I believe the TL in the C&D comparison had the summer tires instead of the stock tires. The TL is faster than the G (though not necessarily at high speed), but not by much. The only performance test the G beat the TL on was skidpad, but only by .01. The TL deserves respect - it is an equal OVERALL to the G; the G emphasizes sport over luxury (RWD), and the TL luxury over sport. Both cars are phenomenal, and BMW had better look out.

C&D has a thing against FWD - judging by the numbers, it's a more a matter of preference for drive train. Honda did well with FWD, but how can it stay competitive as the competition ups the hp and torque with RWD platforms (e.g., if 2005 G35 is 300hp)? The only way is AWD for Honda, and Infiniti has already beat them to the punch.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by labrat on 02/08/04 11:10 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

and once again BMW must of paid them off, a 325 ahead of the TL? you gotta be kidding. The TL is an outstanding car, the 325 is just old hat and nowhere near the pace. As for the G I thought it would be a bit quicker based on C&D tests a few months back. Still Im happy with mine.

 

Or *maybe* the 325 came in second because it had the best chassis of any car in the test.

And *maybe* the TL came in third because in...C&D's words..the "Spooky" handling just couldn't overcome the great engine and interior.

You guys can claim bias all you want, but I happen to agree exactly with the conclusions in the article, and think they are spot-on.


'04 6MT Sedan | '95 E36 M3 | '91 Miata

 

I agree with Rog.

For me, the 325 chassis is about as near magic as you can get.

If I didn't have issues with the G's driver seat, I'd agree with C&D's review 100%. I've also driven all the cars in their test except the Jag (hey, I drive a Ford Contour every day... that's close enough! ) and the Saab.

Hey, that's why we all have choices.

And frankly, I'm darn thankful we have all the good sport sedan choices we have now. We can bicker about which is better, but the situation is about 1000% better than it was 10-15 years ago.

If you're in control, you're not driving fast enough -- Parnelli Jones

 

I just don't see the point in getting a 325 when there's the 330... but that's just me.

 

that's an easy one, $$$$$$$

the 330 probably would have won had it been in the test, but the 325 is what you get at the BMW store for G35 money

 

Yes, I realize that... but if I can't afford the big-engine version of a car, I look at a different car. I guess that's just part of my personality, though... I'd rather have a loaded Accord than a stripped BMW. Of course, the loaded BMW is even better.... $$$ permitting. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

The thing of it is, if you're leasing, you can actually get a loaded 330i for less than a G35 sedan. Assuming you plan on turning it in at the end.

 

"Can you scan and post the article? It's not on the C&D website yet and many of us don't subscribe to C&D.
Thanks"

March 2004 issue, at your newsstand now...

 

Unfortunately, that would be a copyright violation. We can't allow the article to be posted here without permission from C&D. If it's not on their website, I doubt they'd appreciate us having it here. Drop by your local bookstore or supermarket and pick up a copy of this issue, or just go in and read it and put it back on the shelf. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

 

Yea Royken,
I agree either buy the top of a line from a vendor or another brand top of the line. I always feel that anything less is a wannabee and often a compromise. I think this is especially true with top brand line product like BM and Merc where the base vehicles really are stippers. But I think this holds true with most products.

 

G35 has beaten the 330 sedan in 2 MT and C&D driver comparos over the last year

 

Yes, it has... but usually because it's a close second in everything except price, where it jumps far ahead. The 330 is a great car.. but you're definately paying for the little blue & white logo.

 

The C&D comparo is now on-line for all to read.
Here is a link:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=7785

4DSC still waiting for my...2004/G35sedan/6MT/silver/graphite/premium/aero/bodykit

 

The TL is not faster. I drove both and the TL had no off the line grunt like the G.

 

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

They had the BMW 325, Audi A4, SAAB Aero, Jaguar, Acura and one more.

<hr></blockquote>

Not that anyone cares, but the Saab was the 9-3 Arc, not the higher performance Aero version.

Lexus IS300 was the other car. When are they updating that thing?

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe
Titanium '03 MX-5 Shinsen #532