I purchased a 350Z a few months ago and I also own a 1997 Saab 9000 Aero, which I use as my practical every day car. I am considering selling the Saab and buying a G35 Coupe as my every day practical automobile. What are your opinions regarding the question of whether or not the 350Z and the G35 Coupe, when owned together, are “too much alike” to give me the expected joy and benefit of owning two truly different vehicles?

 

My opinion is that if you're going to have two cars, the G35 coupe and 350Z are too similar. Why not go for the G35 sedan? That way you get a car that rides a little smoother, has 4 doors, and a more different personality than your Z.

 

I pondered the same question last year until I felt that the sedan would be more practical.

2003.5 G35
2003 350Z
2003 Murano SL

 

I think that is the first time I have heard the G35c referred to as an 'every-day pracitical automobile!'

I think they would be too close and if you are looking for something a little different, go for the G35 sedan with all wheel drive. Now that sounds more like every-day to me.

Max

'03.5 Silver / Willow Coupe, 6MT, Prem, Nav, Aero Package and Kit

 

Well, depending on the person's situation, a G35c can definitly be an "every-day practical automobile". It has 4 seats, great luxury- cruise control (same as sedan). The only real hassle besides losing a little trunk space is that one will have to move their passenger seat forward to accompany groups of more than 2 people, which is a 30 second "problem". Not getting defensive here about the coupe, just telling it like it is.

 

I've driven both and I can tell you the differences are like night and day.

The 350Z is a pure, unadulterated sports car. It is not comfortable and getting in and out of it requires bending and contorting your body in less than pleasurable ways. The seating position is too low and there is no interior room. I'm a fairly big guy (6'1" and 250 pounds) and I could not get comfortable in the Z. It drives like a bat out of hell and although a visceral driving experience, a little much for a daily driver.

Understand that I was coming out of a Q45 after a 5 year lease and I loved the car. I really like the looks and styling of the Z, but I thought it was too expensive and required too many compromises for a daily driver that I would rack up many miles each year. My job requires that I travel all over central Arizona to see clients.

I also drove the G35 coupe. While it has better styling than the sedan, it too required some comfort compromises. I especially don't like long, heavy doors. The coupe has these in abundance.

That is why I finally settled on the sedan. The ingress and egress of the vehicle was more upright like my Q, and the overall space and comfort was more akin to my big luxury boat as well. I knew, from research, that a few adds/mods to the sedan would give me coupe handling and power without the associated compromises. However, I still like the styling of the coope more than the sedan. That's pretty much the story of life, I guess. Things you often want require compromises.

So, in closing, I would agree with the other posters that the G35 coupe and the 350Z, while dissimilar in general, are still too close alike to be truly different animals. I think you would be better off with the sedan. Just get a sexy one in a good color and the Titanium interior, and you will be set.

--don
_________________________________________________

Full speed ahead, Mr. Sulu!

 

Don:

Thank you for your comprehensive reply; it will help me greatly in making my decision. Also, I thank the others who have passed on their valued opinions, which I will take into consideration. I think I will first take a close look at the G35 sedan which may be a good choice, provided it gives me enough performance to satisfy that part of the equation. Since I require both performance and style, perhaps with some dressing up as suggested, this may be the vehicle. It certainly was the consensus that the Z and G35, although different, are "very" much alike! There is a lot I do not know about the sedan, but I will visit a few dealers and become more familiar with this vehicle. Since I am single, also have a pickup, and am the only driver, the FX45 or a SUV does not appeal to me. Moreover, since I would like to keep the total cost to $35,000 or below, a used vehicle is a strong consideration.

Bob

 

You'll find the performance of the coupe and sedan are comparable, given the same tranny. I drove them night and day before I got my sedan... We've had some d*mn nice performance cars in our garages, so yes, I do know the difference [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img] Good luck,

G

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

 

Sedan, Sedan... Do you have family? Babies?
Again... Sedan

 

Hey, I'm a 23 year-old, single recent college grad and I have a sedan [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img] Then again, driving is what I derive pure joy from, and I usually am the one to take everyone on road trips, be designated driver, etc. by choice. Now, when I'm *not* DD... look out!

G

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

 

Heh, Geo, I'm a Father of two, and I drive them to school each day in my coupe. I have no problems whatsoever. I like the sedan just fine, but to me, the styling is far too similar to the sea of sedans already out there. Every time I go out to my coupe I fall in love. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Back on topic, yes, the Z and Gc are too similar in my opinion to own both. The (very) small performance advantage the Z has over the G is not worth it alone. Only if you figure in the lower price would it even be a consideration.


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

 

Just don't rush yourself. You don't want buyer's remorse later on a $30K vehicle if you "settled" for a sedan.

I myself have had sedans for 13 years after driving a 2 door for 5 years before that. I just like having easy access to the back, even when I'm not carrying people.

Now, if my other vehicle had been a larger sedan, rather than a pickup, it might have been a different situation. A coupe for more infrequent driving.

2004 Sedan/DVD Navigation/Desert Platinum/Willow

 

G35 coupes been called the 2+2 of the new Z and the sedan has been called the 4dr Z.