S430 vs LS430
01-17-2003, 05:54 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
S430 vs LS430
I wonder if everybody will agree with the results of this comparison test drive:
http://www.smartmoney.com/autos/newc...ory=february03
He knocks the S430 on price ... that's about it.
http://www.smartmoney.com/autos/newc...ory=february03
He knocks the S430 on price ... that's about it.
01-18-2003, 03:22 PM
#5
personally i think the Infiniti doesn't even deserve to be in teh competition!
The BMW, well, never had any direct experiances that have left me with memorable thoughts so i won't comment on it, but i gotta say.. slap some 20's on it.. black rims, black car.. sooo sweete!
S430 seems like a nice car, but it lacks things that you have to get no matter what when you option the car. I sat in my cousins S430 then compared it to my neighors s500.. the s500 just had that little charm that was missing in the S430.. i dunno
Lexus: ahh.. the pinnacle point for all the indians in our hood
even though we all have benzo's instead. It was scary, we all went through this point where every family had at least one lexus. Every party we went would have mulitple LS430's so it was a fun time seeing the younger guys (my age 14 to 23ish) show them off to each other even though we've memorized each others cars. The LS430 was like, the king of luxuary. Compare it to any mercedes.. i think the lex wins hands down. but thats also a disadvantage. you want a barge that rides on air and you just.. fly almost, get the lex, you want to state an opinon get the benz.
The BMW, well, never had any direct experiances that have left me with memorable thoughts so i won't comment on it, but i gotta say.. slap some 20's on it.. black rims, black car.. sooo sweete!
S430 seems like a nice car, but it lacks things that you have to get no matter what when you option the car. I sat in my cousins S430 then compared it to my neighors s500.. the s500 just had that little charm that was missing in the S430.. i dunno
Lexus: ahh.. the pinnacle point for all the indians in our hood
even though we all have benzo's instead. It was scary, we all went through this point where every family had at least one lexus. Every party we went would have mulitple LS430's so it was a fun time seeing the younger guys (my age 14 to 23ish) show them off to each other even though we've memorized each others cars. The LS430 was like, the king of luxuary. Compare it to any mercedes.. i think the lex wins hands down. but thats also a disadvantage. you want a barge that rides on air and you just.. fly almost, get the lex, you want to state an opinon get the benz.
01-18-2003, 08:07 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Florida
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2012 CLS63
vraa, sit in an S class that has been debadged. I doubt 99.9% of the population would notice any difference between the S430 and S500. That's why it is said the S430 is 97% of the S500 at 90% of the cost.
Trending Topics
01-19-2003, 10:02 PM
#8
Originally posted by AMGLAB
vraa, sit in an S class that has been debadged. I doubt 99.9% of the population would notice any difference between the S430 and S500. That's why it is said the S430 is 97% of the S500 at 90% of the cost.
vraa, sit in an S class that has been debadged. I doubt 99.9% of the population would notice any difference between the S430 and S500. That's why it is said the S430 is 97% of the S500 at 90% of the cost.
01-21-2003, 11:53 PM
#9
Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mercedes S430 '00
Well..like my buddy who just found out I got my S430 put it.
"That's an awesome car. I have a Lexus and all I hear from my other buddies is....why didn't you just get a Benz?"
Personally, I love the LS430's gadgets. I admit it...I am a gadget man. The LS430's superior electronics and ergo layouts put the S430's to shame. The DVD navigation is years ahead of our CD Nav.
But, you know what? It's still a Lexus and yes....I'll be the first to admit that they're rapidly catching up to Mercedes...but....
A Benz is still a Benz. Nothing beats the feeling of driving this car and I've driven both extensively. I would never trade in my Benz for anything else.....except for the newly designed S-Class..2005?
The LS430 will make a great 2nd car though
Dizzy
"That's an awesome car. I have a Lexus and all I hear from my other buddies is....why didn't you just get a Benz?"
Personally, I love the LS430's gadgets. I admit it...I am a gadget man. The LS430's superior electronics and ergo layouts put the S430's to shame. The DVD navigation is years ahead of our CD Nav.
But, you know what? It's still a Lexus and yes....I'll be the first to admit that they're rapidly catching up to Mercedes...but....
A Benz is still a Benz. Nothing beats the feeling of driving this car and I've driven both extensively. I would never trade in my Benz for anything else.....except for the newly designed S-Class..2005?
The LS430 will make a great 2nd car though
Dizzy
01-22-2003, 06:42 PM
#11
Originally posted by AMG4life
why buy a copy when u can get the real thing?? innovations cost money and MB does that. toyota doesnt, toyota copies
why buy a copy when u can get the real thing?? innovations cost money and MB does that. toyota doesnt, toyota copies
btw, does mercedes offer those occsilating vents (sp?) (the kind that move automaticlly) in their cars?
01-23-2003, 06:40 AM
#13
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lexus LS430
Hello.
I was just driving home in my new LS430, thinking about the how both cars are a tribute to modern day technology, conveniences, and luxury. Both are great, each has it's distinct advantages. Another thing I can;t understand is why Benz Owners even feel the need to compare "Toyota" to Mercedes. If Lexus is SO lowly, what's the point?
