Infiniti G35 vs. Acura TL

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Comments

  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    I think delmar just prioritizes comfort and luxury over speed. Other than the BMW (and maybe the IS), the other cars he mentions are more luxury-oriented and less speed-oriented (G35 is more speed-oriented and the TL is more middle-of-the-road). Re budget, the BMW & GS are more expensive cars, and if (1) the money you spent was not as big a concern, and (2) you were going to get an automatic, then I'd consider the Infinifi M. I hear it's awesome!!!!
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I'm not sure if delmar1 was being facetious, but I thought he was just giving you his good honest opinion. If it were me, and I don't need to use the back seat on a regular basis, the G35 coupe will be an attractive possibility. If you don't need the back seat at all, then I think the 350Z would be even more of a blast. If you need a back seat, the new 330i with a 6-sp manual would be hard to beat for driving pleasure. Personally I won't consider cars like the RL, or GS, or M, even though they are great cars in their rights, because I prefer smaller cars.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I don't know, delmar's post was all over the place, but usually he (or she) has great posts. I have test drove all the cars you mentioned bodble2 except the GS. I really did not like the M, and I am with you, I prefer smaller cars. the 350Z was not as nice as the G35 coupe, and my wife didn't like the Z at all. Anyway, I am going to get more serious at the end of the month so I have time to test drive even more cars, I love this test driving. :shades:
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    Sorry if I created a ruckus here.... No...I was not facetious. Really was trying to be somewhat helpful. Guess I am not a speed purist...but value luxury with great handling.

    My honest opinion is that the G35 is a good car...if the intent is to have more speed or sport...it would not be a bad choice at all. Hard to really slam the G35...as it does many things well. And if you wish to compliment the TL with a sidekick....it would be wise choice.

    However....if you are already roughly about $37k sticker price (I am not talking about price paid as that is another topic) for the premium and sports package .... I would consider a few others that I mentioned in the post.

    Regarding the GS....I view it as similar to the TL in many respects. So if you like the TL...you might like the GS.

    Any case...with that clearification in mind (I have been known to hustle through my emails)...hope all the readers here go back to my note and I do hope that I could be helpful.

    (ps...the past few posts were wondering my gender. I am a 40 yr old male with family living in Del Mar, CA).
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I know now you were not being facetious delmar, your posts are very informative and appreciated.

    I was thinking the same, with a TL in the garage already, I thought a G35 coupe would be a nice change of pace.
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    Great to know that I could clearify any misunderstandings.

    Yes...it would be nice to have a change of pace and not have two of the same cars in the garage no matter how much you may appreciate your TL.

    When test driving the G35 coupe...try it with various configurations (MT/AT, base, performance wheel pkg, performance suspension pkg). Each has its own personality.

    Keep us informed on your purchase research and decision.
  • corey1corey1 Member Posts: 5
    Frank -
    I am 6'1." I test drove both the TL and the G35 and chose the TL for two reasons. I got more "stuff" in the TL. Blue Tooth, Sun Roof, wood grain trim...etc. It all comes in the TL without additional charges. The other reason is because I felt cramped in the G35. Granted, the G35 was a sportier driving experience, but the TL is not shabby by any means. The TL also gave me more room. I feel quite comfortable in my TL. I made the purchase 2 months ago and haven't regretted a thing.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Yeah, I knew you were a good guy. :P

    It would be a HUGE mistake to buy another TL, just ridiculous, even though I was thinking about it. Thanks for the advice, I have to buy an AT sadly to say, because my wife absolutely refuses to learn how to drive an MT. Additionally the Infiniti dealer near me is a good one. But I am going to wait until the end of the month and ponder all the other great cars out there. ;)
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I am 6 foot even and didn't feel cramped at all in the G35 coupe, however I am thin, so that helps. Not to say you are heavy. ;)
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    If you do test drive the G35 with auto...most definitely go try the car with the performance suspension package...
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Will do delmar, thanks for the advice! I am so excited! But I will not show it at the dealership. I have test drove the G35 but didn't know if it was with performance package or not, I will make sure to ask next time. Again, thanks for the adivce.
  • minarets1minarets1 Member Posts: 49
    this is truely my delima. i cannot decide which i would rather have.

    sport or luxury?

    fun to drive vs nice interior?

    not as much fun to drive vs average interior?

    price isnt much of a factor....size isnt much of a factor.

