alicemet

Hi all,

I currently own a 90 cressida with 200K miles on it. A/C died, it's not worth fixing on an old car, so I'm going to finish the winter with it, then upgrade.

I love the Cressida, and I'll be sorry to see it go. I want something that will give me the same ride quality, power, reliability, and everything else that is good about the toyota cressida. The LS400 even LOOKS like a cressida inside, and that's what I've been eying.

I've long since had my eyes on a '95 LS (want the upgrades in 95). But . . . my real needs are: Toyota reliability, and rear wheel drive. I hate FWD! So now, my question is: What's the difference between the GS300 and LS400 in the '95 generations?

Edmunds puts the retail prices at 16,179 and 17,912 respectively. That's pretty close in price - so the GS300 must be a pretty decent car in spite of the smaller motor. In '95, the GS300 is shorter, narrower, yet weighs *more* than the LS400. What the heck is in that thing to make it weigh more than an LS400?

I'm leaning towards the LS400 because of the V8 - but I love the inline-6 in my Cressida. The GS300 has a very similar motor to that. And while power is desirable, it's not the ultimate deciding factor.

Any light you guys could shed on this matter would be helpful.

Thanks!
Alicemet.

SilverLS400

The LS is a fun all around car but the GS is a more sport sedan. Well from the 2000 GS4 my cousin has..when i compare the power and handling to my 1st gen LS there is no comparsion...i would choose the GS all the way. I never driven a 95 GS so i wouldnt know but i think the V8 in the LS would feel way better than the I6.

JBrady

Well, first of all the GS300 is NOT lighter than the LS400. A quick look at www.lexus.com shows data for the 97 year cars (the last year model available for CPO)

97 LS400s and 95 LS400s are near identical in weight, power and styling.

97 GS300s and 95 GS300s are near identical in weight, power and styling.

The 97 and aparently 96 GS300s have 5 speed automatics where I believe the 95 GS300 has a 4 speed. The 95-97 LS400s have 4 speeds.

Here is the LS400 specifications:

DIMENSIONS
· Overall length 196.7 in
· Width 72.0 in
· Height 56.5 in
· Wheelbase 112.2 in
· Curb weight 3,726 lb
· Trunk space 13.9 cubic feet
· Fuel-tank capacity 22.5 gallons
ENGINE
· 90º V8, aluminum block and heads
· Horsepower at rpm 260 hp @ 5,300
· Torque at rpm 270 lb-ft @ 4,500
TRANSMISSION
· Four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Overdrive fourth gear, dual shift program. Optional Traction Control (TRAC)
PERFORMANCE
· 0 - 60 mph acceleration 7.2 seconds2
· 1/4-mile acceleration 15.6 seconds2
· Top track speed 149 mph2
· Fuel consumption 19/25 mpg city/highway3
· Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.28


Here is the 97 GS300 specifications:

DIMENSIONS
· Overall length 194.9 in
· Width 70.7 in
· Height 55.9 in
· Wheelbase 109.4 in
· Curb weight 3,660 lb
· Trunk space 13.0 cubic feet
· Fuel-tank capacity 21.1 gallons

ENGINE
· In-line 6, iron block, aluminum head
· Displacement 3.0 liters (183 cubic inches)
· Horsepower at rpm 220 hp @ 5,800
· Torque at rpm 210 lb-ft @ 4,800
TRANSMISSION
· Five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), with Power/Normal shift programs, drive wheels rear-wheel drive, optional Traction Control (TRAC)
PERFORMANCE
· 0 - 60 mph acceleration 8.3 seconds
· 1/4-mile acceleration 16.3 seconds
· Top track speed 144 mph
· Fuel consumption 18/24 mpg city/highway
· Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.29

Lvangundy

I really want to say that the first gen GS cars (at least 93-95 or so) were not great performers. I've been told by dealers that the old GS's were underpowered and too heavy. My 90 LS has decent power (not enough for me but) and the 95's had tons of revisions and even more engine power.

The ride is also more comfortable I'm sure, I say go LS!

Lee

2Lexos

i think it really depends on what you want the car for. Do you want a car you can mod or just something to cruise. That should make your decision easier. GS to mod and LS to cruise. That's just my opinion cause that's what i did. I have the GS to mod and my LS to cruise. peace

GSquicksilver

i've drivin an 87 cressida for 6 years but finally gave it up a few months ago to get my silver GS400 that i currently drive. all i can say is, once you go V8, u don't want to go back.

GA400

I currently have a 91 ls400 and love the torque. I haven't driven a GS300, but I would be willing to bet it is solid and quiet and has enough power, but if you like to be able to punch it and get away from someone or something that you would rather not be around, there is no substitute for being able to floor it and get out of there!
BTW, don't be afraid of high miles in an LS400, they do not start falling to pieces like most cars after 120,000 miles or so. I have 204,000 on mine with no loss in compression, burns no oil, quiet cruiser at 100mph+. Wait, you said you had over 200,000 on a Cressida, you know about the great Toyota engineering already!

If I were you, I would go to a Lexus dealer and drive all of their used cars you are interested in to get a feel for each one.

Good Luck!

GA400

pbm317

Wow.. Cressida sure brings back memories. Used to have an 86 I think it was.. my dad LOVED that thing. I'm pretty sure it was a V6 though, not an inline 6. So the engine wouldn't be too similar to the GS300 engine, which is more related to the Base Supra engine. While it is smooth and has nice power, the LS400 would be more of what I think you're looking for, with a Cressida style car.

alicemet

Actually my 90 Cressida has the same 7MGE inline-6 motor as the 86.5-93 Supra. And the previous generation Cressida has the 5MGE inline-6 shared with the Mk2 Supra of 82-86.

I've owned several of both. A few supras of various years, then the Cressida after getting married. Always wanted to put a 7MGTE in the Cressida . . . but . . . takes money and time, and I had a kid instead. :-)

Anyway, I suppose it's a trip to the dealer for me. Thanks for all your input folks! And I imagine it's an LS400 I'm looking for - more of a luxo family cruiser.

VVT-i

I will go for a 96 LS. I used to had a 95 LS with same body stlye, but the 96 got all the update ECM for the shifting problem, the popping seat. You will love it, especially you're coming from the big car like Cressida.