View Poll Results: Which is the better car
Mercedes S-Class
37
28.24%
Lexus LS430
94
71.76%
Voters: 131. You may not vote on this poll
MERCEDES S-CLASS vs LEXUS LS430
10-14-02, 03:04 PM
#46
Lexus Fanatic
Originally posted by LS400
Brand name concept. The people who don't do their homework (when deciding on which car to purchase) often pick a car with a "brand name" to it. In this case, Mercedes Benz (although the Lexus name and image is still growing).
Brand name concept. The people who don't do their homework (when deciding on which car to purchase) often pick a car with a "brand name" to it. In this case, Mercedes Benz (although the Lexus name and image is still growing).
10-14-02, 05:16 PM
#47
Originally posted by jahummer
Maybe there was something wrong with the LS430 I ordered? What about my '97 LS400?
Maybe there was something wrong with the LS430 I ordered? What about my '97 LS400?
Whatever works for you, the S430 is a beautiful car.
10-14-02, 09:14 PM
#48
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Originally posted by LS400
Brand name concept. The people who don't do their homework (when deciding on which car to purchase) often pick a car with a "brand name" to it. In this case, Mercedes Benz (although the Lexus name and image is still growing).
Brand name concept. The people who don't do their homework (when deciding on which car to purchase) often pick a car with a "brand name" to it. In this case, Mercedes Benz (although the Lexus name and image is still growing).
Last edited by Dema; 10-14-02 at 10:53 PM.
10-14-02, 10:53 PM
#49
Pole Position
Originally posted by SW03ES
My father's LS400 is a 98, so it is smoother and quieter than your 97 was, they tightened up the chassis and added more sound insulation in 98. Was the LS430 you ordered equipped with the 17 inch tires? If so there's your answer right there. Unless your S430 has the sport package, it has 16 inch tires so it will be smoother and quieter. The 17s cause more road hum and sharper reactions to bumps, potholes etc. I really prefer the 16s when it comes to ride. As for the transmission smoothness on your 97, can't speak to that except that its a 4 speed, and the 98-00 400 and the 430 have a 5 speed like your S430 does. My Dad's shifts seemlessly except for a little lag sometimes when accelerating, the dealer attributed this to the throttle by wire (cop out excuse). We drove the S Class too (he didnt wind up with either he kept his 400) 430 and 500 and while they are smooth, I didn't think they were as smooth as the LS430 or the LS400, but I never considered this a bad point about the car, the Mercedes is just sportier.
My father's LS400 is a 98, so it is smoother and quieter than your 97 was, they tightened up the chassis and added more sound insulation in 98. Was the LS430 you ordered equipped with the 17 inch tires? If so there's your answer right there. Unless your S430 has the sport package, it has 16 inch tires so it will be smoother and quieter. The 17s cause more road hum and sharper reactions to bumps, potholes etc. I really prefer the 16s when it comes to ride. As for the transmission smoothness on your 97, can't speak to that except that its a 4 speed, and the 98-00 400 and the 430 have a 5 speed like your S430 does. My Dad's shifts seemlessly except for a little lag sometimes when accelerating, the dealer attributed this to the throttle by wire (cop out excuse). We drove the S Class too (he didnt wind up with either he kept his 400) 430 and 500 and while they are smooth, I didn't think they were as smooth as the LS430 or the LS400, but I never considered this a bad point about the car, the Mercedes is just sportier.
10-14-02, 10:56 PM
#50
Pole Position
Ultimately I think that there is probably no right answer as people have their own preferences and opinions. These are both good cars and have their own pluses and minuses.
If a negative comparison is to be made then compare your Lexus or Benz to a Ford Fiesta.
If a negative comparison is to be made then compare your Lexus or Benz to a Ford Fiesta.
10-15-02, 12:17 AM
#51
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Originally posted by jahummer
Ultimately I think that there is probably no right answer as people have their own preferences and opinions. These are both good cars and have their own pluses and minuses.
