Hi Guys,

I test drove a G35c automatic the other day. My first impression was that the car seems (feels) relatively slow considering its got 280 hp. Currently I drive a 97 maxima automatic with some mods (stillen intake/exhaust), and it feels faster to me. Quite possibily it's because my car "sounds" like it's faster though g35c does have a very nice growl to it for a stock car. Perhaps I should drive with the traction control off to feel the power, or maybe because the car is too refined... I am considering an used 540i or the g35c, and the 540i with an automatic, 'feels' alot faster probably due to the 300+ torque. The dealer would not allow me to test drive a manual, and my question is does the stick feel much faster? Any similar experience with the automatic?

Thanks.

 

It's will loosen up a bit when it's broken in. The auto is plenty fast (especially in manual mode). I should know.. I just got a ticket for 67 in a 45 (damn radar cop).. guess I'm ordering a valentine 1.

 

Please don't compare the G to a Maxima. I have a 98 Maxima and a G auto - the G is damn fast! It's as fast as the manual 540i.

 

The auto is not that slow... I have test raced with another G35C Manual...

Honestly, it really depends on the driver too...

 

I have a BMW 540 and a G35c AT. You will be happy with either car. To me the G35 feels just as fast as the 540.

These are vastly different cars and hard to compare. The basic difference is that the BMW 540 is a 4 door luxury sedan that will behave like a sports car when you push it, the G35c is a "sports car" 100% of the time. Also, the 540 is about $20k more that a G35.

If you are worried about how fast the car is, just look at all of the reviews of the car. Use the facts, not how you feel. The car runs the quarter mile in the low 14's - auto or stick. If you want a car faster than that you need to get a Corvette ZO6 or a Ferreri.

 

Thanks all for your replies. I think I need to go test drive a manual. G35c auto just did not pull like the 540i, I'm sure it's plenty fast. But it just didnt feel " powerful". My choices are a certified 2000 540i 6speed spt package 30k miles for the same price as a fully loaded G35c. Tough one ... Auto guys, does the manumatic upshift when it hits the redline by it self? or does it stay in the same gear? And do you switch off traction control when you want to get a good start?

 

The 540i has a V8. More torque. Of course it will pull harder.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

You have a tough choice. All the cars are good. You will just have to test drive all of them. The BMW 540 6 speed manual is undoubtedly faster than the G35's (manual or auto) and is more luxurious at the same time. So, if you don't mind a used car, go for it. On the other hand, if you want a sports coupe and not a 4 door sedan, the G will make you happy and its plenty fast (even the automatic G35!).

 

If you want a car that gets all the looks, go for the G... If you want a car that gets good compliments go for the G... If you want to be know as "just another bimmer driver" go for the bimmer... Sure that bimmer is faster but you see more Bimmer's on the roads then Honduh Civic's... *sigh*... The G is fresh, unique and stylish... Might be slower, but when it comes 2 looks it blow's bimmer away since every other driver on the road (well at least over here in So Cali) is in a BMW, Benz or Civic...

 

The car you test drove probably has been driven slowly, hence the ECU has "learned" this type of driving. According to members in this forum, resetting the ECU will make the car feel more powerful.

G35 6MT/DG/Fully Loaded

 

Yes the G35c definitely gets more looks. And I've always wanted a Skyline. But I'm afraid that the G35 will be one of those cars that is hot for a couple years then styling becomes the odd ball on the street. 540i has a classic design that is ageless. Performance wise, the i've never driven the G35c to its limit, but I have with the 5 / 3 series. They also have a more rock solid feeling to them compare to the G. I think I need to test drive both again...

 

IMO the G35 Coupe has a timeless look, and the 2000 BMW 5-series has the same outdated interior as the '97s and the same exterior as the '97 (except for ’01 and up), plus the G35 Coupe will likely have fewer problems and cost less to maintain 5 years down the road than the BMW.