bcorey

My 2nd to last car was an 01 GS430 - always liked that car (like the fit, finish, and comfort of my 01 LS better) but the GS definitively had more pull - I know that engine is slightly de-tuned and the LS weighs a bit more but I'm surprised it's so much of a difference. I didn't realize this until just last week...

I was on the freeway doing 70ish with my wife and two small kids in the back seat - went to pass an 18 wheeler so I stepped on it - it passed with ease but I never had the big acceleration I was expecting. In contrast, I was in my GS a few years back with my dad and sister - it was 105 F outside and I had the AC on - I stepped on it to pass a car and it kicked down a gear and we were off like a rocket - enough that my dad said "holy crap" which means something if you know my dad...

I was expecting something close with my LS - just surprised at the difference - FWIW, my GS had 147K on her while my LS has 137 k- are they that far apart even though they seem close on paper?

CarGuy89

I feel like the LS430 doesn't kick down to the appropriate gear sometimes so acceleration effect is greatly diminished. It doesn't surprise me that the LS doesn't pull as well as the GS as the GS probably weighed significantly less too.

Jabberwock

GS might have different shift points on the trans, maybe engine tuned a little differently since it is supposed to feel more sporty than the LS. The LS is a huge boat - plain and simple. The LS is fast for what it is, but you are not likely to greatly impress anyone with its mighty acceleration. However if they are sitting in the back seat they will feel like royalty because that back seat LS ride is mighty fine....magic carpet smoootthhhhh.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

My 05 LS has 109000 on the clock and is schooling a lot of cars on the road today that are "sports tuned". Granted its not goin to beat even a Prius in a salom but high burst is one of its specialties. Lol.

LsBanGer43

iTrader: (1)

have you tried flipping the switches on the bottom center console near the pop out storage area?? flip the switch with the snow / ext power up. I get better acceleration when i have that switch flipped to the power setting.

Bocatrip

Weight is the biggest factor here. The LS430 is an aircraft carrier.

bcorey

The difference in weight is only 240 lbs. - I wouldn't think that would make that big of a difference between the two but I guess it must.

Ty419

You'll get used to it. It has a lot of pull, but you need to give the accelerator a bit more decisive action so that it will kick down to the right gear, since it is programed to be more conservative than the GS. Flipping the power switch makes the tranny more aggressive as well.

GLIDESUL

My ls pulls good. Since I put the injen intake on it feels a little stronger, but it could be the sound playong games with me. Funny just last nite on the freeway a r32 was taunting me so I mashed the gas and blew him away from like rollin 60 to 100 I don't know if I get points for that but oh well.

Wheel_Man

iTrader: (1)

Lol!! Now, that is funny

bcorey

Wheel_Man - I see in your sig you've had (or have) both - what are your thoughts? Does your LS feel similar to what I've described?

Don't get me wrong, I love my car - I just expected a bit more when I punched it on the freeway

Wheel_Man

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I agree, the GS is a bit quicker than the LS. The LS is made for one thing and one thing only, luxury. The GS is a sports sedan if you ask me. I completely agree with Jabberwock's post. Hope that helps ;-)

warminwisc

I do not need my LS any faster. 0-60 in 5.9 second in its class in 04. I recently put a good V rated tire on my LS at 145k and it hauls.

monkeybutt

I find the LS430 quite "oomphy" enough due to the fact that the drivetrain far exceeds the handling capabilties of the platform. And on a purely visceral note my buddy related to me that when he had his Turbo Supra he did a roll on w/ an LS430 to 140+ mph and it kept right up.

caddyowner

Monkeybutt - we haven't heard from you for a while. Howdy!