Any of you 04 G35x owners look at the Acura TL? If so, what made you decide to get the Infiniti G35x? I haven't driven either, yet, but I'm hoping I can get a little insight before I get behind the driver's seat. I've heard many good things about both cars. Thanks for any insight.

Your best bet is to use the search function. This topic has been hashed to death. the G35X is not a good comparison as it is AWD. the TL is FWD

Jim
'03.5 Sedan
Brilliant Silver/Graphite
6MT/ Premium package
Sport tuned suspension
Aerodynamic Body Kit
Navigation and Satellite Radio

Neither is RWD to FWD. The G35x is more inline with competing with the TL as AWD is more comparable to FWD than to RWD due to better bad weather tractibility.

...that would depend on whether bad weather driving is a factor. For some, bad weather is not a factor, thus comparing the FWD to the RWD might be more appropriate.

...then again, we could save ourselves a ton of headaches and just say "they're both great cars" since that's where the discussion will end anyway.

- NICNoobie

2003.0 AT Brilliant Silver Sedan
Premium Package\Graphite Leather\Signaling Clear Corners\AEM Intake (w/ Bypass Valve)

"Why are you my English not being understanding?"

I apologize for posting a subject which has already been discussed. I know how frustrating that can be. I did use the "search" function but didn't come up with anything. I must have used it improperly. Thank you for the responses you have offered.

I understand the drive train configurations are different between the two cars. I guess I'm wondering which car, considering all the similarities and all the differences is a better choice, or why those who were looking at both cars decided on the G35x. I do live in a climate which gets a lot of snow (Wisconsin), so handling in the snow is important to me. It would be my guess both cars would do well in the snow. I've driven many FWD cars in the snow but never an AWD, so I'm no expert.

And I realize this is a G35 forum so your thoughts may be a tad biased. But I've found car enthusiasts are quite frank and honest in their assessment of their own car. I've heard on this forum and in some magazines that build quility is lower on the Infiniti when compared to Acura. So that is a concern of mine. But I absolutely love the exterior styling of the G, wereas I love the interior styling of the TL. I'm not a big racing, 0-60, high performance guy. I do like a little guts to the engine, but ride comfort is equally important.

Again, sorry for beating a dead horse. I'll try the search function again.

If you'll looking for a sure footed performance in the snow I would say go with G35x. AWD performance is unmatch in faul weather conditions. FW is better then RW in snow but no where near AWD. So, if you enjoy FW in the snow then AWD will have the hook on you. The build quality on Infiniti/Nissan $28,000.00 and up is almost on par with Acuar/Honda. Especially if you looking at the G35 which is the bread and butter of Nissan/Infiniti. I have own 2 300z before 91 N/A and a 95 TwinTurbo and non of them have any single failure or OEM recall in my 5 years of ownership with 110,000+ miles.. Both of them are still in perfect condition when I traded them in for my 5 series BMW. Honda/Acura is very good too but TL type-S and CL Type-S just had numerous problems. I got rid of my 2001 CL type-S in 2 years of ownership. My uncle's 2 TL Type-S is a disappointing lemon that stall serveral times already like the old 88' Oldsmobile defect we used to own. Acura dealer was going to take it back but refuse to take it back after they found out my uncle manage to put in 30,000 miles in his first year of ownership. Also, Service wise you'll get better service with Infiniti now a days. Acura is just like Honda or worst.

~ GT-R the Ultimate Driving Machine ~
- 2004 G35 Ivory Pearl/Black Leather
- Auto/Nav/Premium/Sports/Aero
- 6 wire grounding kit<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by m500 on 03/18/04 07:04 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

I considered TL before deciding on my G35x. I guess how you decide really depends on your priorities. For me, all-weather performance and handling characteristics of G35x was more important than the "bell and whistles" TL offered. I live in NJ (as indicated on my user name) so rain/snow performance is a significant factor. Just this week, we had 3+ inches of snow and I was amazed at how sure-footed my G35x was and reminded me why I chose G35x over TL.

Search function tips:

1) Make sure the proper forum is selected in the forum-to-search box, or that "all forums" is selected.

2) Change the search option from "exact phrase" to "and" or you won't get decent hits.

3) Date range defaults to 1 week. Many of these topics are older than you think.. kick the search back 3-6 months or even a whole year.

As far as build quality, I upgraded from my 1996 Altima to a 2002 TL, which gave me more headaches in 14 months than 5 years and 180K miles with the Altima... you can see why I drive an Infiniti today.

And the comment about service is correct, Infiniti is far better... Acura does not provide loaners for anything, scheduled or not.

I will say the TL performs well, paid attention to detail and gets great fuel economy, but Infiniti/Nissan has got Honda/Acura beat in reliability... at least that's what personal experience has taught me.




<font color=red>chinee</font color=red>
03.5 G35s

I was in the same position back in January. I agree that we'll likely end up at "they're both great cars" because they are. Test drove both extensively and, in the end, it was the AWD and (in my opinion) more balanced feel of the G35x that did it for me. I haven't second-guessed myself once since then...my G35x has been flawless. I don't have a single complaint after two months and I'm fairly picky.

Good luck!

2004 G35x | Diamond Graphite - Graphite

When I first got my G35x I thought I made a mistake not buying the TL due to the G35's firm ride, noise level and some squeaks/rattles. However after driving in the rain and snow and the twisties I feel better about my decision. It depends on how you drive and what you want out of the car. To me the TL has a slightly better finish in and out, quieter, a little faster and is more comfortable. The G35 is more of a driver's car - you feel and hear more. Some nights when I'm taking my wife out to dinner and the car rumbles over the bumps and you hear the constant engine tenor I wish for the TL. But driving in the rain and snow at ridiculous speeds and driving out of turns with a rear to nuetral bias is a wonderful feeling. I'm 40 now maybe I'll buy a TL type car in 10 years.

2004 G35x/desert/graphite/rear spoiler/wood

Not having test driven a TL, but having read so many threads of the battle between G35 and TL, I feel as if I've been enlightened to everyone's nuances. Nevertheless, the reason I did not test drive a TL is because my only goal for my new vehicle was that it be 4WD (or AWD). My previous car was a Honda Accord and it did overall OK in bad weather, but I wanted more traction control. I initially toyed with the idea of getting a SUV, but the "largeness factor", lack of maneuverability, the truck-like nature of a SUV stopped that thought. Then I researched several different AWD sedans (Subaru, Volvo, Mercedes and Audi). I ruled out Mercedes, Audi and Volvo models because they were over my price range and I heard that costs of maintenance of Euro-vehicles are ridiculous. That left Subaru and I actually test drove the Forester and despite being turbocharged, the engine sounded like my Accord 4-banger - hard working and high pitched. At that time, I did not know that Infiniti made an AWD vehicle. Luckily, I didn't purchase any of the other AWD Subaru models because not long after this test drive, I found out about the G35X.

In the 3 months that I've had the G35X this winter, it has been great in rain, snow and sleet. The only thing I don't like is the snow build up in the wheel wells when driving in unplowed snow, but sedans are just not built with clearance in the wheel-wells that trucks and SUV have.

In summary, I just don't think that G35X and TL is an appropriate comparison. The TL is a great sedan, but it doesn't come in an AWD flavor.

G35x/brilliant silver/graphite leather/premium package