Hey everyone, I test drove a 350z last weekend and I was wondering how the g35 feels in comparison. Can someone who has driven both please give me their opinion? I didn't test out the g35 b/c all the salesmen at roseville infiniti didn't pay any attention to me. Sometimes it sucks to look young...

Thanks in advance...

 

The 350Z is a bit faster, it weighs 200 lbs less & has a bit more hp, torque. I didn't really feel the difference though.

Where I did feel a noticeable difference was handling. The 350Z felt much more agile. The G35c almost felt overweight. Possible factors: wheelbase, weight, turning radius, & centre of gravity.

The G35c does have better interior finish though. Still, I liked the 350Z's handling a lot.

 

2 more seats, that was the deciding factor for me.

 

G: better looking (to my eyes) by far, 18" wheels are among the best OEM wheels I've ever seen, better interior, smoother ride, better warranty, better dealers in general, more mature and commands respect everywhere you go, chicks find it more inviting and comfortable that a 350Z (very important), has a backseat which comes in handy for certain activities with your woman.

2004 Coupe 6MT / Caribbean Blue / Willow / Premium / Navi / Aero Package / Aero Kit / Splash Guards / Clear Corners / July 2004 build

 

PS, the G would be a safer car since it is bigger than the Z, in my estimation as well.

2004 Coupe 6MT / Caribbean Blue / Willow / Premium / Navi / Aero Package / Aero Kit / Splash Guards / Clear Corners / July 2004 build

 

amen to gspotter, The lines of the g are really beautiful I still cant believe I have one.

 

I've never driven a G35C or a 350Z with a manual transmission, so I can't really address the 6MT part. But I've ridden in both, so from a passenger point of view, a manual Z with an intake didn't feel faster than the G. In the 1/4 mile though you can feel the difference as I've seen stock Z autos run very low 14s.

Auto vs. auto, the G definitely doesn't feel as nimble. The Z has a lower stance, appreciably less interior room and HUGE blind spots. The rear window is almost horizontal, so visibility is worse than in the G coupe. A couple of other things to consider is that you can't get a Z with a sunroof (and I love those!) and insurance on the Z will more than likely be higher because of the presumed accident rate of 2 seaters.

 

I test drove both about 6 weeks ago when I bought my G and the shape of the G is better in my opinion and my wifes who said the Z had a stubbier rear end plus the 2 extra seats was a plus, not sure about insurance but I am sure it would be higher due to the class of a 2 seater compared to a 4 seater.
Paul.

2004 G35 Coupe, Loaded.
2004 Lincoln Aviator
1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 completely modified
1999 VW Jetta

 

my father-in-law has a Z. He has had it about a year now, and he is considering trading it in on a G. He is tired of two things.
1. Not having a backseat. Not so much for passengers, but just for stuff. By the time he adds one passenger, his briefcase, a jacket, and umbrella, he can't even stop by the store for a sack of groceries.
2. He is very tired of the ride - especially on the interstate. He is in his late 50s but says that after a year of driving it, he is convinced it rides worse than anything he has ever owned - including old straight axle pickups. Of course, with great handeling comes a stiffer ride.
Personally I like the G much better from a visual standpoint. You're gonna spend more $ for the G, but it looks like you spent more as well.IMO
If you go drive them, don't go on a 10min ride. Take them out for an hour or two and drive them on as many types of roads as possible - interstate, city, neighborhoods, speedbumps, curvy roads, etc.

'04 coupe6mt
ivory premium aero

92 plymouth laser AWD
heavily modified for solo II
11.51@118 on 215/55 goodyear eagles

03 dodge ram quadcab 4X4 Hemi

 

BTW my neighbor has an RX8 and it rides pretty bad too. Its not really a rougher ride than the G, but cruizin' down the road the thing starts buckin' like crazy. Of coarse, it will also out handle the G

'04 coupe6mt
ivory premium aero

92 plymouth laser AWD
heavily modified for solo II
11.51@118 on 215/55 goodyear eagles

03 dodge ram quadcab 4X4 Hemi

 

I went to J.D. Power's site. http://www.jdpower.com/cc/auto/index.jsp

Did a comparison on both cars and they're almost equal 'on paper'. But.....all the advantages they list the 350Z having over the G are mostly it's weaknesses from what I've heard from actual 350Z owners.


G35:
Mechanical Quality = 2
Comfort = 2
Feature & Accessory Quality = 3
Features & Instrument Panel = 3
Body & Interior Quality = 3
Style = 3
Overall Quality = 3
Overall Appeal = 3
Performance = 4
PIN Retained Value = 5
Score: 31

350Z:
Mechanical Quality = 4
Comfort = 3
Feature & Accessory Quality = 4
Features & Instrument Panel = 3
Body & Interior Quality = 3
Style = 3
Overall Quality = 3
Overall Appeal = 3
Performance = 4
PIN Retained Value = 5
Score: 35

 

huh?

How did the G get a 2 on mehanical quality vs. the Z's 4
And how did the Z get rated better for comfort and Feature & Accessory Quality ?

2003.5 G35C 5AT
Premium Package
Tire/Wheel Package
K&N Filter, Z-Tube, EGK

 

I think they switched results it should be the way around the G winning overall.

 

1. Infiniti gives you loaner cars, Nissan doesn't.

2. The leather quality in the G is MUCH better than the leather in the Z.

3. The longer wheelbase gives the G a smoother ride and *supposedly* gives it better cornering numbers.

4. Prestige and looks are subjective but IMO the nod goes to the G. Usually the Infiniti is compared to the Lexus and BMW whereas the Z compares to Evos, STi and other sports cars.

5. Backrow adds to the roomier feel. Some people prefer the cockpit feel of the Z however.

6. I like the LED rearlight design better.


Besides these issues, you really can't go wrong with either car so take your pick...

04, TB/W, Nav, Aero, 6MT, etc...

 

Those JD Power Ratings are subjective though. Think about who is filling out the surveys...the owners, who have lofty expectations of a luxury brand to be perfect w/out any defects. The owners of the Z will probably not have such high expectations of a Nissan.

Z vs. G, it's tough. I like the looks of the G much better, and it has more useable space, so I never even drove the Z. Plus, the Pilot Sports on the G35 coupe are stickier than the Z's Goodyears(?) so its lateral grip is almost the same, if not more, depending on which mag you read.

One other non-performance note worth mentioning is the G35 coupe is projected to be at the top of the list in resale value.


2004.5 6MT DG/G Coupe | Premium | Aero Kit | ClearBra | See profile for pix