If a negative comparison is to be made then compare your Lexus or Benz to a Ford Fiesta.
Ultimately I think that there is probably no right answer as people have their own preferences and opinions. These are both good cars and have their own pluses and minuses.
If a negative comparison is to be made then compare your Lexus or Benz to a Ford Fiesta.
10-15-02, 12:51 AM
#52
Originally posted by jahummer
Thanks for the response. I was was aware of these changes but the only time I drove the LS400 later model was a 2000 when comparing it to the LS430 with either 17" or 18" rims. I recall prefering the 2000. Anyhow, yes my S430 has the 16" rims but dealer says that the ride quality will NOT change if I get the 18" AMG rims. Is this not the case? I like the ride as it is now but prefer the larger rims' look.
Thanks for the response. I was was aware of these changes but the only time I drove the LS400 later model was a 2000 when comparing it to the LS430 with either 17" or 18" rims. I recall prefering the 2000. Anyhow, yes my S430 has the 16" rims but dealer says that the ride quality will NOT change if I get the 18" AMG rims. Is this not the case? I like the ride as it is now but prefer the larger rims' look.
My guess would be you prefered the 2000 400 over the 2001 430 because the 2000 has the 16 inch rims. I'm the same way, I figure if you're gonna drive a sedan like this, the smooth and quiet ride is what should be most important. Thats why it sort of irked me when they made the LS430 only availiable with 17 inch wheels for 2003.
Last edited by SW03ES; 10-15-02 at 12:52 AM.
10-15-02, 01:13 AM
#53
Pole Position
I understand the concept of less rubber equals firmer ride and I am not necesarrily ready to agree with a sales rep, but I have driven cars with stock 18 or 19 inch rims and still found it to be a smooth ride, firm, but not rough. Also suspension is a factor as the factory probably "tunes" it to the wheel size. Just with so many Benzs with 18" AMG (factory) rims...
But you are right, I need to find one with these rims and compare for myself.
Note that one of the things I always disliked about the LS400 was the dive, squat and roll. The Benz has none of these problems.
But you are right, I need to find one with these rims and compare for myself.
Note that one of the things I always disliked about the LS400 was the dive, squat and roll. The Benz has none of these problems.
10-15-02, 01:43 AM
#54
Right, the Benz has a firmer sportier suspension than the Lexus, yields a more controlled ride, I guess thats the best term.
To most people the change between 16 to 17 to 18 inch rims isn't that distinct, I just know to me I personally would notice the difference and find it annoying. Seeing that it seemed ride was one of your #1 concerns when you were shopping, then it may be to you as well. Some people like the change they get with the wheel upgrade, its all up to the individual driver's preferences. Ho you have the ABC suspension option?
To most people the change between 16 to 17 to 18 inch rims isn't that distinct, I just know to me I personally would notice the difference and find it annoying. Seeing that it seemed ride was one of your #1 concerns when you were shopping, then it may be to you as well. Some people like the change they get with the wheel upgrade, its all up to the individual driver's preferences. Ho you have the ABC suspension option?
10-15-02, 10:07 PM
#57
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Originally posted by jahummer
Yes and airmatic.
Yes and airmatic.
10-15-02, 10:20 PM
#58
Pole Position
Originally posted by E55AMG
Wait, I thought it was one or the other, i.e., if you had the ABC option, you didn't have the Airmatic, and vice versa. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Wait, I thought it was one or the other, i.e., if you had the ABC option, you didn't have the Airmatic, and vice versa. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
10-15-02, 11:02 PM
#59
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Originally posted by jahummer
I guess that is incorrect as the car definately has both. And I can tell the difference with and with out.
I guess that is incorrect as the car definately has both. And I can tell the difference with and with out.
http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...30V&class=02_S
10-15-02, 11:27 PM
#60
Pole Position
Interesting...Well I know it has ABC sport button plus there is a button to raise and lower the ride height for varying road surfaces that I thought said airmatic. Will have to look at it more carefully when I get it back from the dealer.