I agree as I just sold my STI I think the car you drove had something wrong with it. I did a few tracks days and went over 100mph many times and car was rock solid. Very good read I enjoyed it...

 

Maybe a closer question - I looked at a used 02 M3 for about 44k w/ low miles for a new G35 6MT for like 35-36. I'm having a tough time - I'm a BMW guy now. 44k was a little more than I wanted to spend but there is a certain cachet to the M3.

The M3 has just got crazy power - I did feel like I could lose control of it. I put the "sport" button on and the car was just super crazy fast. I honestly really need to learn how to drive the thing - I could easily see being too agressive and putting it into a wall (and I do think I know how to drive - just have never driven that kind of power.)

I kinda wish the G35 has a little more oomph, but I think it's acceptable. It's just a little more tame than the M3.

I like them both - the ~9k difference is just a bit of a different equation than the one posed above.

I dunno - the M3 is really really tempting.

 

GREAT review... and i think many new buyers in the market would be appreciated after reading it, like myself. i'll be in the market soon and the cars listed above were all on my list.

my thoughts were exactly the same on the evo and sti. great performers for the price, but there is nothing else. screams rice too much and mostly for high school kids. not my style (altho im still young at the age of 23
sometimes its not all bout how fast u go...otherwise everyone be buying evo or sti..since they are cheap and fast outta the box and easily can be mod to get crazy power.

M3, well, that thing is just SWEET. a good buddy of mine has one and i have driven it many times...it just wows me everytime. beautiful car still (sure it look a lil dated and looks like all the 3s..but think how long the 3 series has been out..dont think its fair to compare it to the G.. we'll have to see how long the G last..plus, G is everywhere now, not like its anything new anymore..thats one thing i dont like, its way too common just like most other casr.. :/) and has all the great confort stuff u'll ever need with great power through out the powerband. the few things keeping me away is mostly $$ related. its expensive to buy, to own (its a damn bmw.lol), insurance...etc.. also, the next gen M3 will come out in a year or two...and it will pack a V8 with 400+hp.. sure i love the current M3 but i dont see me putting down that much money and then the next gen comes out..i be regreting..haha...plus im only 23, still got time to own the nicest cars!

now down to the G, which is prob my final choice. thought bout the Z b4 and have always loved the S2k as well, but those two are not practical enough. the G is the best bang for the bucks in my opi. its not the fasest or handles the best..but it has the overall performance and looks with a great price tag. to me, i think of it as the M3 in its class. i always think of the M3 as the best over all car..great looking, power, confort, 4 seats..handles great.the name.. etc..
the G is similar and is much cheaper. can also be made FASTER than M3 with lesss money, however, u void the warranty.
so my idea is to get a G (be it 05 or 06), have it for a few years and see what comes out later. if not, i can always put in a TT and make it a beast on the road

 

i say get the G its priced right and it performs good.. Also the sTI and EVO are ugly.. the m3 is my next car either an M3 an RS4 (due late 2006) or the new lexuz LS 600 H
350 horsepower V12 Killer (I kid you Not)

 

Wow, that must have been fun. I agree with you on your analysis of the cars. Good choice on the G35, you will love it!

-Mike

 

Bravo . . . Thanks for the wonderful read. It was written quite well. Tons of information for all to read and dissect.

 

Updates:

Since I am approaching the one year mark of being a G owner I thought I would re-read my thread. I have to say my initial thoughts regarding the car were accurate and correct, however the M3 bit me just the right way that I could not forget it. As such I purchased an 03 M3 to be the "garage queen" along side of the G.

It is interesting to read one's thoughts regarding a car a year later, I thought this was quite enlightening regarding my "judging of character" so to speak; that is to say I trust my judgment of these cars.

I have found however, that the STi is in fact stable at speed above 100mph as stated by many members here, the car I drove must have had alignment trouble or other suspension related issues. I have since driven (or should I say flogged the hell out of) 4 other STI's and cannot duplicate the aforementioned symptoms.

Just thought I would wrap back around, discuss, enjoy or flame.

-BlackieChan

 

So you under 300lbs yet???

 

297.6 to be exact. :-)

 

Congrats....Should we call you slim jim now??

 

I think not, too much resemblance to a processed "beef snack food" but you can call be BlackieChan :-)

 

That was an awesome read. Now I just wish i had $7.5K for a TT