    WHAT DO I WANT!!!!!!!!?!?!?!!!!!!?!?!?!!
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    The last point of 'what do I want' is the key....but also realize that choices are not 'black or white' or 'on or off'. (I am not saying you are single track in thought...but want to make sure you expand your vision)

    Don't listen to the rhetoric of the other forum board comparing the two cars along with the Saab. The discussion is too polarized and debative of two fine cars. It is fine to point out details...but isn't too cool, narrow minded, and arrogant to think there is a single choice (even if one car out-shines the other...I can always find alternate cars which can outclass the point).

    As I mentioned in many of my prior posts. Get off the net...test drive...and make an informed decision.

    Everyone has different needs and requirements. The key is that you will not go wrong with either the TL or G35.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Excellent points delmar!!! Yes, test drive the cars, and pick the best on your choice. My wive chose a TL because of the interior, it was much more refined. I wanted the G35 because it handled so well and was so fast.
  • quest3quest3 Member Posts: 33
    I'm not necessarily replying to this post but to the forum in general. How I see these two cars is simple. If you can get a coupe go with the G35 "WOW". But if you have to buy a sedan I'd take the TL every day of the week. I'm just not impressed with the infiniti's styling as a 4 dr.. Hmmmm how do you think a TL coupe would look?
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    Hmmmm how do you think a TL coupe would look?

    BEAUTIFUL!!! :shades: Duhhh!!!! :)

    Honestly, though, it wouldn't fit the TL philosopy. The TL isn't trying (and can't) out-sport the G. It's trying to make it comparable (and I think it succeeded) and more responsible or value-minded (sorry, I'm having a brain-freeze here!). A coupe wouldn't fit into that philosopy.
  • nyrefugeenyrefugee Member Posts: 35
    I just bought the infiniti two days ago, and I am pretty impressed.

    If you want a sports car get the infiniti manual coupe. Thats pretty much all there is to it. It is a sports car pretending to be luxury car.

    But you have to be SURE you want a sports car. With this car you will feel every feature on the road. And if the highway you are on is surfaced by those white concrete slabs that tend to curve the car will shake up and down like crazy. And if you decide to slam on the gas you'd better be prepared to be driving at 80 mph very soon. And if you slam on the breaks make sure there is noone behind you.

    Oh yeah and before you drive it make sure you raise the head rest to the level of your head because this car will cause your head to slam back to the headrest many times. The first several days I drove it the car gave me a painfull headache because of the constant shaking of my neck. But I am used to it now.

    Anyways it is all worth it to me because the car is soo much fun!
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    Since ljwalters1 has a brain-freeze...let me continue.

    Acura in the past segregated out the luxury sports coupe into a distinct model. Most recently, the ' Acura CL ' filled the coupe segment.

    Although when the Acura Legend had an option of four door or coupe around the mid-90s ...the exteriors were distinctly different.

    Either way...excluding the RL...Acura has recently been doing a good job with styling.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I agree, the styling of Acura is supurb, excluding the RL (from the side it looks exactly like an Accord). A two door TL, of course would have to be a smaller car, with more hp would be a killer car and competitive with the G35 coupe.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Sorry any Host out their, my post was not exactly on topic. :cry: And I am really serious.
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    Aint nothing wrong with the RL styling, the car looks very much upscale.

    I sat in one on a recent oil change at my dealer and the fit, finish and styling is very clean and conservative.

