LS 400 - v - Q45

[rover3l]

Anyone compared the noise levels in these two competitors. I have never ridden in an LS400 so only have what is written about them to go on. If the Lexus is definately quieter in peoples opinion does anyone know what sound proofing techniques Lexus used

[Rex]

I have a Car & Driver mag that did a 5 car comparo and the Q came out as the quitest. Just a db or 2 below the LS. If I recall correctly. I have the mag at work if Wes doesn't weigh in with the results.

[elwesso]

Email me and Ill send it to you first thing tomorrow!!!

[90Q45blue]

Wes,

I'd like that e-mail as well if you don't mind

Nick

P.S. I think a comparison like that would make a good article.

[Q45tech]

Remember most of noise other thair air leaks is from tires so make sure both cars have the same tires in the same size.

Most comparo test are done with new oem tires, after 8,000 miles of wear not much noise cancelling [in tire design] left!

The 94Q was extremely quiet compared to any 94 automobile.

[rover3l]

I agree that most of the noise I hear is road noise and aside from the tires are there any areas of the bodywork that could be sound proofed. For example I was thinking of removing the plastic wheel arch liners and coating them from behind with undershield. Also by removing the kick panels on the inside of the car they may be opportunity to add some foam as additional insulation. In the trunk I guess I could cover the wheel arches from the inside and again coat the inside of the wheel arch liners.

Anyone else done this or maybe these are some of the techniques Lexus use??

[elwesso]

Lexus is LOUDER than the Q!!!

There is a thread on sound deadening.. Start searchin!!!!!

[greg_atlanta]

Lexus is like riding around in a coffin.

[robmcole]

I have not sat in a Q45 (I would like to), but one thing I have to say is the comfort of the LS400 seats. I would expect that the Q45's are similiar (owners will have to tell), but the design of the LS400 front seats are like no other car I have ever sat in. It is like a soft board on springs, instead of using a whole lot of padding for cushioning. I dont know how to explain it. very comfortable. I'm not picking one over the other, but just sighting a fact I saw since my girlfriends mom has a LS400. I personally like my J30 I need to run by a car lot and drive one of these Q45's to see what all are talking about. How much quieter is the Q45 over the J30?

-Rob

[Omar]

Lexus is like riding around in a coffin.

...and how would you know?

Later...

[Marx]

Wow,

Whats with all the lexus bashing? You realize you're comparing really really quite to really really quiet?

The Q and the LS are both superb automobiles, especially the first generation of each model.

But as a Lexus owner and former Infiniti Sales person, I can say that the new Q45 can't compete with the new LS430, or even the second gen LS400.

[maxnix]

But as a Lexus owner and former Infiniti Sales person, I can say that the new Q45 can't compete with the new LS430, or even the second gen LS400.

Sounds like Infiniti bashing now.

I guarantee every member of this board looked at a Lexus before deciding that Infiniti was better. The LS400 is a very nice car, but just does not exceed a G50 Q45 in any aspect.

[Q45tech]

At least in the first iteration 90-93! When they stopped making the Q after 1995 things began to change.Only fair to compare same year units!

[Marx]

Okay, maybe that was a little bit of Infiniti bashing. No doubt that the First gen Q45 was (is) a spectacular car. The new Q is nice, but it just isn't what a new Q45 should be.

The LS430 on the other hand is exactly what the orignal LS should have evolved into. That coupled with the high brand loyalty and image that lexus has make it worse for the new Q.

[maxnix]

That's a more accurate statement, in my book. Several of the F50 Q45 owners did consider the LS430, S430/500, BMW 740i and maybe even an A8, but chose the F50 instead. Obviously, many others did not.

Greatest fear on this board is the Q will become like the LS430 in all its mind numbing glory. It's the ultimate automatic toaster.

That being said, Lexus would probably be the next choice of many if Infiniti did not produce the cars they do.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

Discover the power of the button!

[Jesda]

Automobile MagazineNovember 2003Page 121Paragraph 6

Their description of the LS430... "This is the ultimate in consumer goods, not the ultimate in luxury goods."

[elwesso]

Yeah.... As long as the lexus guys dont realize that the Q has more features and is 10k LESS, then we still have a great deal!!!

[BadQ45t]

The new LS430 is pretty darn nice looking and they seem to have sucked up all the Q45 features they were missing. For a new car the LS certainly has the main target market of people that buy big luxury cars soaked up. Recently my dad's buddy went out and tested the 740iL, S500, LS430, and Q45. He said (this is a 66 year old guy) that it wasn't even close, the LS430 was "the nicest car I've ever ridden in." Since i've not driven in the 2003 model I cannot comment, but I do know more brothers 1996 is way more boring than my supposed boring 1997 Q45 that I paid 8k less for with 20k fewer miles 3 years ago.

[Rex]

Keep in mind the 96 (your brothers?) was the first year ODBII, had less HP (same as yours, I think) and more weight. And if he needs anything like knock or O2 sensors, he's probably down another chunk of HP.

I think (no REAL experience here), that the lighter 97 has an agile feel to it that makes a difference and who can really feel the 1/2 sec 0-60 diff?

[BadQ45t]

I agree, what is the horse on the 96', was that still only 240, I know they took a jump up to 290, wasn't that 96? Either way, the LS is smooth and boring....of course my Q is much more fun with my Yoko ES100's in 245/45 17, while my younger bro was more than happy to spend more than I did (I did tire rack) for VR rated Michelins in stock size from Costco.

