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My master technician is also researching the engine differences. If he tells me differently, I will post on here. I am going with a new air intake and a new exhaust which yields a 10 - 15% increase in horsepower. This will not void the warranty. A chip change could void the warranty, so am steering clear of that!
BTW - Nissan inflates numbers? Now way! LOL.
240 horsepower / 265 ft-lbs: Pathfinder and QX4
245 horsepower / 246 ft-lbs: Altima and Murano
255 horsepower / 246 ft-lbs: I35
260 horsepower / 260 ft-lbs: G35 sedan
265 horsepower / 255 ft-lbs: Maxima (2004)
280 horsepower / 270 ft-lbs: G35 coupe and FX35
287 horsepower / 274 ft-lbs: 350Z
And if you believe all that variation (+/- 20% in horsepower, +/- 12% in ft-lbs) is legitimately due to different exhaust system "tweaks", you are just the gullible customer Nissan (and the info-mercial guys with the Toronado gizmo) want to meet.
BMW also uses it's 3.0 liter I6 in several models - the 330i, 330ci, 530i, Z4 and X5. Amazingly, they all have the same output ratings. Guess you don't need to tweak horsepower ratings when you let real performance sell the vehicle rather than "horsepower advertising".
Is there any wonder why Nissan/Infiniti horsepower ratings have come under scrutiny, if not ridicule?
My master technician is also researching the engine differences. If he tells me differently, I will post on here. I am going with a new air intake and a new exhaust which yields a 10 - 15% increase in horsepower. This will not void the warranty. A chip change could void the warranty, so am steering clear of that!
BTW - Nissan inflates numbers? Now way! LOL.
they said best in class was the bmw
lincoln ls and cadillac cts and maxima all ahead of g35
11 out 15 on list :<(
M
"Reliability problems have dogged other high-scoring cars in this class, such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and Mercedes-Benz C-class."
6 speed 02 / 03 Maximas dyno right around 205 - 210 whp. 255 crank rating. 220 - 225 tq dyno versus a 246 crank rating.
6 speed G35 Coupes dyno right around 235 rwhp. 280 crank rating. Around 235 tq dyno versus 270 crank rating.
6 speed 350Zs dyno right around 235 - 240 rwhp. 287 crank rating. Around 235 tq dyno versus 270 crank.
Automatic G35 sedans dyno around 215 rwhp. 260 crank rating. Around 225 tq rating versus 260 crank.
I'm not sure about all the others as I really just didn't feel like looking for them. Feel free to look for charts if you wish. Just make sure they dynoed in the right gear. That seems to be a common mistake, as well as doing a dyno before break in is complete.
Anyway, I'm not sure there really is a 7 hp difference between the G35 coupe and the 350Z. Seems like they both probably have the 287.
It's also interesting how no one ever mentions the obvious understatement of the torque in most, if not all, of the ratings.
Sure the altima/maxima difference and the G coupe/350Z might be more of marketing differences, but I believe the difference between the original 240hp pathfinder and the new 287 hp Z.
My master technician is also researching the engine differences. If he tells me differently, I will post on here. I am going with a new air intake and a new exhaust which yields a 10 - 15% increase in horsepower. This will not void the warranty. A chip change could void the warranty, so am steering clear of that!
BTW - Nissan inflates numbers? Now way! LOL.
A triple repost over several days! Is that some kind of record? It takes patience and dedication to pull that off. Congrats.
BTW, I do recall a dyno chart comparison of "wheel horsepower" of Infiniti's 4.5 liter V-8 rated at 340 horsepower vs. BMW's 4.4 liter rated at 282 and 4.9 liter M5 rated at 400. Instead of being right between the two BMW's, the Infiniti came in slightly below the smaller BMW V-8. Which coincided with my buttmeter.
With your example, obviously the M5 was a manual, and the 4.5 off the Infiniti was an automatic. Was the 4.4 BMW done with an automatic or a manual?
If you assume manuals for both BMW's, and automatic for the Infiniti, you come up with 340 rwhp for the M5, 265 for the Infiniti, and 248 for the 4.4. These assume 15% drivetrain loss for the manual BMWs, and 22% for the automatic Infiniti. Play with the assumptions a little, and you can get pretty close. Besides that, we were talking about the VQ35.
For example, from what I've seen, 330's for dyno right at or slightly below 200 rwhp for the manual, and 185 - 190 for an auto, which works out to drivetrain losses of roughly 12% and 17%. Either the drivetrain losses of the BMW's are significantly lower than everyone else, or the engines are underrated.
Apply that to your original example, and there's your explanation. I'm sure someone will say why would BMW do that, but maybe it's the same as why Dodge underrates the Neon (225 +/- whp; 245 crank rating)....
If BMW does underrate (I have no idea if they do), would it possibly be to help in lower insurance costs and market to a more conservative older demographic?
Just tossing ideas around.
-Paul
It was moving and handling quite well from what I could see. When he was next to me in my rented Altima, I could see the brakes and discs. I think I need to test drive one.
-Paul
My Jaguar which costs much more than the Infinity G35 has less power and is heavier. The Jaguar insurance rates are 30% less than insuring the Infinity. This does not take into account the multi-car discount.
When pricing the BMW insurance rates, the quotes were also lower due to a "less powerful" engine and the car cost more than the G35.
The insurance company said this is a result of the power-to-weight ratio.
Hope this helps answer your question.
gambit293, patience is my middle name especially when putting-up with my Infinity dealer.
