98LexusGS

Hi everybody,

I'm new to this board. Can somebody clear up if the new GS 430 is slower than the old GS 400?

I have friendly wager with a friend who has a new GS 430. I think my car has a faster 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile. Any thoughts?

If so, do you think this is why Lexus is coming out with the GS 460?

Gojirra99

You'll probably just get some magazine tested times, & that's call magazine racing
Why don't you just race him & find out ? but that 's probably not conclusive either since it also depends on the drivers . . .

BTW, although I'm not 100 % sure, I think the best 0-60 times by the mags. for both the new GS430 & old GS400 is 5.7 sec.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

if anything the new gs430 shoudl be faster (though i say they are just as fast), since it has the new 6 speed tranny and better ecu

98LexusGS

Well, to phrase this better:

1998 GS 400 Curb Weight - 3690 lbs
2006 GS 430 Curb Weight - 3745 lbs

Horsepower being equal. I know this is a moot point considering that I'll never be able to match the magazine's times (better driver, more ideal racetrack conditions) but it would be fun to match up my 98 GS with my friend's 06.

By the way, here's the link that started our debate:

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2437.shtml

It states 2006 GS430 running a 6.6 second 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile at 15 seconds. I have no idea how they got it running so slow.

98 GS 400 was like 5.7 - 5.8 0-60 and 14.2 - 14.3 1/4 mile.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well those reviews are not done by the same group of people right, let alone the different time from 98 to now, so it's hard to say. i have seen people who can't drive fwd cars good and they get stupid time on rsx-s. so it's hard to choose what to believe. the only time i will believe the time is if you have a 98 gs400, a 01 gs430, and then a 06 gs430 all side by side, the same day, same location, and you gun it and measure the speed and time with the same equipment. now that's fair.

anyway, yeah same hp. the new gs430 is a big heavier, but it also have the 3.76 rear end gear to begin with. that thing does NOT show up on the dyno. plus the new 6 speed tranny, maybe it has a bit less power train loss, and the ecu setting could be a bit more aggressive timing on shifting or whatever, and thsoe could change the characteristic of the car and how it drives. and those wont' shot up at all on the dyno

put it this way. my gs400, now with the tq converter and the supra tt rear end. the hp on my car does not change a single bit, but the car is hella faster

98LexusGS

____________________________________________________
Motorweek:

We found VDIM to be a most aggressive stability system. Push the car hard and the computer instantly takes control.

Even in Sport mode, VDIM will not let you push the car near its limits. Depending on your attitude about driving, this is either the ultimate safety system, or the most intrusive electronic big brother ever devised.
...
But you can't shut off traction control for a quick quarter mile. Spin the rear tire, and it immediately engages. Half-throttle launches can fool the system, and yield a fine 6.6-second 0 to 60 time. The quarter mile took 15-seconds flat at 95 miles-per-hour.

______________________________________________________

Granted you have a good point - different conditions, different settings, etc. But the main point I'm getting at is:

Is this Lexus intentionally limited by it's electronics - traction control, VDIM? I have driven the
new GS430 and I definitely have a harder time launching it than my GS 400.

the only time i will believe the time is if you have a 98 gs400, a 01 gs430, and then a 06 gs430 all side by side, the same day, same location, and you gun it and measure the speed and time with the same equipment.

Gee, that would be hella fun.

Gojirra99

Yes, it's a valuable asset to probably 95% plus of the owners rather than an intrusion, which won't be noticeable except to the small minority of hard-core performance enthusiasts, but I agree that it's better if Lexus can make it possible to turn off the VDIM when desired.

chuckb

rominl

iTrader: (4)

ok now if you talk about VDIM, of course it's naother story

LexFather

The difference is barely noticable if there is one. Both cars are sub 6 second cars. The new GS does have lower 1/4 mile times. Remember the 3GS has a 6 speed the 2GS a 5 speed.