What would you buy 330i 6MT with performance package or G35 6MT if money and brand is not a factor ? It seems that 330i has more mid range power or its the smoother transmission.

330i may outperform G35 a little bid better but less roomier than G35. G35 has bigger engine and has a lot more potencials to upgrade in the future.

 

A fully loaded 330i with PP is in the $45k range. for that kind of cash I wouldn't choose it over the G. For that kind of loot, I would save a little more and get an M3.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by bganga on 12/11/03 11:40 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

That 330i w. Performance Package is a very solid ride right out of the box. I would get it if it weren't for the *over price*. It has a more linear powerband, which I like better than the G. Marvelous handling traits and the seating position is right on. One can definitely sense the 'Mechanical' refinement, but not so much on build quality. I also believe it has arguably the best Stability Control in the business, not to mention it can be *fully* disabled. The Nissan/Infiniti VDC is both choppy and flawed in certain situations.

At the end of the day, you still can't beat the overall-to-price of the G35, which is why I got the G.

oh and as bganga said, why not just pitch in a little more and get the real deal, M3??? I know I would! ... by then, the price disparity to the G is then almost unignorable (exactly what happend to me).

THX723<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by THX723 on 12/11/03 12:33 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

Got some experience with the 330 6MT Sport Package, so I can tell you that it does handle better, SEEMS faster but I can't swear to that- braking is a wash I think. The BMW is just so tossable and controlled at the limit...I can extract 100% out of of the BMW every time...the G is not so easy at the limit. The BMW engine is also much smoother, sounds better, and definitely has more upper RPM bite. Your 330 with the performance pack is even faster and handles better. I also like the looks of the 330 and the alcantara leather of the Performance Package. However, I traded my Dinan 540 6MT for the G because of the generally unreliable nature of BMW, horrible dealer support, and the fact that the G is just a tremendous value for the $$. I have been happy ever since knowing my car will not break. The G is also bigger in terms of useable interior space. It boils down to the BMW being a slightly better car at a significant price.

 

Everyone here is right on. If money is no object I would get the 330 with Performance Package or save more for the M3. If bang for the buck is what your looking for then go with the G. About 90%+ of what the 330 is but for significantly less.

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium

 

I couldn't disagree more. I have owned two BMW's; most recently a 540 (V8) - which I still have. I have found my BMW's to be reliable and the dealer network & service dept. support 1st rate. (I've already become unimpressed with the Infiniti dealer suppport & service in a short time).
I have never been impressed with BMW 6 cylinders power wise and that is why I didn't consider a 3 series when I bought my G (M3 is the exception, but costs significantly more than a G). Also you mention the sound - no way a BMW 6 sounds better that the G (at least not the G coupe); unless you like quiet.
I bought a G Coupe and am delighted with the car, its power, handling, and price. And BMW has nothing that looks as good as the coupe. I would also have picked the G Sedan over a BMW 3 series.
Now 540's and M3's are a different story but they cost way more than the G; yet the G performs in their league.

 

If money were no object (as stated in the original post) the BMW is quite superior, particularly inside the cabin. It may be a tad slower, but not enough to make up for the overall refinement advantage. I chose the G because it was $7K cheaper, a bit faster, and looked better. If it were the same price as the BMW, I would have got the BMW without question.


Black/Willow 03.5 6MT, Premium, Navi, Aero, SAT
350Z Nismo CAI

 

The 330s smaller size and performance tires help give it and edge in handling and the interior is a step up from Infinitis, but these are very small differences and not justifiable for the price difference. The G35 looks better, has more room and will have a much better long term reliability record, and with it's aftermarket potential, it will be able to handle better than the 330i for significantly less money!

 

Regarding the speed, Motortrend clocked the 330i with performance at a top 0-60 of 5.98, and the G35 Sedan 6MT at 5.7, so G wins there, but i think its preety obvious the BMW would win in handling, interior design, and ride quality, although every review comparing the two cars says the G is right behind the Bimmer in every category.
Just think of it like this, BMW has been working on the 3 series for how long?
<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by Tory on 12/11/03 06:42 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

It's very difficult to deside which one to buy. 330i 's clutch and shifter is much smoother than G35

 

Oh man, the tranny on the 330i HP is like butter...

My friend is currently tossing up the idea of the same two cars. Of course I'm trying to get him to take the G, as it's only logical and infinitely (hah) modifiable.

G

2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint

 

How much difference is there between the power in the 540 and G? I've always wanted to own a stick 540 .. but settled for a auto G35S. The reviews suggest that the VQ35 is very close a V8.. is that your experience?

 

If brand and money were NOT a factor, Lexus GS430 (I know its not one of your choices). Quiet, fast, bigger than BMW/Infiniti, 'mod'able, dependant, Luxury. But, if I were only limited to your choices, I quote my friend (a former BMW mechanic), if you are leasing, BMW...if you are buying, Infiniti. His experience showed that BMWs problems come after the 3rd or 4th year (after the warranty runs out!).


2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

Thanks everyone on helping me which car to buy. I am going to buy G35 MT becauce it may last longer than 330i. Should I buy now or wait until next year. I am sure Infiniti will bump up HP since Tl came out with 270HP.

 

if you wait, you're never going to buy, because say they boost hp to 280 next year, then you hear that all G sedans with MT will get Brembo's the year after, so you wait, then before you buy, you hear all G's will get Bluetooth and voice command,

trust me, just bite the bullet and buy, then in 2-3 years, you can get the upgraded version after enjoying your G during that time

I got the 3.5 and missed out on the limited slip diff, faster CD changer and tire pressure monitor, who cares, if I still like the G in 2 years, I'll just trade in the one I have for a 2005 or 2006 model

2003.5 Brill. Silver/Willow 6MT sedan, Premium/Winter/Navigation