S L I C K

I’ve wanted and obsessed over the 3GS ever since it went on sale, but recently I saw a 2RL ( Carbon Gray Pearl RL w/ A-Spec Package ) and it definitely caught my eye. I didn’t post this in the Club Lexus 3GS Forum because I figured if I posted this in the Club Lexus Car Chat Forum I’d maybe get less biased responses. What do you guys and gals think I should get? A fully loaded 2007 Acura RL A-Spec or a fully loaded 2007 Lexus GS 350 AWD? I don’t care about prestige. I just want a nice looking, feature-packed, technologically-advanced, reliable AWD car. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

SecPole14

Sorry to say it, but I'd go with the RL. The more I think about it, the current GS seems flabby and sick, despite the impressive speed of the hybrid.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I didn't vote because I wouldn't mind owning either one. If the RL were against the GS300 I'd say Rl all the way. Against the GS430 I'd go GS430 all the way. Against the GS350 there are too many things I like about both cars that it would be a toss up for me. I think the actual price out the door of each car would be the determining factor for me. Good luck with whatever you choose though.

videcormeum

IMO the current RL has a much nicer interior than the 3GS.

But Lexus' new 3.5 liter is an impressive powerplant and even w/ AWD the GS will probably get better mileage than the RL along with slightly better performance.

RL
- Power: 290 hp @ 6200 rpm; 256 lb-ft torque @ 5000 rpm
- Tranny: 5-speed / SH-AWD
- Weight: ~ 4,050 lbs
- Price: $50,000-53,000

GS 350 AWD
- Power: 306 hp @ 6,400 rpm; 277lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Tranny: 6-speed / AWD
- Weight: ~ 3700 lbs (est.)
- Price: $50,000-56,000 (est.)

The RL weighs at least 200 lbs more than the GS350, has less power, and fewer gears. You'll probably be able to pick up a loaded RL w/ the tech package for less than you would be able to get a comparably-equipped GS, BUT w/ the A-spec package, you'll end up paying more.

Personally I think the A-spec package is overdone and would only add factory-option 18" wheels to the RL along w/ the tech pacakge. Online you can't select the 18's for some reason w/ the tech package, but I'm sure a dealer could hook you up.

GS wins hands-down for performance.
RL for luxury and value.

IMO.

M.

marshmallo

GS350 all the way if price is not a consideration. The big engine and
the 5th gen Nav swing this comparison heavily in favor of the GS in my
biased opinion . I even chose the GS300 AWD over the RL and would
do it again without hesitation.

Stock the RL has absolutely no personality and the A-spec package
looks cheeseball to me. The wheels are just OK and you can get way
nicer aftermarket rims than those.

trent

Hmm I may be a little biased towards the GS, I test drove both cars last summer and the RL is much superior to the previous generation RL, the interior is awesome with all of the features you get with the car but...............it was just a little too bland on the outside for me, and went with the GS although it has less horsepower, I still love the looks, and interior of the car after a year of ownership I don't regret my purchase at all.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I like the GS's interior more than the RL's. But The RL's interior looks better to me.

If I bought these cars, i'd be for cruising. Either one will suffice for that.

I would need to test drive the GS350 before I can make up my mind

TwiBlueG35

The only mid-luxury sports sedan that I think is better than 3GS is the BMW 5-series. So I voted for the 07 GS350. But probably I would go for the RWD one, much lighter and slightly cheaper.

LexFather

WIth you here. It could be a RL type S- or R A-spec or Z spec or spectacular with Super dooper Handling 20 wheel drive, it has the image of a stapler and for 50k, no way jose.

S L I C K

I guess I'll be getting the 2007 GS 350. My dad refuses to buy me the 2007 RL. He said I've wanted the 2007 GS 350 for so long and I waited a year for it so I should just get it ( my girlfriend said the same thing and she also added that the RL is definitely not worth the $50,000+ ). Any word yet on whether the 2007 GS 350 will get VDIM or not? Does the 2006 GS 350 in Japan have VDIM? Thanks for all the replies guys and gals.

encore888

I think the GS 350 sounds like a pretty sweet package...Lexus styling, of course, but the more powerful engine, Gen 5 graphics and/or NAVI, wood accents styled so, SmartAccess, etc.

The RL is quite nice too, navtraffic, side shades, etc. But I think it's outgunned by the GS.

videcormeum

I don't know. Acura pulls off the bubble styling better than Lexus does.

The upcoming LS and the IS rule their segments, but the GS is totally underwhelming to me. The car has more presence in pictures than it does in person. Not good. And it's getting too expensive especially considering the generic interior. The RL is the other way around - communicative design in person with a distinctive interior.

The 2GS is a different story - that car had plenty of character and a gorgeous interior.

Just so you all know where my priorities lie, I'd take the new S80 over every mid-lux car available (5, E, GS, RL, M, STS, etc.) ... why? Because everything else is played out. I don't want to ride the village bicycle no matter how good it may be.

M.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

The GS350 and 460 will have VDIM, and no switch to turn it off.

Are you going the ride the RL/GS hard? According to your thread description, you're not looking into performance but rather "a feature packed, reliable AWD." Both will provide that. VDIM shouldn't be that big of a factor for performance, but rather a big factor in safety.

Either one will suffice.

Now for my opinion: I'm not biased towards the GS, but I prefer anything over Honda...

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I'd take the RL over the GS350 AWD. Better interior, doesn't have 4x4 wheel fitment, better packaging. My only turn off is the rims but the Lexus doesn't do great there either.

Every time I see an RL on the road I take a second look and really like it.

Every time I see a 3GS on the road, I think parts of it looks good but overall it makes me cringe to think what Lexus did to it.

Gojirra99

Where did you get that from ?
The GS350 selling in Japan now does not have VDIM, go look at Lexus.jp under specifications, only the GS430 have VDIM, the same as in N.America.