RWD, weight balance, sport suspension, aluminum parts to save weight, etc.

If I wanted creature comforts over a "sports" sedan, I'd probably be driving a Volvo or Audi.

The Infiniti salesman actually had me take it up to 80 on the freeway, THEN punch it to demonstrate the passing power.

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

 

Had both cars the same day in my driveway for all day test drives. The G35 is much more stable on the highway, IMHO much better looking, and I like the RWD even though I am in the snow belt. Winter tires going on for sure however. The G35 has a buttoned down feeling when driving, very well balanced, ready to answer your every command with the utmost obedience. The FWD makes the max very unstable under hard acceleration from a standstill, and the front end gets light and a bit scary at 65mph+ under throttle. If you like to drive, get the G35. If you need the utility of a bigger car, with fold down rear seats, the max is a fine car. We got the G35 with premium, sport, winter and aero pkgs and feel we made the right choice.

 

Just another difference: the G is assembled in Japan, and the Maxima is assembled at Nissan's Smyrna, TN plant. I would argue that Japanese build quality is a bit higher than that of Americans--but that's based on experiences from a previous employment at Toyota's Kentucky plant. I'm assuming it would be a similar situation with Nissan.

 

hot4carz,
I too am 6'3" tall, and owned a 02 Maxima for 8 months. I would highly recommend taking the Maxima through some twisties to see actually how poorly the maxima handles. I wish I would have before buying my 02. The thing had more body role than my Mom's Buick Park Avenue. The G just seems to handle so effortlessly, as if it were on rails. Also, at my height, I find the G to fit very nicely (and I drive 2 hours to work everyday), the maxima just seemed to drab. Go with the G don't make the same mistake that I did.

 

I don't understand why this question would get asked in the first place. Drive them both, buy what you like,......DONE. If you can't tell the difference, hand over your keys please.

Ivry 6mt sed
Crawford Pleneum
Injen CAI
22" resonator
Cusco sway bars
350Z springs&struts
Enkei RPM2

 

RWD, FM Chassy.

My wife got 2002 Max. We enjoy it, but I like the performance of the G. It's good looking too.

Nothing Turns You On More Than The "hotGspot"

 

Had a 97SE before the G.
3 things made me lean towards the G:
1. RWD
2. Handling
3. The styling of the new Max looks really bloated.

2004 G35 Sedan 5AT
Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Premium/Sports/Aero/Navigation.

 

The "drive by wire" in the Max does not have the feel of the direct link on the G 6MT. It can also cost a lot to repair. I have own and still own a Maxima but I agree they got ugly. And you can't beat RWD (or AWD) until it snows off course.

How many other true performance cars have FWD?

2003.5 G35 6MT Black/Graphite Prem/Aero/Winter
1987 GN Intercooled SFI Turbo (22K original miles)
1970 GS 455 Stage 1 4-Speed (#'s matching)

 

I agree that you should drive it and conclude that whether you like the Max or G. Both are good cars, depending on your own preference. IMOP, I feel that Max somehow has better equipment options.

 

Go test them again. You missed something if you came away with the same impression. You need to ignore the sales guy and pat attention to the car. Find a dealer that will let you take it out alone.

G35/S/MT....this car rocks!

 

The two cars are oriented differently. The Maxima has become a touring car, the G35 is a sport-sedan. That is why I moved from Maxima (1998 SE) to the G35. I thought The G35 captured the original spirit of the Maxima better than late model Maximas! If the car is primarily for personal use (and used occasionally as family transportation), the G35 is your car. If the car spends a substantial portion of the time doing family duty, the Maxima may be the better bet. Both cars are very good, and both cars provide driving pleasure -- they differ only in their flavor. There is no "best" car for everybody. It depends on your use of the car, the manner in which you drive, and what you find pleasurable in a drive. That is why you need to drive both cars under conditions similar to their intended use to figure out which is better for you. I am probably stating the obvious but you are in a win-win situation, no matter what you pick!

2003.5 G35 Obsidion/Black Leather Luxury Sedan 6MT with Premium, Winter, and Aero Packages