The line can be drawn like this:
LS430 - Price (Big time), Dealer Service, Reliability, Sound System, Performance, Smothness/Quietness. (And, IMHO, most user-friendly GPS)
S430 - Prestige and Presence, Handling/Sportiness, Styling, Resale Value.
I'm no idiot. I'm a 21-year old self-made millionaire. I did my homework. There is absolutely no LOGICAL reason to pay an extra $20k for a nameplate. It's insane! IMHO, driving an S-Class means that the person is trying to make a statement that "I've made it". Driving an LS430 says "I've made it, and I see no reason to squander it all on some three-pointed star".
The qualities the Benz has on it's side are a result of 114 years in the business. Since they are equals in many ways, let's level the playing field give Lexus another 100 years to catch up. Then we'll have an accurate starting point.
Just my 2 cents.
drink300
I was just driving home in my new LS430, thinking about the how both cars are a tribute to modern day technology, conveniences, and luxury. Both are great, each has it's distinct advantages. Another thing I can;t understand is why Benz Owners even feel the need to compare "Toyota" to Mercedes. If Lexus is SO lowly, what's the point?
The line can be drawn like this:
LS430 - Price (Big time), Dealer Service, Reliability, Sound System, Performance, Smothness/Quietness. (And, IMHO, most user-friendly GPS)
S430 - Prestige and Presence, Handling/Sportiness, Styling, Resale Value.
I'm no idiot. I'm a 21-year old self-made millionaire. I did my homework. There is absolutely no LOGICAL reason to pay an extra $20k for a nameplate. It's insane! IMHO, driving an S-Class means that the person is trying to make a statement that "I've made it". Driving an LS430 says "I've made it, and I see no reason to squander it all on some three-pointed star".
The qualities the Benz has on it's side are a result of 114 years in the business. Since they are equals in many ways, let's level the playing field give Lexus another 100 years to catch up. Then we'll have an accurate starting point.
Just my 2 cents.
drink300
01-23-2003, 02:55 PM
#14
Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by drink300
Hello.
I was just driving home in my new LS430, thinking about the how both cars are a tribute to modern day technology, conveniences, and luxury. Both are great, each has it's distinct advantages. Another thing I can;t understand is why Benz Owners even feel the need to compare "Toyota" to Mercedes. If Lexus is SO lowly, what's the point?
The line can be drawn like this:
LS430 - Price (Big time), Dealer Service, Reliability, Sound System, Performance, Smothness/Quietness. (And, IMHO, most user-friendly GPS)
S430 - Prestige and Presence, Handling/Sportiness, Styling, Resale Value.
I'm no idiot. I'm a 21-year old self-made millionaire. I did my homework. There is absolutely no LOGICAL reason to pay an extra $20k for a nameplate. It's insane! IMHO, driving an S-Class means that the person is trying to make a statement that "I've made it". Driving an LS430 says "I've made it, and I see no reason to squander it all on some three-pointed star".
The qualities the Benz has on it's side are a result of 114 years in the business. Since they are equals in many ways, let's level the playing field give Lexus another 100 years to catch up. Then we'll have an accurate starting point.
Just my 2 cents.
drink300
Hello.
I was just driving home in my new LS430, thinking about the how both cars are a tribute to modern day technology, conveniences, and luxury. Both are great, each has it's distinct advantages. Another thing I can;t understand is why Benz Owners even feel the need to compare "Toyota" to Mercedes. If Lexus is SO lowly, what's the point?
The line can be drawn like this:
LS430 - Price (Big time), Dealer Service, Reliability, Sound System, Performance, Smothness/Quietness. (And, IMHO, most user-friendly GPS)
S430 - Prestige and Presence, Handling/Sportiness, Styling, Resale Value.
I'm no idiot. I'm a 21-year old self-made millionaire. I did my homework. There is absolutely no LOGICAL reason to pay an extra $20k for a nameplate. It's insane! IMHO, driving an S-Class means that the person is trying to make a statement that "I've made it". Driving an LS430 says "I've made it, and I see no reason to squander it all on some three-pointed star".
The qualities the Benz has on it's side are a result of 114 years in the business. Since they are equals in many ways, let's level the playing field give Lexus another 100 years to catch up. Then we'll have an accurate starting point.
Just my 2 cents.
drink300
01-23-2003, 07:28 PM
#15
Originally posted by AMG4life
wow ur 21 and ur driving a LS 430!! the last thing i wanted to drive when im 21.
wow ur 21 and ur driving a LS 430!! the last thing i wanted to drive when im 21.
) while Drink would rather have a LS430. Me? Personally i'd go for a sedan also, but not the LS430, i just don't like the shape, way too conservative, but i wouldn't go for the CLK because i really want four doors and i want a nice sound system! I'd probably pick up (if i had money) a GS400 or 430 or what ever is a racing sedan from Lexus when i'm 21.. if it comes down to that. But see that i will be driving whatever family sedan we have i dont have to worry about that btw Drink: When you said you see someone in a S-Class that makes a statement, what about a S600? Lexus doesn't offer larger engines (yet). Could it be that the purchaser of the sedan just wanted a bigger engine? (i know, can't really use the extra power.. but i guess its all back to that prestige part)
01-24-2003, 03:34 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by drink300
Hello.
