What are the significant improvements going from a GS to an LS ?

 

I think the most important thing to consider is that they are both discontinued models now and neither is in high demand.

 

Off hand, I couldn't really say, because I've not ridden in a GS. I'd have to say power, refinement, roominess and smooth ride (possibly the audio system in the LS is better). But a GS, even with less power, might whoop up on an LS down the quarter mile. But like I said, I've never rode in one. The sound of the V8 in the LS crushes the V6 sound of GS's. I do realize a GS 460 exists and it must sound nice too.

 

Never owned or even driven/rode in a 4g GS but, they look smaller/narrower. I imagine that the GS is more 'sportier'. My advice is for you to drive an LS and make your decision based off of what you actually feel. You'll be able to live with your decision much better.😉

 

LS is a larger, heavier but powerful car that excels on road trips. Comfort, ride, quiet cabin, isolation from road noise and vibration with ample power is where it excels.

 

I can easily tell you, I just worked on a 4GS and the customer insisted I drive it hard to make sure its good to go.

The LS is smoother, quieter, faster once past 60 unless you have a GSF, and has a better suspension but with more roll and input delay but actual road holding is higher when both cars are using the same tires as ours were. It is also more stable over 100 mph

The GS has faster turn in, feels sharper, and is more inviting to play around in, the seats are also better for harder driving, steering feels more reactive but also not as calm when really on it or sliding though a turn since weighting changes more IMO or perhaps it just seemed that way to me.

The transmissions on both are the same as far as response if you drive them hard, the LS trans will however become lazy over time and allow much more relaxed learned values if you never push it hard. Mine doesn't since I drive it hard enough it ALWAYS wants to downshift and hold gears and will hold 4500-5000rpm off throttle though turns just like a GS will in it's normal state. As an LS driver the GS doesn't offer me anything my LS doesn't already and is less capable when it comes to refinement and comfort tasks except for the seats when pushing hard/all 4 tires at limit though a curve. If you never drive hard the GS will naturally feel more direct and sporty day to day, the LS will feel lazy, push them and the LS wakes up in a way most do not expect. Get an LS with sport air suspension and VGRS and then the GS has nothing on it.

 

The best way to tell the differences is drive an LS and compare your experiences.

 

I've had both. They're just totally different cars. The GS is a sport sedan, its much smaller inside, the LS is a luxury sedan with no sport pretentions, its much larger inside even with the SWB, MUCH larger with the LWB. LS is smoother, quieter, more refined, GS is sportier, more fun to drive.

 

LS is the men's department hajaa

But I always tip my hat when I see a lovely lady driving an LS.

I've had GS's, get the LS.

 

Here's another perspective. If you and your crew were robbing a bank, and were walking out of the bank with really large shoulder slung bags stuffed full of cash and you and your crew needed to jump in a car, with the possibility of needing to hussle away (from the Heat), which would you want sitting there with a driver ready and the doors open? A GS? An LS? Or an LS 460L? Picture the scene on HEAT when they're coming out of the bank.

I'd take the LS 460L. More room, more hussle. I'm always prepared in case I decide to change career paths.

 

I would likely take a SWB RWD LS, now if it was a GSF.......lol! Great question man

I know for a fact it's quite a difficult fit for 4 6ft guys in helmets and plates to fit in an LS460, we can't wear the NODs on the helmets when we tried it for the heck of it. SUVs do a hell of a lot better for stuff like that plus it's easier to drive with a rifle off near the door vs slung and between your legs.

 

I came from a 4th gen GS LUX and I can tell you the power is much better, the comfort is much better, and the extra space was appreciated. Just better quality overall.

I would never go back to a GS for what that’s worth.

 

And none of this is a slight against the 4GS, the LS is just more expensive, bigger, better

 

read thru the responses, since I have spent weeks in multiple gs loaners and own the ls ill share some more useful thoughts

the v8 and auto has the combination of seamless linear power and smoothness.. when needed the powerful v8 is more playful and useful in passing and playing on the highway.
both will do 0-60 in about the same time
the v6 sounds good and is pretty smooth, but the v8 is best

the road presence on highway is night and day difference in the ls,

the ride quality especially with some gs that have non Michelin tires is much more refined and smooth in the ls

front seat comfort in the ls much better than the gs, and have more room in the ls

handling in the gs flatter and more playful, but the ls no slouch but the gs is better for spirited driving

gas mileage very similiar in both vechicles you will get combined 21 in both on average
if you want to run regular gas both cars can tolerate but not recemonded

some of the later generations of GS with the radars and cruise, and accident avoidance will be better than pre 16 LS

size on highway, I am pushed a lot LS with the size of the ls compared to the gs loaners which is just a smidge smaller

rear seat legroom and comfort night and say difference in Ls

safety of Ls one of the best at the time, the GS good but not as safe as LS

Touchpoints of interior items, ***** etccc much more refined in LS over GS , the gs is a nice place to live

the nav blue screen and controller in both cars horrible and sub standard

have fun good luck

 

This is the only area I disagree. The 4GS Luxury has some of the best seats I have ever had in a car, they have adjustable bolsters and an articulating backrest adjustment that isn't available in the LS, when comparing equipped that way I would say those 4GS seats are better than what is in the LS.