Help me decide. GTO or G35

[btrotter]

OK, I know I am posting this to the G35 board, and of course everyone here is going to say go for the G35, but what I am looking for are good solid (and hopefully unbiased) reasons.

I am currently living in England on business, but due to be going back to the US in 4-6 months. I will have lived here in the UK for 18 months, so I sold my previous car (99 Grand Prix GTP) before I came here.
Once I get back to the US, I will be looking to buy a new car within a few weeks. Since I love cars, this is real excitement for me. I first developed a long list of cars that I was interested in, and then sliced away at it until there were 3 cars left, with one of those not being a serious contender (Acura TL). The 2 big contenders for me right now are the Pontiac GTO and the G35
Coupe. What I would like is for you to give me your reasons for chosing the G35, and for you real gurus, the reasons why I should pick it over the GTO.
Also, in all fairness, I will ask the same question on the GTO board. This will help me start forming a favorite.

Here are some of the things I like about cars.
* Lots of power and "go-fast-ability" without the car screaming to the top of its lungs that it is a go-fast car.

* I like the conservative, yet aggresive styling of the G35.

* I LOVE gadgetry in the cockpit. Satnav, sunroofs, power mirrors/seats, heated seats, adjustable steering, trac/stab control, gauges, etc.

* I need 4 functional seats that could comfortable sit 4 adults.

* I want an extremely comfortable car to drive, and will give me the most luxury for my $.

* I want a very good handling car that will also give me the most bang for my $.

* I want a car that everyone and their brother doesnt have (Mustang, Camaro, Camry, Accord... those type of cars)

* I LOVE that feeling you get when you stomp down on the throttle and feel the g's pushing you back in your seat. All while listening to that pleasing roar of the engine. I love torque!

Really, the only 1 thing the GTO has going for it that is keeping it as a contender is that 5.7l LS1 V8 engine coupled with a 6spd gear box. If the G35 had that, there would be no contest.

Maybe I have just never grown up from my early days, but I just absolutely love the power and sound of a lusty V8. I am not into that boy-racer stuff of slapping stickers, wings and spoilers all over it, and drag racing all over town (although I am prone to drop
the hammer from a redlight). I just want a car that you really and truly smile everytime you get behind the wheel.

So, can anyone give me your feedback on it, and do your best to sway me towards a G35?
I will see what the GTO guys say as well, although the biggest point they make is in regards to the engine and drivetrain, and that is what I like best about it.

Many thanks for your time.
Brian T.

[Blitzjb]

Lets see...ummmm. this is the G35 board - so you should get the Pontiac.....


04 G35C DG AT
Prem Aero Perf
V1
Blizzaks
R splash Guards

Long Island, New York, USA

[BlackBuzzard]

or..the 2005 Mustang

'04 G coupe TB Graph 5A (all options except NAV).
No Mods.....yet

"Hello Everybody...My name is Black and I am a G-oholic."

[6MT_Coupe]

I have read many articles on the GTO and honestly, from the outside it doesn't look much different than the GTP... Therefore, you will look like you have the same car as everyone and their brother. The G35 coupe is very stylish and yes a lot of people do have them, but at least they are not going to be mistaken for a lower piece of crap model (like Grand Prix SE, GTP, GTO)....

Secondly, both have a lot of power. However, I like the engine on the G35 because for a stock engine it is quiet and if it is too quiet, you can add an aftermarket intake to make it sound better at higher RPMs... I love the ability to modify this car to make it unique.

Finally, the cockpit on the G is much better than the GTO. Hands down... Don't think I need to say more. And just a lot of fun to drive. Go with the 6-speed coupe!

Mods:
Aluminum racing pedals
JWT Pop Charger / Z-tube Combo

[avs007]

You sound just like me. I have a 98 GTP, and I was torn betwen the GTO and G35 Coupe. Here is my opinions.

The GTO looks just like my GTP from the front, so style wise, its a little underwelming. The G35 on the other hand just looks awesome. So in this case, even though hardly anybody around here has a GTO, they may blend in... Though, stomp on the gas, and you will stand out

Under the hood, this is where I'm crying. Granted, I was looking at automatics, becuase I suck at stick... GM claims that the auto GTO is only 0.1 seconds slower to 60 than the 6 speed. 5.3 for the 6 speed and 5.4 for the auto. They said this is possible because of its high-stall-rate TC, and its perfectly tuned shift algo that is in perfect harmony with the LS1, and the "Launch Mode" of the tranny, which pre-loads the wheels at even idle. Anyways, in a straight line, the GTO ought to beat the G35 fairly easily, especially given the fact that the aftermarket for the LS1 is huge. (It will at least be more consistent) The trunk is a tad smaller, but the back seats are far roomier than the G35. This didn't really pursuade me, cause I still have the GTP, and the Wife's TL.

