Infiniti G35 vs. Acura TL

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Comments

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I'll grant ya that - been there, done it, and you are correct.

    Some things are worth what you have to deal with though ...
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    Agreed - for me, the car has to have 4 doors, over 200 HP & a stick. I don't mind working for my enjoyment!
  • msisengmsiseng Member Posts: 369
    I have an '03 Infiniti G35. The car is silly fast and almost cannot handle cornering unless you get aftermarket stabilizer bars. The car is easier to mod then the Acura, but uses cheaper plastic materials all the way around. The Acura corners better and the suspension is tighter.

    In the first year the G35 a/c was replaced, the drivers seat rocked off the track, the shifter was constantly loose, the paint chipped and pealed easily and the radio cd player broke three times. These were common issues and I think Infiniti fixed these for the '06 redesign.

    I also drive a lot of loaner '06 G35s. Sometimes I get the '06 for four days to a week at a time. I am neither impressed with the design nor the cheap parts. The G35 will outrun the Acura any day which I see as the only positive.

    The "racing" seats cut into your thighs and hurt when driving for over an hour. Moveover, your thighs hit the seat's power controls when driving. I am not a heavy man and have trouble with the Infiniti seat controls hitting my leg. The car feels like a Nissan Maxima and shares the same engine as the Nissan Maxima and the Nissan Altima 3.5. The differentiation appears to be in the styling and the FM design which makes you cough-up a vital organ when hitting a rough patch of road. I would say the Maxima's parts are superior quality to the cheap G36 interior.

    Why does Infiniti insist on using the pitiful Bridgestone Turanza tires year after year?

    Finding a good Infiniti service dealer is a chore if not impossible. I found a very good one 30 miles from my home.

    Infiniti did not want to warranty the brakes or admit there was an issue with the '03 G35 model until people started writing the government in droves. The government pressured Infiniti to replace the brakes that wore-out in 10K miles. Now this is a safety issue a true "luxury" brand would fix immediately. It only took them over a year to admit there was an issue. Brake dust was and still is a huge issue even if Infiniti is now using an upgraded brake pad.

    I would not purchase Infiniti again because of the cheap materials ('03 - '06) and from personal experience that Nissan of America does not listen or care about their customers until they are legally pressured.

    Did Acura admit to the transmission issues a few years ago or did it take the government to hit them over the head to fix the problems?
  • tnmg1tnmg1 Member Posts: 6
    The only flaw I found with the G35 (testdriving) was the passenger seat. I guess its where the transmission is sitting and with the engine further back for weight balance, there is a raised section where your left foot might want to rest. My wife was completely aggravated after sitting it for a few minutes, let alone a long trip. I tried it while she drove and didn't care for it either..

    We ended up with a 6spd TL. Love it, but it is nowhere near as fast as the G35 auto-stick was. I don't know if you could go wrong with either of these cars. But long term owners like msiseng have a lot of perspective worth listening to.
  • billyperks1billyperks1 Member Posts: 151
    Let me try and understand-
    "Are you saying a G35 AUTO is quicker than the TL 6 speed?
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Yes that is what he is saying and I concur. I have an 05 auto that is much faster & more torquey than the TL I test drove.
  • gatsbigatsbi Member Posts: 9
    I say you don't shift faster... :P
    Oh well, I gotta test drive the G35 sedan auto when my friend gets it...
    I've test drove G35 Coupe manual at the dealer, but couldn't really push it...felt somehow mistreating a new car if I did.

    TL, probably true with G35, you don't really feel the speed, on how fast you are accelerating...you find yourself often way overspeeding unknowlingly.

    BTW, I've cracked my front windshield already and had to do a quick fix.
    It's probably my bad luck, but it might be that TL's front windshield is kindda weak due to sound deadening layer...

    Gonna replace it with aftermarket one if it breaks again.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    After the G35 is broken in, it pulls very hard. It has V-8 power. The TL is really more of a family sedan while the G35 is a true sport sedan. 2 different markets in my opinion.
  • billyperks1billyperks1 Member Posts: 151
    All the magazine's test result in terms of 0-60 mph, does not indicate that the G35 out runs the TL.

    As a matter of fact they are doing the same time and at times only a tenth of a second difference.

    I test drove the six speed maunual on the TL and it felt like a six second car.

    I will wait for the 2007 G35 in the fall because the one right now does not appeal to me.Also, I am going to check out it(07 model) out at the NYC Auto show this Saturday.
  • gatsbigatsbi Member Posts: 9
    I concur.

