I've been looking through this site for a while, and have finally decided to get a G35 for myself, over anything else.
I'm planing on getting a G35 Sedan, probably and 05 or older, but have a question exactly which model to get.
I'm not sure if I should go for the AWD version instead of the RWD.
I'm planing on slowly, upgrading it, maybe not turbocharging it, but some things.

So I'm wondering if the AWD has anything that is actually a negitive, or if I should get the AWD if possible.

Thanks alot,
Alex.

 

Whether you get awd really depends on your driving conditions. I am on unplowed roads a lot and it can get pretty miserable in my area so I drive an X and love it.
If your conditions are usually pretty good then go with the RWD. They will perform quite well with winter tires.

 

Well yea. Living in Chicago, we get pretty horrible roads, so that's one of the reasons. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't any reasons to stay away from the AWD.

 

Well.. like GEE35X said, it's really up to your driving conditions. If you get a lot of snow and awful weather, an X would be a very good idea. I live in NJ and do get some bad weather and I have an 03 RWD sedan. Never had a problem driving in the snow or bad weather. Just need to be smart and keep some nice winter tires on for the winter.

However, some pros and cons to the X and non-X

X
Pros:
AWD- great in snowy areas
Abundant of X's for sale (more than rwd's)
Better resale (more people want AWD these days)

Cons:
Heavier than RWD
No coilovers (if you want to go that route)
Can't put a staggard fitment wheel on (although same have done it)

RWD:

Pros:
Lighter
It's a RWD car so you can have your fun

Cons:
Not as great in bad weather
SHOULD have 2 sets of wheels/tires (one summer and one winter)


It's really all I can think of right now. If anyone wants to add, be my guest. Hope I helped

 

I never even thought of getting my G with RWD... not saying its not a good idea.. but c'mon.. AWD... unless you wanna smoke up your rear tires a couple of times.. stick with the X.. it may not snow heavy where some of you are.. but it will rain occasionally .. and theres less wheel spin .. keep your tires lasting longer =)

 

+1

I wanted a G35 coupe, but at the time they didn't come AWD. So the ONLY reason i looked at sedans was the AWD models. If i found a RWD model for sale, i didn't bother looking at it. If i was gong to get RWD, i might as well get a 6MT coupe


I drove my X around in the snow yesterday and it was great. Point and hit gas pedal. I was able to run my errands and go to work without worrying about if i can make it up this driveway or hill.

The AWD is great in the rain too merging or pulling out into traffic.

My needs are different so that's why i went AWD. I have no performance mods planned, i just need a car i can brush the snow off and go to work in.

 

I concur. Go with the X. You'll get a better feel for the road, plus that priceless sense of security knowing that if the roads are bad, you'll be okay.

I just got a 2005 G35x in August. I live in MD, the roads have already iced over a bit already, and so far, so good.

The only laggard is that MPG is lower by 1 or 2 MPG compared RWD. But spending the extra $20/year on gas is worth the piece of mind.

 

I have a RWD manual sedan and I have a dedicated set of winter tires(Dunlop M3) and I don't have any problems at all. I get performance and safety.

I live in Cleveland, Oh and it can get quite horrible here.

 

RWD + Snow tires is a good combo...but so is AWD + snow tires

 

Also if you want a 6MT you can't get it with the AWD.

RWD will make more power since the AWD system has more drivetrain loss.

 

^^^^^Infinitis are quite reliable thats why I have mine.

And AWD Rocks !!!!!!

 

didnt mean to jack this thread ..but how do we know the AWD system is in action ? Is it true that the car runs AWD only if the slip ligjht is on ?

Also , I read somethwere that the SNOW mode is good till only 12 mph after which its back to RWD ??

 

I agree!!! I just got my 2005 G35X and I live in WI, we just got unloaded on with snow and the X was so nice to drive ( I just got rid of my MKV GTI ) once I get some better tires it will be even better

 

I had the same questions, but after a few weeks of driving my X around, i can tell you you can def tell the AWD is there.

The car is about 75/25 ratio at all times from a dead stop, as your speed increases (around 11MPH) it shifts to full time RWD, but if any slip is detected it will send 50% of power to the front. It sounds slow, but i've tested it out and it works pretty quick.

When in snow mode, you are 50/50 from a dead stop until 11MPH or so and your throttle response is limted. It actually takes a while to get used to the gas because you don't even think you are pressing the pedal. Above that speed, the computer wull pull power from the front wheels. If you are driving fast in heavy snow...you are nuts period.

But, after a recent snowstorm, the AWD is definitely there and working in both modes. When the slip light is on, the traction contron system activates and modulates power, brake application and the AWD to correct the cars slippage and/or slide.

If i got anything wrong i'm sure someone else will correct.

It's a rear-bias AWD setup unlike Lexus or Ford's front bias setup and more for performance driving. Only subaru and Audi are full time 50/50 from what I know.

 

Alex, I have a 2006 RWD G35 and also live in Chicago (northern burbs). It was a major pain in the **** getting around today on the stock tires after the storm. The VDC was kicking in too much on the side streets that weren't plowed, so I had to turn it off. I normally leave it on at all times. I think the X would help, but either way I recommmend winter tires regardless of which car you decide to go with. Case in point, I had to help push a guy stuck pulling into an alley in an A4 Quatrro, but it looked like he had performance tires on his car.