I did a quick search but did't find a thread on this. If I've repeated this topic please provide me the link and delete this one.

I drove an 08 Sport and an 08 non-sport. I understand the cosmetic, tire, and options difference between the two, but I didn't notice any difference in ride. Both seemed to handle bumps with identical feel. Is there suppose to be a difference?

 

sport will handle better due to the stiffer suspension.

 

i've driven a 2010 g37 and 2010 g37s....the s seemed to shift at a bit higher RPM and the shifts were more crisp, seats were more comfertable with the leg support, the s didnt slip around as much, and i think it was lower than the regular 37 and it had was less body lean going into turns.

 

^^^^
um noooo... The shifts are the same and the ride height is the same. It might have been in sport mode, which both models have sport mode.

sport has vlsd, non sport doesn't

 

Push it harder, then you'll notice the difference. For normal commutes in rather decent roads, you'll be hard-pressed to notice the difference.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I like the 18" wheels on the sport, but the other stuff I can live without.

 

get the non sport with the package wheel option.

 

The stiffer ride will happen around town and a lot less on the freeway/highway. I tested both.

 

I have an 07 G35X. Test drove an 07 G35S. Noticed the difference in suspension immediately. Of course the difference in tires probably contributes some. The ride on the S seemed harsher, transmitting small bumps and expansion joints, etc to the seat and interior more so than the X. It made the S feel cheaper to me but I'm sure there is a benefit to the handling. I may still buy the S but may have to test drive it a few more times.

 

what he said.

 

I am happy with my non sport. I do like the front bumper better though. Just get the Premium.

 

As I understand the springs and sway bars are the same (for 07-08, not sure about 09+), the only difference is the rear shocks (front shocks are the same). The larger wheels with lower sidewalls are the majority of the ride difference.

For anyone who thinks the springs, front shocks, or sway bars are different, try to find a difference in part number.

LSD doesn't affect the ride, nor do the seats, nor does the "S" badge on the back of the car.

I noticed the '10 journey loaner car was a lot cushier than my '08 journey (service adviser confirmed the difference from '08 to '10).

 

First off, ride quality _is_ something you feel in your butt and your gut, so seats matter and can clearly affect how the ride feels.

Second, it is interesting that Infiniti markets a 'sport tuned suspension' in the S and the only difference is one pair of shocks. I'm not disputing what you say, just that its an interesting marketing ploy that seems like a cheap trick for this level of car.

Third, while I cannot comment on the sedan, the 06 coupe is reported (by C&D, R&T, etc) to have larger diameter anti-sway bars on the sport and 6MT compared to the base coupe.

Regardless of what the nature of the hardware is I can confirm that the ride quality of the 07 G35S is significantly harsher than the ride of my 07 G35X. It is not a subtle difference. Nor does the harsher ride seem to translate into a more secure feeling in term of handling. Surely the S handles some conditions better but I felt less confident than in the X. I'd have still bought this particular S but the interior was a mess.

I opted for a 06 6MT coupe with high miles (to go with the X). The coupe has an even harsher ride than the sedan but it was cheap and pretty much what I expected from a sport coupe.

 

I don't think they charge $3,000 just for different shocks. I never driven an G35S but I would like to try it to see the different.

 

Back when my S was still stock, i had a Journey for a loaner an entire week... the Journey was almost like a couch on wheels by comparison. The seats on a Journey, for one, is much softer, felt wider and comfier.