Now for the G35.....
What broke the GTO for me were:

1.) It just looks like my GTP from the front
2.) Many dealers are selling the GTO for over MSRP.
3.) GTO does not offer stuff like Navi, Dual Zone Climate Control, Moon roof, HID, Stability Control, manumatic mode, etc. Even my GTP has Dual Zone, Moon roof, Heads Up Display, etc. And even the new GTP has StabiliTrak and manumatic.
4.) Market price for the GTO (for the auto anyways), is almost the same as market value for a loaded G35. I couldn't justify buying the GTO solely for performance reasons.

Granted, the 05 GTO is supposed to get upgrades and such, but I expect those to come along with a higher price tag.

The only thing I think I'll miss from the GTO, is the exhaust note from its true-dual exhaust, and its straight line performance. I couldn't justify paying that much for a car, that is not really an upgrade for me in terms of convenience and luxury. If I wanted pure performance, I'd just mod the crap out of my GTP, as its pretty easy/cheap to get it into the 13s.

The only thing that scares me about the G35, is the fuel economy and manual shift mode. Its not that big a deal, but it looks like the GTO gets better real world MPG than the G35. But even my GTP is getting better fuel economy than the wife's TL. Either way, as long as it gets around 18mpg I'll be happy. As for the manual shift mode, the new GTP Comp G has paddle shifters. GM claims they are the fastest shifting manual mode automatic this side of 50 grand. Too bad its only a 4 speed, but it's shift response is deng near instantaneous.

My TB Coupe will be here next week, so I can't comment on the G's MM. But on the test drive, it seemed slower than GM's, but faster than the wife's TL.

I don't even have my G yet, but I've been all over the boards for the last month, so that should say something about how excited I am about the G compared to the other cars

[Bg35coupe]

G35 coupe 6spd !!!!!

much more fun to drive and better style.

when i test drive GTO i felt like i am driving SUV.


G35 coupe 6 spd aero and premium package

BE MY LOVER!

[ReDRoK8]

Maybe you should prioritze what is most important to you in a numbered list and compare. It sounds to me like the decision is pretty easy. If you like ALMOST everything about the G except the lack of V8 power, then..... Buy a G, add a couple mod goodies to the FAR superior V6 and there you have your dream car. My personal opinions are these since the GTO was a car I had considered.

Style = G35
Reliability/Build Quality = G35
Power = GTO
Handling = G35
Warranty = G35
Interior Features = (close) but. G35
Overall Character = G35

There are more comparisions but the things that are important to me are better in the G. I was willing to trade that for a little less performance. Are you really gonna notice the differance between 0-60 in 5.2 vs. 5.6? Probably not I would think. Plus I have another issue which is paying 35K for a pontiac. I mean if it was a vette maybe but I have been very disatisfied whith EVERY american car I've owned and have sworn them off. This is my two cents so I'm sure it'll be the same thing over on the GTO board. By the way could you post the link to that board of the responses? I'm always interested to see the views of others on the G. Good luck and here's a early "Welcome!" if you decide on the G. [img]/w3timages/icons/cool.gif[/img]


-Jason
Laser Red '03 6MT

[GX9901]

Reading through your car preferences, I thought you've already chosen the G35 coupe.[img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Anyway, here's what I think about these 2 cars in some areas:

Styling: G35 looks like Aston Martin. GTO looks like Grand Am. Need I say more?

Platform: G35 uses all new FM platform. GTO uses decade old Holden Monaro platform.

Luxury: G35 is available with more optional equipment than GTO, such as Navigation system. GTO supposely has the "best GM seats anywhere", so driver comfort should be close.

Reliability: You should expect better reliability from an Infiniti. But then again, we had a Pontiac Bonneville once that had less problems than our Japanese cars.

Power: Coming from a Grand Prix GTP, I think both cars should feel like an upgrade in terms of power for you.

Basically, as you've already pointed out, the only advantage the GTO has is its power. If that's the case, perhaps you should just wait for the 2005 SVT Mustang. At least the Mustang looks good.
I'm not saying the GTO is a bad car. I'm sure it's very a good and highly capable car. But I feel that the GTO does not match up well against the G35 when everything (not just power) is taken into account.
Have fun in your car search.

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Vanity Plate="HOTNESS"

[BONDg35c]

Well, since you are a Pontiac-man from prior ownership, here's something for you. All who say that the chassis is old, looks like a Grand Am, etc., they're right. But, as a Pontiac-man, you should be aware and used to that.

This years "marketing man" man is named Bob Lutz. In prior years, it was John DeLorean who brouhgt you the original, parts bin, GTO---that is, a Pontiac LeMans with a few doo-dads on the outside and a transplanted Bonneville V8 with 389 cubic inches.

Frankly, whatever else the Monaro/GTO might be, it's not much different from the original GTO---a lot of parts to upgrade an existing car with the most important parts being the engine and trans from another car.

