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Comments
With respect to styling, my G35 gets compliments right & left every where I go. Thus, I really don't get your point.
March 2004.Acura was clearly planning to take no prisoners with the latest TL, and that was immediately apparent at the drag strip, where the TL ripped off a 0-to-60-mph mark of just 5.8 seconds—a half-second quicker than the potent Infiniti G35 could manage with its 3.5-liter V-6, Quoted from Car and driver
Oct 2005. Acura's 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 makes pleasing midrange torque and impresses with its flexibility if not its hammer acceleration (yet only the Lexus IS350 beats the Acura's 5.9-second run to 60 mph). quoted from Car and driver
get dusted twice?
And yes it ranks below the G according to a couple test drivers (due to the must have RWD) but not to 7000 car buyers who voted with their wallet. :shades:
With respect to styling, my G35 gets compliments right & left every where I go
Well, its possible. Good for you!
:shades:
007
one day i think, its a better to get better gas mileage, plus the NAV system is 2nd to none and 5.1 audio should be nice. i can prolly look past the butt print issues most seem to get with the cheaper leather (i am gonna have this car a long time, i dont want it looking 10 years old after 5) and the rattles that some seem to get--i mean, ill have my music on right?
then i think, naw! i can prolly get a better deal on a G35 and it will be more fun to drive anyway. the looks of the car are better imo, but the gas mileage sucks. stereo isnt the best, but def liveable. best backseat of the bunch plus the seats recline so that is nice for anyone riding in the back. the only real main issues owners have had is brake pads, but thats better then a new tranny, right?
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Links please....
and realitypro...yeah, i have driven the BMW 325i and 330i, and to be completely honest, i didnt care for it much. i fell in love with the looks when it came out, and i loved how it looked inside and out.
when i drove both, i didnt want it anymore. both had a very annoying hesitation and while it did corner well, it felt more sluggish then the G and TL. the car with the additional cost, wasnt worth it for my liking. if a 330i with idrive was around the $37 mark, i would strongly consider it--cost wise, its down to the TL and G
Look around and you will see- perfect example, look at the first generation TL.
The car still looks modern to this day.
Links please....
-------------------------------------
Sorry I don't have the links. If you have time, you can find them at the following:
carandriver.com
motortrend.com
edmunds.com
autoweek.com
roadandtrack.com
Most who has read the these reviews from the above sites/companies will agree that TL has better time (0-60) than the G.
007
The request for links to back up your statement is legit. If you don't want to provide them, that's fine, but understand that your comments aren't going to carry any weight in that circumstance. Telling the requester to go find them him/herself doesn't do a thing to bolster your position.
Just an FYI.
Better yet...look at how the Inifiniti's have fared with age. Not only in style...but how the quality of materials (exterior paint, interiors) have held up over the years.
Look at the previous generations of 'G' and how the style looks. Even look at the first generation G35 sedan and how the integrated trunk handle looks. Or the 'I', 'M', 'Q', etc. Biggest example...look at the 'J' and the rear end cowl....yipes.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=9993&page_number=1
This SIDE-BY-SIDE comparison has them both hitting 60 MPH in 5.9 secs.
G35 TL
0-60 5.9 5.9
0-100 15.0 15.4
0-120 22.3 23.6
(maybe due to its .27 CD or maybe higher end engine output and/or gearing factors).
Anyway - its certainly so close to call that it likely that no one should be making a choice between these cars based on acceleration differences. Interesting that original quote on this thread was correct ("only the BMW beat the TL's time of 5.9") but not complete for this forum's context. Note that this comparison is of 2005 models w/6 sp manuals for both cars. The G35 got a horsepower bump for 2005 (manual) and tourque and more modest hp bump for automatic so accelerations results of it from 03 or 04 models may be a factor in earlier comparisons.
Anyway, I really like the latest TL styling, it had great power and looks like a great value sports sedan. However, I had just come from a very nice powerful and handling front drive sedan (Chrysler 300M w/Perf. handling pkg) which was an absolutely great highway cruiser and overall a good handler but I never enjoyed the front drive feel when pushing the car. So for me, I eliminated the TL based on front drive alone.