    As a matter of fact, it feels much nicer in the RL than the TL and I am a big TL fan.
  • mhk86mhk86 Member Posts: 1
    RL looks nicer than the TL to me. But yeah, it's not a car that demands attention. No flash whatsoever, which may or may not be a bad thing depending on your tastes
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Great post!!! Taste is very subjective, I thought the TL looks much nicer that the RL, but it's just subjective taste.
  • minarets1minarets1 Member Posts: 49
    this is a thread that needs to be lifted from the dead.

    even though the class of these cars includes the 330i, the A4, IS350 and so on....i dont think they price to these 2 cars.

    those others are just enough out of reach that the TL and G35 are the true competitors on the $35,000 sedan comparo. the others can be had, but not comprably equiped.

    i struggle with my choices everyday with these 2 cars. The G35 calls me with its driving characteristics, its very subtle but sharp styling and it ceatain options(keyless locks and start up). conversely the TL, does nothing for me really on the outside. but inside where i would be spending most of the time, its virtually flawless. an awsome 5.1 surround sound, great touch screen NAV...

    i want the G35 driving features(and wheels!) with the interior of the TL

    each day i want the other :cry:
  • vrscvrsc Member Posts: 12
    I struggled with this same decision (G35 or TL). I chose to get the G35 fully loaded with Package C, Intelligent Key, Aero Package, Trunk Carpet package, Colored Splash Guards, Wheel locks, full aftermarket woodgrain dash kit and LLumar 15% tint). I have done much research choosing the right car. Wife and I drove the TL first and feel in love with the interior an features. I received pricing for the TL and we left. A week later we went to Infinity and test drove the G35. We instantly feel in love with it's handling and exterior. Luckily, the Infinity dealer had a 2005 Tl used. We decided to refresh our memory from a week before and test drove the TL. We started to see the major differences between the 2 cars and almost decided on the TL, then we started noticing small things about the TL we didn't like... Less pull, not as fun to drive, poorer handling, body roll, and the front wheel drive. My wife noticed that she was not as comfortable in the TL and the leather looked and felt cheaper. While we were sitting inside the Infinity dealer stating the highest price we would pay for infinity, we kept looking out comparing the two cars. The G35 just looks cooler and has some sexy lines. I just wish it had some of the TL interior options... Blue tooth, voice navigation, voice controls (AC/radio), reverse tilted mirrors. So it was a good thing that the Infinity dealer had a competing brand line on their lot.
  • minarets1minarets1 Member Posts: 49
    i do know the 06 G35 sedan will have Bluetooth capability. i love the keyless option with the G35. the inteligent key and the pad on the doorhandle to unlock the doors....

    the only thing its missing imo is the sound system. even though the TL's interior design is better, imo, if it just had a killer sound system, i would be sold...well, closely sold. i also prefer the touch screen NAV in the TL.

    of course i could also say if the TL had push button start or "intelligent key" and RWD, i would be sold.

    i am really torn. the NAV in the G35 didnt really impress me.--i like the bird eye, but no touch and it just looks out of place to me.

    congrats on your choice! :)
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    even though the TL's interior design is better, imo, if it just had a killer sound system, i would be sold

    Do you mean to refer to the G35 here? The TL has a great soundsystem! If so, what about the G35 gives it a better interior design?
  • minarets1minarets1 Member Posts: 49
    yeah, sorry

    the G35 is what i was referring to.

    i need the exterior and driving experience of a G35 and a TL's interior
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    That would create one great car! The TL35! :D
  • ray12kray12k Member Posts: 4
    I was turned off at the front wheel drive of the Acura Tl, MB and the Lexus. I’m sorry rear wheel drive is the only way to go if you really want to drive a car. Anyone that tells you different has either not driven a rear wheel drive sedan/coupe or is just in love with a brand name and will buy anything with that logo. The only car that drove better then the g35 was the bmw 330. The price of the options $$$$$$$ made it to walk away from it and go to the infinity g35 fully loaded.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Have you ever driven in the snow? Unfortunately not all of us live in the sun belt.
  • danny1878danny1878 Member Posts: 339
    yes you are right!
    Thats why so many people voted with their wallet for the RWD G35 (3700 cars/month) and 2000+/month for 330i . I guess they all must agree with ur statement.