Infiniti's gotta be loving it. I'd even be tempted but they do seem awfully pricey for the 6-speed. If they're selling for sticker and you add tax, the price is, well, definitely befitting a luxury performance coupe.
The struts definitely befit luxury cars in this price range, you're right. But, the prop on my STi is good enough for me, and you don't have to worry about the hood crashing down on you when the struts give up.
Lots of people share your complaint about the seat controls.
I'll take the struts anyday. You're right, they do start to fail, but in my experience it's after 10 years.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
My coworker has the white pearl and it looks incredible with the chromed wheels. He has the ground effects kit - he got it loaded. He has the black interior with the aluminum trim and it is quite beautiful, though living and working in the desert I would pick a lighter color interior.
-Paul
On the other hand I have been hit on the head by the hood of my GS several times. My vote is for the rods.
You are right about that being a freak occurence. And I would probably win the lottery before another incident would happen. However, I hate prop rods, period.
If you think the Infiniti has some cheap parts than the 350Z must be made by Mattel toys....
The owner's manual warns against pushing down on the hood to close it. My guess is that if struts were put on this hood, you would risk bending it if you pushed down on it hard enough to close it. Cars are getting heavier with all the additional safety requirements and other features. I am happy with Infiniti's choice to save the weight with the aluminum hood and use the prop rod.
saving money: I sat in a G35 Coupe in a dealership and thought the only cheap material was that strip that runs across the dashboard where the air vents are. It is a bit too hard for my tastes. I have a feeling Infiniti will address in the near furture. They're not the only luxury manufacturer to employ cost cutting on interior bits.
On this whole struts vs. hood prop issue, it doesn't bother me either way. If a car has a prop (as my Prelude Type SH does), it certainly would not deter me from buying or considering that car a luxury car. But struts are not perfect. I recently turned in a 2000 Saab 9-3 that had struts in the hood. Guess how easy it was to open the hood after a small accident where I rear ended a Hyundai in stop and go traffic. Can anybody say crowbar?
A luxury car isn't what it was 10 or 15 years ago. All manufacturers (luxury & non) use some sort of cost cutting. The majority of consumers out there don't care about interior material quality (personally it is #1 or #2 on my list). Back in 1995 Mercedes-Benz drastically reduced prices across its model line to remain competitive. In some cases (like the S Class), prices dropped in excess of $10,000 from the previous model year. How'd they do it? Little things that eventually added up to big savings. The material in the back isn't as nice as in the front. The full size spare is no longer a full 5th wheel....
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Perhaps I should retrofit a $10 rod?
My Honda S2000 has a rod (and aluminum hood). I'm not sure what the 350Z has. But if there is one area where I could live with "value engineering" it's in the mechanism that holds the hood up, so long as it WORKS! Looking at the interiors of the recent crop of Nissans and Infinitis, I find that value engineering a lot more objectionable. I'd much rather get a little arm exercise once every couple of months than have to look at a cheap interior every day.
Although I re-installed OEM struts, on cold days, I can already tell that they are getting weaker. I just hope they last a little while longer!
If we want to criticize interiors the new Mercedes defintely look cheap and below their competitors and their the "supposed" top gun, looking at the latest Powers quality survey they got a lot more to worry about than this.
You can get OEM quality hood struts for $30 ea. online just shop around.
Oh, and y'all can keep your prop rods, I'll stick with the struts that will eventually fail.
Those of you that are prone to carp about the G35's interior and lack of hood struts would probably be happier moving on to other choices for a luxury sport vehicle. The G35C is not for you. Your priorities are not in line with the mission of the G. It is NOT a sporty near luxury car. The G has the heart and soul of a true sports car with just enough refinement and features added to make it a wonderful daily driver. It is not a pure sports car. It is not a near luxury car. Once you redline it in 2nd gear, the snarl of its exhaust entrances you. Once you slice through that curve posted Caution 25 MPH at 60 with a huge silly grin on your face that you can't get rid of...then there is no place for thoughts of interior materials or hood struts. Anything with a shape like the G35C could easily be forgiven many faults, but once you commune with its soul there is little memory of anything needing forgiveness. If you cannot relate, feel free to choose another with priorities closer to yours. Would you criticize Jennifer Lopez for not being a great cook?
...steps down off soapbox...
Please excuse my outburst. Having been an engineer for 25 years, I don't usually get that emotional.
Those of you that are prone to carp about the G35's interior and lack of hood struts would probably be happier moving on to other choices for a luxury sport vehicle. The G35C is not for you. Your priorities are not in line with the mission of the G. It is NOT a sporty near luxury car. The G has the heart and soul of a true sports car with just enough refinement and features added to make it a wonderful daily driver. It is not a pure sports car. It is not a near luxury car. Once you redline it in 2nd gear, the snarl of its exhaust entrances you. Once you slice through that curve posted Caution 25 MPH at 60 with a huge silly grin on your face that you can't get rid of...then there is no place for thoughts of interior materials or hood struts. Anything with a shape like the G35C could easily be forgiven many faults, but once you commune with its soul there is little memory of anything needing forgiveness. If you cannot relate, feel free to choose another with priorities closer to yours. Would you criticize Jennifer Lopez for not being a great cook?
...steps down off soapbox...
Please excuse my outburst. Having been an engineer for 25 years, I don't usually get that emotional.
True
Thus the expression, for every pot there is a cover.
Thanks again,
I'm heading out for a drive!
Kevin