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2005 Infiniti G35
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Comments
I am skeptical about the 298hp figure. I will be extremely curious to see what the new G runs in ¼ mile tests compared to last year’s model. Assuming vehicle weight and gearing remain unchanged, the new G35 6MT should be noticeably faster on paper and by the seat of your pants testing. I hope Infiniti isn’t playing horsepower games just to sell more cars. The 6MT cars should dyno at no less than 250 rwhp. - assuming a 15% drivetrain power loss.
I am skeptical about the 298hp figure. I will be extremely curious to see what the new G runs in ¼ mile tests compared to last year’s model. Assuming vehicle weight and gearing remain unchanged, the new G35 6MT should be noticeably faster on paper and by the seat of your pants testing. I hope Infiniti isn’t playing horsepower games just to sell more cars. The 6MT cars should dyno at no less than 250 rwhp. - assuming a 15% drivetrain power loss.
Looking at the 2005 models, the 6MTs produce 298hp@6400rpm and 260lb/ft@4800rpm. The autos make 280@6200rpm and 270lb/ft@480rpm. Looking at the numbers, it seems that it comes from the top end. With the torque being slightly higher, the autos may even feel slightly quicker off the line.
The gearing on the 6MT is slightly taller than the auto.
Specs are at http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/2005vehicles/g35_coupe/specs.s- html if you haven't seen them.
I'm getting into real estate in Florida and will be leasing a vehicle early next year.
I need something nice to carry clients around. Both cars fit the bill.
With options the G35 RWD and Chrysler 300c come out to nearly the same price.
I'm trying to strike a balance between my professional needs and my personal satisfaction.
I've only been Internet shopping thus far.
My impression is that the g35 would be quite a bit more sporty than the 300c and more fun to push around the corners, but the 300c just had an awesome look and a wicked engine.
I need 4 doors so I cannot get the coupe.
How is the rear seating in the g35? Is it roomy and comfortable?
Why is it that JD POWER has such poor ratings in the g35?
2004 Model data:
Mechanical Quality: 2 out of 5
Body & Interior Quality: 3 out of 5
Have they refined things for 2005?
Also, if you could recommend Orlando area dealerships I'd really appreciate it.
I know I need to go and see and touch and test drive to make a true decision, but the more opinions/info I get now the better.
Thanks in advance.
Dean
As for the JD Power specs, dont know. Consumer reports lists the car as "recommended" and has given it Lexus level "excellent" ratings for pretty much every catergory.
The G35 and Chrysler are different cars. The G is basically a bargain BMW 3 series, where as the Chrysler is more of a bargain Benz E500. Fast and competent, but a very intrusive ESP limits the fun factor. Skidpad numbers are minivan class because of that.
If you like the G, have you considered the Acura TL? Its extremely fast and has superb handling, and has a better interior, sound system, and navigation than the Infiniti. Its also more attractive, at least in my opinion. It has some torque steer issues with the manual, but I havent noticed any when driving the automatic.
You also might want to check out the Subaru Legacy GT and the Volvo S40 T5 AWD. I know that living in FL you don’t need AWD for winter driving, but the AWD has excellent handling characteristics.
Btw, it might not snow in FL, but it sure as heck rains, and AWD can be a life saver in the wet.
Acura has released the problem, hence the SH-AWD RL. I would expect the next TL to get AWD, and most likely Maxima as well.
As for the 300C, I have no empirical evidence for this, but I suspect their image will fade quickly in about a year or two, when the freshness appeal will give way to "knockoff Bentley" realizations and, what I suspect will be reliability and resale indeces far behind that of the G35. MHO, of course.
The new Volvo S40 is actually quite roomy in the back seat. Check it out. Yes, the S60R is the car to get, but it's too expensive for me. I'd rather stay in the low $30K range.
Unless the new Mazdaspeed6 changes my mind, I am fairly sure I will be purchasing a new G35 Sedan 6MT with the 18" wheel package this coming spring.
The thing that bums me out on the g35 is the look of the sedan as compared to the coupe. IF they could just stretch the coupe into a 4dr and keep the 6spd manaual with the high output engine.
The TL...yeah...I'll give it another good look over.
I'd like to keep the price point at just under 40k with options.
Regarding the 300c's geewiz factor a year or 2 from now- sure it will fade, like all other new vehicles to hit the market.
