98 conti vs. 1999-2002 LS

[doctornick]

I know that most of you are LS owners, so I was wondering if any of you have experience with either the 98 conti or the LS (all LS body styles are the same right?)

How does the power compare? I test drove a V6 Infinity today, and to tell the truth it kicked my conti's butt. Not to mention I just wrecked my conti (new headlight assembly, grill, radiator, and possibly more... probably about $2000.... by no fault of my own) and was in the market for a RWD car anyway. So how do these cars compare? I'm going to look up the specs after this post, but who knows how a car handles untill you drive it right? My price range is up to 17,000........ thanks for any advise.

[ March 03, 2005: Message edited by: doctornick ]

[GranPappy]

I have an 2001 LS V8 and I like it more than eny other car Ive ever owned. Alot of people complain about it not having enuff power but in my opinion it has plenty of power but just not until a little after 2000rpm, so dont expect tire burning takeoffs. I had custom catbacks and some flomasters put on mine a couple of months ago and that has helped give it a little more low end torque. The place were this car really shines is its handleing.

[doctornick]

I've also heard about tranny problems with the LS (as with my conti)...
unfortunately for you lincoln lover I've already bought a new car... 93 deville dhs (same power as a 99 conti I believe). I must say that so far this newer caddy is far more luxuious than the cont... though it is missing some of my favorite options (NO HEATED SEATS?!?!). Anyay, the trade with my fixed conti and the DHS i think I'll be getting the car for verh little. I am still in about getting a LS (V8) for sure. Not that I didn't find the low end accell. t0 be as good as the conti's and this was the V8 model to! But the handling in the LS was FAR superior...

[Quik LS]

these are very different cars - so just a warning - many former lincoln owners really didn't like the LS, probably contributing to their poor sales.

The LS isn't a small version of the contential - but a completely different car - more of a BMW. The LS was designed to go after the 5-series of the day - which it did quite well - handled better than the 540i, more power than the 530i. The LS is a tight luxury sports car that won car of the year in 2000.

As a member of LLSOC.com (Lincoln LS Owner CLub) I work the Lincoln booth at the car trade shows and most of the people looking at the LS were looking for a 'smaller' contential - the LS is not that car.

BTW: you can get heated and cooled seats in the LS.

[ March 06, 2005: Message edited by: Quik LS ]

[doctornick]

Well... Since I know almost nothing about the LS I'm going to ask a few probably dumb sounding questions...
1. 4/2/or0 air suspension?
2. Does the car jolt when you hit potholes like any other cheaper car (I never noticed this until driving my bud's Alero - fast car for the price)?
3. Does the LS have the tranny problems of all other lincolns I've ever heard of (maybe not the TC)?
I REALLY want a RWD car, and was stupid enough to think that a new DeVille would have RWD (it doesn't). The heated rear seats were a real turn on to me (as well as the huge depreciation on Lincolns. Is the cooled front seats a common option like in an STS or is it like the freaking heated seats in my DeVille. BTW, I used to own a 90 caddy fleetwood so I'm quite used to boat sized cars. Also, the DHS is not a 93 it is an 03... sorry about the typo. It has 174 hp, and 300 lb/ft of torque *help me out on the torque part* i'm not sure. It might just be 270, and the Caddy is not as fast as my conti was... I was simply amazed by this since in MHO caddy makes far superior cars - they just cost a bit more.

[pro-five-oh]

1. None, it rides like a BMW 5 series or Infinti G35...nothing like a Caddy or Continental. If you like cushy rides, get another Conti, a Town Car, or a Deville.

2. The LS is a solid touring car, it isn't an Alero. You better drive one, that will make you understand. smile.gif

3. Donno, but the LS isn't the reliable luxury car that Lexus is. Then again, I don't think it'll be much worse than a used Seville STS.

