. Well worth it for a car that is well planted out of the box. The Infiniti is a nice effort, but is still a luxo boat along with the GS hybrid. The Benz 550, wow...0-60 in 4.8! close to the e55 AMG just .2 seconds slower. The handeling though is not like the Bimmer. You guys need to drive the new 5 series They might have some on hand at the Taste of Lexus.
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Old 09-26-06, 09:14 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Thank you sir. I will say "Again" I am not saying other cars don't share parts but its a FACT Nissan shares more than anyone, thus keeping prices down. Clearly in this case, it is very effective, the M35/45 is a great car.

A fact? More than anyone? Where is this data that actually supports that? I mean, I can pull the Nissan parts manual and see that the M35 has different part #'s for most of its stuff compared to the G35/350Z.

IMHO, its a smart thing to do is share some parts to save money. Especially if it works.
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Old 09-26-06, 10:16 AM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by G35_TX
A fact? More than anyone? Where is this data that actually supports that? I mean, I can pull the Nissan parts manual and see that the M35 has different part #'s for most of its stuff compared to the G35/350Z.

IMHO, its a smart thing to do is share some parts to save money. Especially if it works.
Seriously it is tiring with some of you choosing to just bicker against me instead of taking the time to read and comprehend what I am saying.

The M35/45 is the ONLY car in this class to SHARE its platform with so many other cars/SUVs. This is A FACT.

The M35 is the only car in this class to SHARE its engine with so many other cars/SUVs/Vans. This is a FACT.

For the third time, I am NOT saying no one else shares nor it is an awful thing. I am saying, that is where TONS of the cost savings is, as this car is cheapest in class.

Do you (and anyone else that wants to lose an debate), understand that?
 
Old 09-26-06, 10:18 AM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by DASHOCKER
The BMW 550 base price is 59k. Who needs "I"drive and other gizmos? That will drop the price down in the 60 k range. Well worth it for a car that is well planted out of the box. The Infiniti is a nice effort, but is still a luxo boat along with the GS hybrid. The Benz 550, wow...0-60 in 4.8! close to the e55 AMG just .2 seconds slower. The handeling though is not like the Bimmer. You guys need to drive the new 5 series They might have some on hand at the Taste of Lexus.
isnt the point of luxury sedan to have all the gizmo's? Otherwise, there are cheaper cars that can provide more sport fun...
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Old 09-26-06, 10:20 AM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Seriously it is tiring with some of you choosing to just bicker against me instead of taking the time to read and comprehend what I am saying.

The M35/45 is the ONLY car in this class to SHARE its platform with so many other cars/SUVs. This is A FACT.

The M35 is the only car in this class to SHARE its engine with so many other cars/SUVs/Vans. This is a FACT.

For the third time, I am NOT saying no one else shares nor it is an awful thing. I am saying, that is where TONS of the cost savings is, as this car is cheapest in class.

Do you (and anyone else that wants to lose an debate), understand that?
Agreed, I never disagreed with you.
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Old 09-26-06, 10:25 AM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by mavericck
Agreed, I never disagreed with you.
Not directed at you, since your have joined your posts have been positive and informative, not petty and bickering.

I can't even fight your pro VW/Audi status, I like Audi
 
Old 09-26-06, 10:29 AM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Not directed at you, since your have joined your posts have been positive and informative, not petty and bickering.

I can't even fight your pro VW/Audi status, I like Audi
Thanks, I'm glad someone noticed.
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Old 09-26-06, 10:49 AM
  #53  
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The Nissan FM platform is used in more models, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Toyota FR platform is used in more vehicles overall. Toyota, being a bigger company, has cost-saving advantages from economies of scale.

And the relevant number is worldwide, not just the U.S, when talking about cost reduction.


I'd be curious as to the worldwide sales number of:

M, G, FX, Fuga, Skyline, 350Z

vs.

IS, GS, Crown
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Old 09-26-06, 12:53 PM
  #54  
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Default Performance Data

4th place Lexus GS450h

0-60 in 5.5 seconds
1/4 mile 14.1@103mph
skidpad 0.81 g's
Lane change 63.0 mph
70-0 in 176 feet
70 cruise...66 dba
overall gas 20 mpg
Steering 2, Brake 2, Handling 7, Ride 9, fun to drive 11, total points 175


Lexus GS450h
Highs: uptown interior, user friendly secondary controls, delivers on performance -hybrid promise.
Lows: Numb steering, endless cycling of CVT, asthmatic powertrain sounds.
Verdict: Engineering that's easy to appreciate in a car that's hard to love.





3rd place Mercedes Benz E550 Sport

0-60 in 4.8 seconds
1/4 mile 13.4@106 mph
skidpad 0.84 g's
Lane change 58.8 mph
70-0 in 170 feet
70 cruise...67 dba
overall gas 17 mpg
Steering 3, Brake 3, Handling 7, Ride 8, fun to drive 17, total points 197


Mercedes Benz E550
Highs: Megawatt muscle, understated good looks, seven-speed automatic.
Lows: Flaccid handling responses, noisy HVAC system, seven-speed automatic manual mode.
Verdict: A superb cross-country ride, but hold the decreasing radii.



