Test drove the G35X and G35C today....

[F23A4]

As the lease on my 2002 Maxima SE is soon coming due, the wife and I have been checking out replacement alternatives. Today, we test drove both the G35X and G35C.

First we test drove the G35X. IMO, the car felt better assembled than the 04 TL we test drove a few weeks ago. This sort of surprised me, given Honda's reputation over Nissan. Though I didnt exactly fall in love with the G35X, I'm a lot more impressed with it than before. The only caveat is that it really didnt feel as quick as my Maxima. In auto as well as SS, it really didnt launch as hard as my Maxima from a standing start. (It also doesnt experience the torque steer of my Maxima. Which is a definite positive.) However, it did feel quicker from a roll (30mph+) than my Maxima and even from a standing start, acceleration is more than adequate.

As for the G35C auto, it has to be one of the most attractive coupes ever manufactured by any make. IMO, the rear seat is only liveable if you're under 5'8. One bump and the rear seat passenger can expect a concussion courtesy of the rear window. Conversely, the front seat had A LOT more room that I anticipated. This is one of the few cars where I feel I could actually move my seat from beyond the reach of the wheel/pedals. Performancewise, it clearly felt quicker than my Maxima though not-overwhelmingly so. And the exhaust note is SWEET!! That said, I need a functional backseat for the instances when my Quest is seeing shoptime. (Which occurs more than I'd like.)

As I now like the G35S/X more than the new TL and with the $500 Nissan loyalty reward, there's a good chance I'll pull the trigger on this deal when the time comes. Also, I'm pretty certain I'll get the G35S 6MT; that should be clearly quicker than my auto 2k2 Maxima. Now, if they can only give me an 18" wheel package.

Peace.

2002 Maxima SE (auto)
- Trust Tower Strut Bars
- Falken Ziex ZE-512s (definite mod)
- Cattman Y-pipe

Best time to date: 14.725sec@93.04mph w/60'-2.169
Englishtown - 9/7/02 (Stock setup)

[deadmanincbh]

If your getting the G35S MT I dont think they will give you the 18". If they do they will charge a good amount I bet. But the 18" is standard on the coupe mt and you get it on the auto with the sports package.

[StudlyMobile]

f232a4,

the back seat in the coupe is tight. however, it all depends on the person's build. a 6 footer can fit if he is all legs. a shorter person will be squeezed if all torso

04 6mtC, DG - possibly most babied G on the board.

[F23A4]

Point well taken. But it's just not as useable as my Maxima or the G35S (obviously) and I need the car to be a backup for the occassions when my Quest is @ the dealer for repairs or service. (which is occurring more often now.)

But, I'll definitely get a sport package on the sedan.

2002 Maxima SE (auto)
- Trust Tower Strut Bars
- Falken Ziex ZE-512s (definite mod)
- Cattman Y-pipe

Best time to date: 14.725sec@93.04mph w/60'-2.169
Englishtown - 9/7/02 (Stock setup)

[G35_TX]

Glad to see you test drove the G35. I saw your posts on the TL board, and alot of those noob TL owners think that car is the greatest thing ever built! But in reality, its not. It is falling apart, not put together well, etc. My g35 with 10k of miles has been flawless! My friends TL with 3k of miles, has been in the shop 3 times already for problems. LOL. I had a CL-S, it had a few problems and a few major tranny failures. I would not buy a Acura Auto again. I drove the TL, and almost bought it when I test drove the G35 I fell in love with a real performance automobile.

2004 Infiniti G35S, 6MT, Premium, Sport, DP
Mods: JDM Clears, 20% tint, Z-tube, K&N Drop In
Track: 14.32 at 98.79 mph 2.2032 60ft