Another person you may be familiar with is a fellow named Iacocca who brought us the original Mustang, also on an old chassis with some other line's engine. Iacocca was probably THE marketing man of the last century. You may not recall his tv ad, "If you can find a better car, buy it!", but a lot of us do: there were lots better cars, but lots of people were trying to help "save" the company, "buy America", etc. despite the Chryslers like the K cars being absolute junk.

Why am I writing all this? Because I think redrok and avs007 make good points. But you may just be inclined to select a big, honkin' V8 and a strong (we hope) 6 mt.

Just remember this much about the G35 which compares, to some limited extent to the Monaro/GTO:

A) it's a brand new chassis;
B) it's a modified engine, albeit a V6, from a company that has probably perfected the V6 over more than 15 years, and is like no other company's engine, including one of the best, Acura's V6 in the NSX---an $80,000+ car; and C) it is a uniquely-styled car--there is nothing else that looks like it on the road today.

Does it/the G35 have problems in its first year of production? Some. Are they being attended to? Yes, and fairly well I'd say. Is this a company that listens? I'd say so. Now, ask yourself the same questions of Pontiac---what are the answers you would propose?

I rest my case. But it's still your decision.

BONDg35c

Don't be poor white trash. Get a G35 Coupe.

MrElussive
03 G35C 6MT

[btrotter]

OK, so far you guys are impressing me with your replies. I actually expected more like blitzjb's. It is obvious that most the replies are echoing some of the same issues I have with the GTO. I owned a GTP for almost 4 years, and think the GTO looks like its boring half brother, although you just dont want to poke it with a stick cause the bite is as bad as the bark. In response to the feeling of getting an upgrade because of power, that will probably not be such an issue since I had modded my GTP, and it ran 13.9 in the 1/4 and had similar 0-60 times as the G35. However, the GTP ran out of steam once you got it up to around 70-80 and tried to mash the gas. We dont even want to discuss handling, as a $2500 body shop repair bill to un-bang-up my GTP came as a result of the GTP losing grip on a winding tree-lined road. GX9901 hit the nail on the head when he said that the description was the G35, even though the power offered by the interior spacious GTO is such a huge attraction. The GTO is the only American car I would really even consider. The Mustang is an "absolutely not, and please dont suggest it again" decision. I have rented Mustangs before, and I dont think comfort can even be purchased as an option with those cars. I am no Mustang fan at all. Not to mention, I dont like the stereo-type that comes with owning a Mustang.

I have set myself a $35k limit for a car. Anything over that, and I just cant justify to myself the reason behind spending that. I love cars, and if I werent married with a family, would probably have a garage full of cars. However, since I have to buy two new cars (wife and I), when I return to the US, $35k is the limit. Both of these cars should fall within that, even though I have heard of a couple dealers marking the GTO up really high... most should work less than that. The G35 is a little confusing to me though. I went to the Infiniti website and loaded one up with all the options I wanted, and it came out to around $39k. How can that be? Most the people on this board mention their $30-$34k G's. Maybe I just went a little nuts with the options??

If the comparison came down to looks and features, the G35 would win hands down.
It is only that extra little performance aspect of the GTO that keeps me hooked to it. The looks of it I dont like, but figured I would live with it.

I have discussed both cars with my wife, and the first one I showed her was the GTO. First comment out of her mouth was... you guessed it... "It looks like your old Grand Prix."
When I showed her the G35, she literally giggled and said "Ooo... that is a pretty car, get that." So she is going to be absolutely no help in being biased because she cares nothing about big V8 performance, but only looks.

Dealing with handling, I think they are a toss up. The G35 absolutely crushes the GTO on braking (thanks to the 2-ton weight of the GTO), but I seem to remember the GTO actually performing better on the skidpad... not positive on that though.

Here are a couple issues that maybe someone can answer.

1: Are there enough G35's on the market that a dealer is willing to negotiate on the price, or can I assume to pay sticker price?

2: How is the residual value on the G35 coming along? Seems like I remember 5-6 years ago, a lot of Infinitis were taking a beating on resale values... or is that Acura I am thinking of?

3: I live near Charlotte, NC. Seems like I only remember 2 Infiniti dealerships within driving distance, and they are both in Charlotte. If I need warranty repair, can I only go to an Infiniti dealer, or will Nissan do the repairs? With that said, if you can only bring it to an Infinite dealer, since Charlotte only has 2, can you expect wait times into the weeks frame for getting in for appointments?

4: In regards to the backseats in the G, are they spacious enough to fit a child seat (with child) and an adult back there? If the adult is behind the drivers seat, am I going to feel their knees poking me in my back the entire time? Is this a car that you could take on a 6-hour road trip with 3 adults and a child (in child seat), and not arrive with the rear seat occupants miserable from the cramped ride?

