2004 Acura TL or a '04 Inifiniti G35?

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..."

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

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

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.

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.

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 :nono: this side of 35K has ever shown me its taillights.

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.

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!

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

Just drove home a 6 speed 03 G35, :)

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Good thing you want an Auto.
I'm on Week 9 waiting for my Maual Navi TL in Blue.

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. Although the tl uses high end plastics and decent comfortable leather, it has a 'souless' design. I haven driven the TL because it just came out and i dont know anyone thats bought it yet. But hey maybe im wrong about the TL--i havent driven it...



Yet another reader with his head up his ass!!! Real torque steer problem?? LOL Oh.........but I haven't driven one yet !!

Almost non-existent ............. oh and I've driven plenty!!

Manual TL with Navi ?? Didn't know you could get them together?? Every 6 speed I've driven does not have Navi ?? Would be nice for sure!

i am Mun G35 for the g35 but i vote tl.... thats hjow spectacular the car is... true we have a 2003 but it's all the same... we dropped g35 cuz of its cheap interior and conceptish looks too... tl wont break as early as g35. Good luck and happy shopping.

go for a 04 maxima why? just trust me[142 mph]

04 max's are alright. The g35 sedans are ugly, if ur goin for a coupe go g35.
HOWEVER, on topic - id rather go for the TL, it looks like a real sharp car, brand new stylin that really grabs the attention of passerbys and motorists alike. Look around for opinions on the net like msn.com, and c what they say. Test drive both vehicles. Which ever one u feel u like better , than buy it. You know that we nobody can sway a persons opinion, so take em out for a joy ride and b wise, but happy in ur pick :)

I am in the same boat. The G35 Coupe is my favorite out of the TL, and G35 Sedan. However I am concerned that I will get tired of the G35 coupe after a year or so, so I may stick to a sport sedan as an every day car.

The TL is a very nice car, the Acura dealer let me keep it over night and I drove it to work and back and around the city. It can really move. The interior beats the G35 hands down just by the Voice activated, touch screen Navi system alone, top it off with a very good sound system, and cool looking instrument panel with blue lights. Also there is a blue light that comes down from the ceiling that shines down on the gear shift. Looks very cool at night! My only problem is the FWD, torque steer is a problem here, and the car just feels heavy when driving. I just sold my 04 Maxima for the same reason, I hated the torque steer and the heaviness and just wasn't that fun to drive after a few months. The torque steer in the Acura doesn't seem as bad as the Maxima, but it is pretty noticable.

The G35 Sedan is almost the exact opposite. The ride in this thing is amazing. It handles curves almost just as well as a BMW. The engine sounds sweet, and the thing just begs you to push it more. It does not seem heavy at all, and was very suprised when I saw the weight of this car is about 3400 pounds. Its like you are riding on air. The problems here are the exterior styling, the car seems a bit unproportional and I do not like that cheap plastic that goes all around the bottom of the car. There is a color matching body kit factory option that gets rid of that plastic, but its about 2000 extra. Also without the spoiler, the car IMO looks a bit funny. The spoiler does add a much needed sporty look however. The interior is sub par, it just looks cheap, especially with light seats (I perfer dark seats anyway). The Navi system is cool, but nothing compared to the TL's Navi. Its not voice activated nor, touch screen. Sound system is just OK, again, nothing compared to the TL.

I may never decide, or just end up getting both. (TL, and G35 coupe). But I guess it just depends on what is more important to you; the actual ride, or the ammenities. I am split right down the center. If I hadn't had the Maxima (which I choose over the G35 Sedan), I would get the TL hands down, but after experiencing torque steer first hand, it didn't take long for me to absolutely hate it, and last thing I want to do is make the same mistake twice. If you can sacrifice a bit of ride quality for the tons of standard features that the TL offers, I'd go with that. Get the Navi though, Not only is it the best I have seen, but without the Navi, the TL's radio panel looks cheap. If you are just looking for a fun ride that will never bore you, and don't really care about the extras, get the G35.

In a Car and Driver article about 35K sport sedans the top 3 were:
1. Infiniti G35 Manual Navi
2. BMW 325 Manual (No Navi, but it was still over 35 large)
3. Acura TL Manual Navi

Another thing that I have seen, is that Acuras tend to hold their value better than Infinities. An article in money magazine is projecting that the base TL will still be worth 19,600 after three years, about 57% of its original price.

Manual TL with Navi ?? Didn't know you could get them together?? Every 6 speed I've driven does not have Navi ?? Would be nice for sure!


Yep they exist, just very rare. The Acura dealership here has one 04 Manual with Navi left and about 4 05's manual Navis.

~ZyajZarc|craZjayZ, you still alive, you buy car, what gives, now you got me wanting to buy one, but which are you buying?

I owned a g35 2003 for the last two years and i'm now a owner of a TL 2005 since last week.
Never i'll own a Nissan/Infiniti product again.

I owned a g35 2003 for the last two years and i'm now a owner of a TL 2005 since last week.
Never i'll own a Nissan/Infiniti product again.

Do you have the 6-speed or Automatic TL? What didn't you like about the infiniti?

Automatic TL, White, spoiler.
My Infiniti dealer makes many and many frustrating errors. Also, I thing Infiniti sell a car who did not ready. Many recalls and TSB for rattles, fix.
When you buy this car level and two months later the company have a new release (2003.5) that suppose company use the first customers for trial the product. Never Infiniti send me an appreciation survey like many others company.
For the car itself, shape is superb, mechanical: one of the best. Interior materials are so so...
The heating system is not enough for winter, the tech said me do not put the blower at max because the heating radiator are to small for heat all the amount of air who pass through.
I sell the car with only 28,000km on it.
The Acura seems to have a better craftmanship and quality than Infiniti. If i have to buy a car for a race, i'll choose a G35, but for a daily car, the TL is perfect for me. Ask me the question again after the next two years!