I hope I'm not offending anyone by posting this thread, this is all my personal opinion.

I drive a 2003 G35, 61k miles. I just recently took it in for a 60k check and they gave me a '12 G37 as a loaner and it felt so....restrained. Like all the "sport" had been taken out of the sport luxury car. Going 80~120 in the '03 you feel it, at least to me. It's not a bad feel, but you can hear the engine going a little and you can feel it pushing on your back when your accelerating.

The '12 just felt very tamed. I personally hated it. There was no drama, no punch, no aggression to the car.

I was just wondering if I was the only one who felt this way, or did they actually do something to the cars after '03?

I was on the fence about getting a '13/'14 G37~M45, but hell no, keeping my G35.

Also, has anyone else seen the paint "Garnet Fire"? I can't seem to find a match at any of the Nissan dealers, and I've never seen anyone in the area with it.

Paint:

 

The newer 7AT's do feel dull in comparison but they are pretty damn quick. It just goes to show that HP alone does not make up the whole package... it's the feel of the road through the seat and steering wheel, the sound of the motor and exhaust, etc. The '12 has much more power and it's a faster car than your '03 but it doesn't hit all of your senses in the same way.

I've had newer loaners and I feel the same way... they don't compare to my '07. They're dull in comparison. They're doing a good job of improving the luxury feel but it comes with a price. I personally will not buy another new Infiniti unless it's a MT. I hate the new auto tranny's.

Now, the M56... gimme some of that! I just wish it came available with a 6MT.

 

They are better. Don't ask why, just go with it, LOL! Now if you have a 2003.0, that's the best of all.

But srsly...

Car looks in great shape. I agree that the older models have a more visceral, connected feel and the newer ones are a bit 'numb'. At 61K miles that car will last you years and years, just enjoy it!

 

AX6 is the true Red, Laser Red
you have the AY2 which is the Garnet Fire, it's not as candy apple red as the AX6 and in my opinon the AY2 is the better color,

 

+1 for the doggy doors!

Clearly the doggy door is what makes 2003.0 > other sedans FTW!

 

I have to agree with the OP... Took my 04'X in for a new radiator and hated the 08 they gave me to drive. Just didnt feel as mean as the 04.

 

When the 2003 was introduced, alot of the writers complained that it was coarse and required refinement, but still and excellent value nonetheless.

Over the years, Infiniti has worked to isolate thinks like drive train vibration, interior materials quality, interior noise, ride comfort, etc.

In addition, over that same period of time, technology has advanced quite a bit and Infiniti is trying to stay on the bleeding edge like other luxury brands.

As a result, the newer generation feels alot more 'grownup' to me. Refinement to the point where it blends in with alot of other higher end brands on the road, yet does not make an individual statement of its own.

The first gen was nice in that the somewhat coarse feel gave it a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothes image - something unassuming and refreshingly new; a car that guys who grew up building muscle cars wouldn't mind owning once they are married with families.

Now, cars like the WRX hatch or Focus ST kinda fill the same void.

1st gen Gs are still the best used car value on the planet.

Nonetheless, I think you'd really enjoy the newer G35/7 models once you own one and begin to appreciate the differences. It's just a much different car/personality than our 1st gen model. I think Infiniti has done an excellent job during the evolution of the G.

I do wish they would focus on performance coupes/sedans and stop trying to make SUVs and convertibles.

These are the new models that I believe are hurting their brand. Let Nissan focus on SUVs (new Pathfinder is solid) and just leave convertibles alone. I thought it was a good decision to stop making the G25.

 

"Better" is relative.

With me?? newer is always better. Just how I am.

 

'Better' is a relative term and each cars have their pros and cons. I had an 05 and now an 08. The 08 is faster, quieter, better built, and more efficient. The 05 was simpler, a little rougher, and had a lot of character.

If you honestly think though, that if Infiniti should have just kept building the first gen G, you are.... sorely out of touch with the automotive world. Can you imagine your 17mpg 0-60 in 6 seconds first gen with a dated interior design in a comparison test with an F30 2012 3 series that hits 60 in 5.5 seconds and gets 33mpg hwy? Yea, Infiniti would probably be laughed out of the room.

Im not saying that the first gen G is a bad car. In fact, it is an AMAZING car for the money, especially on the pre-loved market. I miss mine fairly often! However, times change, peoples needs change, and people want more for their money. More features, more power, more efficiency, and the maker needs to meet the demands. They need to keep up with the market.

 

Had a doggy door



But this happened:


So I did this:


The G was great size. Small and very light on it's feet. I think the newer Gs lost that.

 

Well stated. Evolution is necessary for survival in an industry that has adopted global platforms/design teams to maintain competitiveness. We are actually very fortunate to be the beneficiaries of this movement.

In a similar light, many still believe Rear Projection TVs have the best picture and were by far the most reliable HDTV set. But displays had to evolve.

It's actually very healthy from a marketing perspective to maintain a loyal following as your product evolves. I think Infiniti has done a pretty good job of maintaining their brand in this manner.

 

to me the V35 is a future classic, a real milestone for Infiniti in the States and a huge turning point for Nissan in Japan as a Skyline. yes, i too am a fan of early '03 garnet fire sedans...

 

Such a sick car, Mark...
But I agree, I rode in my friends '07 m35 and it didn't have nearly enough 'kick' to it. Although it is an m35 and not a g35, it still has quite a bit of horsepower, and I expected to feel it. I love how my '03 just puts you back in your seat when you hit the gas.

 

Drive an 09+M35 with the VQ35HR. Gives it that punch that the DE couldn't provide in that bigger car.

 

Nope...can't do that



Cuz then i'll buy one.



Eh, can't do that anyway. Just bought a Benz.