Hameed

There is no such model as a GS330 first of all.

If you are comparing the new engine in the 07 GS350 to the old engine in the current GS430, then what you are saying is correct.

I don't know the technical reason why the GS350 is almost as fast as the GS430 other than the obvious reason - newer engine, better technology, etc.

Someone else will chime in.

sdbrandon

It's funny how these threads always talk about Lexus reliability. No one ever talks about how fun they are to drive. Seems to be the opposite on the BMW board. I guess that is why there is usually a German and a Japanese product in my garage.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

GS350 is quicker because of its top end advantage. The GS430's top end seems to not pull as hard (relative to midrange). The GS350 has the ability to rev higher, and it makes peak power further up the revband.

EDIT: GS350 also makes more power on top

Hameed

Yep true.

However a lot of us have made our Lexus cars much more fun to drive compared to stock. Ofcourse it is not the same thing as having a fun car straight from the factory like the Bimmers.

However I am satisfied with my car as I have made it fun to drive (albeit less than a BMW), and it is reliable to boot! The best of both worlds as far as I am concerned.

Compromises (less fun or lack-luster reliablity) are part of eveyone's lives. Gotta find the best way to deal with them!

EXP_Cougar

I think 'fun to drive' is relative. If I drove very aggressively (fast, hard corners, etc) all of the time, then yes, BMW hands down. Realistically, I don't drive like that 98% of the time (we won't discuss the other 2%). So for everyday driving, my GS350 will be more than enough fun for me. Plus, who doesn't like to sit there and push all those buttons?

brit_lex

I don't know why the original poster referred to the UK forum as not being very active. I am an active GS poster on http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/
and I have over 2000 posts! I've been a member for 4 years.

There are plenty of owners of IS, GS and LS models on that forum where their cars are 10+ years old. They would be more than happy to show you their 1990 LS400 car with 200k on the clock to show you how DURABLE the cars are. I would rather have my 99 GS than many of the 2006 offerings available in Europe.

I myself ran a 1992 LS400 until it was written off when it was 12 years old. All the switches, buttons and electronics worked exactly they did when the car was new.

My replacement vehicle (99 GS with 100k) is coming up to it's 8th birthday soon. The interior is unmarked, the leather is showing very little sign of wear and tear, and with some polish, the paint has a deep shine. Plus, I RACED the car around Nurburgring this summer, and all it hasn't missed a beat since.

People I meet for the first time, especially those that have never been in a Lexus, are astonished at how durable it FEELS when close the door or press a switch.

Oh, and just because a car FEELS solid, and appears to be built from granite, does NOT necessarily equate to a very durable car.

BMWs and Mercedes are durable like Lexus, but chances are, they will cost significantly more to maintain in the long run than the equivalent Lexus.

Like others have said, BMW puts the driver's needs first, whereas the Lexus will pamper you in every way possible.