GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

GS/M35/45/RL comparisons

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-06-05, 09:59 PM
  #121  
rominl
exclusive matchup

iTrader: (4)
 
rominl's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Lovely OC
Posts: 81,671
Received 190 Likes on 148 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bitkahuna
A potent M45 for $50K? That's great. The *current* GS430 with nav is $52K MSRP, so the next one ain't likely to be cheaper, plus, anyone know the weight of the new GS? I somehow doubt with the 4.3 in the new GS, even with the 6 speed auto, that it will be as fast as this M45, but maybe it will.

I don't know the dimensions, but from all the pics I've seen the M45 looks smaller than the new GS, which is a PLUS in my books.

I saw a new RL from behind on the highway the other morning and I thought it looked great, especially the circle of LEDs on the rear lights, VERY SWEET.
well the 04 ls430 is pretty heavy at 4000lb, but with the same engine and 6 speed (not sure about the rear end, but i don't think it's 3,76), it has a speed of under 6 sec to 60. so given if the new gs is lighter than the ls430, and if it's really a better ratio rear end, it's not entirely impossible
rominl is offline  
Old 01-06-05, 11:58 PM
  #122  
ChuH
Instructor
 
ChuH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Guam
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Isn't the 06 GS have runflat tires? Without a spare tire Lexus shave off a few pound.

Chu...
ChuH is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 09:59 AM
  #123  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

While Lexus has quoted the 2004/2005 LS430's 0-60 at 5.9, many magazines have tested it at about 6.2 seconds which is still fast considering it's weight and having "only" 290HP. The '01-'03 LS430 ran 0-60 in about 6.8 seconds, so the 6AT alone shaved about a half second off the 0-60 time. If the same holds true for the GS (same V8, new 6AT) that could theoretically bring the 0-60 down to around 5.2 seconds but also consider bigger wheels and the fact that it will probably be a bit heavier than the current model...likely keeping the 0-60 to where it is now (any performance gains with the new 6AT could be cancelled out by added weight, in which case we're still getting one of the fastest cars in it's class [0-60 of about 5.7 seconds, which is exactly what Lexus has quoted]). I know that's quite theoretical, but it's probably what will happen.

A while ago I compared the dimensions of the new car with those of the current one, and I think that most of the increases were less than an inch except for wheelbase which I believe was lengthened a little more than 2 inches. I could go and dig them up, but the new GS hasn't grown anywhere near as much as the new M has over it's predecessor. From what I've seen, the M is a pretty good sized car, just a bit smaller than the LS430.

I think the M will remain the fastest car in it's class, even when the GS430 arrives in two months, but if the rumor of a GS460 does come true, Infiniti could be in trouble. In the same breath, there is a lot more to a luxury car than just straight line performance and I doubt that any of us are really going to notice the difference behind the wheel of a car does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds or of one that takes 5.7 seconds. The Mag-racer numbers are nice to look at and consider, but if the M has a .3 or .4 second 0-60 advantage over the GS, that doesn't exactly qualify it as a better car, like some of the people here and on other forums are predicting.

-Michael-
MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 10:44 AM
  #124  
rogers2
Racer
 
rogers2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Annapolis, Md
Posts: 1,268
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MPLexus301
While Lexus has quoted the 2004/2005 LS430's 0-60 at 5.9, many magazines have tested it at about 6.2 seconds which is still fast considering it's weight and having "only" 290HP. The '01-'03 LS430 ran 0-60 in about 6.8 seconds, so the 6AT alone shaved about a half second off the 0-60 time. If the same holds true for the GS (same V8, new 6AT) that could theoretically bring the 0-60 down to around 5.2 seconds but also consider bigger wheels and the fact that it will probably be a bit heavier than the current model...likely keeping the 0-60 to where it is now (any performance gains with the new 6AT could be cancelled out by added weight, in which case we're still getting one of the fastest cars in it's class [0-60 of about 5.7 seconds, which is exactly what Lexus has quoted]). I know that's quite theoretical, but it's probably what will happen.

