MotorTrend GS300 AWD Test: 7.2s 0-60

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Old 04-06-2005, 11:46 AM
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MotorTrend GS300 AWD Test: 7.2s 0-60

MotorTrend GS300 AWD Test: 7.2s 0-60

As far as I know, this is the first test number for the GS300, RWD or AWD.

The article praised the car for its interior, features, refinement, and Levinson stereo, as is virtually universally the case.

It also called the new 3.0 V6 a technological "marvel", because of its multiple variable valve timing and efficiency.

However, the article also hinted that the GS300 is lacking in power, stating that the car "struggled" up mountain grades.

---

The only numbers test of the M35 (RWD) got 6.3s 0-60.

The RL (AWD of course) usually gets about 6.7s 0-60, although it did get 6.5s once (C&D).
Old 04-06-2005, 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by jrock65
MotorTrend GS300 AWD Test: 7.2s 0-60

As far as I know, this is the first test number for the GS300, RWD or AWD.

The article praised the car for its interior, features, refinement, and Levinson stereo, as is virtually universally the case.

It also called the new 3.0 V6 a technological "marvel", because of its multiple variable valve timing and efficiency.

However, the article also hinted that the GS300 is lacking in power, stating that the car "struggled" up mountain grades.

---

The only numbers test of the M35 (RWD) got 6.3s 0-60.

The RL (AWD of course) usually gets about 6.7s 0-60, although it did get 6.5s once (C&D).
It definitely seems that this version of the GS is the direct competition of the RL. I can't wait to drive the GS

BTW, thanks for the find--I'm looking forward to getting my issue soon.
Old 04-06-2005, 02:14 PM
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Thumbs down

2001 Acura CL Type S still is faster at 6.4 0-60 for alot less money ! That is why I'm NOT all that impressed with the new RL numbers or the GS for that matter !
Old 04-06-2005, 02:40 PM
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I knew it... GS300 has smaller motor and the lack of power... Its AWD should be even slower...
Old 04-06-2005, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Fabvsix
2001 Acura CL Type S still is faster at 6.4 0-60 for alot less money ! That is why I'm NOT all that impressed with the new RL numbers or the GS for that matter !
Yeah because we know acceleration is all that makes up a car and determines its price tag.

WHAT THE FUCK.

I am glad people like you are not impressed with the RL and wont go and buy one...makes me happier as an owner.

What I find amazing is you own a 2004 RL which is slow as shit compared to the 2005 RL and i doubt you preach on about its numbers. Odd.
Old 04-06-2005, 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by rets
I knew it... GS300 has smaller motor and the lack of power... Its AWD should be even slower...
On the other hand, I've heard the new motors for the GS and upcoming IS get super mpg.. Considering fuel prices, maybe Lexus is actually getting ahead of the curve for once.
Old 04-06-2005, 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Fabvsix
2001 Acura CL Type S still is faster at 6.4 0-60 for alot less money ! That is why I'm NOT all that impressed with the new RL numbers or the GS for that matter !
Some people just don't get the point...
Old 04-06-2005, 05:19 PM
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RobL:

Just my opinion.....as a matter of fact I don't give a SHIT about 0-60 times ! I'm completely happy with my 04 RL's preformance, however the 0-60 times on 05 RL is NOT that impressive ! For 300 hp, "Super" AWD it ain't all that compared to a 2001 CL that will hand you your azz ! And for half the price ! Who the hell can drive like a bat out of hell to get 300 HP at 6500 rpms ? Cops will be right on your ASS writing you a ticket or bringing you to jail.
No I don't have any interest in race tracks either !

Just my opinion !

Get over it !
Old 04-06-2005, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Fabvsix
RobL:

Just my opinion.....as a matter of fact I don't give a SHIT about 0-60 times ! I'm completely happy with my 04 RL's preformance, however the 0-60 times on 05 RL is NOT that impressive ! For 300 hp, "Super" AWD it ain't all that compared to a 2001 CL that will hand you your azz ! And for half the price ! Who the hell can drive like a bat out of hell to get 300 HP at 6500 rpms ? Cops will be right on your ASS writing you a ticket or bringing you to jail.
No I don't have any interest in race tracks either !

Just my opinion !

Get over it !
I don't happen to understand your logic, either...I don't want to this thread, but...

...the RL's performance is impressive. Now, I may be wrong here, but it seems as though you have not driven a new RL. You need to. I really believe that will change your opinion at least somewhat. The overall experience is MUCH better than the previous generation RL (which was pretty nice to begin with). The drive feels teutonic, as it provides for a firm ride without being harsh. The engine, like the suspension, is incredibly refined and is very much a sporty piece of equipment.