I know this entire post seems to be a little scattered and not organized. I am just typing as I am thinking. I wish I was in the US and could meet up with someone to let me ride around in their G35 for a couple hours to get a good feel for it.

Thanks again for your time and help. As soon as I post the message to the GTO forum, I will post the link so you guys can read the responses. Just please take the comments with a grain of salt, and not start flame wars. They are just opinions.

Brian

[Britishbloke]

I am from the UK, living in Chicago for the last 10 yrs and just wanted too say I have only owned one American car, a 2001 Chrysler 300M and was very disappointed. I'm not knocking American automobiles, but when it comes too sheer eye candy and luxury amenities, not too mention superb performance, for 35k you cannot beat the G. I drive an 04 sedan, very spacious backseats with all the creature comforts and as regards your pricing question, it depends on market saturation (in that area) and supply/demand. My car stickered at 36,600 loaded and I got them down too 34,900. I believe (from other posts on here), that Nissan dealerships do do the servicing for Infinit, but I think warranty work might have too be done with the dealer. I have driven the coupe (for me it really wasn't an option, I need 4 doors) and it's a beautiful car with a generous interior, much more so than the 3 series BMW sedan or coupe. Believe me, the G.T.O. will end up being a middle aged man's wekend ride, will be marked up by the dealers and really does look like what it is, an older Aussie GM monaro with a few styling cues form the Grand Prix.
Good luck in your choice.

[GX9901]

Some answers to your questions:

1. Many people on this forum are getting over $1000 off MSRP now, so you should be able to deal. I got exactly $1000 off with only 2 dealerships in the entire state (MN), so I thought that wasn't too bad. If you don't get the Nav, it should be below $35k. But the Nav is really cool.[img]/w3timages/icons/cool.gif[/img]

2. Kelly Blue Book ranked the G35 coupe #1 in 5 year residual value among coupes late last year. Someone will probably post it here or you can search this forum for the link. It's predicted value after 5 years is like 41-42%.

3. I don't know if you can get serviced at Nissan, but you probably don't want that anyway. Infiniti provides much better service. For example you get free loaners for warrenty repairs.

4. The back seat can accomodate child seats. It has those child seat logos on the bottom of the seat back. (I've never used a child seat so I don't know much about them) The back seats have very limited head room but otherwise it's spacious enough. When I sit in the back I don't feel cramped but my head is very close to hitting the glass (I'm 5'10"). Leg room is good if the front seats are not pushed back too far.

I would suggest searching this forum for negatives for the G coupe to help you in your decision. I think you'll find most of it centering on the lack of seatback memory and less than stellar interior materials (I find it to be perfectly fine, and I suspect it'll seem much better than a Pontiac [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img])

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Vanity Plate="HOTNESS"

[avs007]

From the tests I've seen, the G35 coupe actually put up better skid pad numbers. I believe it pulled down a 0.92 or something. The GTO got 0.87. However, the G35 with Perf Wheel package comes with some kick @ss tires. The GTO, if memory serves, comes with either Goodyear RS-A (A GM favorite, apparently), or BF-Goodrich. There aren't any dealers here with em' in stock, so I don't know for sure, but from pictures, I saw they were RS-As. Anyways, if you upgrade the tires, I'm sure its performance would increase a little. Perhaps to 0.90+ or something. Its weight distrubution is 55/45, so its not quite as good as the 53/47 of the G35 tho.

When, (notice I didn't say if you go shopping for a G35, do everything online, you'll come up with better deals. I got mine shipped here from Texas, and it was still cheaper than if I boughten it locally. Speaking of which, check out if you qualify for VPP, there are a ton of companies on the list, you might just luck out

And I have run across a couple G35 coupe owners that managed to get a child seat in the back, in the center position, where the cupholders normally are.

Your wife seems cool. Mine was the same way. She thought the GTO looked like my GTP, tho she loved the rims. Except I had the joy of taking the wife on a test drive of the G35. I expected her to complain that the car was too loud (compared to the TL we just test drove), etc. Normally my wife harasses me for driving agressively and such, but on the test drive she kept asking me to punch it.

When we got back to the dealer, she was practically pushing me into the sales office. All she could say was that she loved the sound of the exhaust, the feel of power, etc, and kept making, "vroom vroom" noises. (Seriously... It was embarassing)

[gunga]

"3: I live near Charlotte, NC."

Where exactly? I grew up in Mooresville, just north of Charlotte, and I bought my coupe from Infiniti of Charlotte in Nov '03. They didn't offer anything off of the sticker price, but did give me more than KBB's value for my trade-in. I can't say that they are a great dealership, but they're fair. The saleswoman I had was nice and would probably appreciate a referral and I'll bet you could get a decent deal. PM me if you want her contact information, and good luck in your decision.

gunga