hp1000

hello everyone, i am new to this forum, i am looking into buying a used gs430 next year or buying a gs 400 end of this year. is there any big differences between them. is it easier to mod either one.....
also i am also lookin at the audi s4.... with modds you have a really quick car.... i was wondering if there is a comparrison between gs and the s4
thanks for u help

LexCiting

Both the GS400 and GS430 are about the same, with the 430 of course getting newer features such as newer grill, backlights, more torque, compass in rear mirror, etc. With the 400, you get the E-Shift, that lets you shift manually (A lot of GS430 owners want this feature!!! LOL). Also there are more aftermarket parts for the GS400 than the GS430.

As far as 0-60, they are the same (maybe the 400 getting a head by a little bit, 5.8 secs (400) to 5.9 secs (430), if all factors were equal). As far as the S4, in comparison, it would be an even race because all of them get to 60 in 5.9 secs, but the Lexus will beat the S4 past 130mph. The S4 is more of a sprint, twisty road type of car. The GS is more of a straight a head power, but you don't know you are going that fast because its so smooth, type of car.

Now, as far as modding, the S4 has more affordable performance parts (chips, exhaust, etc) then the Lexus, and you will get more bang for your buck. The downside is that you probably will have more repair cost for the S4, because Audi's are infamous for breaking down after modding. With Lexus, you really don't have to worry to much about that happening.

So in a nutshell:

GS pros:

* Lexus quality
* more room
* 0-60 in 5.9 (stock)
* a true luxury sports sedan (The big 3 being Lexus, Benz, BMW)
* low repair cost

GS cons:

* expensive to mod (excluding intakes)
* stock handling

S4 pros:

* All Wheel Drive
* 0-60 in 5.9 (stock), with enough practice can get down to 5.6 secs (stock)
* handling
* inexpensive aftermarket parts, gives good increase in HP

S4 cons:

* semi-luxury vehicle (The big 3 being Audi, Infinity, Acura)
* repair costs
* less room than GS

This is just my opinion. I would test drive the GS400, and the GS430. You will find they are basically the same. Between the two it all comes down to accessories, and what you really want. As far as the S4, it depends on what you want. If you are into road racing, and speed. Then I would go with the S4. If you want luxury, and speed. Go with the Lex.

Hope this helps

Lee

theanimala

LexCiting, very well documented. I would just like to add that the S4 does not really compete against the GS. A better comparison would be the A6 2.7T. Same engine, but the size is much closer to the GS. I personally love both cars, so you should drive them both to see which one you perfer.

Regarding GS400 vs 430, to me they are nearly identical. I would like the 430 because of the superior DVD widescreen NAV system over my smaller screened HD based NAV. However, I love E-shift and use it almost daily. If I replace my GS400 with another GS, it will probably be another 400 and not the 430 for this reason...

hp1000

thanks for the info.. it was helpful... now i have tomake a tough decision..

LexCiting

I totally agree with Theanimala on comparing a GS400 vs a GS430. I like the newer DVD navigation in the 430, BUT wouldn't trade in my e-shift in my 400. I would trade in for another GS400 too, plus a used 400 should be cheaper than a used 430. You can use that to start modding!


Good luck on your decision!