Why is it that everyone compares our cars to the M3? It isn't even in the same class IMHO. Compare it to the 330ci, that would make a better comparison. And why don't we compare it to the SLK's? Personally, if I had the cash an M3 would be the last car on my list, I don't like the styling, I would go with an SLK55 AMG. And compared to the G35 coupe... we don't stand a chance. 0-60 4.6... WOW. I could have bought an SLK32 AMG, but wanted a little more room and the performance isn't my purpose with this car.

 

See, this is what I mean, I think we have the best car in our class. It is far to compare our cars against others with between 3 and 4 liter NA V6's. You have the 330ci, the 350Z, the maxima for the sedan, Some of the mercedes cars with the sedan, but wiht the Coupe, there just isn't a lot of competition and I love it. I just don't think that the M3 is a good comparo, but when you are this close and still have cash for mods, then I guess.

 

i don't like slk's at all....in my opinion, it is way to small and over priced for the size and power.....i think the g35 is a lot nicer and more luxurious even though the slk is a benz....mercedes has improved the slk a lot with the new body styling but it is still way too small, i would go with the g35 every time...slk may be faster but hands down go with the G

 

I think the G35 is often compared to the M3 because it is a logical comparison for most to make. The M3 has 333 horsepower; similarly, the g35 now has 298. So, on paper, the G35 and the M3 seem to be very close. The difference lies in power delivery and torque. This is where the M3 advances.

 

People talk about the M3 because it is the benchmark.

Realistically, the G35 competes with the 325/330 BMWs.
Performance wise, the G crushes the 325, but they are on par in price. Funny how the G beats the more expensive 330, but some would argue that the Bimmers have slightly better handling + balance.

As far as the AMGs and M performance cars, we would need to bring in the GTR to be fair (I hope this is released as an Infiniti.)

 

O it will be, no one is going to pay that kinda money for a "Nissan."

 

The Benz SL500 is closer to our cars in size (same width, 4" shorter) and HP (300 HP) than the SLK, but it is still a roadster and costs almost 3X as much ($90,000). What I like about the SL's is they have the retractable hardtop with the option of a large sunroof in it - a nice feature if you live in a part of the country where you can't put the top down half the year. I believe MB is the only manufacturer that offers a power hardtop with sunroof option. Wish they offered the Airscarf feature on this car like they do on the SLK, not sure why they don't.

Of course the G is a MUCH better value at almost 1/3 the cost!

 

I agree 100%, but the recent autoweek article claims that Nissan is leaning in the other direction. Somewhat troubling.

 

I love the MB hard top roadsters. the SL's... ARE AMAZING! The new SLK55 is one hot car too. The G doesn't have 298hp... The '05 6MT does, but all the rest have 280... This means that for the majority of owners there is more like a 50hp difference. And BMW's numbers are quite a bit closer to WHP than our cars are. Is the M3 really the benchmark? Is that for sporty sedans? The SKK AMG is a WAY better car than the M3. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE GTR!!!! AWD TWIN TURBO!!!! If it runs 4 second 60's I will be the first on the list. OH YAH!