wrong. i have an 08x and i chit on g37s because i LAUNCH.

its all preference. at times i hate myself for not getting a rwd but then again when it rains or snows, i love my car.

 

Thanks again for all the input. At work today actually saw an X and S parked close and personally I think the S is a better looking car and worth searching for. The majority of S's i see are manual but I hear bad things about that tranny?

 

I'm still confused.
If you told me you wanted an S for the slighter better handling characteristics or for the 6MT, I'd accept that. But to say you're buying an S because it looks better.... that makes no sense to me.
The 08 G35Xs looks exactly like the S only slighter higher off the ground, which can be corrected with an inexpensive drop.

Dude, you need to decide between AWD and RWD first and foremost. Both have pros and cons but neither is "better" than the other, depending on the owner's personal needs and wants.
It's not like you're trying to decide between a Journey and an S.
Decide on the drivetrain... the looks of the S are available in either model.

 

I have got to agree with Scott the differences overall are very minor. I happened to go with a S model as that is what I have driven and enjoyed in the past which is RWD (mostly my fathers BMW's). I have also driven quite a few X's prior to my purchase and I liked them as well. I went along with the S in the end as I wanted a few of those extras you don't get with the X. I know it might of not been the smartest choice considering I live in new england but it's what I wanted. There isn't too much difference between the two and in my opinion you can't go wrong with either one!

 

Let me clear this up a bit.
I do not want 6mt but do want RWD, paddle shifting with revmatched downshifts, bigger wheels and breaks, and IMO better looking body. I would love to go with an 08 XS and get the best of both worlds but dont want to spend the extra cash on the newer year.

 

you do know that the X and S have THE EXACT SAME BODY, right?

the only difference would be trim packages. They put the same fenders, doors, hood, etc on the X as they do the S.

Wheels, i think the S has the sport upgrade wheels or something but let's face facts, you'll probably get rid of them and get rims anyways.

what is the difference in cost that you can't afford? If a grand more expensive is too expensive for you then you might want to look into a different car.

 

I could be completely offbase here, but I thought I remember reading that the S got some type of different front bumper/lip.

As for the 6MT. Except for the clutch/cylinder issue, which is a recall and therefore covered under warranty, I love the transmission. The clutch is a bit tricky and takes a bit longer than normal to get used to, but I don't see any issues with the tranny....yet.

If you're going for looks, just get one (either currently or aftermarket) with the rear spoiler. I like the lines the spoiler creates much more than without.

 

Binder,
Take a look at an S next to an X you'll notice a lower stance, bigger wheels and breaks, a more aggressive looking front bumper as well as other differences on the exterior alone. If you read my last post you will also notice I'm looking for the sport seats of the S, the paddle shifters with rev matched downshifts, as well as the sportier tuned suspension. I am not the type that likes aftermarket rims and actually happen to love the look of the S wheels. Finally, do you seriously think an 07 is the same or maybe a grand less then an 08? If that's the case maybe you should do some more research before posting condescending messages on subjects you know very little about. To everyone else helping me on this forum thanks.

 

Skoops... I don't think Binder was trying to be condescending. At least I didn't think so when I read his post this morning.

It comes down to this... get what ever you want.
I think the guys here, me included, are just trying to help inform you of every aspect before you make your final decision. It's a big ticket item... make sure you get the one you really want.

AWD, RWD... get what you want. If you need all wheel drive, the Xs is the way to go. If you can't afford an 08 and need to go with the 07, the S may be your better choice, knowing your wants include the Sport Package items.

Hopefully the thread has helped you in your final decision, but this is the kind of question that will always fire up debates between the two crowds... AWD vs RWD.

Good luck in your final decision and make sure you post pics once it's a done deal. (Oh, and put a license plate frame on it too)

 

I've read people say that sports have different side skirts but as far as I'm concerned, it's the same (as x, journey.) The only exterior difference is front bumper and wheels. Also, the stock journey/X wheels look better in person than in pictures especially if they're kept clean.

 

I agree, but I think they're a bit small. I've never been a big fan of 17's, but that's just me.
Of course, my stock wheels parked next to my friends 08xs... the difference in wheels is minor anyway.

 

Sorry if I missed this, but why not just get a xS? You'll get the same wheels (18"), same front fascia and side skirts as the RWD S model, sport seats, and paddle shifters. You'll get the more aggressive look while keeping the friendlier suspension.

If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on the RWD "S" being a more aggressive handler at the limits (and assuming the person is a skilled driver) but for normal STREET driving I could not tell a difference. Same for ultimate acceleration. I drove both back to back (xS and S 6mt) and to me they seemed the same. I drove on the highway as well as windy back roads and both seemed more than capable and could handle whatever you throw at them in normal driving on public roads. I also punched both from different conditions and couldn't notice any differences in acceleration. Both seemed fast and made nice sounds (subtle but you knew it was there).

I'm coming from a BMW 335 6mt, and I think these cars are competitive with that car in many instances, exceeds in some, and falls short in others. Overall you can't go wrong. I ended up in a 7AT after many years of driving manuals because I basically didn't like the Infiniti manual transmission for a sedan - the clutch take up was terrible compared to the 335 which had great modulation. I think it would be more appropriate in the coupe where the jerkiness could be easier to accept. I owned a first generation G coupe 6mt and it seems like the same unit since then.

 

Trey,
Would love an XS but only come in 08 and compared to the prices of an 07 the newer year is a little more then I'm looking to spend.
As far as the X vs. S wheels go, I personally prefer the S. The X wheels are nice in person but I feel the larger S wheel look a little better. Also the front bumper of the S enhances the looks.
Aeson,
Just lookin to get some 2nd opinions and maybe some do's and dont's before I take the plunge. Why a plate frame?

 

I hear you man, if you don't really need the AWD of the X and you prefer the S there is your answer right there. I live and New England like I said and I still wanted my RWD S so you really need to go with what makes you happy. If you really want the AWD and the sport package just save up a bit more, thats what I would do at least.

You really can't go wrong with either in my opinion, good luck with your buy.

By the way about the plate frame - look at Aesons Sig

 

I was kidding... but we DO all have to represent and spread the word on this fabulous place we call home.