What's NotNot as quick as with six-speed manualBig bucksUhhh...?
GS 430What's HotSuperlative powertrainExcellent fit/finish/materialsSerious brakes
What's NotSuspension tuning more "lux" than "sporty"Seats need more side bolsteringStyling not for everyone
E430 SportWhat's HotSmooth and powerful drivetrainBusinesslike, luxury-themed interiorSuperb high-speed ride and control
What's NotNeeds more aggressive shocks/springsSeats are a bit firm for someBusy button-fest dashboard
Report
Card | Audi | BMW | Lexus | Mercedes- |
| Powertrain | A6 4.2 | 540i | GS 430 | Benz E430 |
| A- | A | A | A |
| Handling | B+ | A+ | B | B- |
| Ride | B+ | A | B+ | A- |
| Braking | A | A | A+ | A+ |
| Steering | A- | A+ | B | B+ |
| Interior design | A | A | B | B+ |
| Interior room/comfort | A- | A | A- | A- |
| Exterior styling | A | A | B | B+ |
| Luxury features | A- | A- | A | B+ |
| Value | A | B | B+ | B |
Trip NotesThis road test took us to the Monterey Peninsula, the three diamonds of which are the cities of Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove. Entire books have been written about travel to these areas, and deservedly so: This is some of America's most engaging coastline real estate, and you can easily spend a week (or two) discovering its many charms, rich history, and sport-sedan-worthy roads.
* The area plays host to more than a week's worth of serious car- junkie events every August. The Big Three are Concorso Italiano at Quail Lodge (Aug. 17), the Monterey Historic Auto Races (Aug. 18-19), and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (Aug. 20). If you haven't already booked your rooms, it may be too late.
* Speaking of the Monterey Historics, they're held at the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, located on Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas. Check out this historic track's great schedule of professional race and driving school dates at www.laguna-seca.com.
* One of Monterey's most charming areas is Cannery Row. Many of the original fish cannery buildings have been restored; there's shopping, hotels, and plenty of nighttime entertainment. www.canneryrow.com.
* While you're in Cannery Row, don't miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium; it's one of the world's best. www.mbayaq.org.
* Hungry? You won't starve on the Peninsula; anything's available, but seafood is the local specialty. Check out the Sardine Factory in Cannery Row, or for Italian, we recommend Pasta Mia in Pacific Grove. The Pebble Beach Lodge also has several fine restaurants. Want great Mexican dishes at an automotive-themed restaurant? Visit the Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley. You'll probably find issues of MT on the magazine racks (well, we put 'em there, anyway).-M.S.
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