[PalmerWMD]

The Q45 is 10k less, nicer interior, noticably faster (with the TSB ECU reflash), Infiniti warranty has an extra 10k miles, if memory serves.

Sportier feel according all all the mags.Everyone I know, or ever heard of that test drove both bought the Q45.

Fred...

[Marx]

Okay, I hate when post turn into these "My dad na beat up your dad" things.

Of course everyone you know who drove both bought the Q45. You havce surrounded yourself with Infiniti owners. Back at my haunt, http://www.clublexus.com, everyone I know bought the LS.

Both are great cars.

Heres a fun tid-bit that might make you guys feel better: While Lexus (toyota) may be synonomous with luxury in the US, In its native Japan, it's Nissan that is top dog, and the choice of all the wealthy businessmen and yaks (yakuza).

[Jesda]

Bugger all, I'm going to buy a Packard!

[elwesso]

I cant even describe that hiddeous thing!!!

[szh]

Back in 1991, I test drove a Q45 (was going to get 300ZX Turbo to replace the older one I was driving) and was hooked! I bought the Q without even considering the LS400. Articles in magazines confirmed my decision, as far as I was concerned. The LS400 appeared softer and too much of a "Mercedes Benz clone" .

I like unique looking cars! So the LS430 is simply not an option either. And, from the side, the new Q45 is a bit too "normal" looking too (from the front, the headlights are a different story!)

So, what do I drive? An M45. Beats the LS430 in unique looks and performance. Is it as luxurious? No, but that is not what we wanted.

And that is what it comes down to ... personal preferences. Each buyer has to decide what they are looking for and see if a given car meets those expectations at a price point they can afford. That is all there is to it! For me, the Lexus LS430 is not better than an M45 ... for others, it might be!

Z

[rover3l]

Wow I didn't realize I was going to stir up so much passion. My original question was about the relative quietness of the Q45 -v- LS 400. I had in mind the 1994 series of both cars as my Q45a is a 1994. I was interested because every LEXUS LS 400 road test I have read talks about its uncanny silence and I was interested in how this compares withthe Q as although mine is fairly quiet it still makes all sorts of engine, wind and road noise. If LEXUS has used some little tricks to get the extra degree of silance I am interested in trying to apply these to the Q in the quest for improvement. However, having read through this long thread it is not clear whether the LEXUS is that much if any quieter.

Confused

David

[TgduMg]

But as a Lexus owner and former Infiniti Sales person, I can say that the new Q45 can't compete with the new LS430, or even the second gen LS400.

Ha ha ha. I see Marx has got jokes. The LS 430 is a nice car, with its big 92-99 Merc S-Class look and it has that safe as a vault look. But who wants to drive or ride around in a car that looks like a vault. The 95-97 LS 400 front clip was not as nice looking as the 98-00 LS or even the 90-94 LS. Timeless beauty, 1st Gen Q45. I'll be back but the 02+ Q45 can more than compete with the LS 430.

[Marx]

Sorry if this thread went so off topic. Here's the skinny.

It is very hard to say that one car is quieter than another once that car is 10-years old. New cars are much easier to compare.

My 1992 LS400 is still a very quiet car, but not as quiet as I'm sure it was new. Seals crack, pieces wear, etc.

If you want to improve the interior noise of any car:

[Marx]

As I was saying, if you want to improve the interior nosie of any older car:

>Replace all hardened rubber window and door seals, or take care of the ones you got with a rubber safe cleanser/lubricant

>Shop around for good tires, http://www.tirerack.com has lots of consumer reviews which will help you determine which tires are the quietest. And keep them inflated to correct air-pressure.

>Replace the Engine/Transmission mounts. These are almost always rubber, and are subject to hardening/cracking.

>Make sure engine is in tune

>Sound deadening mats are available at http://www.crutchfield.com and other retailers that you can put in your doors and trunk to deaden noise.

Hope this information helps, even though it comes from a Lexus owner.

[TgduMg]

I have a Car & Driver mag that did a 5 car comparo and the Q came out as the quitest. Just a db or 2 below the LS. If I recall correctly. I have the mag at work if Wes doesn't weigh in with the results.

I have a 1995 issue of Road & Track that tests the Q, the updated LS 400 and others. I was surprised when the Q registered a lower db (at cruise) than the Lexus. If I can't find the mag, I'll get the info via microfiche from the library. Also keep in mind that this was the 2nd Gen LS and not the 1st. In all fairness though the Q got thicker glass and other refinements for the 94 model year. But back to Marx. The LS 430 vs 02+ Q45. The Lexus has more trunk space, an optional cooler behind the rear armrest and the rear seats IMO are at a less comfortable angle therby giving it more rear leg room. And it's true, many Americans are under hypnosis when it comes to that crooked L. But the people that I know who have taken their Lexus, to the Lexus dealer, to trade in their Lexus got a surprise. A Lexus has a high resale value, when the dealer resales it, not when the previous owner trades it. I being the low resale value Infiniti lover was suprised too. Hypnosis, pure and simple. Granted the LS 430 is a good car. But head and shoulders above the Q. Not. I like Lexuses, but they don't have me under their spell. If you truly love driving, persons in the back seat should not be able to control your A/C or audio choices.