LS430 or RL
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Lakewood, OH
LS430 or RL
OK, I'm still looking for an s2k but have a more immediate need for a daily driver. New job + car allowance equal new car. I want to stay in the low-mid $30s and my current two choices are a MY03 LS430 or a MY05 RL. Any opinions on either? Any others that should be in the mix? I need room for 4 adults (sometimes), something that speaks to image but not in your face and something that will run without running to the shop once it breaks 75k miles. Performance isn't a high priority (that's what the s with be for) but living in the snowy midwest, traction is a consideration. Thoughts and opinions?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: SFV, CA
Hi,
I'm not a vet at this board, but I do know the two cars very well and own an ls430 myself. Here's a basic comparison.
LS430:
Pros:
-More room than the RL.
-Quieter than the RL.
-Smoother ride than the RL.
-Powerful acceleration (you'll feel it throw you back in your seat when you floor it).
-Great turning radius for low speed travel.
-Much more luxury feel overall.
-Rear heated seats (Not quite sure if the RL had these when I tested it out).
Cons:
-V8 Engine eats more gas than the V6 RL.
-The car has a redesign out for it that outdates it a bit.
-Lack of fully adaptive front headlamps.
Acura RL
Pros:
-SH-AWD is excellent. You'll feel the control.
-Navigation unit is very much like a PDA and is very good overall.
-Design is up to date (has not been replaced yet)
-Powerful VTEC V6 engine provides good acceleration, similar to a TL.
-As a result, less gas consumption compared the LS430.
-Has adaptive front headlights that turn with the vehicle.
Cons:
-A tad small to be a commanding/flagship vehicle.
-Road noise is very noticeable at highway speeds.
-Lacks torque for daily driving.
Overall Analysis:
The difference between the two cars is that the Lexus is simply targeted towards a more mature audience, whereas the RL is more of a in-between car. The RL has sophistication, but has not lost Honda's tradition for pep. If you were to compare the two, basically, a LS430 would be the equivalent of a seasoned stock broker veteran who knows how to play the game, while the RL would be an incoming rookie who's the stock broker equivalent to a Kobe in bball when he first entered the NBA. They are both wonderful cars, but in my personal opinion, the LS is a bit more refined and business like than the RL. Hope that helps you out a bit.
I'm not a vet at this board, but I do know the two cars very well and own an ls430 myself. Here's a basic comparison.
LS430:
Pros:
-More room than the RL.
-Quieter than the RL.
-Smoother ride than the RL.
-Powerful acceleration (you'll feel it throw you back in your seat when you floor it).
-Great turning radius for low speed travel.
-Much more luxury feel overall.
-Rear heated seats (Not quite sure if the RL had these when I tested it out).
Cons:
-V8 Engine eats more gas than the V6 RL.
-The car has a redesign out for it that outdates it a bit.
-Lack of fully adaptive front headlamps.
Acura RL
Pros:
-SH-AWD is excellent. You'll feel the control.
-Navigation unit is very much like a PDA and is very good overall.
-Design is up to date (has not been replaced yet)
-Powerful VTEC V6 engine provides good acceleration, similar to a TL.
-As a result, less gas consumption compared the LS430.
-Has adaptive front headlights that turn with the vehicle.
Cons:
-A tad small to be a commanding/flagship vehicle.
-Road noise is very noticeable at highway speeds.
-Lacks torque for daily driving.
Overall Analysis:
The difference between the two cars is that the Lexus is simply targeted towards a more mature audience, whereas the RL is more of a in-between car. The RL has sophistication, but has not lost Honda's tradition for pep. If you were to compare the two, basically, a LS430 would be the equivalent of a seasoned stock broker veteran who knows how to play the game, while the RL would be an incoming rookie who's the stock broker equivalent to a Kobe in bball when he first entered the NBA. They are both wonderful cars, but in my personal opinion, the LS is a bit more refined and business like than the RL. Hope that helps you out a bit.
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From: Taipei / NYC Metro
It's like the Camry vs. the Accord.
If it's gonna be your only car, I'd say the RL. If you have a "fun car", I'd suggest the LS. That smooth, quiet ride is hard to beat, if you value those qualities.
If it's gonna be your only car, I'd say the RL. If you have a "fun car", I'd suggest the LS. That smooth, quiet ride is hard to beat, if you value those qualities.
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Absent any bias favoring one manufacturer over the other, the answer may lie in the availabilitiy of certain features such as AWD. Although I am unaware of Lexus offering this option yet, if so, then take a coin flip unless you have a ball and chain to make happy too. If an opinion of a wife is involved, it would be a good idea to clear your decision with her.
As a Vintage member, I am sure you have already taken this aspect into consideration. Just a friendly reminder!
As a Vintage member, I am sure you have already taken this aspect into consideration. Just a friendly reminder!
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Lakewood, OH
Thanks for all of the feedback (great compare/contrast jooseung). I actually have driven both back to back and the Lexus is clearly the luxury champ, fast , smooth and quiet while the Acura is sportier, more compact and stealthier. I'm on the hunt now and will let you know the outcome. Funny thing, after I posted this, I posted a response to Laineys "favorite charity" topic. It really made me sit back and ponder the irony of it. Many people live on a sum that I'm contemplating spending for transportation. I've worked hard, given back and make no apologizes. But it just makes me think a bit.