As far as a roomy 4dr sedan that can lay some rubber in style it's still pretty nice looking (to me) at this point.
I'll hang around here and continue to get opinions.
I'd be a tad bummed to get the g35 4dr though. The coupe is a billion times sexier.
I may still give it a test drive when I'm ready to buy though.
Regards,
Dean
I would definitely take issue with this. I can't say anything about the TL because I haven't driven one for a few months but the interior and exterior of the Legacy GT Limited is definitely superior to the 2004 G35. The paint finish is a lot better and doesn't suffer the chips the G does. The cabin layout, instruments, heated seats, steering wheel and sound system are all head and shoulders above the G. The 2005 G35 will be better but at the moment the Subaru has it.
I will admit, when I first heard about the new Legacy, I was very interested. Then Subaru released the specs and photos and I quickly lost interest. It looks like a Toyota Camry and lacks some serious performance items. For example, why couldn't Subie put the same 6 sp. manual tranny in the Legacy that they have in the WRX STi? Where's the 18" wheel package? Where's the Navigation system option? Where's the Brembo's that they use on the WRX STi? Where is the sport suspension? Where the 300 hp. STi engine? Where's the differential control like they have in the WRX?
Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, and Acura already make up the bulk of the sport sedan market place. Subaru tried to make a big splash with their new Legacy GT, but instead of offering a car above and beyond the competition, they offered a car that just barely met the competition. How do they expect to get noticed and taken seriously in this car segment when they barely meet the competition? I'm sorry, but most folks aren't going to plop down $29K for a Subaru sports sedan. Actually, sadly enough, the after just a few months, the new Legacy is already selling at invoice price. That's doesn't help their residual value.
Subaru needs to offer a Legacy STi for around $32-34K. Something to stand above the competition. The WRX STi is great, but not for a family vehicle. And who can stand the boy racer wing?!
My friend has an 04 RX330 which I helped drive down to Florida with him.
He loves it. The quality is excellent. It's so quiet inside the cabin even with the radio off it took a while for us to realize the Virginia State trooper was flashing lights and siren at us.
Luckily, I wasn't driving at the time.
Dean
Yes, CPO means certified pre-owned. Basically it means that you would get the car at a Lexus dealer, which has been thoroughly inspected and everything must be 100%. Lexus has one of the best CPO warranties; the factory will back a CPO car to 7 years or 100K total vehicle miles, meaning that a '02 GS430 with 40K miles will have the same length of warranty as a new car, 5y\60K. Its a great way to knock off several grand from the new asking price, without really giving up anything.
I'd beg to differ on that. The turbo has one distinct advantage for me. It doesn't loose power at altitude like a normally aspirated car does. As far as Subaru is concerned (and I'm going to stop after this because it is getting off topic) there is a choice of a 4T or a V6 at the top end for pretty much the same money.
Go back and read my post and you will see I made the same point. Also, look at my posting history. You'll see I know a thing or two about Infinitis.
As for your various complaints about items missing from the Legacy, I suggest you're looking at the wrong car. The WRX STI already has mst of those items. Why would they want to put them on a luxury sports sedan? While I'm at it, I could write a small dissertation regarding the gyroscopic effect of large diameter wheels on handling but I don't want to bore everyone to death.
BTW, if you're looking for Brembo brakes, you're going to be sorely disappointed when the 2005 G35 Coupes hit the lots.
Yes, I know already know the ’05 G35 will not have Brembo’s. That’s disappointing to me only because I like the look of the painted calipers. I am sure that between the revised brakes and the quality OEM tire options, braking distances will still be excellent compared to the competition.
As for the new Legacy GT, it just isn’t going to draw much attention in a market and price segment that is heavily dominated by other brands. The previous Legacy did not compete and while the new Legacy has some major improvements, Subaru still didn’t offer anything above and beyond the competition. In fact, it still lacks in some areas. The six speed manual is now pretty standard for sports sedans, and Subaru could have used the one from the WRX STi, but they choose not to. Seat memory and navigation systems are also standard offering these days, but again, Subaru neglected these items. Where’s the stereo upgrade option? Where are the performance tires? While we could debate about it’s effect on handling, larger wheel options are also standard offerings for the competing cars. And lastly, the Legacy loses in standard warranty, something most consumers will not overlook.
If you look at how much dealers are already discounting the new Legacy, I think you can agree that Subaru didn’t do anything special to get noticed in this market segment.