A while ago I compared the dimensions of the new car with those of the current one, and I think that most of the increases were less than an inch except for wheelbase which I believe was lengthened a little more than 2 inches. I could go and dig them up, but the new GS hasn't grown anywhere near as much as the new M has over it's predecessor. From what I've seen, the M is a pretty good sized car, just a bit smaller than the LS430.

I think the M will remain the fastest car in it's class, even when the GS430 arrives in two months, but if the rumor of a GS460 does come true, Infiniti could be in trouble. In the same breath, there is a lot more to a luxury car than just straight line performance and I doubt that any of us are really going to notice the difference behind the wheel of a car does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds or of one that takes 5.7 seconds. The Mag-racer numbers are nice to look at and consider, but if the M has a .3 or .4 second 0-60 advantage over the GS, that doesn't exactly qualify it as a better car, like some of the people here and on other forums are predicting.

-Michael-

Very True, but what about the handling/chasis?
rogers2 is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 11:33 AM
  #125  
CK6Speed
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
CK6Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: HI
Posts: 7,719
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MPLexus301
While Lexus has quoted the 2004/2005 LS430's 0-60 at 5.9, many magazines have tested it at about 6.2 seconds which is still fast considering it's weight and having "only" 290HP. The '01-'03 LS430 ran 0-60 in about 6.8 seconds, so the 6AT alone shaved about a half second off the 0-60 time.

-Michael-
ON the Lexus website they have this disclaimer for the performance times attained.
These performance capacity figures are for comparison only, and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. Do not attempt.
WE all know they use special timing and safety equipment but I was a bit surprised at the prototype behicle statement. Anyway, anything in the 6.5 second range is already fast for a 4000lb car so anything better is impressive.
CK6Speed is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 12:39 PM
  #126  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Originally Posted by bitkahuna
A potent M45 for $50K? That's great. The *current* GS430 with nav is $52K MSRP, so the next one ain't likely to be cheaper, plus, anyone know the weight of the new GS? I somehow doubt with the 4.3 in the new GS, even with the 6 speed auto, that it will be as fast as this M45, but maybe it will.

I don't know the dimensions, but from all the pics I've seen the M45 looks smaller than the new GS, which is a PLUS in my books.

I saw a new RL from behind on the highway the other morning and I thought it looked great, especially the circle of LEDs on the rear lights, VERY SWEET.
Bit the M35/45 is 192 inches long, the GS will still be 189 inches.
 
Old 01-07-05, 12:58 PM
  #127  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by rogers
Very True, but what about the handling/chasis?
Well, those are about the last two things we have yet to uncover with the new GS. It's a completely new chassis so we don't know what to expect there, but as many people have noted, the new Adaptive Variable Suspension feature as well as bigger wheels and grippier tires are a good start as far as handling is concerned. We'll have to wait for magazine tests to see how the car actually drives.

-Michael-
MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 01:04 PM
  #128  
Lex_Fnatic
Lead Lap
 
Lex_Fnatic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: browsing the WWW
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Bit the M35/45 is 192 inches long, the GS will still be 189 inches.

Must add I recently was a passenger in the new rl...and it still seems like your grandfather's car. Definetely not fun to drive, or thrilling, or inspiring in any way. Feels solid, but as I read in a review recently try to find- the suspension is too stiff. It is not agile AT ALL. Turning the corner, it's way to slow. Doesn't have anything that should make it unique to the car.

The exterior is sleek but not a unique design that's for sure. The turn signal mirrors are pretty cool. The aluminum dash is really nice. The navi is very good. The AWD should be fine. These are the stong points.

The car is quiet, firm- but boring, boring, boring. It's kinda bland. What a waste of money! Forget "street credit" Test drive it you'll see.

Plus- judging from the bargain prices he was willing to give- not exactly selling.

What else is there- what's happening these days. The e500 is much nicer- can be driven sporty or luxuriously - apparently, even though its kinda nothing too much either! Hoping to test drive it soon.