The qualities the Benz has on it's side are a result of 114 years in the business. Since they are equals in many ways, let's level the playing field give Lexus another 100 years to catch up. Then we'll have an accurate starting point.
Just my 2 cents.
drink300
Hello.
The qualities the Benz has on it's side are a result of 114 years in the business. Since they are equals in many ways, let's level the playing field give Lexus another 100 years to catch up. Then we'll have an accurate starting point.
Just my 2 cents.
drink300
Last edited by internet_mafia; 01-24-2003 at 03:38 AM.
01-24-2003, 09:52 AM
#17
Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera
The bottom line is what would be the best car to drive in 2003 never mind who has been in business how longer and longer than the other.
A Mercedes Benz will be a much safer bet in the long term.
A Mercedes Benz will be a much safer bet in the long term.
01-24-2003, 08:00 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lexus GS 450h
Mercedes and Lexus will never be equal. First of all, Lexus needs to come up with their own designs. Blatently stealing design cues from previous generation cars is wack. Second, even if you gave Lexus 100 years, Mercedes will still be ahead by 114 years. Also, Lexus has never made any technological breakthroughs but Mercedes has and will always. The only glory that Lexus has is their J.D Power awards. But that doesn't translate into utility for the consumer. I'd rather be driving the most advanced and safest car any day of the week.
Lexus made 1 major technological breakthrough. They made the car work.
Case closed.
01-25-2003, 12:08 AM
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kenilworth, il usa
Posts: 2,924
Received 378 Likes
on
244 Posts
'22 Alpina B7,'21 G63 Renntech obviously (wife), Wrangler(kids)
lexus is like my old nanny,she was so warm and soft and comfy,she always managed to put me to sleep quick.:o
01-25-2003, 06:38 PM
#22
Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2007 S550 Sport
Well, sicklex mentioned about 7 cars. If that's all Lexus owners can say, I'd say that's pretty good figuring its about 85% of the Lexus lineup. You're being ignorant if brand loyalty is all you see.
Originally posted by Caliz_Finest
omg the lexus fans never have anything new to say
omg the lexus fans never have anything new to say
01-25-2003, 07:22 PM
#23
Newbie
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: CA, USA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'99 LS400
benz_vs_lex
I am a Lex owner but often wonder why it is that many of you just like to bash this car. When I was looking to buy a luxury car, I never even considered a Benz. Why ? It is so much marketed as "class" and "prestige", none of which appeals to me personally. What do I need to prove to my neighbors. That we live in the same neighborhood already showed that we fit same class bracket.
I have a couple of friends driving E320's, and after riding around with them, I could never imagine owning one of these cars. It just doesn't fit my profile, personally. It says nothing about how good these vehicles are. For $55K and you want everything a car can do for you - luxury, performance, class, prestige, reliability, safety, smooth refinement, quiet, excellent dealer service, etc... There is ONLY one car that fits the bill in ALL f these categories - LS4. There is no benz in that price bracket with all of the features you can get on the LS.
It also suggests to me that many of you on this forum don't actually own a benz. You will like to own one, or your parents own one. Drive whatever fits your profile or taste, there is no need to bash another to make your choice look better.
I have a couple of friends driving E320's, and after riding around with them, I could never imagine owning one of these cars. It just doesn't fit my profile, personally. It says nothing about how good these vehicles are. For $55K and you want everything a car can do for you - luxury, performance, class, prestige, reliability, safety, smooth refinement, quiet, excellent dealer service, etc... There is ONLY one car that fits the bill in ALL f these categories - LS4. There is no benz in that price bracket with all of the features you can get on the LS.
It also suggests to me that many of you on this forum don't actually own a benz. You will like to own one, or your parents own one. Drive whatever fits your profile or taste, there is no need to bash another to make your choice look better.
01-25-2003, 07:35 PM
#24
Super Moderator
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Land of 10,000 lakes
Posts: 10,084
Received 3,274 Likes
on
2,036 Posts
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
It's so tiresome to listen to people whine about the missing DVD navigation.
I agree that the cd navigation from Mercedes is ancient technology and the US version is dumbed down from the German one on top of that, but I am buying a car for the driving experience, safety and classy styling and for my taste, the Lexus misses on all three.
Looks like the old S class, driving is too disconnected from the road and in crash tests done by German standards (not the lame US ones) show the Lexus as improving, but still below the others.
Navigation on a scale of 1-10 in importance ranks at about a 2 for me. Nice to have, but really not important enough to matter. Again, that's just me
Wolfman
I agree that the cd navigation from Mercedes is ancient technology and the US version is dumbed down from the German one on top of that, but I am buying a car for the driving experience, safety and classy styling and for my taste, the Lexus misses on all three.
Looks like the old S class, driving is too disconnected from the road and in crash tests done by German standards (not the lame US ones) show the Lexus as improving, but still below the others.
Navigation on a scale of 1-10 in importance ranks at about a 2 for me. Nice to have, but really not important enough to matter. Again, that's just me
Wolfman
