I am just now starting the process of shopping for a new car and really like the G's. After doing some research, it doesn't appear that there is too much difference between the 03.5 (one w/ MT sedan) and the 04 G. However, there is almost a 40 hp difference in the 03 MT vs the 05 MT in a RWD sedan.

My obvious reason for the 03 is that you can find them for a pretty good price. I was planning on adding exaust and a CAI to it, but even with those, it isn't 40 hp that they are claiming.

That being said, has anyone seen track performace numbers for both to see how they compare? If you added the same upgrades to both, are you going to see more improvement out of the 03 vs. the 05? I haven't been able to find the 0-60 comparisons which is why I ask.

If you any opinions, information, or whatever, that would be great. I am having a hard time with this and want to make sure that I make the right decision. If from a performance standpoint there isn't much difference, I will pocket the $8 or improve an 03 some an call it day. Thanks for any help.

 

If you are buying the car to own a hot rod, the 40 extra horse may mean something. I have an 04 sedan AT and I think Motor Trend had it rated 0- 60 in 6.2 seconds. With a nice throaty roar and 260 lbs torque, the car has a nice acceleration. Do you think the 40 horse is going to make that much difference in your daily driving? Personally, I don't. The interior and exterior differences are slight. So, if you can't afford the new one with mods, then maybe buy the pre-owned G and modify to your hearts content. Either way, You WILL enjoy your G. I don't recall seeing anyone on this site listing displeasure with their G35.

 

If you can swing it, I would buy an '05. I like the body and wheels and interior better than an 03 or 04. The extra horsepower is worth it.

For horseys, it's hard to say where they got the extra 05. In my case I have seen '03 and '04 6mt sedans make numbers very close to Coupes and Z's. Many believe they were underated from the factory. We'll know more when somebody is willing to give their '05 up to the modification gods to see which bag Infiniti pulled the extra horsepower out of.

 

Yeah, I guess it was more a question of is there actually a performance difference in the two. I know that a lot of people here are spending $2k on adding intake, exhaust, etc just to get 20 - 30 hp. I was looking at it going gosh, 40 hp seems like quite a bit. However, I don't think anyone has posted a 0-60 for the 05 MT. If the 40 hp makes .5 sec diff, that is pretty big. If it makes .1 sec diff, ah, thats not worth it. Anyone know the numbers for the 05?

 

after driving my car for awhile now, it feels faster then my cousins automatic coupe. I've not opened it up, but giving it the same juice, mine feels to go much quicker. I'm sure it will beat the coupe 04 6mt coupe (equal drivers), but not a 05.

 

Do you guys happen to have a quarter mile time for the G35C 5A with 280HP? I saw that a consumer guide book rated the acceleration as 6.2 for the coupe and sedan, but didn't have a 1/4 mile time.