And as for the SH-AWD...the RL shines in the twisties. I, like many people, just tend to look past the SH-AWD, thinking it is just another AWD system. But it's not. Acura has really made something special.

I'm not here to tell you that the RL is worth $50k--it may not be to you. Value is how much the prospective buyer is willing to give up for the product and if it's not what you're looking for, there's nothing wrong with taking your business elsewhere. That's the beauty of a competitive market.

But back on track, I personally think that the GS is an interesting piece. It seems that the Lexus and Acura have a very similar goal: create a serene, elegant, technology-packed, luxurious midsize cruiser, that is 60% luxury and 40% sport (give or take a few percent). Whaddya guys think?
Old 04-06-2005, 06:08 PM
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As someone who traded a 2001 Acura CL Type S for a 2005 Acura RL last week, I can tell you that the advantages of the RL are PLENTIFUL! Let's start with torque steer. . .
Old 04-06-2005, 06:39 PM
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There is ittle question to me that when people throw around 0-60 times that are all within a half second or less of one another, and complain about one but not the other, they have lost something somewhere in their appreciation of automobiles.

But that is only my opinion. Your mileage will, no doubt, vary.

Still, the 2005 RL is an outstanding car, brilliant in its execution. And I wouldn't trade mine for two M's, a Lexus, and an Audi. (Unless, of course, I got to sell all the latter vehicles and buy back my original RL, keeping the change.)

Old 04-06-2005, 07:27 PM
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On a side note:

Is it me, or does the RL look substantially better in person than in pictures? Photographs, particularly magazine photos, don't do the car justice.
Old 04-06-2005, 07:39 PM
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It does look better in person. But then again, I can say the same for a lot of other cars.

The 0-60 number for the GS isn't what I had expected. With a lighter curb weight, an extra gear, and RWD-bias (even in AWD form), I would've expected the GS AWD to match or even be faster than the RL to 60.
Old 04-06-2005, 07:58 PM
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I guess it goes to show Lexus is not really trying to make performance cars. They make luxury cars with a little sport built in. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Old 04-06-2005, 08:00 PM
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I'm a die hard Acura/Honda fan from 1984 to present. I drive maybe twice a week to the store or post office. I work from home full time. Having all that (05RL) sit in the garage is a WASTE ! The 04 RL was on sale for a steal of a deal. That is why I bought it. Also the tranny failed in my 01 CL Type S, timing was prime, so I took advantage of it (trading it in on the discounted 04 RL). I also have an 05 MDX sitting next to it. I "flip" a coin to see what vehicle I drive. I know its a good problem to have....
04 RL: 10 months old on the 19th with "only" 6,500 miles
05 MDX: 4.5 months old with only 3,500 miles....


I know the RL is a fabulous machine ! I just don't need all that sitting in my garage, beside I can barely drive the speed limit these days due to massive traffic again, a waste in my opinion. When the weekend comes, I have better things to do than to "drive" around to listen to VTEC !

In final, comparing it to a previous 260 hp Acura CL Type S, it is quicker from 0-60. That is all I was saying. I expected more out of the 05 RL, like better low end tourqe !

PEACE
Old 04-06-2005, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by SPUDMTN
I don't happen to understand your logic, either...I don't want to this thread, but...

...the RL's performance is impressive. Now, I may be wrong here, but it seems as though you have not driven a new RL. You need to. I really believe that will change your opinion at least somewhat. The overall experience is MUCH better than the previous generation RL (which was pretty nice to begin with). The drive feels teutonic, as it provides for a firm ride without being harsh. The engine, like the suspension, is incredibly refined and is very much a sporty piece of equipment.

And as for the SH-AWD...the RL shines in the twisties. I, like many people, just tend to look past the SH-AWD, thinking it is just another AWD system. But it's not. Acura has really made something special.

I'm not here to tell you that the RL is worth $50k--it may not be to you. Value is how much the prospective buyer is willing to give up for the product and if it's not what you're looking for, there's nothing wrong with taking your business elsewhere. That's the beauty of a competitive market.

But back on track, I personally think that the GS is an interesting piece. It seems that the Lexus and Acura have a very similar goal: create a serene, elegant, technology-packed, luxurious midsize cruiser, that is 60% luxury and 40% sport (give or take a few percent). Whaddya guys think?
I almost agree with everything you said. I just think Lexus is a little ahead of Acura in the performance category, but I understand where you are coming from.

