Trying to decide between a G35 and a M35

[Thadeus]

Hello everyone, first time poster. I apologize if this post is in the wrong area. I am trying to decide between a M35 and a G35. Has anyone driven both extensively? Both are in my budget, so money isn't an issue. I prefer the exterior looks of the G, but the M has a more luxurious interior. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[Jeff92se]

Do you need the room of the M? If not, then I'd lean towards the new G, as it has the newest engine and the newest chassis design

[G-Whizzer]

We have an M45 and the G - love them both - but very different cars.
The M is a bit more sedate. Smoother ride. Feels a bit less sporty.
Definitely roomier. HUGE back seat (bigger than our previous Q) and large trunk.
The G is tighter and sportier. But seems as quiet or more quiet than the M.
Drive them back to back.... it's a tough choice.

Welcome to the forum and let us know what you decide!

[Thadeus]

No, I really don't need a big car. Which one handles better? Which has the smoothest ride? Thanks again.

[G35Now!]

Originally Posted by Thadeus

Hello everyone, first time poster. I apologize if this post is in the wrong area. I am trying to decide between a M35 and a G35. Has anyone driven both extensively? Both are in my budget, so money isn't an issue. I prefer the exterior looks of the G, but the M has a more luxurious interior. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Choose the fast one...

(preparing for M owner onslaught...

[spacecowboy]

well, why not the M45? i guess you want all wheel drive.

i'd say get the g, but of course i'm biased. i have one, and i love it

[timn99]

Even with the V8, the M45 is more sedate than the G?

Originally Posted by G-Whizzer

We have an M45 and the G - love them both - but very different cars.
The M is a bit more sedate. Smoother ride. Feels a bit less sporty.
Definitely roomier. HUGE back seat (bigger than our previous Q) and large trunk.
The G is tighter and sportier. But seems as quiet or more quiet than the M.
Drive them back to back.... it's a tough choice.

Welcome to the forum and let us know what you decide!

[max2k1]

Originally Posted by Thadeus

No, I really don't need a big car. Which one handles better? Which has the smoothest ride? Thanks again.

Handling definitely goes to the G ... its feels way more balanced than the M.

Smooth ride ?? M communicates less(er) than the G ..... but still not the smoothest in the class. What kind of smooth -- as in detached Lexus like feel ??

[boostnmuscle]

mom has m35 and i have test driven the g twice now...i drive her car just about every night cuz its smooth as hell, relaxing, big ( a car i actually can fit comfy in cuz im a big guy) and still some go with an extremely finished interior...a bit more so than the G...still tho, the G is going to be my new car and even if i could afford an M, i would still opt for the g because of its sportiness, handling, and sexy *** gauges!

[Altersys]

fwiw i find the front seats in the M to be quite uncomfortable...

i think the g is a better car in terms of execution. the M looks better on paper (actually even that is arguable)

[G-Whizzer]

Yeah - the M45 is not as fast as the G. It's peppy, don't get me wrong... but the G can spank it pretty easily.
The M is still a great "driver's car" - not numbing like the Lexus, still pretty good road feel. But the G just seems a bit more connected to the driver and the road... hard to explain.

[Altersys]

if you're concerned about ride, just get a non-sport model to avoid the stiffer suspension. i find the ride to be perfectly compliant... maybe even a little underdamped on rebound (i also feel this way about the Sport)

[acidrane]

my mom has the m35 non sport and i have the g35s. i was driving her car the other day and it feels like a boat! the dash buttons/controls seem out of reach, handling isnt nearly as tight at the g35s and it is quite noisy on the freeway. the interior is more luxurious, no questions asked! its in a class of its own! i didnt drive it hard so i cant really talk about the power delivery. my aunt has an m35sport. i havent sat in her car, let alone drive it. ill let you know how different it is from the non sport m35 when i get a change to drive it.

[Canadian144]

Test drive both?

We were also in that dilemma, couldn't pick (G35x or M35x). We were previously looking at an '07 Benz E350 4Matic with sport package, Nav, and some other options.

So, the M seemed more similar to the E, however, the G was sportier and drove, well, sportier! There was enough room in the backseat of the G, so that is why we went with it (note price was not an issue either).

[bruddahmanmatt]

Seeing as I drive these things all day everyday I thought I'd share my thoughts on both of these cars. I myself own an '07 6MT Sedan but I went with the G because I wanted a sporty 4 door with a stick shift. With regards to the G it's definitely the sportier of the two cars. And comparing the M35 with the G, the G will obviously be quite a bit quicker than the M. The M45 closes the gap some but the G is still the superior performer. In all honesty the M is more relaxed than the G. It's steering is a bit lighter and requires less effort lending to a more luxurious and relaxed feel in comparison to the G. The interior of the M also feels a bit more open and airy with the console's wide layout whereas everything is packed and stacked a bit more close together in the G. To answer your question as to "which one handles better," it depends on your definition of "better." The G is lighter on its feet and ready to eat corners whereas the M is more relaxed and makes for one heck of a cruiser on the highway, or any road for that matter. It's definitely the "smoother" of the two vehicles.

In the end, it really depends on your personal preferences. The best thing to do is test drive both vehicles and pick the one that suits you. Just out of curiosity, what other vehicles have you been cross shopping?