    I've seen two test results.
    If I remember it correctly, TL was .1 second slower in 0-60
    but faster on quarter mile test.
    On the other source, TL did 5.X second in the track (with a good setting for drag I guess), where the writer states TL was faster but didn't liked the front wheel drive-train.
    So saying G35 auto sedan is "much faster" seems like an over statement.
    Maybe saying "seems a tad bit faster maybe because of the engine makes a louder torquey noise" might be more approprite. :P

    BTW, I'm a G35 (coupe) fan and only reason I chose TL over G35 was because of the interior (nice carbone fiber trim) and the price ($29K).

    Hope to see the new G35s...
  • booyahcramerbooyahcramer Member Posts: 172
    I went with the TL over the G35 sedan because it was roomier. The door handle interfered with my left leg - very uncomfortable. I did like the G's performance tho.

    The lower price and better looks also earned my business. The G35 has an effeminate looking front IMO. Not for me.
    Don't like the round headlamps and bulbous nose.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Like I said, the G35 becomes a different beast once it is broken in. After I had about 3000 miles on my G35, it revved and pulled harder than when it was new. This assertion can also be confirmed through follow-up tests by MotorTrend when their 2003 G35 got faster after a few miles on it. I think they clocked 5.7 and that model was 20 hp lower than the current model. In any event, the TL is more geared for families while the G is a sports car with 4 doors if you wish. Two different cars.
  • goodegggoodegg Member Posts: 905
    I second those assertions. The TL is definitely angular whereas the G is rounded.

    Both great rides but the TL costs less.
  • pg48477pg48477 Member Posts: 309
    If I remember correctly, increase in HP did not do anything to increase 0-60 times for G. Few tests that I saw there in the same ballpark as the old G. TL just like G, just like BMW will post better times once you have 5-10k miles on it.
  • gatsbigatsbi Member Posts: 9
    It's not like one is a beast and the other one is only a family sedan...

    When I think of a family sedan, my wife's ES330 comes to mind. That's a real family sedan... smooth and boring.

    I think you like your G35 auto sedan too much... :P
  • boikoboiko Member Posts: 82
    IMHO - Neither G35 nor TL can be thought of as "family sedan"

    I drive a Nissan Z myself..but I must say over the last few years, I haven't really seen too my families tooling around in either car. Now some people might not like the TL's FWD when compared against it's competition (G35, IS, BMW) - but that doesn't seem to qualify it as a family sedan.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    One shouldn't take offense to the characteristics of each of these vehicles. The TL is more luxurious & refined than the G35 and thus makes it more of a family sedan with a twist of sportiness. On the other hand, the G35 has a rather basic interior and firm ride, but the performance is outstanding. After thoroughly driving both of these vehicles, that is my take. The G35 is really a 350Z with 4 doors. In my opinion, that is why more TL's are sold. The TL appeals to more professionals who seek luxury over performance. That is not to say the TL doesn't have some performance because it does. But at the end of the day, the G35 is a blast to drive if its shortcomings in the luxury department doesn't bother you. The thrust, the handling and the overall sporty appearance is why one would purchase the G35 over the TL, but that is a smaller segment of the entry-level luxury car buyer market. :)
  • boikoboiko Member Posts: 82
    I hear ya and agree with most if not all of what you have said..

    But I keep reading about the G35 (remember we are talking about the sedan here not the coupe, which I think of as a more pratical 350Z) being more weighted toward Performance, rather then luxury.

    While this might be true from a "road feel" (RWD vs FWD) standpoint..there just doesn't seem to be that much difference when you look at the performance numbers for both cars. If the G35 is ahead, it ain't by much..
  • billyperks1billyperks1 Member Posts: 151
    I saw the new G at the Auto Show and I actually liked the refreshed look.They still did not add fog lights to the car and that's a mojor yes yes for me.

    I hope its not as noisy and unrefined as the current one.
  • gatsbigatsbi Member Posts: 9
    I've seen it on the picture, and video.
    Not too much of drastic change but Looks great...looks like M.
    Only thing is they should have invested in a bit of more money designing the center console...(TL's center console still looks better than G35's new design, IMO)

    300+ horses...Might go faster than IS350 and many others?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "Not too much of drastic change but Looks great...looks like M."

