I ordered a 2004 G35 coupe for arrival in September but haven't told them whether or not I want a 6MT or 5A. Essentially this car is supposed to be for my wife but I will also be driving it when my M3 is parked. Should I get a 6MT or a 5A? What would you guys prefer and why?

 

It all depends on how you plan to use the car. I have the 5AT and love it. Its the best of both worlds. The manual mode in this car really works well and is a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. It shifts quickly, and will even do a quick double downshift if you pull it twice quickly. I also like the fact that it automatically downshifts in the coupe when coming to a stop. The sedan I drove the other day did not do this and it annoyed me. The big advantage for me is when traffic gets heavy, just stick her in full auto mode and cruise.

Now, if my main reason for driving this car was to race or autocross, I would get a 6MT. But for a car driven on the street with occasional blast through the mountains, the 5AT will not disapoint. Just make sure you get the peformance package so that you get the LSD.

 

If the car is really for your wife, you should really ask her, not us. But since you already have an M3 which is manual I suppose, I suggest getting the G35 in Auto. So if you feel sick of driving stick, you can take out the auto and vice versa.

 

one word: BREMBOS

 

You ordered a car without specifying the transmission?

I think you may need to check with your dealer...if this is a special order, than it is very unlikely that you have an order coming in at that time frame. The best way to check is to ask for you order number.

 

Dam! That's the best point I've seen yet. You can spot them a mile away.

Russ

Black w/willow, 6MT, nav, & aero
Jax, FL

 

Do you want to DRIVE (6MT) or STEER (5A) ???

G35 6MT/DG/Fully Loaded

 

this question gets its own thread at least once a week. You may want to search for the other threads for more opinions.

We have lots of die-hard drivers on board here who love the MT. The clutch is a bit touchy though, seems to get smoother as it breaks in.

Then we have those like me who are sick of bumper-to-bumper traffic and are ordering the AT even tho every car I've owned has been an MT.

If you haven't specified which tranny yet, the car has NOT been ordered. Orders are only placed once a month usually by the 6th of the month, and even then only if the dealership is allowed the allocation.

Hope that helps!

"Moderation in all things, including moderation."

 

That's what I'm sayin. See the dealer gave us two prices either $47000 for the 6MT that comes full load except for the nav or $46000 for the 5AT that comes full load except for the nav but then you gotta add $700 for the factory spoiler so its only a $300 price difference. See this is why we cant make up our minds it's almost the same price for either car. One way I get brembos the other way I don't have to use a clutch. The dealer says I have until the first week of August to make up my mind otherwise it'll be the 5AT that's coming cause that's what we put on the order. What to do what to do? Oh BTW those are canadian prices in case you guys are wonderin why it's so high. LOL

 

Please tell me you have to live in Canada to pay that much.

Russ

Black w/willow, 6MT, nav, & aero
Jax, FL

 

I went 6MT and never looked back. Definitely nothing wrong with auto but I think the 6MT is a much more engaging driving experience based on my driving the 5AT. The 6MT clutch and stick are both communicative to the point where I can almost feel redline coming on - but without being obnoxious. The clutch takes some getting used to but the takeup is about perfect...and the gates are awesome, just satisfyingly clicks into gear. Drive both if possible and see which you enjoy more. If you can't get ahold of a G, try on a Z, I know the manual tranny is the same and probably the auto as well.

 

If you live in Canada and have to worry about the white stuff, be careful about those summer tires with the 6MT. As a 30+ year MT guy, I reluctantly went with the 5AT and because I couldn't see spending additional money for winter tires and spare wheels. Also, the Brembos weren't a big deal to me becasue they really don't stop you any faster than the stock brakes. They're just heavier duty for competition driving - not how I planned to drive this car!

After a withdrawal period of doing more 'steering' than 'driving', I'm getting more accustomed to the 5AT. The manual mode is useful, although no replacement for a stick. Too bad Infinity couldn't provide a base model with a 5MT...that would have suited me just fine.

 

jpanco:
Let me get this straight,you would have gone for the MT if it was 5 speed rather then 6 speed????????? That is why you got a AT instead. That's one I have not heard before! Please expain.

 

I think what he is getting at is the same factor that lead me to get the AT as well- the 6MT comes with brembos and performance wheels/tires. They are expensive and for the type of driving we do there really is no need. I would love to have the 6MT, but hearing my buddy getting brakes and tires replaced makes me cringe sometimes.

Interstingly, Infiniti does make a 5MT base model. I remember reading about someone wanting to get one from a dealer with little/no luck because they know all the premium packages and 6MT would sell no problem. My dealer only had cars with sunroofs for example, and had to special dealer trade to get me a 5AT.

I am happy with the 5AT, but I must say there are a lot of time I wish I had the 6. There is no substitute for having a clutch. I feel like a lot is lost through the torque converter. Also, a car with this much torque would make skipping gears more effiecient. The AT in manual/slush mode seems to take a long time to shift when not on the gas hard. Also, there is no way to force it to shift while it already in the process of shifting gears. It also has a tendancy to shift you into 4th even while on the freeway doing 85mph when you engage the manual mode. A lot of this is from my own experience, but I would say your experience could be totally different. The ECU seems to effect thigns a lot too.

Danation.com - G35C CB/GR/NAV/PREM

 

Do you think the acceleration is the same in either 6Mt or 5AT?