My Impressions: 2006 GS 300 AWD vs. 2010 GS 350 RWD
10-18-10, 02:58 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
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My Impressions: 2006 GS 300 AWD vs. 2010 GS 350 RWD
So, now that I have two 3GS's to compare to each other, I will just make some basic comments. I hope that my unbiased comparison is useful to those who are considering one of these models and some of the options you may be considering for your purchase.
Exterior:
This will be a subjective opinion by each individual person. The 2010 GS 350has the more angular updated bumpers while the 2006 GS 300 has the smoother rounder look to its bumpers. Also the side mirrors on the 2010 have the signal indicators on them. Also has the bigger grille on the front and shark fin antenna. I know that most of these updates occured earlier (2008 or 2009?).
The 2006 has the 17 inch spoke wheels, while the 2010 has the 18 inch GS Spyders. I like the style and silver finish of the 17 inch wheels better, but the 18's match the vehicle's size better.
I am actually going to go against the grain here and say that I prefer the cleaner softer look of the 2006 bumpers and I also like the lack of signal lights on the side mirrors. Also, I like the fact that there is no shark fin antenna on the 2006. Hey, if you don't need it, why add it? Looks a little goofy, IMO. I wouldn't remove it from a 2010, but conversely, I wouldn't add it to a 2006. I like the cleaner lines of the 2006 model. But as I said that is my subjective opinion. There's no right or wrong choice here.
Interior:
The steering wheel is different. The 2006's steering wheel buttons have more pronounced raised and recessed dimples for the stereo controls. The 2010 buttons are flatter and have a thinner shape to them. Once again, I like the 2006, but that could just be that I am used to it.
The gas and hood buttons are removed from the little hidden panel on the 2010 and are now accessible from the lower dash. I kind of like the buttons hidden in the secret panel, but I can see the utility of having those buttons on the dash.
2010 seats have the metal accents near the shoulders, whereas my 2006 matches the seat. Again, I like how the 2006 blends in, but it's really not a big deal.
Stereo:
The 2006 has the ML stereo while the 2010 does not. Surprisingly the 2010 sounds almost as good. I feel as though the ML system has a little bit more bass but otherwise the 2010 non ML system sounds great. The 2010 has the iPod controls which is really useful. So much so, that I am going to install it in my 2006. Right now I have an auxillary cable that I use on my 2006 and I hate having to control my music from the iPod rather than the head unit and steering wheel.
Navigation:
No comparison here. The 2010 blows away the 2006. It has the high definitition display and the maps and menus look much clearer. the 2010 also has the symbols for exits and points of interest built in, unlike the 2006. All in all, the 2006's navigation functions well enough for my use, but the newer navigation is definitely a significant upgrade from the 2006.
Performance:
The 350 is definitely faster than the 300, but in all honesty I don't drive fast anymore like I did in my youth. Occaisionally, I open it up to pass cars or just to feel the acceleration. So for my purposes the 300 is plenty fast enough. The 300 has VGRS steering which feels much firmer than the 350 without VGRS. The difference is night and day. The 300 is much more enjoyable to drive due to this difference, and while I don't drive at insanely high speeds as I previously indicated, I still do utilize the handling of my cars in sweeping turns, on/off ramps, and highway driving. I may even do the F-Sport sway bars, as I place a premium on handling.
EDIT: VGRS is not the difference in steering feel. I have not figured out what it is that makes my 300 steering have a different feel to it.
I hope my ramblings provide some utility to the forum.
Exterior:
This will be a subjective opinion by each individual person. The 2010 GS 350has the more angular updated bumpers while the 2006 GS 300 has the smoother rounder look to its bumpers. Also the side mirrors on the 2010 have the signal indicators on them. Also has the bigger grille on the front and shark fin antenna. I know that most of these updates occured earlier (2008 or 2009?).
The 2006 has the 17 inch spoke wheels, while the 2010 has the 18 inch GS Spyders. I like the style and silver finish of the 17 inch wheels better, but the 18's match the vehicle's size better.
I am actually going to go against the grain here and say that I prefer the cleaner softer look of the 2006 bumpers and I also like the lack of signal lights on the side mirrors. Also, I like the fact that there is no shark fin antenna on the 2006. Hey, if you don't need it, why add it? Looks a little goofy, IMO. I wouldn't remove it from a 2010, but conversely, I wouldn't add it to a 2006. I like the cleaner lines of the 2006 model. But as I said that is my subjective opinion. There's no right or wrong choice here.
Interior:
The steering wheel is different. The 2006's steering wheel buttons have more pronounced raised and recessed dimples for the stereo controls. The 2010 buttons are flatter and have a thinner shape to them. Once again, I like the 2006, but that could just be that I am used to it.
The gas and hood buttons are removed from the little hidden panel on the 2010 and are now accessible from the lower dash. I kind of like the buttons hidden in the secret panel, but I can see the utility of having those buttons on the dash.
2010 seats have the metal accents near the shoulders, whereas my 2006 matches the seat. Again, I like how the 2006 blends in, but it's really not a big deal.
Stereo:
The 2006 has the ML stereo while the 2010 does not. Surprisingly the 2010 sounds almost as good. I feel as though the ML system has a little bit more bass but otherwise the 2010 non ML system sounds great. The 2010 has the iPod controls which is really useful. So much so, that I am going to install it in my 2006. Right now I have an auxillary cable that I use on my 2006 and I hate having to control my music from the iPod rather than the head unit and steering wheel.