    Hmm...not sure that's a good thing...unless you were referring to the "M" from Bavaria! ;)
  • dampfnudeldampfnudel Member Posts: 131
    I saw it at the show and it looks good. I think it will appeal more to women than the current generation does. That could be a smart move by Infinti since women make the buying decisions in many households. On a related note, I've noticed many women over the age of 35 driving the current TL.
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    On a related note, I've noticed many women over the age of 35 driving the current TL.

    That makes sense. In addition to its sporty characteristics, it's a safe, comfortable, luxurious car. A smart decision is a smart decision, regardless of the sex of the driver.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Shows you that the TL is a kinder, gentler sports sedan as my many posts have suggested. It's not a bad thing, it's just what it is. The G35 is too brawny for the average joe or josephine ;)
  • taxesquiretaxesquire Member Posts: 681
    the 350Z, on which the G is based, is even moreso
  • dampfnudeldampfnudel Member Posts: 131
    It looks like Infiniti decided to make the new G35 more refined so it will appeal more to the average josephine. In other words, a better RWD/AWD alternative to the TL/ES.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    "The G35 is too brawny for the average joe or josephine"

    I am not sure by what you mean by "too brawny". I'm using a reasonably "brawny" 2005 911 as a daily driver 75% of the time, but would still take my TL 6-speed over the G35 6-speed if those were my only two choices for a sedan. No doubt that the G35 has the RWD advantage. But that's about where the advantage ends, IMO. The interior was design by committee with at least 1-2 blind members and the engine, while providing ample performance, did not feel as smooth as the 3.0 liter in my old 1995 Maxima, let alone the free revving Acura TL. The 6-speed gearbox in the TL was noticably better than the G35 sedan or coupe I tested.

    I wish the TL was RWD. But if that became a requirement for a replacement sedan, I think I would still end up in a 3 series before a G35. If Infiniti would go that extra step of refinement with the G35 (or performance with the M45), they would have a serious contender for my dollars. But with the upcoming 335i and the current 550i 6-speed, Infiniti remains off my potential shopping list. Too bad, as I still consider my 11 year old Maxima at 155k miles one of my old favorites.

    The 997 version of the 911 proves beauty and brawn can peacefully co-exist. Maybe Infiniti should trade in their committee approach by stealing just one of Porsche's engineers.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    You missed the entire point that the other poster clearly comprehended. The G35 is too brawny for many entry level sedan shoppers. Given the kinder, gentler nature of the TL, it will appeal to a larger segment of those shoppers. The G35 is bold, brawny & not as refined as others in the class. The 3 series is neither bold nor brawny, just a low-to-the-ground handling machine. If luxury is more important than performance, then the TL is your choice. This isn't to say that the TL doesn't have performance. It just doesn't have the overall performance nature of the G35. Until 2006, the G35 won almost all performance tests by leading magazines. It wasn't until the 3 series was updated that it edged out the G35.

    And a 911, how many of those do you see on the road? That is my point. :confuse:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "And a 911, how many of those do you see on the road?"

    Around here, sometimes, too many! :sick: Starting to lose their exclusiveness appeal. Same goes for Gallardo.
  • ggesqggesq Member Posts: 701
    I need a little clarification. You continuously use the term "brawny." Can you provide the forum with your definition of "brawny?"
    The G (great car- but not my cup...) is "louder" and has more torque than the TL and when equipped with AWD has around 40 more horses but how is it "too brawny for many entry level sedan shoppers?"
    As a previous poster noted already, the G IS a great performer but it is NOT going to run circles around a TL and considering the TL is FWD, that's not bad.
    Notwithstanding the "entry level luxury" sedan category, "brawny" IMO is driving a M3, M5, E55.... :confuse:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "Notwithstanding the "entry level luxury" sedan category, "brawny" IMO is driving a M3, M5, E55...."

    It's all relative. For the guy coming from a Toyota Corolla, an Accord V6 is "brawny". For the guy with the Ferrari, an E55 is a leisure suit!
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    "You missed the entire point that the other poster clearly comprehended."

    Perhaps we both missed each other's point.

    "Brawny" defined by the American Heritage dictionary is "strong and muscular".

    The G35 wasn't too strong and muscular for me. Those are good attributes in my book. But the G35 lacked the refinement and precision of the other cars I considered. In my own test drives - admittedly with the 2004 models - the "brawn" did not translate into enough of a performance advantage - if any - to overcome its rough edges. This is an entirely personal and subjective opinion. Given the choice, I prefer engines that freely rev to 7,000+ rpm, short throw six speeds that are precise and smooth, brakes (preferably Brembo) that stop with force but are easy to modulate, etc. That's where the 2004 G35 fell short for me. (And, by the way, where the brawny but fat and unrefined 350Z fell way, way short of the Honda S2000 back in 2002).

