SC400 to GS400?
08-29-03, 12:25 AM
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SC400 to GS400?
I've been reading through the forum and I'm hoping to get some responses from people familiar with both cars. I realize that the GS400 is faster and there are more mods for it, but there's a couple things that concern me:
With the L-Tuned WIDE 18's on my SC, I've outdriven good drivers in Z3's and Boxsters on the corners. Handles with astonishing grip and predictability. If I go GS, will I lose that great handling?
My SC400 is designed to make the front two passengers VERY comfortable with the best seats I've ever felt in any car, anywhere (that includes Rolls Royce). Will I be losing two comfortable seats to four semi-comfortable seats?
I hear wildly varying stories about how fast these cars are. Anyone ever taken one to the track bone stock and gotten a repeatable time?
Lastly, if I do trade the SC in, what options should I look for in a GS? (I don't intend to buy new, I have faith in Toyota's grand design)
With the L-Tuned WIDE 18's on my SC, I've outdriven good drivers in Z3's and Boxsters on the corners. Handles with astonishing grip and predictability. If I go GS, will I lose that great handling?
My SC400 is designed to make the front two passengers VERY comfortable with the best seats I've ever felt in any car, anywhere (that includes Rolls Royce). Will I be losing two comfortable seats to four semi-comfortable seats?
I hear wildly varying stories about how fast these cars are. Anyone ever taken one to the track bone stock and gotten a repeatable time?
Lastly, if I do trade the SC in, what options should I look for in a GS? (I don't intend to buy new, I have faith in Toyota's grand design)
08-29-03, 05:49 AM
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MadMaxSC400,
Since I own both maybe I can shine some light on the subject.
Handling. My SC is stock while GS has L-Tuned suspension and TRD-Sways. Also, GS rides on stock 17 inch chrome wheels. For what this is worth, GS can out handle SC without any problems.
Seats. I guess this is the personal opinion, but I find GS front seats more comfortable than SC's. I didn't spend too much time in the back seat so I can only say that GS has much more back room than SC.
Track. Power boost wise I have only SRT intake installed. Both times I took GS to the track it was in hot and humid weather, 90+ degrees F. Both times, I managed best runs in about 14.85. I feel that I can do better than that, especially in colder conditions.
When I was shopping for GS, I was looking for Nakamichi or Navigation, heated seats, HID lights, and 17 inch wheels. Since you are in Cali there is the possibility you don't need heated seats. If you are planning on upgrading the wheels I wouldn't worry about stock 17s. The rest I would pick.
Since I own both maybe I can shine some light on the subject.
Handling. My SC is stock while GS has L-Tuned suspension and TRD-Sways. Also, GS rides on stock 17 inch chrome wheels. For what this is worth, GS can out handle SC without any problems.
Seats. I guess this is the personal opinion, but I find GS front seats more comfortable than SC's. I didn't spend too much time in the back seat so I can only say that GS has much more back room than SC.
Track. Power boost wise I have only SRT intake installed. Both times I took GS to the track it was in hot and humid weather, 90+ degrees F. Both times, I managed best runs in about 14.85. I feel that I can do better than that, especially in colder conditions.
When I was shopping for GS, I was looking for Nakamichi or Navigation, heated seats, HID lights, and 17 inch wheels. Since you are in Cali there is the possibility you don't need heated seats. If you are planning on upgrading the wheels I wouldn't worry about stock 17s. The rest I would pick.
Last edited by ChrisK; 08-29-03 at 05:53 AM.
08-29-03, 07:45 AM
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I owned an SC300 and a GS300 and the GS definitely felt tighter in handling. Also, if creature comforts matter to you the GS has much more usable room inside (i.e. cupholders, console, etc.) Also, much less wind noise through the sunroof. Re: sound system... I had the standard stereo (not Nakamichi) in the SC and the Mark Levinson in the GS. ML was by far the best.
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08-29-03, 11:37 AM
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I'm thinking black GS, factory spoiler, wide chrome 18's. The other thing that's nice is that people say there's almost too much aftermarket support for the GS, which I like. I'll go ride in one, see if I like it, and I'll probably end up with one, but I'm going to wait to get a certified pre-owned one.
08-29-03, 04:50 PM
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Originally posted by ChrisK
MadMaxSC400,
Since I own both maybe I can shine some light on the subject.
Handling. My SC is stock while GS has L-Tuned suspension and TRD-Sways. Also, GS rides on stock 17 inch chrome wheels. For what this is worth, GS can out handle SC without any problems.
Seats. I guess this is the personal opinion, but I find GS front seats more comfortable than SC's. I didn't spend too much time in the back seat so I can only say that GS has much more back room than SC.
Track. Power boost wise I have only SRT intake installed. Both times I took GS to the track it was in hot and humid weather, 90+ degrees F. Both times, I managed best runs in about 14.85. I feel that I can do better than that, especially in colder conditions.
When I was shopping for GS, I was looking for Nakamichi or Navigation, heated seats, HID lights, and 17 inch wheels. Since you are in Cali there is the possibility you don't need heated seats. If you are planning on upgrading the wheels I wouldn't worry about stock 17s. The rest I would pick.
MadMaxSC400,
Since I own both maybe I can shine some light on the subject.
Handling. My SC is stock while GS has L-Tuned suspension and TRD-Sways. Also, GS rides on stock 17 inch chrome wheels. For what this is worth, GS can out handle SC without any problems.
Seats. I guess this is the personal opinion, but I find GS front seats more comfortable than SC's. I didn't spend too much time in the back seat so I can only say that GS has much more back room than SC.
Track. Power boost wise I have only SRT intake installed. Both times I took GS to the track it was in hot and humid weather, 90+ degrees F. Both times, I managed best runs in about 14.85. I feel that I can do better than that, especially in colder conditions.
When I was shopping for GS, I was looking for Nakamichi or Navigation, heated seats, HID lights, and 17 inch wheels. Since you are in Cali there is the possibility you don't need heated seats. If you are planning on upgrading the wheels I wouldn't worry about stock 17s. The rest I would pick.
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09-02-03, 06:10 AM
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koreanpers,
Yes the TRD sways made huge difference. When taking corners the car doesn't lean (sway) from one side to the other. The car feels like on rails. The installation cost me about $100, but I've read that a lot of CL members did it themselves. It shouldn't be that difficult to do.
Yes the TRD sways made huge difference. When taking corners the car doesn't lean (sway) from one side to the other. The car feels like on rails. The installation cost me about $100, but I've read that a lot of CL members did it themselves. It shouldn't be that difficult to do.
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