soloist3

Just curious, I searched for this question and got lots of threads but no real answer. Regarding the GS400 vs. SC400, how is it that a 10hp/10tq difference make the SC400 a full second faster to 60mph? It must be some sort of "magic horsepower", or marketing.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

Here you go: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...-98-gs400.html

magic hp in the exhaust design etc.

DrAtomica

Still wasn't answered exactly in that thread. I've wondered this too, what makes the GS400 so much faster than a SC, clearly a 10hp/10tq difference can't make a huge gap in times like that now can it?

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

My guess would be the transmission in the GS400. The car comes with a shift-able transmission while the SC400 has a regular 5 spd auto.

matguy

Being able to shift up on command, before the highest the transmission would do it on its own shouldn't change your 0-60 times unless the engine is revving well past it's peak torque. Our SC's don't particularly fall flat before shifts, so I wouldn't think it has to do with a full manual mode.

Other than likely different ratios, other aspects of our transmissions could be making a difference, though; things like the smooth shift deal of ours that a lot of people like to disable.

I mean, remember, our SC's aren't race cars and weren't designed for all-out performance. It's similar to the criticism the BMW 850 gets. These are grand touring cars, made for swift and comfortable speed with a bit 'o style. Not that the GS is a race car, either, but it was designed more as a luxury performance car. I put it more in line with the faster of the BMW 5 series of the time, though not M5 level.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

Hmmm, without getting into the gearing, the VVTi 1UZ SC400 came with 16x7 rims stock, the GS400 came with 17x8 rims stock, which also affects launch hook up, wheel spin, and ultimately quarter mile times

matguy

Right, as does the brand and model of each tire, the surfaces they're driving on, temperature of both, humidity...

Yes, there's lots more to 0-60 than just power to weight ratios. I think that's the take-away from these exercises.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

ya, exactly. And, they're not a full second apart. Here is a screenshot from the actual Lexus brochures. The difference is 0.4 seconds between the SC4 and GS4

matguy

Looks like 0.6 to me, but yeah, not a full second. Interesting that the GS has a better COF, that helps. But, has worse mileage, which likely means lower gearing (I'm sure I could go and look it up.)

So, (possibly) lower gearing, more torque and HP, better aerodynamics... Those sound like perfectly reasonable factors in a better 0-60 time.

soloist3

I would be interested in knowing what the gearing difference is, if there is any difference. I was under the assumption that the GS400 and the SC400 had the exact same drivetrain; same engine, same 5 speed auto (A650e). Perhaps one was tested with traction control off vs. on? Has anyone run both side by side? Perhaps the tires hook up better on the GS? I drove a GS400 and wasn't exactly impressed by how quick it was, perhaps these numbers are an "estimate" for marketing purposes?

As far as I know, aside from the exhaust manifolds and y-pipe being different, the cars are identical. I mean, 10hp/10tq is not enough to give you 0.6 seconds difference, if so then I don't understand power to weight ratios

I guess what I am hoping is that the SC400 can match the GS400 with very little, OEM mods, like changing to the newer exhaust manifolds, as I am planning on picking one up really soon. 5.7 is exactly where I want to be as a daily driver, 6.3 is kinda slow Any aftermarket ECU's available or decent (though relatively quiet) headers that can get the SC400 there? Can't believe I have to write this, I mean the fact that these cars aren't identical in real world performance is beyond me.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Invest your time and energy into something more productive: figuring out how to adapt the A650e 5-spd A/T to pre-'98 models.

soloist3

Pffst...no VVTI, not enough power :-D Pre-98 models would almost need a supercharger to compete :-( Plus, the pre-98 intake manifold is just too 1980's for me, single length runners, booooo! Sorry, just having fun