2nd gen for sure, I owned a 94 GS300 and now own 01 GS430. There are things that I miss about the 1G, but all in all, the 2nd gen is just a huge step up.

 

I think you'll like the 2nd gen better. Interior is less bland looking. All 2nd gen had a 5spd auto. Only the 95+ GS300 had 5spd auto.

 

1st gen, obd1 and you don't see as many around.

 

having owned both, i will tell you what is...
They are both great cars...
BUT the 2nd GEN stands out. Not just cos its newer but the design is crazily unbeatable. As one mechanic said to me "it was designed with the future in mind".
Interior wise, i can say not much difference except for maybe the shiftknobs IMO. But exterior wise, 2nd gen all the way.
No matter which u get, you will feel luxury but the 1st gen is not an eye catcher unlike the 2nd GEN. The body style of the 1st gen is outdated whereas the 2nd gen is still very much out there.
Thats all i know.
The mechanical aspect, i know nothing when compared side by side but within the 2nd gen, i have had both a 2nd GEN GS300 and GS400 and there is a huge difference.

 

that pretty much says it all...

 

Actually, I think you get better highway MPG on the 4xx

I've had both, but the 2gen is just much better IMO. If you are after HP, then get the cheaper priced 1gen and use the extra money for boost.

 

After owning both I think I still prefer the big boat-like bodystyle of the 1GS with the nice rounded curves as opposed to the more boxy 2GS. It just looks dope, and really classy, especially with a kit. With that being said, in terms of performance the 1GS3= rediculously slow, 2GS3= sort of slow. If i could only have one with 0 miles on it i would probally get a 2GS because of everything else like having more aftermarket parts and such.

 

I have both a 96 gs300 and a 2001 gs430...while I love the body style of the 1st gen and it has a more low down sporty feel to it, the v8 in the 2nd gen just destroys the 1st gen. I honestly don't even drive my first gen anymore, its just sitting outside rotting away in the sun. The inside of the 2nd gen just seems much more luxurious especially with the navigation at the trade off of sitting up high like a couch. The 2nd gen also rides alot better and softer to me.

 

 

Factory times

 

2GS

 

I just bought a 2000 GS400 and it is the best car I have ever driven, way better than my old 2000 BMW M5. The M5 was faster, but it was junk. I have driven Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lincoln, Caddy, and Infiniti. The GS is by far the smoothest, quietest, easiest to live with car I have ever owned. Plus most people think it's brand new. I love this car.

 

the 2gen is almost 2 full seconds quicker to 60 and over a full second quicker in the quarter, just for clarification.