Navigation:
No comparison here. The 2010 blows away the 2006. It has the high definitition display and the maps and menus look much clearer. the 2010 also has the symbols for exits and points of interest built in, unlike the 2006. All in all, the 2006's navigation functions well enough for my use, but the newer navigation is definitely a significant upgrade from the 2006.
Performance:
The 350 is definitely faster than the 300, but in all honesty I don't drive fast anymore like I did in my youth. Occaisionally, I open it up to pass cars or just to feel the acceleration. So for my purposes the 300 is plenty fast enough. The 300 has VGRS steering which feels much firmer than the 350 without VGRS. The difference is night and day. The 300 is much more enjoyable to drive due to this difference, and while I don't drive at insanely high speeds as I previously indicated, I still do utilize the handling of my cars in sweeping turns, on/off ramps, and highway driving. I may even do the F-Sport sway bars, as I place a premium on handling.
EDIT: VGRS is not the difference in steering feel. I have not figured out what it is that makes my 300 steering have a different feel to it.
I hope my ramblings provide some utility to the forum.
Last edited by jre002; 10-19-10 at 07:12 AM.
10-19-10, 06:39 AM
#4
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lmfao @ lkapimp. thyis is not good idea in a forum where im guessing most of us have gs350 rwd. since the gs300 was only available one year. your making people like my self sad...lol. but its o.k. im much happier with 303 hp...............
10-19-10, 07:17 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Also, the little style things I prefer about the 2006 are just my personal preference. Both cars are stunning, and I have to admit, the 350 makes me want to drive fast. The extra power is fun to have.
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10-19-10, 12:10 PM
#8
Excellent work! Thanks a lot.
My wife drives our 2006 GS300 AWD most of the time and she's been talking about another 3GS to replace our old Oldsmobile that I drive the most. Now from your post I have got a pretty good picture about my new ride...or hers.
My wife drives our 2006 GS300 AWD most of the time and she's been talking about another 3GS to replace our old Oldsmobile that I drive the most. Now from your post I have got a pretty good picture about my new ride...or hers.
10-20-10, 01:38 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I got this GS 350 for my business manager as a corporate lease. I'm taking my GS to Europe and the company still needs a nice car to take out clients and such. Since I am the owner of the company, the car is mine and registered under my name. I drive it occaisonally, but for me personally I am looking to get the new 4GS when it comes out in mid to late 2011.
10-20-10, 05:13 AM
#11
Thanks. I would not buy a 3GS this year unless you're looking for a discount just based on the fact that the 4GS is coming soon. But the newer GSs are great and I hope I didn't steer you away from one.
I got this GS 350 for my business manager as a corporate lease. I'm taking my GS to Europe and the company still needs a nice car to take out clients and such. Since I am the owner of the company, the car is mine and registered under my name. I drive it occaisonally, but for me personally I am looking to get the new 4GS when it comes out in mid to late 2011.
I got this GS 350 for my business manager as a corporate lease. I'm taking my GS to Europe and the company still needs a nice car to take out clients and such. Since I am the owner of the company, the car is mine and registered under my name. I drive it occaisonally, but for me personally I am looking to get the new 4GS when it comes out in mid to late 2011.
Any pics of the Deep Sea Mica? I've never seen that color and just curous how it looks versus the Black Sapphire.
10-20-10, 03:44 PM
#12
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4gs coming soon? i keep looking it up online but no new pics. i doubt they will put a new one out next year. i wonder why everyone is so eager to see the new one. when that happens it makes our cars look old =(. i love my car and its styling. im also off topic. but i see people comparing this car to the m series from infiniti. and i find that car wayyyyyy too curvy. looks more like the old hyundai tiburon.
11-09-10, 08:16 AM
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"Right now I have an auxillary cable that I use on my 2006 and I hate having to control my music from the iPod rather than the head unit and steering wheel."
I was not aware 2006 gs300 came with an aux input? I haven't found it on my 06gs300 w/ ML and nav. I thought aux came 2007+
I was not aware 2006 gs300 came with an aux input? I haven't found it on my 06gs300 w/ ML and nav. I thought aux came 2007+
11-09-10, 08:34 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
"Right now I have an auxillary cable that I use on my 2006 and I hate having to control my music from the iPod rather than the head unit and steering wheel."
I was not aware 2006 gs300 came with an aux input? I haven't found it on my 06gs300 w/ ML and nav. I thought aux came 2007+
I was not aware 2006 gs300 came with an aux input? I haven't found it on my 06gs300 w/ ML and nav. I thought aux came 2007+
11-10-10, 05:03 AM
#15
For the most part I try to just cruise in my car. I have a modded 06 Gsxr 1000 for going fast, tends to be on 1 wheel alot of time lol!!!!!
In regards to the steering feel, I'm not saying that GS 300's have better steering than all GS 350's. I'm just comparing the two particular GS's that I have.
Also, the little style things I prefer about the 2006 are just my personal preference. Both cars are stunning, and I have to admit, the 350 makes me want to drive fast. The extra power is fun to have.
Also, the little style things I prefer about the 2006 are just my personal preference. Both cars are stunning, and I have to admit, the 350 makes me want to drive fast. The extra power is fun to have.