I've been very interested in the M35 sport as of late and I'm very interested to know how different it feels "driving wise" from the G35 Sedan w/ Sports package (I currently drive). I know they are both based off of the FM platform, and I know the M is significantly wider and heavier.

So I'm really looking for people who have owned both cars for extended periods of time and would really be able to share an insight on how the cars handle similarly, differently, brake wise, acceleration wise, etc...

I know the most logical thing is to go on a test drive of the M35, which I plan to do Sunday, but there's not a whole lot you can gather from a 2 minute ride around the block.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

Feels a little bit slower compared to my G35 Sport. My bro has a M35 Sport, the handleing is different his car is alot smoother and the steering isnt as stiff as the G35. The car handles great just doesnt feel like a G. Braking is different doesnt have that bite like the G but overall brakes feel the same.

 

Well I've had the coupe and now the M and I can tell you....I got to play in a G35Sedan as a loaner and you can tell right away that the G35 Sedan was faster....I actually had the G35X and it still took off like a rocket 2005 model. However it doesn't even compare when it come to road feel. The M was built for cruising and is much smoother. I has a fast gear change from 2nd to 3rd but if you punch it it will flow right up to redline with ease. Interior not even a fair fight. The M hands down, Outside the M looks better as well. It's your call but understand a base M with not many options can get you a fully loaded G35. I however wouldn't trade my M for anything out there right now.

 

Agreed, the road feel on my M is amazing...even better than my coupe, and the steering feels much lighter than the coupe. I can't remember too much about the steering in my G-Sedan but it was lighter than the G-coupe too, but not as light as the M.

The difference is speed btw the VQ equipped G-sedans and M's will be due to heft.
The M is no lightweight and it gets the 280hp engine.

C.

 

Thanks for the replies so far guys, I'm really starting to get interested in the M..can't wait til I test drive it.

 

I used to have a BMW 328i and then a 528i right after and I guess the difference is about the same thing as a G35 sedan and an M35. They both have the same engine but different shells and feel. The bigger sedan feels slower and more composed, the smaller sedan feels faster (which probably is) because of lighter weight.

 

Another difference between the M and G is that the M has more agressive gearing. Final drive for both 5spds auto is 3.54 for the M and 3.3 for the G. I did some timing tests between my M35 and my previous car 350Z, and the surprisingly, the acceleration from 60mph to 90mph is pretty evenly matched. The G and Z has the same gearing.

 

Good point Baron.....The gearing on the M is very aggressive.....I'm reminded of that at every fillup...
The M badly needs a sixth gear to calm those revs at highway speeds.
Even my new Civic 5 speed auto ticks over at under 2k at 60 mph.
The M is at about 2300 at that speed.
C.

 

Good tread I am interested in how the M35 compares to the G35 sprt since I plan to upgrade to the M eventually. I didn't consider the M35 for the simple fact it would be my 3rd 3.5L VQ car. I love the V6 don't get me wrong but I would rather have a V8 however. Cost is just as important so good tread!

 

Well, I test drove both the m35 and m45 sport.

The M in general is much more of a refined ride than the G. Very smooth, but definitely a nice responsive ride and good road feel...the m35 definitely feels slower than the G, but definitely had decent power...didn't feel underpowered at all.

Whatever you do....DO NOT TEST DRIVE THE M45!!! You will get addicted and will have to spend even more money! lol

 

hahaha Mike.
Yeh if you drive the M45...the M35 doesn't feel powerful at all. That V8 is awesome.
As far as comparing the m35 and g35...like you said, M35 is a lot more refined. The G35 will give you a more of a fun factor while driving it but the M35 will be easier to live with everyday because of its plushness.
Get an M35 Sport and put the MREV Plenum from Motordyne and you should be very happy.

 

I thought the M35 engine doesn't work with the MREV plenum. That is only for the 298HP engine.

 

^Correct, but there are other spacers for the Automatic engine.

 

Especially if you swap out the lower plenum for a modified/machined non-revup plenum.... there was a recent g35 thread on this... correct me if i'm wrong...

 

nice Mike. your getting real serious about it. did they give you any pre-lim numbers for a lease?
id love to take a ride in that. plenum spacer and a few mods may make it on par with the G sedan. also with that sport kit, WOW it looks hot