    Maybe we are saying the same thing, just using different semantics.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Have you ever heard a women describe a man as being too "macho"? If so, then this should clear up the difference between the TL & the G. You are being too sensitive about your TL's performance. Maybe this explains your purchacing decision. :shades:
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Or perhaps you are too insecure about your own "machoism" that you needed to buy a "brawny" car to prove something? However, if I'm not misaken, you got an automatic? Shame - even my 8 year old daughter would give your ego a bruise for that move. ;) :shades:

    Now that we've evened the personal shots, let's keep the comments to the cars. And, in fairness to those who are really considering both cars, I'll bow out of the discussion. The TL 6-speed was my choice in 2004, but I haven't driven any G35's since and my next sedan would probably fall in the 550i category. And that's probably a few years away at best. I am having far too much fun carting the kids around in a 911 while they still fit.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Hope your TL works for you. But for me, I needed more performance since I don't have kids to haul around. The TL would be more conducive to that.
  • redsoxgirlredsoxgirl Member Posts: 67
    I must say - in a totally lighthearted way - this has been interesting reading.

    In one corner, we have factfinder, a single "macho" sports oriented guy who "needs more performance than a TL", but buys a G35 sedan with an automatic transmssion. What's up with that??

    In the other corner, we have habitat1 extolling the virtues of a FWD TL 6-speed when his wife and kids fit in a 911 and they have an SUV to boot. What's up with that??

    Just kidding guys, but I think I could take either side of what's better on the performance front, a FWD limited TL 6-speed or an automatic castrated G35 sedan. I am having a difficult time deciding what to get when my lease (Boxster S) is up in a few months. But one things for sure, it won't be FWD or automatic. ;);)
  • joshfarkjoshfark Member Posts: 3
    was wondering what you guys think of the g35x vs. the subarua outbak or legacy sedans....
  • mnrep2mnrep2 Member Posts: 200
    While I haven't driven the subies; I own an 05 x. The rwd bias infiniti is a joy in the snow. Superb rwd biased handling until you need traction, and then you had a tractor pulling and pushing you through the snow! Our driveway is steep and you make a sharp turn off of the street to come up it. The G never faltered even if it was icy.

    My wife and I both love the G winter or summer.
  • joshfarkjoshfark Member Posts: 3
    thanks for the advice. gonna pick up a 06 35x today. I live in a part of ny taht gets some serious snow, with a steeeeep drive way as well. thanks again
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Smart man. The G is in a class of its own.
  • joshfarkjoshfark Member Posts: 3
    deliver tonight. silver with black int.......ohhh baby.....
  • ontopontop Member Posts: 279
    The G is in a class of its own

    Yea the G is in a class of its own, which is females and girly men. The G35 is a chick car all the way. At least the TL can hang with the guys.

    Not that there's anything wrong with that.......
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    Too Funny! The TL is for girls, as it is more conducive to hauling the kids around. I see way more chicks driving TL's and that's why they sell better. The G is a 350Z with 4 doors! This is a smaller segment of the market.
  • factfinderfactfinder Member Posts: 103
    deliver tonight. silver with black int.......ohhh baby.....

    Sweet! :shades:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I don't think so, pal Can't remember the last time I saw a TL with kids in it.

    As for the G being a Z with 4 doors, well...I guess that's what Nissan would like you guys to think. Personally, I think their "4-door sports car" spin is getting a bit old.

    I wouldn't go so far as calling the G a girlie car, but I definitely see more women driving the G then I do the TL. Performance aside, just look at the 2 cars. The G is definitely the more feminine-looking of the 2.
  • meateatermeateater Member Posts: 123
    You'd see my kids in my TL - but not too often. They're usually in their mom's Odyssey (great vehicle)

    Yea - I agree the G35 is effeminate looking. Probably has something to do with with those nice, big ,round, curvaceous HEADLIGHTS ! ;)
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    ... we're taking my oldest daughter out for her birthday dinner. Guess we better use the 911S Cab. Wouldn't want to get funny looks from other drivers who think kids in the back of a TL diminish its "machoism". ;)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    After spending some time reviewing the posting history, I see there really hasn't been anything productive going on here for a while now. So the fork is here.

    See ya around the Forums!
This discussion has been closed.

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