2014 IS vs 2013 GS vs 2014 E-class
07-13-13, 05:30 PM
#31
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Airmatic doesn't have a stellar reputation for reliability, I would pass on it. Compressor failures seem to be more and more common, and its a fortune to fix.
I like the look of the E, it has a presence to it, but overall IMO the car is overpriced for what it is. $60k is basically stripped with nothing on it, since the Germans love to rape for every nickel they can. A car in that price range that doesn't have HID's or real leather as standard equipment is an embarrassment, IMO.
I like the look of the E, it has a presence to it, but overall IMO the car is overpriced for what it is. $60k is basically stripped with nothing on it, since the Germans love to rape for every nickel they can. A car in that price range that doesn't have HID's or real leather as standard equipment is an embarrassment, IMO.
07-13-13, 07:09 PM
#32
The V8 engine factor is too big to compare an E550 V8 with a GS350 V6; here the smaller lighter V6 engine has less weight over the front axle for quicker turn-in, and higher terminal grip.
If we were to compare a hypothetical in-line 4 cylinder 2.0L turbo 4GS with a GS350 3.5L V6, the 4 cylinder turbo would have a lighter nose, and quicker turn-in, with more terminal grip again.
It would be interesting to compare an E550 V8 with Airmatic suspension, with an equivalent hypothetical 4GS V8 with conventional suspension.
Airmatic must work constantly, hence reliability problems.
However, Airmatic can raise the rear end when heavy towing and hitching, etc.
Horses for courses.
Each car has its own strengths and weaknesses.
So, exploit the E550's weakness in handling and durability.
Likewise, exploit the GS350's lack of bottom end torque, and its marginal rear foot room and general cabin space etc.
Even Stevens really.
The overall better car boils down to personal individual priorities.
What is good for Pinipig, won't necessarily be good for Steve, and vice versa etc...
If we were to compare a hypothetical in-line 4 cylinder 2.0L turbo 4GS with a GS350 3.5L V6, the 4 cylinder turbo would have a lighter nose, and quicker turn-in, with more terminal grip again.
It would be interesting to compare an E550 V8 with Airmatic suspension, with an equivalent hypothetical 4GS V8 with conventional suspension.
Airmatic must work constantly, hence reliability problems.
However, Airmatic can raise the rear end when heavy towing and hitching, etc.
Horses for courses.
Each car has its own strengths and weaknesses.
So, exploit the E550's weakness in handling and durability.
Likewise, exploit the GS350's lack of bottom end torque, and its marginal rear foot room and general cabin space etc.
Even Stevens really.
The overall better car boils down to personal individual priorities.
What is good for Pinipig, won't necessarily be good for Steve, and vice versa etc...
Last edited by peteharvey; 07-13-13 at 10:23 PM.
07-14-13, 06:15 AM
#33
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: IL
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Airmatic doesn't have a stellar reputation for reliability, I would pass on it. Compressor failures seem to be more and more common, and its a fortune to fix.
I like the look of the E, it has a presence to it, but overall IMO the car is overpriced for what it is. $60k is basically stripped with nothing on it, since the Germans love to rape for every nickel they can. A car in that price range that doesn't have HID's or real leather as standard equipment is an embarrassment, IMO.
I like the look of the E, it has a presence to it, but overall IMO the car is overpriced for what it is. $60k is basically stripped with nothing on it, since the Germans love to rape for every nickel they can. A car in that price range that doesn't have HID's or real leather as standard equipment is an embarrassment, IMO.
Regarding the MB-Tex upholstery... I agree. Vinyl does not belong to a car of this price level. I'm glad I got leather on my preowned E550. $46K was a good price for it. No way I would've paid $64K for it.... just ilke how I would not pay over $50K for a GS.
Had they had preowned GS for under $40K, I would've jumped on one.
07-14-13, 09:08 AM
#34
Lexus Fanatic
And for some reason the MB Tex is especially problematic to me, it just feels rubbery and artificial. I think the best synthetic leather I've seen is the Lexus NuLuxe...that doesn't belong in a car of this price point either though.
07-14-13, 08:52 PM
#35
The seats in the F Sport are very nice but the seats in the LUX Package are a slice of heaven...18 Way. Also the the leather in the Lexus is so much nicer than the German rivals. I came very close to buying the BMW 550i M Sport but in the end the GS won my pick. It's a much more nimble and easy to drive car. I'm very picky and always want to change my cars, but the GS I feel I love more everyday.
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