2nd Place BMW 550i Sport 6 speed Auto

0-60 in 5.2 seconds
1/4 mile 13.7@104 mph
skidpad 0.89 g's
Lane change 65.1 mph
70-0 in 161 feet
70 cruise...66 dba
overall gas 17 mpg
Steering 5, Brake 4, Handling 10, Ride 9, fun to drive 22, total points 209


BMW 550i
Highs: Unerring dynamics, seductively smooth power, superb seats(comfort seats).
Lows: Exasperating iDrive, skimmpy small-object stowage, clutch-your-heart price.
Verdict: A flawless driving machine diminished by pricey options and an infernal device.




1st Place Infiniti M45 Sport

0-60 in 5.9 seconds
1/4 mile 14.5@100 mph
skidpad 0.85 g's
Lane change 63.6 mph
70-0 in 160 feet
70 cruise...69 dba
overall gas 16 mpg
Steering 5, Brake 4, Handling 9, Ride 9, fun to drive 21, total points 210


Infiniti M45 Sport
Highs:Playful spirit, sports-car steering, excellent chassis, lots of room, best buy of the bunch.
Lows: Chessy Alumalook plastic dashboard trim, lane-departure warning system.
Verdict: Even without the price advantage, a top-notch, no-excuses player in the luxo-sports-sedan game.





The price difference of 550i vs M45 resulted in 1st place for M45.


Weight and weight distribution front/rear
BMW 550i 4048 lbs, 50.1/49.9
Infiniti M45 sport 4082 lbs, 53.6/46.4
Lexus GS450h 4183 lbs, 50.4/49.6
Mercedes E550 sport 4039 lbs, 51.8/48.2

http://www.autospies.com/news/Full-P...s-GS450h-8759/
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Old 09-26-06, 01:18 PM
  #55  
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who really cares what platform is used? Important thing is end result...
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Old 09-26-06, 01:22 PM
  #56  
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Originally Posted by spwolf
who really cares what platform is used? Important thing is end result...
I agree with you That is what I always say. It doesn't matter what engine, what model, what chassis. As long as the end result is achieved. Many can't see that though.
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Old 09-26-06, 02:44 PM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by CK6Speed
I agree with you That is what I always say. It doesn't matter what engine, what model, what chassis. As long as the end result is achieved. Many can't see that though.
Chris, iF your NSX shared Accord parts like the rest of the Acura lineup, would u have bought it? FOR ME, I can understand tons of parts sharing at a certain price point. At a certain class, I DO think about that. Remember, that is me.

I've read EVO reviews and CAR reviews where they get on (criticize with fairness) the M5 and even Sl 65 b/c in the end, these cars started off at 520s and SL 350s...... In other words, they are wonderful cars that literally cost 2 to 3 times as much as the same car without the do-dads. Against a Maserati for instance, it doesn't seem as special.
 
Old 09-26-06, 02:52 PM
  #58  
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Well here are more thoughts.

Lexus has to be seriously disapointed with this review. Lexus advertises and promises the GS 450h is a serious sporty alternative to the sports sedan and looking at the points, it got its **** WHOOPED. Reviews in EVO haven't been great either(Europe). Quite frankly outside the Edmunds reviews, the GS has been lackluster and average in the press, not the usual Lexus home run.

I wouldn't mind it if Lexus just promised the GS 450h is a different luxury sport sedan but they are saying its a performance sedan. That is not right.

On the other hand, why in the hell is C&D complaining it doesn't sound like a regular car when YOU DIMWITS IT IS NOT A REGULAR CAR! It is the worlds only RWD/sport luxury hybrid. It simply WILL NOT sound the same!

Not sure if the car had active steering or not...

Not sure the GS 460 will help much at this point as I doubt they will square off these cars again.
 
Old 09-26-06, 02:57 PM
  #59  
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I cannot believe the E 550 is so fast. That is E55 time from last generation. INCREDIBLE. I also think its the best looking car of the bunch. Kudos to Benz.

Onto the 550 and M45, well the 550 lost by a POINT. This is for all intents and purposes a tie. Looking at the points, the 550 and M45 to C&D is far ahead the 550 and GS.

Also, is it just me or I don't want any of these cars as they are pigs. Why the hell does a midsize sedan weigh over 4000lbs????? ALL OF THEM!!?!!?

I can understand to a point the GS with the hybrid and batteries (the regular GS is 3750lbs) but goodness, this weight gain is riduclous. A heavy car simply is not as fun as a lighter one.

Weight distribution is about even on all the cars. THE GS and 550 are almost 50/50, great work to the engineers here.

The GS got 20mpg, the E and 550 17mpg and the M45 16 mpg. So the GS is pretty much 20% more efficient in hard driving. Kudos to the hybrid in this area.
 
Old 09-26-06, 03:02 PM
  #60  
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Ya, that's the thing about these cars with me. Way too big, not much interest at all. If I had the money and wanted a sedan, E55 AMG foh sho.
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