For anyone seriously considering between these cars they would obviously not have to not have a preference for rwd or they would be comparing G35 with BMW330 and Lexus IS350. Instead they would be agnostic to fwd vs rwd/awd but want a reasonably well handling and powerful sports sedan. To that end I can offer some observations on the 2005 G35 w/18" sport suspension package I ended up with.
1) Car feels absolutely 100% tuned for performance from the ground up and it shows. Everything about suspension, engine, transmission (I have the 5sp automanual), steering, gauges,.. feels done with the sports car purpose in mind - feels like I'm driving the coupe for all intensive purposes. [For all of its goodness, the TL can not make this claim as long as it has its FWD/Accord roots.]
2) Stealth '05 changes - For the 2005 model year, there were very many improvements made to it primarily picked up from the M35/M45 that came out that didn't get much fanfare (G35 owners get these for free/same price while M owners foot the design bill!):
- Engine output increases (to 298hp manual, to 280 hp/270 tq for auto)
- Wheels/tires - manual or automatic handling package includes very cool 18" wheels + 235/45/18 W rated tires (to fix the old 215/55/17 top tires with previous G35s)
- Automanual enhancements - when you go into manual mode on downshifts, it blips the throttle to make for very smooth downshifts very much feeling like a good driver does in a manual. Makes this mode very enjoyable to use. Also, pure automatic mode does really seem to know what your thinking - at 3/4 throttle it will hold the gear to 5000 or more to you let off, it will do a double gear downshift to get to 5000 or more RPM on highway kickdowns,... - I know many autos claim this capability but this is the first one I have driven where I truly feel that way.
- Exterior styling - The '05 gets front end and backend changes that look better, distinguish it from the 03/04's and make them look an awful lot like the M35/M45 that are driving around for 10-20,000$ more.
- Interior styling - Also improved center console, I like the improved layout and the way the automanual controls look and work better now.
Other little known and under appreciated G35 features
-------------------
.27 Coefficient of drag (.26 w/aero pkg) -> this is great for a sedan and top end perf./handling
20 gallon gas tank - where most competitors have 17-18, this feature just gives you a little more convenience and flexibility on a regular basis.
And in the interest of full disclosure the most needed improvements/limitations
------------------------------------
1) Automatic could use a taller 5th highway gear (3000RPM at 80mph) - not clear why with 5 gears and good kickdown capability why say 2500rpm at 80mph wouldn't have been a good choice for better mpg at highway speeds. It's well documented that the G35 is not particularly good on mpg and this is part of the issue. Probably this is just part of the everything for performance mission - maybe a 6sp auto would solve this even better?
2) Driver control settings don't control the side mirrors - have to be reset manually. This is a too bad omission, settings include steering wheel up/down and in/out positioning, but not the side mirrors so its not like you get 100% return to your driving visibility for your setting.
3) No flip down rear seats (have to get by with center pass through).
4) Stereo volume control and heat adjustment are inconveniently to right/passenger side - kind of a stretch - but using the steering wheel controls solves this easily for stereo.
5) If you don't get the navigation system you don't get computerized avg and instantaneous miles per gallon, trip timers,... but I suspect this is becoming standard on many navigation optioned cars.
Happy hunting.
According to edmunds entry level sport sedan comparion 2002: Chrysler 300M was not considered at the same level even with the old version of TL.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=74497/pageId=30665
I test drove the TL, its not as good as my G but definitely they both are in the same class. We all have our biasness.
A rwd TL would definitely be a killer imo.
I agree and I might be driving one today. I think Acura will offer a RWD in the next generation TL.
Anyway, I do have a few comments to make in response to yours:
For the 2005 model year, there were very many improvements made to it primarily picked up from the M35/M45 that came out that didn't get much fanfare
The M is actually very highly-regarded as a real drivers car that can battle (and beat) the Acura RL, Lexis GS, Acura A6 and BMW 5 series. Unfortunately, it only comes with automatic. The M35 is faster than the G35, larger and has a nicer interior. If it had a manual tranny, it'd be my dream car (although they cheaped out by using 1 color roofline, regardless of interior color choice and have similarly-limited options w/r/t carpet and console color - they don't change with your choice of interior unless you get the light tan).
