MrElussive wrote:
"I chose to get the 6-Speed version because it comes with stiffer suspension for better handling and the bigger Brembo brakes."

I was unaware that the 6 speed has differently tuned suspension that the automatic with sports package. Is this true ?

 

look everyone has there dilema of MT or AUTO my belief is if u want a true sports car u get MT thats the only way u actually feel the car for what it is

 

Question: is the G your only car?

I bought an AT G35 and, 85% of the time, I'm very glad I did. I live in downtown Boston. There is no place around here to enjoy a stick shift, either the traffic is too dense or you're just cruising on the Mass pike. I can't even let the manumatic loose.

For the remaining 15% of the time, I just bought a little roadster that I'm keeping by the coast. Not remotely in the G's class in a straight line, but doing a bunch of upshifts on a straightaway is only about 10 seconds of fun, and then you're at cruising speed. So for me, it's the smooth-but-powerful G35 AT for most of my driving, and the MX-5 along hilly, twisty coastal New England (where the G would be too fast anyway) for my stick fix. Now, for you, maybe it's only a small percentage of your driving that's unrewarding to drive stick, so you keep your 6MT and pick up some cheap-but-fun AT for the traffic crunch. Maybe something convertible, or something with added convenience like a used WRX wagon (although I hate the AT on those). The way I look at it, you're going to lose money swapping cars anyway, so why not just apply that cash to a 2nd car instead?

So that's my take. It's more expensive to go 2 cars, but I have complete driving satisfaction. Except when I want to go insanely fast in a straight line. Maybe I need a motorcycle.

-Jack
Obsidian/graphite '03 Coupe premium nav

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

G35Gnome, I promise you this is true. Inifniti says it and if you read some Edmunds.com reviews, they confirm it. The G35 Coupe 6MT has a stiffer suspension than the G35 Coupe Auto. The 6MT version also has bigger brakes that are from Brembo, the Auto version has Infiniti brakes that are a bit smaller.

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Almost correct - or should I say, mostly correct.
The standard suspension on the auto coupe is not as stiff as the standard suspension on the 6MT, but it is available - as an option along with the 18" rims & tires. The Brembo's, however, are available on the 6MT ONLY. They're not available on the auto. I'm not sure on this, but I think the LSD (limited slip differential) is only available on the auto IF you get the sport suspension / 18" rims. The LSD is standard on the 6MT.


2003 G35 Coupe 6MT Leather
Premium, Aero
"There is no spoon"

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

The standard suspension on the auto coupe is not as stiff as the standard suspension on the 6MT, but it is available - as an option along with the 18" rims & tires.

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According to the G35C brochure I have as well as the Infiniti website, the Performance Package (only optional on automatic versions, and standard on the coupe along with the Brembos) consists ONLY of the 18" wheels and tires, the limited slip differential and additional titanium colored (silver) interior trim. There is no indication of any difference in the suspension or its tuning in either version, although the wheel/tire setup might well be enough to cause a significant difference in apparent chassis stiffness.

What you may be referring to otherwise is the difference between the sedan and the coupe. I believe the sedan's suspension is softer.

 

I'm sure the ride is smoother in the automatic, but it's a crime getting a sports car that is automatic. I'm im Miami, so I sit in traffic a lot too, but it makes it all worth wild once you can open it up.

 

I don't think anybody has stated it quite correctly yet.
So I will try........
1). All coupes have the same suspension.
2). On automatic coupes you can get the optional performance tire & wheel package which includes 18" wheels, Michlin Pilot Sport Tires, LSD, & tit. trim.
3). Manual Coupes all come standard with the performance tire & wheel package plus have Brembo brakes. (Thus the only item not availabile on the automatic is the Brembo brakes).
4). Sedans have standard or optional sport suspension available. Whether or not the sedan sport suspension is exactly the same as the coupe suspension, I don't know.

So, all coupes with the 18" wheels should have the same ride stiffness and should be stiffer than sedans with sport suspension (as sedans have 17" wheels even with sport package). Maybe coupes without the tire & wheel package ride about the same as sedans with sport package (as both have 17' wheels).

 

Well...I highly doubt you experience more traffic than us LA people commuting in and out of the Downtown Area. It's just ridiculous...Yet I still opted for the 6MT. I went from a 5MT VTEC Honda Prelude to a Acura TL-S and although the Sportshift was kinda neat and fun at times...I needed to go back to Manual...I happily drive through traffic every morning and every evening w/ my 6MT. I guess the fun may go away sooner or later...but I"ll tell you one thing...the 6MT keeps me nice and busy that I don't fall asleep at the wheel...so I guess that's a good thing