98+ SC400 vs 98+ GS400
#1
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Right now I'm driving a 1992 SC300, 5 speed. Really nice car, 76k miles on it, but I'm kind of tired of shifting gears and I miss my V8. Both in terms of HP and that sound. Not to say the SC300 isn't slow, but 75 more hp would be nice.
So I know its the same drive train in both of these cars, so both should feel about the same hp wise. Both have beautiful but different interiors with the same sort of features/luxuries.
But my main question is in terms of steering/handling/ride and seat comfort. How do these two cars compare? I'm pretty used to the way my SC300 drives, ie its set up to ride nice with a semblance of handling, which is what I like. I'm assuming the GS400 should ride/handle about the same. I notice the wheel/tire package is pretty tame with a lot of sidewall by modern standards, with 16" wheels/tires standard.
And how are the seats in the GS400? I love the seats in my SC, even if you do slide all over the place in the corners, I can ride 8 hours without an ache in my back.
So I know its the same drive train in both of these cars, so both should feel about the same hp wise. Both have beautiful but different interiors with the same sort of features/luxuries.
But my main question is in terms of steering/handling/ride and seat comfort. How do these two cars compare? I'm pretty used to the way my SC300 drives, ie its set up to ride nice with a semblance of handling, which is what I like. I'm assuming the GS400 should ride/handle about the same. I notice the wheel/tire package is pretty tame with a lot of sidewall by modern standards, with 16" wheels/tires standard.
And how are the seats in the GS400? I love the seats in my SC, even if you do slide all over the place in the corners, I can ride 8 hours without an ache in my back.
#2
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Before i bought my sc i drove a gs400. i have a 95 sc and i drove a 98 gs400 so the gs felt 10x faster. also to me the sc seemed to handle better in stock form. both cars ride very comfortably so u wont find any issues with that since they are lexus'. Both cars have nice sounding exhaust notes when u put one on there. the sc feels more sporty than the gs. when u drive the gs it doesnt feel like u have 300hp, it drives very smooth until u punch it and it throws u back into your seat. the sc will give u more of a sporty feel whereas the gs gives u a bit more luxury.
#3
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I have a 99 SC400, and compared to pre-98 its like two worlds. THe 1UZ gains like 40+ hp / and 30/40 more torque. WAAAAY faster than before and the seats have perforation. I have new poly steering racks and lower control arm bushings so i cant really tell you how it feels on that level but with the new poly bushings, my turn ins are solid, with little body roll. I'm still on stock suspension, it does feel firm but not back breaking firm.
#5
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The '98 GS400 actually has 300hp, where as the '98 SC400 has 290hp. Also, keep in mind that the 1SC has been available since 1992, so it may be behind technologically-speaking from the 2GS, which has been around since 1998.
When it all comes down to it, which looks better to you and which fits your lifestyle best?
When it all comes down to it, which looks better to you and which fits your lifestyle best?
#6
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I found my '99 SC to be a lot smoother, quieter, and more comfortable than my previous '92 and '95 SC's. Plus the extra power is very noticeable. As other members have already mentioned, it's a night and day difference between '92 and 98+ SC's. It's a lot more refined as well, few more creature comforts.
Can't speak for a GS though, I've never owned one and don't think I've even ever ridden in one, lol.
Can't speak for a GS though, I've never owned one and don't think I've even ever ridden in one, lol.
#7
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Hard choice! Both have that amazing UZ VVTI but what would you rather have a coupe or 4 door? What more practical for your use? Cant go wrong with either one tho!
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#8
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That being said, I would appreciate the larger trunk in the GS. Does the rear seat fold down?
Only reason I'm thinking about the GS400 is that they're easier to find, they really didn't make a hell of a lot of 98+SC400's. I do like the styling, not as much as the SC though. The SC has a certain timeless look about it that's hard to describe.
#9
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My wife and I have both the 99 SC400 and 99 GS400!
We had another 99GS400 and a tree fell on it. I always liked the lines of the SC so I went looking for one!
In my opinion acceleration is about the same!
I think the SC handles better than the GS
I think the SC drivers seat is more comfortable and I think it has more leg room than the GS
Both are great cars. I wish the SC had dual climate control and cup holders like the GS.
I wanted the 99 SC because it has the 3 spoke wheel and larger brakes than the 98
Lexus only imported something like 917 of the 99SC400 into the USA. Makes them harder to find than the GS
Neither model has fold down seats
I think they are both great cars. My advice is buy the one you want but don't go cheap.
Spend a little more and get one that has been treated the best. Saving a few $ now will cost you later
Look for detailed maintenance records and low miles. My SC has 118,000 on it and looks brand new
Ivan
3dog
We had another 99GS400 and a tree fell on it. I always liked the lines of the SC so I went looking for one!
In my opinion acceleration is about the same!
I think the SC handles better than the GS
I think the SC drivers seat is more comfortable and I think it has more leg room than the GS
Both are great cars. I wish the SC had dual climate control and cup holders like the GS.
I wanted the 99 SC because it has the 3 spoke wheel and larger brakes than the 98
Lexus only imported something like 917 of the 99SC400 into the USA. Makes them harder to find than the GS
Neither model has fold down seats
I think they are both great cars. My advice is buy the one you want but don't go cheap.
Spend a little more and get one that has been treated the best. Saving a few $ now will cost you later
Look for detailed maintenance records and low miles. My SC has 118,000 on it and looks brand new
Ivan
3dog
Last edited by 3dog; 04-12-14 at 02:34 PM. Reason: Made grammar mistake
#10
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I think they are both great cars. My advice is buy the one you want but don't go cheap.
Spend a little more and get one that has been treated the best. Saving a few $ now will cost you later
Look for detailed maintenance records and low miles. My SC has 118,000 on it and looks brand new
Ivan
3dog
Spend a little more and get one that has been treated the best. Saving a few $ now will cost you later
Look for detailed maintenance records and low miles. My SC has 118,000 on it and looks brand new
Ivan
3dog
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