2004 Acura TL or a '04 Inifiniti G35?

[zyajzarc]

I've been looking at sedans around the 35k price range and these two were the best that i could find. The TL would be the automatic w/ navi and the G35 would be leather, automatic, premium package, and navi. They are both around teh 35k price range, so i was wondering, which one would you choose and why? I'll be posting this also in the G35 section, just to obtain mix responses... as the Acura side may greatly favor the TL, while the Inifiniti side may greatly favor the G35... so i'm posting in both.

Please don't forget to state reasons you would get either car... please don't say "because i like it..."

[IllusiveTypeS]

I'd go with the g35...more horse more torque better looks better performance.

the 04 is nice but nothing like the 2nd gen.

[cassidym]

I've driven both the G35 and the '04 Acura and, if it were my choice, I'd go with the Acura. here's why:
- The TL has a smoother ride and is quieter
- Better Nav system on the Acura although the G35 Nav is pretty good.
- Manual transmission is much less notchy on the Acura (I realize you are getting an automatic)
- Interior in the Acura appears more luxurious than in the G35 which looks a bit cheap
- The Acura doesn't has tail lights that don't make you giggle

What I don't like about the Acura:
- No rain sensing windshield washer available
- No Xexon headlight option
- Front wheel drive (this is not a big deal with me but is to many other drivers)
- Over done technology on the dashboard. Acura is clearly going after the BMW 3-Series with the new TL and they are attempting to exploit a BMW weakness which is the German inability to produce a reasonable ergonomic interface between driver and dashboard (i-Drive; I rest my case). But I think Acura may have put too many gee-gaws and whim-whams in the car like the voice activated Nav system. Mind you, you don't have to use them.

[sinjaspr]

I just got a 3.2 TL 2004 manual and i am very happy with it. I also test drove the g35 but the ride and the power on the tl is much much better. even the looks of the tl is far better then the g35.

[dude!]

I am a BMW 5 Series kind of guy but at this point in time, it is too rich for my blood. This has forced me to back it down notch. I was torn between the G35 and the TL.......... I am going with the TL. Smooth is what I can say about it and the fit and finish is beautiful and in my opinion, blows the G35 away. I thought I cared about "Drifting" and doing "Donuts" which is almost always associated with Rear Wheel Drive cars aka G35, BMW etc. but that s... gets expensive with tires clutches etc. We all know Acura probably makes the best handling FWD cars on the planet and the new TL is a step up with plenty of power. So unless you drive your vehicle at 10/10ths 90% of the time, the '04 TL is wonderful especially 6spd w/ Nav although I know you are wanting an automatic. If you are still having trouble deciding, buy a Mitsubishi EVO VIII. No automatic is offered but, I have one and it is hot! No car this side of 35K has ever shown me its taillights.

[integrasedan]

I really like the style of the new TL. In fact thats only a few of the new cars that looks good to me. I don't really like the style of the G35 sedan, however their coupe looks really nice.

Acura has a good reputation, and i don't know much about Infiniti.

for the sedans I would buy the TL, because when I first saw it, it blew me away. Looks really nice, sorta like BMW engineering. The headlight and tailights look sleek, but the G35 sedan taillights look weird.

if you were looking for a coupe, i would go with the G35.

Whatever car you buy, hope you be happy with it.

[cwmizner]

I was looking into both those as well. Will probably wind up with a TSX for cost considerations. I drove the TL and it is a VERY nice car. Went back and forth between the G35 and the TL at a recent auto show and the TL seems much nicer. I'd echo what another post said about the 'cheap' G35 interior. The TL just felt a much nicer car.

The big difference is front-drive (TL) vs. rear-drive(G35). Since you want an automatic, I'm guessing performance isn't your number 1 criteria. So, I'd say the TL is for you!

[avpart3]

I haven't driven either car but I've always been more of a Acura TL fan myself.

[cwmizner]

Just drove home a 6 speed 03 G35,

[GP2K]

Originally Posted by IllusiveTypeS

I'd go with the g35...more horse more torque better looks better performance.

the 04 is nice but nothing like the 2nd gen.

Nope! TL=270HP/238TQ G35(sedan)=260HP/260TQ. Both cars are awesome though.

[GP2K]

The TL does come standard with HID, so does the G35.

[xivera]

The new G35 does come in AWD (via ATTESA-ETS... like a Skyline) while the TL is strictly FWD. But, the TL's VSA does pretty well in inclement weather. I can't speak for G35's; I haven't drove in one of those.

[mastafred]

I would say go with the TL because its just a better car. the ride and the look is eye catching, the g35 is a nice car but the TL is a nicer car and plus there are to many g35's on the road its already played out go with the tl good luck

[jeffs_GTP_sleeper]

Have you considered an 04 GTP Comp G and then spend a little of your money saved(~$1500) making it a streetable 360HP/400lbs of torque beast?

I think the TL looks better than the G35 though.

[op012503]

From what i can tell zyajzarc, you want a sports sedan thats more for comfort that aggresive driving. I gotta go with the g35 on all counts. The obvious reason is fwd vs rwd. The TL's 270 hp has a real torque steer problem. I know its more prominent with the automatic transmission but its still a pain. The G35 looks better inside and out. Although the tl uses high end plastics and decent comfortable leather, it has a 'souless' design. It has a look like it was designed by a machine rather than a man. Something that is inherant in most japanese cars. I haven driven the TL because it just came out and i dont know anyone thats bought it yet. I have driven a auto version of the g35 with the sports package. The car handles like its on rails although i wouldnt recomend it if you live in a place like NYC. But hey maybe im wrong about the TL--i havent driven it...it all depends on what you like in terms of driving feel. Test drive them and then youll know. enjoy