now that I'm a proud new owner of a WDB Type S, and a GS300 (another year on the lease), here are some comparisons

Type S is much quicker, especially off the line, feels like a weight and gearing issue combined with the additional HP

I'm 6' 2" and although both cars are comfortable, the Type S has a little more front legroom

More rear seat room in the Type S

Both are about the same noise and comfort, but the Type S is certainly the 'sportier' of the two

In Dash Cd is a great treat after battling the glove box method

Type S has a slightly larger trunk

Having the mirrors and seats adjust to each remote is a nice feature in the Type S

Lexus has tilt/telescope wheel and retracts forward and up when parked

Lexus has dual zone temp controls

Dash lighting (day and night) of Lexus is better

Lexus has 8 way power seat for passenger

Anyway, both great cars, GS300 has more luxury features, Type S is sportier and more fun to drive and $10k (or so) less

Mike

 

Nice quick comparison. My friend has one and I agree with you 100%.

 

Nice unbiased opinions of both cars.

 

I really appreciate such an honest, unbiased opinion from one of the rare people who owns both cars!

I do have two follow-up questions for you, though:

- You say that the Lexus has more luxury features, but in your comparison list it seems that the TL has as many "niceities" that the GS lacks as the other way around. Could you elaborate on what other features the Lexus has that you wish the Acura had?

- You give the advantage to the TL in terms of sportiness. How do you feel the GS430 would compare? I don't know if you even considered or test drove it, but does stepping up the top-line Lexus erase the driving advantages on the Acura?

Thanks in advance!

 

GS300 is nice, GS430 loaded is incredible. But this is if price is really no issue.

 

The Lexus seats are thicker and more comfortable. All windows are auto-down and auto-up. Plus, using your remote, you can roll down all windows and sunroof. TLS is better than the GS300, compares favorably with the GS400, but can't hold up to the GS430.

 

Id have to agree as well with all your thoughts.. another family member of mine has a GS300.. nice ride and all, but not near as fun as our TL-S. IMO, GS300 costs too many beans for what ya get!

 

and TLS lot faster.. at least 1.2 second difference..

 

... for the money the TL-S is the winner. We both liked the GS a lot, but dollar-for-dollar we find the TL-S to be the "best-bang-for-the-buck out there."

 

My sister has a GS300. I have rode in a couple TL Type S cars (I own the CL Type S). Although the difference in acceleration and power is very noticeable, the GS300 is a bit more luxurious. Not just in amenities, but the overall ride. It seems to be more quiet inside, the ride is not as rough as the Acura and the Lexus is more serene. Although the GS300 has sporting pretensions, it is geared much more for luxury. The transmission is MUCH smoother and I would say overall build quality is a little better. The leather is nicer. Lexus doesn't use vinyl on the non-seating surfaces, unlike Acura. I wish Acura would at least use a higher quality vinyl (i.e. leatherette) to make it more indistinguishable from the real leather. Of course there's real wood in the Lexus.

In terms of space, it seemed the GS300 was larger inside. I don't know how the dimensions compare, maybe they are close.

The navigation systems are similar. I would say the Lexus is a little better, but the major drawback in their system is that you cannot program new destinations while driving. You would have to pull over. The Mark Levinson sound system blows the Acura Bose out of the water, but the price to pay for this sound system is outrageously high. I think it was like $5,000 thousand with the navigation!

I'm not sure if the Lexus refinement is worth the extra $10k plus.

Of course the Acura is a great value and you certainly get a lot for what you pay for. I would think that is the primary reason most of us bought an Acura. But the lower costs comes with some quirks - fake wood, vinyl, rattles (I know there are many Acura owners that complain about them), poor rotors that warp easily...I guess I have just learned to live with them and got to know my service rep. really well. ;-)