LSGarry

I agree with BNR34, the first gen Q's were pretty damn good. I owned 3 of them and kept my 95 till I finally got smart and got a cpo '02 LS last year. The 95 was just killing me on upkeep and now my mechanic doesn't see me anymore. That 4.5 engine rocked and it is still going strong with 205K miles on it.

I hear Nissan is talking about re-introducing the Q based on the GT-R which would be something to see and drive.

luxcar

I currently have a 2002 Q45 and no way it goes to 60 in 5.9 secs. Infiniti claimed 5.9 and later models (tuned transmission) can do 5.9 but not the 02.
They are good cars I used to have a 95 before this one. It was a pretty good car. The timing chain problem was only with 90-93 models.
I have never driven a LS430 but am planning to buy one and looking for an 04 at a reasonable price. I care more about smooth ride than handling. Q45 handles very well.
Has anyone driven both? How do you compare them. ride quality, handling, reliability etc. etc.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I have driven all of them, all years.......

LS430 vs. late model Q45.

Ride quality and handling wise, you only get one or the other. LS430 have extremely smooth ride quality, but don't handle well. Q45 is opposite, good handling but the ride is not smooth. That is the way it is, it is impossible to have the best of both world.

Reliability wise, all Toyota product is always more reliable then Nissan product, Nissan cars always have little problems here and there, nothing big, but little things keep poping up. LS430 is rock solid, it is possibly the most reliable car ever in all times.

spender

I don't think you can compare the LS to the IS-F! Pretty different cars, from a comfort cruiser to a sports car!

Nauticalx

LS is smooth but the S-Class is definitely a smoother ride.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I was straightly comparing Lexus's claim in acceleration #

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

If the S-Class don't break down.

mikepae

iTrader: (1)

new s class or old? i have an ls430 ul and a w220 s500 with air matic and the lexus feels much smoother from the factory.

OneOfOne

S class is a smooth ride on the lift to be fixed. again. it does have great seats though [last gen anyway]. however even in the benz forums they warn not to buy one unless you get a great warranty.

AME_VIP

iTrader: (2)

My next car is going to be a UCF30 or F50. I recently drove an F50 and a few things came to mind.

Interior is pretty small considering the size of the car.
Interior quality, fit and finish, placement of controls is better in the LS430.
Handling is sporty compared to LS430. F50 may be faster off the line.
Looks are pretty close to me as I like the F50 design.

Lexus wins in quality, luxury features like active air and retains value better. Q45 wins for lower price and body design.

ICEBERGS

In a straight line froma dig or from a roll the LS430 will beat the Q45. My brother has a 2002 ls430 and my cousin has a 2003 Q45 so being the people we are..naturally we gonna see where each car stands...each time no matter from a roll or from the stop light the LS would spank the Q45...if anyone doubts it I would be happy to film this nexat race, which could be arranged at anygiven time..From personal experience of driving both cars..the q45 feels mch lazier to me

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

The q45 feels much lazier to me also, and you are comparing it to a 02 LS430, the 04'+ LS430 with the 6-speed punch even harder off the line with it's lower gearing.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

I did a manual shift takeoff in my LS yesterday, love the gear ratio!! RPM goes a lot faster than my old 01UL!!!

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

The 04'+ LS430 is surprisingly quick off the line for what it is!

AME_VIP

iTrader: (2)

Interesting info. I am suprised the 02 LS430 is quicker than the F50.

Each company claims:
F50 340 hp/333 tq
LS430 290 hp/320 tq

Perhaps Infiniti over rated their motor? Or the gearing is better in the LS430.

Looks are definitely subjective so it really comes down to personal preference. I would love an 04+ but they are not in my price range just yet. Everyday I lean more towards the 01-03 LS430 over the F50.