Only the non-GT models can have the six cyl. engine.
Bring on the Legacy STi and I'll be first in line to purchase one.
Please help me decide...I am definately leaning towards the G35 but I just wanted to gain advice from the people in the know..ie you!
Thanks
Ray
2005 WRX STi – basically a street legal race car, excellent power and handling, smallish trunk and back seat, improved interior, slick 6 speed manual transmission, huge Brembo brakes, lightweight 17” wheels, silly looking, but functional rear wing, silly looking, but functional hood scoop, AWD and the ability to manually adjust power between front and rear wheels
2005 Evo MR – basically a street legal race car, excellent power and handling, smallish trunk, improved interior for MR model, revised suspension dampening for 2005 MR only, slick 6 speed manual transmission, huge Brembo brakes, lightweight 17” wheels, silly looking, but functional rear wing, AWD and the ability to manually adjust power between front and rear wheels,
2005 GTO – 400hp!!!, looks way too much like a Grand Prix!!!, small trunk, good hwy fuel economy with manual trans., excellent interior quality and rear seat room, 18” wheel option for 2005, hood vent option for 2005, dual exhaust for 2005, boring looking
2005 G35 – improved interior quality, 298 hp for manual transmission models only, 280 hp for auto trans. models, 6 speed manual, good sized truck and rear seat room, 18” & 19” wheel options, and many other changes
Nobody can help you answer your question unless you tell us what you want out of a car. Are you looking for roominess, power, and luxury? If so, go with the G35. If you want a street legal race car that’s a blast to drive, go with Evo or WRX STi. If you want muscle car, it’s hard to pass up the new GTO. Drive all of them and do as much reading about them as you can. Then drive them again.
The WRX\Evo are the modern version of the pony car wars, as there's nobody left to compete with Mustang. Keep in mind though that those magazine 0-60's are accomplished with clutch burning hard launches. You will not be able to duplicate those numbers for long without destroying your transmition. Also, you may find that these cars can be rather punishing on poor roads.
Of all of your choices, I like G coupe\350Z the best. Unlike the subie\mitsu there is plenty of grunt down low, and they are just as fast as the GTO, dispite its power advantage (weight takes that away.) The Z\G35 will also take the GTO to school in the twisties. The difference is the 350Z is a little less expensive (though not much) and a little harder edged, especially in track form. Interior is very barebones tough, and theres not much space. The Infiniti gets you a lot more creature comforts, back seats, a usable trunk, without giving up much in the way of performance. The '05 G coupe would be my choice. If 298hp isnt enough, around $5,000 worth of supercharging can lead to around 450hp, more than enough to outrun even the WRX STi and Evo.
The G35 really seems the best way to go for me, I want something quick, but with a comfortable ride...I'm 30 years old and have a 1 yesr old son so the though of hanging around looking for races doesn't interest me, also with rear seats for the little man its a big plus...I saw a beautiful black G35 today...very nice indeed..
Thanks again!
Have you heard anything about availability of TVR's in USA?
I will look into the SVT Cobra model.
Appreciate all your advice, thanks!!
Ray
If you cant wait that long, a blower (or possibly GT-R style twin turbos) and some Nismo brake and suspension upgrades could turn an already sporty G35 coupe into a fire breathing monster.
Under its original British management, TVR wasnt interested in expanding outside of the UK. The company is now owned by a very wealthy Russian guy, and there is a chance (though slim) that he could decide to start selling TVRs in other parts of the world. Even if this does happen, it would be 10-15 years minimum before a TVR dealership is sitting next to the local Honda shop.
Did anyone try to apply some sort of colored (red, blue or green) celluloid on instrumentation screens to change their color?
I really like the Acura TL, but I just can't ignore that it's FWD. To me, a true sports car is not FWD. If the TL was RWD or AWD, I probably purchase one.
I am also going to take a hard look at the new Mazdaspeed6. The regular Mazda 6 is a nice car, but this one's going to be juiced up. 270+ hp., AWD, 18" wheels, and sports suspension just to name a few of the changes. It sounds good, but I have yet to see any formal pictures.
The Infiniti looks excellent and handles better than any new-luxury model save the BMW, but is below average when it comes to the interior.
It all depends on what you're buying - if you want more luxury and less sport, get the TL. If you want more sport with less luxury, get the G35.
Given that the G35 sedan is about $3,000 less than TL, I'd take the G35.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
John