Ride Quality: G35c with sport suspension and 19's vs 350z
 

I've been going back and forth about whether or not I want a Z or G. I'm only interested in the 6MT G35c. I know one of the advantages of the G is that it's suppose to have a better ride quality. Given that the 6 speed comes with the sports suspension and 19's is that still true for the manual G35c? Have any of you ridden in a Z and an 05 Coupe with 19's and sports suspension? How do they compare? Thanks in advance for your help.

Haven't driven the 19" G yet, but everyone I've talked to (who either owned a Z and moved to a G, or who currently owns a Z) have all hated the Z ride.

I drove an 04 6 speed 350Z and my friend drove my 04 6mt G35. When we were done the 1 hour drive he wanted to keep my car mainly because of the ride. He said the G was definetly a lot more smoother and luxurious compared to his car. This is no secret and I am confident this was the reasoning behind the G. He also said my car felt faster then his... I told him we will have to race to prove it.

I drove his car and even though I love the looks of the frontend on a Z... (No offence Z owner's...) I was happy to have my car back.

I had to chase him to get my keys back! ;)

BADG35

what's the spring rate on the 6MT 05's again?

I have driven the 05 350Z, 05Gc, and 05 Gc w/19's & Sport Suspension. The rides are not the same.

The 350Z had a definite sport/race feel to it. Cramped quarters and felt like a go-cart (this is not a bad thing.) Walking away I felt that this was a car to be driven -not drive in (hope that makes sense.) And it felt good to drive!

*My opinion* was that the G was more refined. The sport suspension lets you feel what the road is telling you without the road yelling at you. As BADG35 said, a lot more smoother and luxurious... the sport suspension does take a bit away from the smoothness; however it does so in a very elegant fashion. I was debating between the 350/G as well... after I drove the standard G, I was moderately convinced that the G was my car of choice (refinement, 2nd row of seats, still nimble) although it did seem a bit conservative, but after driving w/the 19's & Sport Suspension, I was hands-down SOLD. On a side note, has anyone else noticed an increase in tire sound from the 19's -they were quite loud in the tester I drove.

Now only if my 6MT would show up... T - 1 week and counting (with fingers crossed)

Unknown at this time. As soon as I can be involved in someone's install or find some other way to physically get my hands on the springs, I will be able to get the rates. Like the shocks, Infiniti says the 05 coupe sport suspension's springs are stiffer.

Definately going to be a big differance between a 04 coupe which doesn't have a sport suspension and a 04 Z, ride and drive wise.

Huge difference. Even a huge difference in road noise. The G was way quieter, but I still love the Z. The 05 with sport suspension should be tighter, but I doubt it will be as bad as the Z. It will definitely be quieter still.

Thanks for the feedback. I've test driven both the 04 G w/ 18's and 04.5 Z w/ 18's. I thought the ride in the G was a little better but I didn't notice a huge difference. I thought maybe with the 19's the G's advantage would be gone.

I have the 03 G35C w/18" wheels but I don't understand how the G's ride could possibly be much stiffer than it already is. Sometimes going over bumps, I get completely jarred around. Normally I wouldn't complain, but a BMW 3-Series w/Sport Package seems to have a more comfortable ride AND as good as or better handling than the G.

I'm going to try and quiet down the road noise of my G35 coupe. It's just pumps out too much road noise for a GT kind of car. Other than that, the car is excellent in every other way. Sounds like the Z would not be my thing.

A friend of mine recently sold his 03 Z because of the ride & road noise. I am only interested in the 6 MT, which comes with 19" wheels. I am concerned about a harsh ride and road noise.

What have other 6 MT owners discovered? Is the ride acceptable, or is it jiggly & harsh?

the ride is pretty harsh, the stiff suspension will let you feel the bumps on the road, dont expect a smooth ride in a G coupe. But its a lot smoother than 350z and EVO and S2000. FYI the G coupe actually handles better than the Z, has better skid pad and slalom speeds. IMO, if im trying to spend 25-26k on a car, Id get the Z without a doubt, if im looking to spend 35k then I rather get the G coupe over the track Z.

the big thing Z drivers complain about is there tires....my cousin has a white Z and their front tire vibrate...nissan just came out with a notice that their extending their warranty to cover new tires to fix it.....but other than that riding in the Z isnt much different than riding in a G....The only difference is inside the Z u hear alot more outside noises.....I would take the G ride but the Z is going to be quicker

steve58501,

I started this thread back in January because of similar concerns. I ended up getting a 6MT G with the sports suspension and 19's. I don't think the ride quality is an issue at all. I've had the car now for 3 months and don't have any complaints.

Thanks very much for the information. The fellow I know that recently sold his 2003 350Z Touring told me he felt "beat up" by the time he reached his destination, and actually avoided certain two lane highways that would be fine in most vehicles, but it was too difficult on him due to the harsh ride.

So, it sounds like the 19" wheels & sport suspension on the 6Mt is probably OK.