But for $51,775 plus ttl getting 300hp and 325 lbs of torque in a V8 aint bad. From an engine standpoint the same could be said about the M but I think the GS pampers the driver a little better than the M. All of the vehicles in this class are fine cars it comes down to a preference. You have to go with what meets your needs.
Old 04-06-2005, 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Fabvsix
I'm a die hard Acura/Honda fan from 1984 to present. I drive maybe twice a week to the store or post office. I work from home full time. Having all that (05RL) sit in the garage is a WASTE ! The 04 RL was on sale for a steal of a deal. That is why I bought it. Also the tranny failed in my 01 CL Type S, timing was prime, so I took advantage of it (trading it in on the discounted 04 RL). I also have an 05 MDX sitting next to it. I "flip" a coin to see what vehicle I drive. I know its a good problem to have....
04 RL: 10 months old on the 19th with "only" 6,500 miles
05 MDX: 4.5 months old with only 3,500 miles....


I know the RL is a fabulous machine ! I just don't need all that sitting in my garage, beside I can barely drive the speed limit these days due to massive traffic again, a waste in my opinion. When the weekend comes, I have better things to do than to "drive" around to listen to VTEC !

In final, comparing it to a previous 260 hp Acura CL Type S, it is quicker from 0-60. That is all I was saying. I expected more out of the 05 RL, like better low end tourqe !

PEACE
The RL board here on Acurazine isn't starting to sound like ClubLexus, is it?
Old 04-06-2005, 10:42 PM
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Imo...

Originally Posted by jdone
On the other hand, I've heard the new motors for the GS and upcoming IS get super mpg.. Considering fuel prices, maybe Lexus is actually getting ahead of the curve for once.

GS300 RWD: 22/30 (245 HP@6200 RPM/230 lb-ft@3600 RPM)

GS300 AWD: 21/27 (245@6200/230/3600)

GS430 RWD: 18/25 (300@5600/325@3400)

3GTL Auto: 20/29 (270@6200/238@5000)

2GRL: 18/26 (300@6200/260@5000)


Looks like that engine in GS300 has better MPG (it should, since it's only 3.0 liter) and better torque at the low RPM, however, that engine is still too small to push that 3,759 lb AWD vehicle. IMO. Maybe RL's MPG in the city isn't too impressive, but it will be good once it hits on the highway.
Old 04-07-2005, 06:53 AM
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If a person is concerned about the 0-60 time, HP and Torque, get a Corvette. It is in the price range with the RL.

Corvette RWD: 18/28 (400 HP @ 6000 RPM/400 lb-ft. @ 4400 RPM)
Old 04-07-2005, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by catsailr
If a person is concerned about the 0-60 time, HP and Torque, get a Corvette. It is in the price range with the RL.

Corvette RWD: 18/28 (400 HP @ 6000 RPM/400 lb-ft. @ 4400 RPM)
Not true! I am concerned with 0-60, 1/4 mile time, stopping distance, ride quality, features(toys), styling in and out, handling, how quiet is the cabin ect. The list goes on and on. Just because someone is concerned about a 0-60 time dosen't mean they want a sports car. Sports sedan is a sedan with characteristics of a sports car, which performance happens to be mostly what a sports car is for.
A luxury sports sedan takes it a step further by mixing a luxury sedan with a sports car. Hell an E55 has 469 hp with 516lbs. of torque. What a sports sedan. Just my
Old 04-08-2005, 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by sufall96
Not true! I am concerned with 0-60, 1/4 mile time, stopping distance, ride quality, features(toys), styling in and out, handling, how quiet is the cabin ect. The list goes on and on. Just because someone is concerned about a 0-60 time dosen't mean they want a sports car. Sports sedan is a sedan with characteristics of a sports car, which performance happens to be mostly what a sports car is for.
A luxury sports sedan takes it a step further by mixing a luxury sedan with a sports car. Hell an E55 has 469 hp with 516lbs. of torque. What a sports sedan. Just my
I guess I should have said "If a person's MAIN concern...."
I agree with you about all factors entering into the choice of a car. I guess I'm concerned about 0-60, but it is not near the top of my priorities. The E55 is great, but a little out of my price range.

BTW, I'd love to have a Corvette, but would not want to have to drive it as my daily transportation for the reasons you listed.
Old 04-09-2005, 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by catsailr
I guess I should have said "If a person's MAIN concern...."
I agree with you about all factors entering into the choice of a car. I guess I'm concerned about 0-60, but it is not near the top of my priorities. The E55 is great, but a little out of my price range.

BTW, I'd love to have a Corvette, but would not want to have to drive it as my daily transportation for the reasons you listed.

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