Gs300 Vs Gs430 Differences? Vs 540i And Tl?

[brandonb]

Hey everyone. I curently drive a 2001 330ci but am wanting to get something a little bigger and more practical. Right now it's between a 2004 Acura TL, 2001-2003 BMW 5-series, or a 2001-2003 GS430. I havne't really got to look at the GS yet.

First, does anyone have any opinions on the cars I'm looking at vs. the GS?

Second, besides the 3.0 vs the 4.3l, what are the differences between a GS300 and GS430?

Finally, has the GS changed at all recently? Are the 2001's different from 2003's?

Thanks for the help,

-Brandon

[rkpub]

The GS series are good, and I have a GS300, it's a nice car, good quality built, smooth and quiet, typical Lexus characteristics. However, since you have a 330ci, which I consider a fast car. I don't think it's a good idea you pick the GS300 unless you plan to turbocharge it or do a engine swap from the Supra, b/c it is heavy and the output from the NA Inline 6 is only 220 hps.

I haven't had a chance to try the TL or 540i yet, but I was in my friend's 540i b/4 and I have driven a GS400, which is quite similiar to the GS430. The TL looks awesome to me, and the price is competitive too, but it's a FWD, something that I really care about. RWD has more fun to play around with it.

Both the GS430 and 540i will hit 60mph in the 5 seconds range, which is amazingly fast for their size. The price of 540i should be higher than the GS430 for the same year, quality wise, I think the GS is better, but performence wise, the 540i will stick out, espeically the suspension part. Another thing, all the GS are automatic (Tiptronic), I am not sure if that bothers you. You can always choose stick for Bimmers, which is quite nice, espeically to Enthusiasts.

It's really hard to pick one out of the three overall speaking. The GS has been the "10 Best" for three yrs (98-00), and the 5 series have been in the top spot for a decade, and the TL was rated as 10 Best too. (C&D) And I think you are wise not choosing the G35 sedan, which I don't think it is in the same class with the other cars.

Handling: 540i

Speed: All 3 of them.

Comfort: Not quite sure, I will go for the GS4.

Brand Name Effect: BMW and LEXUS.

Appearance: GS (Look at the front, the lights)

Potential: GS300 (TWIN Turbos)

Conclusion: If you can afford a brand new TL, I will strongly recommend the latest Bimmer 545i by paying a few grands more. You won't regret having a 545i.

Hope it helps you

[brandonb]

Thanks for your response.

A few things. I am wanting an automatic so the BMW doesn't have an advantage there.

It will be between the 2004 Acura TL, 2001-2003 540i and the 2001-2003 GS430.

You mention that if I can afford a new TL, then I should spend a little more and get a new 545i. I'm not sure if you have priced cars recently, but that's not really possible. The 2004 TL loaded with NAV out the door is right under $35,000. The 545i starts out base at $55,000, $20,00 more, and that is with NO options at all. Once equiped about the same as the TL, the 545i will be in the mid 60's. Even the base model 525i is still almost $40,000 base. Anyways, I don't like the new 5-series. The interior is horrible and seems really cheap and full of plastic for a $50k car.

I need to go test drive the GS430 and the 540i to see which I will like better.

A few ?'s about the GS real quick. Is the NAV touch screen? DVD? What options/packages are available for it that I should look for?

Thanks,

-Brandon

[Neo]

Thanks for your response.

A few things. I am wanting an automatic so the BMW doesn't have an advantage there.

It will be between the 2004 Acura TL, 2001-2003 540i and the 2001-2003 GS430.

A few ?'s about the GS real quick. Is the NAV touch screen? DVD? What options/packages are available for it that I should look for?

Thanks,

-Brandon

If you are looking for a tight ride like your 3series, you won't get it in the GS. Remember, it is much heavier. The 5 series is tuned better for that. But for the price difference, there are aftermarket suspension parts that you can add to give it that tight feeling. BUT always remember that you are pushing around more weight (even with the 5). I know some that have driven both a 540 and a suspension modded GS and they actually liked the GS better. All aI'm saying is as far as handling goes, the GS can be made to be tight. In the stock condition, it is a little floaty and sloppy.

If you want Tiptronic, then you will need a 98-2000. Lexus took out the manual shift from the 01+ (and added it to the 300s :chairshot:).

The TL is the biggest bang-for-the-buck in the group but I feel it is in a different class than the GS or the 5s. Just sit in it and you'll feel the difference. Look past the whiz-bang technology (it is a new model year 2004 vs. two older models (not year)) and you will see the difference in the fit and finish. It is a very nice carfor the price but I've heard of some tranny problems already.

I believe the Nav is touchscreen but I'm not 100% sure on the GS. The 98-00 are hard drive based and the 01+ are DVD based. Once you get into the GS430s, there are not many options left. I think Nav or ML sound are the two biggies.

It is a hard decision and I don't envy you. You should drive all three and see how they feel. Then look at your views towards the car in terms of "newness": brand new car vs. used car. I love my GS and it is VERY reliable. It definitely edges out the 5s in this case. The GS4 engines are strong, smooth, and quiet. They don't jump out of the gate (there are also mods for this ;)) but you'll be surprised at how fast you get above speed since it is so quiet and smooth.

Then it comes down to looks and how comfortable you feel in the car and its ergonomics.

Good luck.

[SW03ES]

There is a HUGE price difference between the TL and a brand new 545i LOL, like $20,000 at least. Hardly a few grand more ;)

Really the only way to know for sure is to try em all out back to back. I personally would get the TL because I prefer new cars, but that would probably be the only reason.