I would go with the AWD. I got rid of my BMW 3 series because it wouldn't go anywhere in the snow. The G35x kicks butt in the snow. In fact....we got about 5 inches of snow on Monday, I drove my G35x up the steepest hill I could find. The road was not plowed and it was one damn steep hill. The G made it up it with no problem. I'll bet my car that a regular G with snow tires would NEVER make it up that hill.

If it's a G it's 4 me!

2004 G35x
Diamond Graphite~Graphite~Premium~Wood~Splash Guards~7 Wire Grounding Kit~Z-Tube

211350-G35x logo.JPG

 

I wouldn't worry about the extra 300 pounds from the AWD system. The car still does 0-60 in 6 seconds flat! Additionally, I was told by Infiniti the G35x has stiffer suspension then the regular model to compensate for the extra 300 LBS.

If it's a G it's 4 me!

2004 G35x
Diamond Graphite~Graphite~Premium~Wood~Splash Guards~7 Wire Grounding Kit~Z-Tube

 

I put on a set of Bridgstone Blizzaks. The tires turn the car from undrivable into the snow into a real 'overconfidence machine';. I feel as if I can go anywhere....

 

I drove the all weathers the first winter I had the car and did not have a probelm. Got snow tires this past winter and they have been great. I bought cheap rims to go with the winters and am glad that I did. Could pay more for the tires and the car got a bit banged up in the snow.

 

That's probably a drive the car like you hate it 0-60... I can imagine the rpm dump you can do with AWD... but how long will your car last doing that?

2003.5 5AT Sedan Black/Black Premium/Winter Packages

 

I live in upsate NY (Rochester) and even though my sedan came with the "winter package" all-season Goodyears, I bought a set of 16" steel rims with WS-50 Blizzaks mounted. These were phenominal during the 21-day stretch of snow & cold we had in January, but I couldn't wait to get the other tires back on once the weather got a little better.

Also, the advantage of steel rims in the winter is that you don't care what the salt does to these.

2003.5 Sedan/CarribeanBlue/Graphite/Auto/BOSE/Sunroof/Winter Pkg

 

I live in the hills of central NJ and also installed FOUR Bridgestone Blizzaks on a 6MT and the car went up hill on my ice and snow covered driveway with NO problems. Between the traction control and the Blizzaks, it handled the snow and ice better then my sons FWD Maxima. I was shocked and obviously pleased.

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)