Some of your points are well taken, but your comparisons don't make any sense...as you should know (since you drive the Coupe), the Infiniti G35 and Nissan Altima neither look similar nor do they share the same platform (G35 - RWD and Altima - FWD); yes they both have the VQ engine, but so does my FX35 -- is my FX35 (RWD) a dolled up Nissan Murano (FWD)?...absolutely not (although many people don't understand that). Again, the same VQ engine is used on different platforms for very different vehicles.

I do agree that 'to each his own and it's a matter of preference.' And, yes, the (FWD) Acura TL is based on the same platform as the (FWD) Honda Accord. These are all great cars, but most here at G35Driver.com see the Infiniti G35 Sedan as a better looking sports sedan (at least from the outside) with a more unique and progressive look with sportier features and a much better ride than the Acura TL. BTW - I almost chose the '04 Acura TL, but I wasn't all that impressed with the ride of the TL and I didn't want another FWD car...that killed it for me. I do like the interior though. ;-)



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by bsgoren on 07/23/04 10:30 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

I'll make your decision for you. Get the G. My friend just bought an '04 TL and it was NICE on the inside (plus he's got navi and the satellite radio, etc.). I took it for a long highway ride and it was pretty fast to drive, but the acceleration was not nearly as forceful. It rides and handles like a hopped up Accord - kinda sedate and boring. Of course, b/c that's what it is. It doesn't respond nearly as well as the G and I thought the ride was actually more bumpy and had too much road noise (I have the non-sports suspension).

It's a great car for my friend b/c he's all about having a nice interior with all kinds of gadgets like bluetooth, but hands down, the G just rips it apart in the driving category.

If you could get a TL with RWD or AWD, it would cost significantly more b/c they could no longer base it off the Accord/ Giving the drive the same treatment as the interior would up the price a lot.

Have you driven both? If you haven't, it's no wonder you haven't made up your mind. I would NEVER trade my car in for a TL.

BTW - Glennp. Please read a bit more. The G is not related to the Altima at all. It's a 350z underneath - completely different platforms. And as far as those oh-so-important looks go, the TL will look much more dated over time.

03 Sedan 5AT | DesPlat/Graphite | Aero | Bose

 

The G sedan is neither an Altima or a 350z...it's a G35 sedan. Yes it has many things in common with the Z, but driving the two are entirely different experiences (I traded my Z for a G), especially when it comes to handling.

As for the TL's looks, I always get it confused with the TSX...

BTW Glenn - the G isn't an overpriced Altima, that's the Maxima. And if both the Maxima and TL were RWD, I'd probably take the Maxima...again for that VQ Power!

 

You guys have made excellent points regarding the exterior design of the TL: looks like a TSX (I agree), the TL's looks will be outdated (an excellent point I hadn't thought of). The G sedan has a--it's hard to explain or express--classic look that will remain classy and sophisticated years from now.

Yes, I did drive both. And to be honest when I drove the G it was full of rattles. I had the salesman in the car with me so I wasn't able to open it up and see what it had, but it was a fun drive. The TL lacked any rattles, but, like someone mentioned, it felt like I was driving an Accord.

I'm leaning heavily toward the G. Plus this forum is so much better than the TL forum!

 

From what I've read, the Acura TL is based on the FWD Honda Accord and the Acura TSX is based on the FWD Honda Civic platform. Sorry you test drove a G35 with rattles; you should have told the salesman that they should get the rattles fixed before allowing others to test drive it; that's not the norm for the G's. My G35 however, had door 'buzzing' only when I played my music loud (and the bass was causing the buzzing/rattles), but one of the Infiniti tech's fixed both front doors by packing in more insulation. If you encounter any rattles/buzzing like this, they should be able to fix them, but you probably won't encounter any; none of the loaner cars I've driven had any rattles.



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

 

No, I still wouldn't consider TL even it is eight wheel drive.

2003 Infiniti G35 sedan Twilight Blue/Willow, 5AT, premium, sunroof, winter, HIDs, navi.
2004 Lexus RX330 FWD wagon Flint Mica/Light Gray, premium plus, navi, Mark Levinson, rear DVD.

 

"What if a tofu taste like steak?" That's what we are comparing here, right? RWD vs FWD. I'd said it before and I'll say it again, FWD vehicles are crappy performers unless it is light weight. *say... under 2800lbs* Fat FWD cars have no business in the performance segment. Might as well buy a V6 Accord and save you some money.

 

Actually the TSX is basicly the European/Japanese Accord, while the North American Accord is based on a TL sized sold there while the TL is based on the American Accord.