Anyone have any input on 0-60 times on the regular RWD G35 vs the G35X? Is there any noticable difference in acceleration or handling between the two models? I'm undecided on which one to go with. I'm southeast of Chicago so we do get some snow storms, but I don't think I've counted more than, say, 15 or 20 days so far this season where AWD would have been really beneficial. Most of the main roads are pretty well cleared 1-2 days after a major snow storm anyway. I know I'll wish I got the opposite model of what I end up picking out.

 

I think you're better off with an X not only because of your location and the bad weather driving benefits, but also for the RESALE advantage. Your area can be really tough in the winter/spring and a lot of people don't want to get their rear wheel driving experience in a $30,000. plus car. I love my X and would've been happy w/the RWD ....BUT my wife has never driven a RWD in bad weather and I didn't want that learning experience to take place in my baby. 0 to 60 time differences are 6.2 vs. 6.5 and 1/4 mi. are 14.7 vs. 14.8 and in the slalom 65.1 mph vs. 65.2. HOOHAA .Good luck JBX

 

I cannot give input on the times but where I live the X is a no brainer. The handling is awesome. If you do not get a lot of snow, most of the folks say the rwd works quite well with dedicated snows on it for the winter.
As far as performance differences between the G35 A/T and G35X Sedans, There is a bit of weight difference, the G35X weighs 182 lbs more than the G35 A/T, but the final gearing on the 2 cars is a bit different. The G35X is 3.53:1 and the G35 A/T is 3.35:1, so the extra weight and friction losses with the awd is compensated for by the gearing difference, so there is not going to be too much of a difference in acceleration especially since the traction from a standing start is definitely better with the X.
You cannot order the G35X with the larger 18" wheels, it only comes with the 17".
Hope that helps a bit.
Wayne

 

Any AWD controller systems available that would allow you to transfer power on a whim? or is the center diff mechanical on the X?

Man, that'd be sweet... A setup similar to the STi

 

I'm new to G 35 (just a few weeks) and have read in this forum that a RWD with good dedicated snows work just great.
That said, my sedan has been in for service and I got a G35X for a loaner. The car is very stable in snow, even with The GoodYear RS-A (?). You have to make it get squirrelly.
The "X" basically feels like you have claws at all corners. I hope I don't regret buying the RWD

 

No regrets here. The AWD is a dream to drive in the rain/snow/slop as well as being a superlative car in the dry. I echo Ronso with his "claws" comment......unbelievable traction.

W

 

I think the X is a great choice. As ChicagoX said, it will be better in the rain also and likely to be a lot better in the snow (I haven't driven the RWD in the snow-I have driven other, less modern, RWD cars in the snow in the past, which was not fun).

The X is very good in the snow. I experimented in an open area in the recent storm here. You can make the slip light come on by mashing the throttle down on snow or ice, but the car will tend to go in a straight line. If you turn off the VDC (don't unless you have a lot of room to slide) it will fishtail. If you turn hard and accelerate you can make it slide a little (or a lot with VDC off).

I was able to start from a dead stop on a paved, slippery, very steep road (yes, going uphill!), especially when I turned on the snow switch. I believe this limits engine output and makes a push on the accelerator cause less than normal engine response as well (so our feet aren't so "heavy"). I believe it also locks all 4 wheels into AWD. You are supposed to turn it off at 12 MPH and not use it on dry pavement.

The system may not be as good in the snow as a dedicated full-time AWD, but it is very good and leaves us the advantage of RWD when not needed.

Good luck in choosing.

 

Andy,

>I believe it also locks all 4 wheels into AWD. You are supposed to turn it off at 12 >MPH and not use it on dry pavement.

Could you show me a reference for that statement? As per the '05 manual page 2-26 their is no mention of any limitations. As far as I know even if the switch is left ON, the system will revert back to it's normal mode above a pre-determined speed...some thing in the range of 12mph. (I think). I don't think it locks all wheels in AWD but it does maintain a 50-50 front rear torque split to a higher speed.

I could be wrong but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

I found an article I had read before buying the X, Road and Track April 2004 "From a standing start, the G35x has a 25/75 front/rear torque split, but will immediately shift to 50/50 if the system senses wheel slip. Once the G35x is cruising, it shifts back to full-time rear drive to improve fuel economy. And fun. The G35x also features a Snow Mode, which locks the system (via a button on the center console) into a 50/50 split and reduces throttle sensitivity."

You are right about the 50/50, but to me that means locked into AWD. Please correct me if I'm wrong. So far, I'm not sure where I heard the 12 MPH limit, but I agree that it probably turns itself off if you don't. The item in the 04 manual (p2-25) seems virtually the same as the 05 manual, with, as you noted, no limitations mentioned about the switch. I'll try to find my source, but maybe I made it up (I'm no where nearly as imaginative as Dylan though-what a mind-and I don't think he sings badly either (most of the time)).

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

I just can't imagine giving up the fun of RWD, fishtailing launches, tail out turns, and such I've driven my G35 in 3" of super slick dry powder snow and it did fine.

 

I bought an X not only for snow, but rain too. After having FWD for the last 15 years, I needed a RWD fix, but didn't want to have to deal with bad weather. The X is great to drive. As far as sliding it, it does a 4 wheel drift very nicely. The best part is having it sideways in a turn and "feeling" the AWD pull you through. I can't wait to put grippy summer tires on it.

 

I've made a few passes down the 1/4 mile in snow mode; I apparently don't have enough HP to make a difference, as they were within 2 thousandths of the 'regular' runs.
Snow mode does reduce throttle sensitivity, but foot-to-the-floor operation is unaffected (proven by 60-ft times)
One CAN throw the car sideways, but it takes effort. The 'Scandinavian Flick' is the best way I've found to do so. Countersteering is always less than with the 2wd variant, as the front tires bite and correct your line.

Truly the best of both worlds: RWD fun with AWD stability.

 

YEA!!!!!!!!!
Finially Somone Who Likes to have Fun With RWD.