4. Late model Devilles have 275-ish HP, much like a Conti. And I have yet to be impressed with Caddy's quality esp their FWD cars, they just hold their value a little better than Lincolns. When you factor in that Cads use specific parts that double the repair bill, I don't consider them a great used car purchase. smile.gif

You want smooth and unquestionably reliable, pony up the cash for a Lexus.

[Nick]

Pro, I'm biased against coil springs, but still I wouldn't call the last years of the Continental a really plush rider. The Town Cars we got as loaners seemed smoother and better handlers.

We test drove a non Sport Package LS and it seemed to ride OK, but it still handled well. You need to test drive both versions of the car before you can know what we are talking about.

The closest Lincoln to the LS was the Mark VII LSC. Everything else just doesn't equate well in terms of mission and dynamics.

[pro-five-oh]

quote:Originally posted by Nick:
Pro, I'm biased against coil springs, but still I wouldn't call the last years of the Continental a really plush rider.

Well I would, so there! tongue.gif Seriously, the Conti is similar to a TC, rides way creamier than any imported luxury sedan.

Quik LS, will you happen to be working the Lincoln booth at the upcoming NYC Auto show?

[ March 08, 2005: Message edited by: pro-five-oh ]

[Quik LS]

nope - I work the booth down here in Austin - and will not be working it this year..... :(

[Nick]

quote:Originally posted by pro-five-oh:


Well I would, so there! tongue.gif Seriously, the Conti is similar to a TC, rides way creamier than any imported luxury sedan.

Quik LS, will you happen to be working the Lincoln booth at the upcoming NYC Auto show?

[ March 08, 2005: Message edited by: pro-five-oh ]


After having driven my dad's car with four snow tires, less miles, and struts that aren't on their way out, I'll backpedal a foot and say the Continental isn't a bad rider. It's fairly compliant. Of course, if you compare it to an air suspension... :D

Quik LS, you work for Lincoln?

[Quik LS]

nope - I am a dedicated LS owner - member of LLSOC, prototyped the SCT flasher (blew up a few times), prototyping the new Boosthead.com supercharger,... learned alot about the LS, it's history, and design - so I feel COMPELLED to tell the world - IT'S NOT A SMALLER TOWN CAR!!!!!!!! It's a WORLD CLASS sports sedan!!!!

I am a dedicated Auto-crosser - Pro Solo2 SCCA member - and the LS kicks butt!!

whew! I feel better now - sorry.

[pro-five-oh]

Bummer. Well if you ever come to Houston for the autoshow make sure to drop me a line. smile.gif

What the status and specifications on that supercharger? Never heard about it! :eek:

[Quik LS]

last week we pulled the intake off an 'test' fit the prototype intake w/SC on the engine. took a bunch of pics and measurements. Then put the car all back together again.... big job.

hoping to have something on the car end of the month.

[Tony S45]

doctornick--

'03 deVille DHS.

Hmmmm. Very nice. That's a rare model in my area. I like the deVilles but they don't have enough leg/foot room for me. Have'nt tried to fit in an LS yet. If it's the same approx size as a 5 Series Bimmer, then I'll pass. Being 6'4", 250lbs. with size 14 feet has it's disadvantages. Then again, you know what some ladies imagine about a man with big feet...

Guess I'll drive my Conti until it ages a bit and then try a Town Car.

[GranPappy]

quote: Have'nt tried to fit in an LS yet. If it's the same approx size as a 5 Series Bimmer, then I'll pass. Being 6'4", 250lbs. with size 14 feet has it's disadvantages

I let my 'Little' brother borrow my LS for prom and he never said enything about it being to cramped. He's about 6'1", 250lbs. One complaint I have heard from some of the taller LS crowd is that the B pillar gets in the way of your peripheral vision if you have two scoot the seat way back

[Tony S45]

GranPappy-

Well if you will kindly loan me your LS for an outing I promise not to complain either. But I can't plunk down $35k for a car that doesn't fit my frame & feet!

[GranPappy]

Im not saying that you should buy one if your going to feel like a sardine when you climb in, but go test drive one before you rule it out.