I currently own a 2003 S2000. I love it. My opinion is that the S2000 is a pure sports car. Yes it does lack torque. But that's about all it lacks.

Today I test-drove 2 G35Cs. The first was an auto. Then came the 6s. I was quite impressed with the power of the auto. When I stepped on it, from a slow roll going about 25MPH, it seemed like no time at all before I hit 60MPH. Ride was sporty, steering good and fairly tight. Next came the six-speed. I've never been a fan of automatics in the first place and was very exited to see how the manual would display its power. To my surprise, this car didn't seem as fast! The torque didn't seem significant. I was expecting blow-you-back-in-your-seat acceleration but didn't get it. Now I must say I loved both cars: Great styling and creature comforts. However, I thought, with all this talk about 280 HP an 270 FLBS, that after I jumped back in my low-torque Honda I was going to be disappointed with it. Not so. Especially since the six-speed G didn't seem to show its power until well into the RPM range.

So, my question to all you G owners out there is this. Could I have gotten a dud car to test drive? Where does the power and torque come on in the RPM range? Maybe I just wasn't driving it right? Let me know because, even though I’m not a G35C owner yet (I’m still considering it you see), I've been of the opinion that the G35 is one of the nicest, fastest cars you can get for the money! I’m I right about this?

 

That's weird. I have been very impressed with the torque of this engine mated to the 6-speed, especially considering the weight of the car (is it 3300+?). Yes, the gearing helps, but I am so impressed with this engine. 6th gear passes are quick and effortless on the highway. High RPM passes are quick and fluid-smooth; I ran smack into the rev limiter in 3rd gear one time with no hint of running out of breath. I believe the variable valve timing is exceptionally well done.

 

Well, after having an auto Maxima for years I was planning on getting the auto G35. Took one out and was impressed, but then I took out a 6MT...Yup, bought the 6MT. It was much faster to me and of course gave a sportier feel. Gotta wonder if you did get a dog or something.

As for if it was you, maybe, but I doubt it. The torque is 260 at 4800 and I would hope you at least got the car to 5500 RPM. Try out another, but keep in mind that this is a sports sedan, not a sports car. Apples to Oranges my friend, but the G35 looks pretty good in an Orange mask! For me it was the best balance for what I was looking for, sporty semi-luxury, and a good price too.

 

Maybe that 6MT G35C had low 87 octane fuel causing a performance lag.

 

What was the mileage on the two cars. With the damn ECU's learning mode you have to run the p#ss out of it or reset the ECU to obtain top performance.

Why couldn't Infiniti have provided a normal (luxury) and performance mode selector switch for the G35?

 

My 6MT Sedan didn't loosten up until 1500 mi.

Big difference after that.

Also, air temp and humidity, and A/C could have been a factor.

Another thing I've noticed about the VQ35 engines (having owned two) is they don't seem to rate as high on the "butt dyno" as they should.

Maybe it's the vibration isolation, but the acceleration isn't apparent unless you're next to someone, or closing in on another car in traffic. It doesn't seem you're going as fast as you are.

Good thing the brakes work so well.<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by Downshifter on 08/17/03 12:02 AM.</EM></FONT></P>