Quote:
Originally posted by WANT '71 280SEL
It would be funnu though to see a 108 hit a new Lexus head on. I know the lexus would be safer but it would show a difference in build materials.
Oh yeah, Mercedes use thicker steel than Japanese cars. One more thing that puts MB ahead of Lexus.
David
|
If you were to give me the choice of a 108 or 109 to be in, or the LS430, in a head on between the two, I'd pick the LS EVERY time. If the MB does not show outward damage, the impact energy had to go somewhere. Typically in older designs, it goes into the passengers. Bad news. The LS will deform and absorb the impact. The difference in build materials is startling. The LS uses much better quality steel. Alloy technology has progressed some ways in 30 years. The LS's interior materials are WAY safer, if not as robust. There are no sharp objects in that interior.
I think Lexus builds as good as cars as anyone on the planet. 99.99% of buyers don't give a rat's ass about who built the first car. That means nothing. MB's history is worthless of they don't build exceptional automobiles today. Lexus knows it, and has built an amazing reputation in less than 15 years. Every car maker is envious of Toyota/Lexus' inroads in such a short time.
I would not hesitate to buy a Lexus product. Who cares if it's not destined to become a "classic." Does that play into the purchase equation? Nope. People want a well built luxury car that is reliable and drives the way they expect. The reason I don't own a Lexus is that they don't drive the way I like. I prefer the slow-steering German RWD sedans like the W140, W124, W210, W202 and so on. They just feel "right" to me. Only a very few MB's are destined to become "classics" and it's tough to tell at their time of original build. The R129 roadsters are becoming used cars as the R230 hits the streets, and prices are falling like crazy. This does not mean they're not desirable cars, but they're still just used cars, though expensive ones.
Look at the folks on the forum. We're all MB NUTS. However, we are realists too, and understand that Lexus builds a great car, even one some of us might buy. It ain't us. vs. them, but just car nuts checking out the best car line-ups to be seen.