The 350Z and the G35 brought Nissan back from the dead, and now the M35/45 is continuing their push to the forefront. Whereas Lexis has taken the lead luxury-car role, Nissan is doing great at providing cars with German accelleration and handling with Japanese reliability. Even though I like my TL a lot better than the G, I have nothing but respect for Nissan's direction as a company.
Automanual enhancements
If the G now has the M35s automanual, I can agree that it's good. Still, all the automanuals are gimmicky (I believe the TL has it, too). The true enthusiast will drive a full 3-pedal manual. I would be surprised if anyone used the automanuals for anything more than the occasional downshift after the 1st year of ownership.
3) No flip down rear seats (have to get by with center pass through).
Same with the TL. Folding seats hinders a car's stiffness.
Anyway, I appreciated your insights and agree that the G is a good car. COntinue enjoying it!!!
I hope you're right, but I don't think so. I think they'll move to AWD before RWD, which, IMO, would be a real shame. In spite of my posts on how great the TL is, I am jealous of the RWD platforms.
The neighbor's lawn is always greener. I am also jealous of the TL. Think about it when it comes to faulty weather, comfort and popularity.
I tried hard to convince a couple of my colleagues to buy the G, but they ended up with the TL anyway. I guess it all comes to people's needs and practicality.
My only complaints are brakes, tires and now mpg. With the recent high gas prices, it costs me almost $300 a month. Fun driving isnt as cheap as it used to be. :mad:
http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.sp?kbb;;GA067;&30060&&BestResaleValueTop10;/Autoshow/20- 06_CA&
And, since I live in Michigan, the front wheel drive on a sports sedan is a blessing. I've got a friend that owns a BMW 5 series and he absolutely hates himself for buying a rear wheel drive car in Michigan (he bought it in summer).
- Rob
KBB best resale value says : Its attractive design, plush creature comforts and exceptional performance have combined to place it at the head of the Coupe class.
It is also the 2005 Vehicles KBB Forecasts Will Best Hold Their Value Over Next Five Years
Infiniti G35 coupe. http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.sp?kbb.GA;;GA067;&30060&&article_2005holdvalue;article
Re your complaints (brakes, tires and mpg), I think the brakes are great! I have a 6MT, which means I have larger Brembo brakes. I think they're fantastic, and yours is the 1st brakes complaint I recall on this car. I have heard many complaints on the tires. Mine had nav and summer tires, so I think I got a different set of Bridgestone Potenzas. I was fine with them, although I thought the ride was rpetty rough. Turns out that complaint was due to the tires going bald. I've switched to Goodyear F1 Eagles and it's amazing the difference in comfort and torque steer! W/r/t mpg, the TL supposedly gets some of the best mileage in its class. Still, I bet most current owners didn't list "mileage" as 1 of their top 5 concerns, and I'm sure Acura, Infiniti and the others in this class know that.
living in Nashville, i feel i shouldnt be too concerned with RWD vs FWD, but i know if i buy a G35 for the next 10 years it will snow more then ever. typically we get ice here and neither FWD or RWD will help you.
the tires do cuk on the G. the Potenzas are pretty good imo, but the stock Turanza suck.
i am not to paticular with resale, cause this car will be mine till it dies.
i want a fun car sine it will be mine for a long time, but i dont want to be stranded in the 1 snow we get in 5 years. gas mialge is starting to be a concern too.
so that pushes me to the TL, right? i have read so many complaints about rattles, dash fade, and "butt" prints it has me totally 2nd guessing that decision even with 30mpg on the hwy. again, if i drive this car for some time, i dont want my leather to looks like crap, a faded dash, and have to rely on my 5.1 to drown out the rattles.
however, the TL seems more like a financially sensible pick...as far as the most for your money while trying to save as much in the process.
annnnnnd again,
I have owned five Acuras and the leather has held up very well in all of them. My old "Q" didn't fare so well with cracked and faded leather surfaces.
As for the butt prints I have read...many are also with the expectation that the whole entire seat should be leather. However remember folks...it is equally only the seating area for both the Infiniti and Acura.