    Too bad TL only gets 7000+ votes/month. :sick:
  • realty_prorealty_pro Member Posts: 85
    Too bad TL only gets 7000+ votes/month.

    There are many car owners in the world who don't vote in edmunds' polls. Thus, your assessment is disingenuous. Secondly, not every buyer understands and/or cares about the importance of RWD for a true driving experience. The TL sells well and that is good for Honda, but it places 4th or worst in all these articles of comparison because of the FWD reason alone. The TL is a decent enough car, but it isn't a true sport sedan as defined by all of these magazines.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Are cars designed for car magazines, or for the general consumer population?
  • danny1878danny1878 Member Posts: 339
    There are many car owners in the world who don't vote in edmunds' polls.

    I dont think I said anything about voting in edmunds' polls. Eventhough you brought the fact that edmunds' most favourites entry lux sedan is the TL. Thats too bad isnt it.

    Second I agree with you that's why I said its too bad that TL only gets 7000+ votes ($$$ votes). People tend to be so careless when they vote with their wallet
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Based on history in other discussions between some of you, PLEASE MOVE ON.

    We know how each of you feel and these petty squabbles do nothing but get otherwise useful discussions closed.

    Thank you.
  • minarets1minarets1 Member Posts: 49
    :cry: well i didnt revive this thread to fight or anything, Pat.

    i am just honestly stuck in deciding what i want more. touchscreen NAV, with killer 5.1 surround (i am a huuuuuge music buff) or fun to drive fewer gadgets

    it killing me really. :mad:
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Oh I know, and you aren't causing any trouble. I am hopeful that some of the others here will be happy to help you work this out and refrain from taking potshots at each other. Those who aren't able to refrain from such behavior will find themselves invited out of this discussion.

    :shades:
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    I will refrain from arguing against your statements about the TLs drivability, aside from merely saying that I disagree - promise!!!

    In your car-buying equation, you have a TL that has the interior design and features you want, but you don't like the FWD. You like the drive of the G35, but don't prefer the interior. I'm guessing the pros of the TL don't clearly outweigh the pros of the G and vice versa.

    How will you mainly be using the car? If your drive is exclusively stop-and-go traffic, get the TL 'cause you'll have much more time to appreciate the sound system and interior while stuck in traffic. You can't enjoy the beneifits of a RWD platform when stuck behind a truck going 30 mph.

    On the other hand, if your comute is mainly fast-moving highway miles (or it's a very short commute), and you like to take your car on trips for the weekends, that might make the G35 a better choice.

    Hope this helps!
  • minarets1minarets1 Member Posts: 49
    thanks!

    yeah, this will be my everyday car. i am 24 and have earned enough $$$ to have more then my everyday car. my wifes SUV and my car will be it.

    i drive roughly 75 miles round trip a day--all hwy except for about 4. this makes me want a car that can really get after it on the highway, but at the same time pamper me with the tunes and giving maybe a back way to get to work to living up the drive....

    oh crap! that puts me back at square one. a freakin' TL35 is what i need! :)
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    LOL!!!

    So each way you drive about 31 highway miles and 4 local miles. You know, on straight or only slightly-curved highways, you can't notice the difference between RWD and FWD (unless its raining, in which case FWD is better), and the TL will get you onto the highway quickly. Also, the TLs sound system gives minimal distortion, even at high volume and the insulation from outside noise is great.

    Unless your going to be testing your 0-30 mph times and kicking yourself about the torque steer (are you going with an automatic? They don't seem to suffer from it), I think the TL is the way to go.

    In fact, as I think about it (and, yes, I am a biased TL driver), the only way a G35 might be better than a TL for someone who's commute will make up the majority of mileage is if they drive on a real curvy road - hwy or local.
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    I will throw one more log into the fire for the TL if you are driving mostly freeway.