The 530 not good enough when you have the...
The 545 and it's mechanical problems yet still a bit to high
The new gs- sorry but the've made a big mistake exterior wise.
Lex_Fnatic is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 01:29 PM
  #129  
jrock65
Lexus Test Driver
 
jrock65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: None
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lex_Fnatic
Must add I recently was a passenger in the new rl...and it still seems like your grandfather's car. Definetely not fun to drive, or thrilling, or inspiring in any way.

The car is quiet, firm- but boring, boring, boring. It's kinda bland. What a waste of money! Forget "street credit" Test drive it you'll see.

Plus- judging from the bargain prices he was willing to give- not exactly selling.
Bargain prices? Most RLs are still going for MSRP. The best discount reported is less than $1000.

It's been selling at about 2000 per month. Not bad for a $50k sedan.

Also, if you were just a passenger, how do you know it's not fun to drive?
jrock65 is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 01:49 PM
  #130  
Lex_Fnatic
Lead Lap
 
Lex_Fnatic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: browsing the WWW
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jrock65
Bargain prices? Most RLs are still going for MSRP. The best discount reported is less than $1000.

It's been selling at about 2000 per month. Not bad for a $50k sedan.

Also, if you were just a passenger, how do you know it's not fun to drive?

Well he offered much less don't remember what exactly one thing for sure is there were few in the dealership. We drove the executive's car.. As a passenger can get a pretty good idea, not as good as the driver yes but I am not anxious to drive it .
Lex_Fnatic is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 01:57 PM
  #131  
jrock65
Lexus Test Driver
 
jrock65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: None
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lex_Fnatic
Well he offered much less don't remember what exactly one thing for sure is there were few in the dealership. We drove the executive's car.. As a passenger can get a pretty good idea, not as good as the driver yes but I am not anxious to drive it .
He was probably offering you the demo car then. I'd really be surprised if you could get a new RL for more than $1000 off MSRP.
jrock65 is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 02:01 PM
  #132  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Look at how SERIOUS midsize competitors at least OFFER a V-8.
Audi A-6
BMW 5 series
Mercedes BenzE class
Lexus GS series
Cadillac STS
Infiniti M class
Lincoln LS
Jag S-type

Seems any serious midsize luxury competitor has a V-8 offered. Who doesn't:
Acura RL
Volvo S80

To argue that a V-8 is unnecessary or overblown is foolish. The competiton has offered it for years. And those that didn't, SMARTNED up and offered one.

Last edited by LexFather; 01-07-05 at 02:35 PM.
 
Old 01-07-05, 02:06 PM
  #133  
Lex_Fnatic
Lead Lap
 
Lex_Fnatic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: browsing the WWW
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
Look at how SERIOUS midsize competitors at least OFFER a V-8.
Audi A-6
BMW 5 series
Mercedes BenzE class
Lexus GS series
Cadillac STS
Lincoln LS
Jag S-type

Seems any serious midsize luxury competitor has a V-8 offered. Who doesn't:
Acura RL
Volvo S80

To argue that a V-8 is unnecessary or overblown is foolish. The competiton has offered it for years. And those that didn't, SMARTNED up and offered one.
and m45
volvo most likely on it's way as the xc90 is coming with one and it is based on the flagship sedan.

Audi A-6- nicer but still not appealing
BMW 5 series- nice but it's got issues
Mercedes BenzE class- nice
Lexus GS series- was sweet
Cadillac STS-- forget it
Lincoln LS- not really benz territory
Jag S-type - too show offy
Lex_Fnatic is offline  
Old 01-07-05, 02:35 PM
  #134  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Originally Posted by Lex_Fnatic
and m45
volvo most likely on it's way as the xc90 is coming with one and it is based on the flagship sedan.

Audi A-6- nicer but still not appealing
BMW 5 series- nice but it's got issues
Mercedes BenzE class- nice
Lexus GS series- was sweet
Cadillac STS-- forget it
Lincoln LS- not really benz territory
Jag S-type - too show offy
Thanks, I edited my mistake.
 
Old 01-07-05, 08:20 PM
  #135  
chuckb
Lexus Fanatic
 
chuckb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,947
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default


Look, if you over rev it will go into Reverse
chuckb is offline  


Quick Reply: GS/M35/45/RL comparisons



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:09 PM.