The issue about rattles...remember that what you will hear on these boards are basically the complaints. You basically will only hear those that have rattles and those that don't won't step forward to rave such (mine...none).
Both cars are fine vehicles...you won't go wrong with either.
1. Fun driving experience - G35
2. Too much traffic these days and need more cornerings - go to a country side
3. need a great sound system - stay at home in front of your entertainment centre
4. Good investment - buying a car is not one of them
5. Comfort - buy a lazyboy sofa. make up your mind, which one you need? adrenaline rush or a massage treatment. :P
6. It might hurt your back - buy a massaging chair. It helps
7. Mpg - ride a bicycle more often and leave the car in your garage, besides it hold its value best
8. Resale value - after 10 years all cars will be worthless
9. Looks - if you're handsome/sexy, does it matter :shades:
10. Snow/rain - nobody drive more than 40 mph
11. Leather - all leather need to be conditioned often, regardless
12. problems - all cars have problems. Dont read the problem & solution board. They always have more than your share. :lemon:
13. Trunk - G35 has more than enough besides there's always a u-haul truck.
14. Amenities/ gadgets - the less the better. need to focus on driving. Unless showing off is your main hobby.
15. Interior - dont be a passenger, be a driver. I hate when they say cheap. :mad:
16. Will I still be in love with the car after 3 years? - I wont bet on it especially when the new model arrived. :sick:
17. Need more power - G35 has more than enough unless you're a drag racer.
18. Torque steer - none :surprise: :shades:
Re your Amenities/ gadgets - the less the better. need to focus on driving let's get some realism here. None of us are racecar drivers, and we all want to enjoy our ride, even when we're not burning up the rode. If HP were the only force at play, then there are better options than both the G35 and the TL.
The TL is fun, has more than enough HP for most, and has a great interior and radio. It's the total package.
To be honest the G wont be my last vehicle. There is always a new style/model coming up. I might be driving an acura if they offer the rwd or at least its sh-awd.
The only thing that distinguishes them is its driver and the way we enjoy the car.
I also know that the TL drives almost like a rwd, despite the fact that most of us sometimes assume all fwd are the same (due to its reputation). But in order to compete with the G, acura needs to go all out. Both are fine cars imo.
Even my wife, who rarely gives a hoot about car design (unless she sees a red Ferrari on the road, in which case she usually can manage something along the lines of "hmmm, isn't that a cute car!?"), saw the G35 sitting next to us at a light and said..."what's with the front end of that thing?".
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
If my dash makes an odd rattle at 5000+ rpm (which I haven't yet brought to the dealer's attention) then so be it. At least it's a well proportioned thing of beauty according to everyone who sees it.
- Rob
Yes, the G35 is somewhat sportier than the TL, but it's no "sport sedan." It's a sporty near-luxury sedan.
Heck, with it's 3500# curb weight and 112" wheelbase, I kind of equate the G35 to a Buick LaCrosse with RWD and Bilsteins.
The G35 has good accelleration and handling. That's all I need to classify it as a sports-sedan. As far as qualifying it as "near luxury," I can agree with that.
even the 303 HP 2006 Impala would not really be compareable to these cars such as the 330i, A4, TL, G35
Some like the appearance of some vehicles, some really can't tolerate that same appearance.
What we need to do is allow each other the freedom of holding opinions on subjective things like looks.
And we need to not take opposing opinions personally, or at least we need to not fight about them - it ain't worth it because no one is going to change his or her subjective opinion and the petty squabbling does nothing but put off anyone who is reading this in a attempt to form his or her own opinion.
007
That'd be a sports car.
Fedlaw, I get your point. IMO, you get a sedan b/c you need rear seat room. Counting rearseat room against a car labelled as "sport-sedan" seems unfair. Regardless, they are fun cars to drive, but that's why I'd have to consider a used BMW 5-series before a new 3-series. I guess you're the opposite. Tomatoe-tomatoe (hmmm...that saying doesn't work well in print!!!
How about half a dozen of one, six of the other?
My suggestion is to visit the showrooms...sit in the cars for extended periods. Also look inside cars that are in for service and see how it looks. Also sit in cars which are on the used car lots...which have been broken in. And...don't forget to sit in the rear seats also....and the passenger seat.