    The TL will get >30mpg on the highway easily...even on twisty highways. The G35....my friends have indicated that somewhere in the low 20 mpg.
  • realty_prorealty_pro Member Posts: 85
    The TL will get >30mpg on the highway easily...even on twisty highways. The G35....my friends have indicated that somewhere in the low 20 mpg.

    This is true to a degree. My 2005 G35 gets about 27-28 on hwys and about 20 in the city. But then again, I really push my G. I will, however, concede to the fact that the TL gets better fuel mileage. The G, IMO, is more of a sports car than a daily commuter.
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    Honestly I do not own a G but my friends do indicate they are in the low 20mpg range best case. Also...from what I recall...the EPA rates the G with a 22mpg tag. But as they disclaim...your gas mileage may vary.

    And you are correct...if we wanted a daily commuter...there are other alternatives. And if we wanted to maximize mpg there is the Insight. Neither for me.
  • danny1878danny1878 Member Posts: 339
    #1416 wrote:I am barely getting 17 mpg. Grrrrrrrrr
    #1366 wrote: Currently I am getting a whopping 13mpg
    #1253 wrote: I am averaging between 17-18 mpg driving moderately aggresive.
    adpcs wrote : my gas mileage to be around the 15-16 mpg mark. I think that is unacceptable. My SUV gets 19 mpg in the same type of driving.
    #1732 wrote : sure is when these people portray that the cars can get 18-25 mpg...
    total bs!

    They must've pushed the G too hard! :surprise:
  • realty_prorealty_pro Member Posts: 85
    I can't speak for them, only myself. I seem to be getting exactly what Infiniti claims. And for what it is worth, the less than stellar gas mileage is more than offset by the stellar RWD, engine & handling performance. The stereo reception is average, but I wasn't in the market for a stereo, but rather a true sports sedan. This criteria left me with 2 choices -- a 3 series or a G35. The G won because of the looks, the too close to call handling and the huge power advantage. :shades:
  • quasiactuaryquasiactuary Member Posts: 50
    I am also under the impression that the sedan gets a little better real world mpg's than the coupe. In traffic with 50%-50% city-highway driving I'm always just over 20 mpg with my sedan. On long trips it's more like 25 mpg.
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    What HUGE power advantage does the G have over the 3?
    I think they are neck to neck in all the comparo that I have seen so far.
  • danny1878danny1878 Member Posts: 339
    Of course you can't speak for others but yourself.

    Acceleration :
    TL's best 0-60 is 5.7 secs, while the best G's number is 5.8 secs, 330i was slower back then. I dont need 0-100 number, cuz I wont be using it often.

    HP : usually a rwd loose a small percetage of hp due its rwd setup. I guess that explains the 5.8 secs

    Handling
    67.5 mph in slalom, one of the fastest that goes thru those cones.
    Skidpad numbers: TL =0.89G --- G35 0.90G
    I agree with what you said before "the 3 series only bested the G in handling on a road course. Those are hard pressing corners that aren't typical of "most roads in America".

    RWD, I had a bad experience with snow in a friend's mustang GT. And yes snow tires help a bit, but that would be unpractical. (snow and rain)

    Interior : I spend a lot of time inside the car, and the TL has one of the best. Definitely not a cheap looking one.

    Exterior : to me only the old 530i, the old 330i (too small but still nice), Audi, C-series and Acura TL.
    TL's sales figure proves that styling matters. Around 7,000 cars each month while G only 3,500, 330i less than 2000.

    Comfort : Subjective. but among its competitor, TL is one of the most comfortable.

    MPG : Highway mpg is very impressive. 34mpg @ 70mph.

    Resale value : Nothing to worry about, being the best seller compared to G35/330i, I'm sure it wont be short of buyers.
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    I just checked with my buddy with a G35 coupe and he is swearing he is averaging 19mpg and less (ok...ok...he drives it pretty hard and that is probably a contributing factor). Another thing he is mentioning to me is that he keeps burning up his brakes...getting less than 20k. As for tires in the coupe....burning those up big too as he cannot rotate the tires as the tire sizes are different in the front versus the rear.
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