New G35 vs. '06 BMW 3 Anyone?

[MVice]

I have to hand it to Infiniti for stirring the BMW loyalty pot. Although most Bimmer buyers are going to stick with it, G35 definitly stole a few patrons when they came out with the 260hp 3-fighter. It looks like the next Bimmer 3 will have 255hp to put BMW back on top (not that they were ever below), but before BMW can even answer the call, Infiniti is coming out with a 300hp (298 actually) '05 model w/ 6sp manual!

So the contenders then...

G35 - 3.5 V6 w/298hp vs. BMW 3 - 3.0L V6 w/255hp

Which is the king of the class?

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

Infiniti is always gonna be one step ahead in everything

[VQuick]

There will be a new "G35"(number and engine may be different) available around the same time as the new 3-series. It is speculated to have as much as 4.1L and 325hp. It'll be out in '06, at least in Japan. The US will probably get it a little later.

[porscheguy9999]

Originally Posted by MVice

G35 - 3.5 V6 w/298hp vs. BMW 3 - 3.0L V6 w/255hp

Which is the king of the class?

G35. Its built alot better than any BMW (they're built like crap). And I know that the current 3 Series has an I6 (inline 6) engine, but I'm not sure of this, but I think the next generation 3 will have a I6 (not a V6) , but with more power. Whereas the M3 goes from a powerful I6 (naturally aspirated, of course) to a more powerful V8.

Anyways, the G35 is much better.

[snowshoe427]

It depends on what criteria are most important to a prospective buyer, but BMW has been doing the sport coupe / sedan for a long time just as Porsche has done sports cars for a long time so, they both do an excellent job. I've got 62,000 miles on my 99 328i and have enjoyed every mile. The chassis, straight 6, sport seats, and steering are as good as it gets. The straight 6 is a sweet engine. The 5 speed gearbox and clutch takeup, however, do not feel as good as in my Honda Accord.

I drove an 04 Infiniti 6speed demo recently and was impressed. The chassis, steering, brakes seem fine. I prefer the G36 styling to the 06 BMW. The gearbox and clutch takeup are not as good as on my Honda Accord. The seats aren't as good as the BMW sport seats. I'd like to drive an 05 6speed, but the dealer didn't order any, so.... It seems they order mostly automatics loaded with the expensive option package-BMW does the same thing. Infiniti at least lets you order a car without the sunroof- important for tall guys as it adds additional headroom. Too bad they don't offer telescoping steering as a stand alone option. BMW used to offer the sunroof as a stand alone option thing on the 3 Series, but starting in 04 the sunroof was mandatory option. Don't know if it will be mandatory on the 06's.

It's likely the 06 BMW's will leapfrog the G35, but I'd rather that both cut down on the luxury stuff and focus on the driver stuff and get rid of some of the weight. Go drive a 2,500 lb. Mini Cooper, Caterham 7, or Cobra to see how the fun factor increases as the weight decreases.

[MVice]

I agree with all those who prefer the G over the 3. I love the 3's. Their interiors have so much fit and finish and seem to tight and well-made. But I have heard that the engines are not as maintenance free as ANY Japanese manufacturer, including Nissan-Infiniti. My father has a G and I recently took it for a joy ride at 2:30am on the highway just leaving the city. The thing accelerated hard to about 210km/h and then eased consistently (that is very consistently) to about 228km/h when I got freaked out and slowed down. I've heard they'll do about 250km/h or 150 mph Very impressive handling as well. I was considering a BMW for my next car, but can't argue with the value/luxury/performance of the G.

Cheers.

[porscheguy9999]

I'm replying about two people's posts.

MVice--
"I've heard they'll do about 250km/h or 150 mph"

150mph? I dont think so. It's a $30,000 sedan, not a $70,000 coupe. The top speed has got to be no more than 130mph (I dont know that for sure).

snowshoe427--
"It's likely the 06 BMW's will leapfrog the G35, but I'd rather that both cut down on the luxury stuff and focus on the driver stuff and get rid of some of the weight. Go drive a 2,500 lb. Mini Cooper, Caterham 7, or Cobra to see how the fun factor increases as the weight decreases."

If only there was a performance version of the G35... With 6 speed manual, weight reduction from alluminum components, light seats, light windows, no sunroof. With 17-18 inch racing wheels, Brembo's all around, sticky tires, bodykit w/spoiler, engine mods (intake, turbo/super charger, bored out V6, performance exhaust) with 320+ BHP because the 05 stock will have 298. Which would be available on both sedan and coupe variations. Making the seadn similar to the Nissan Altima SE-R (I think theres a Sentra with Enkei wheels/exhaust/bodykit, but I cant remember the name of it).

[MVice]

Originally Posted by porscheguy9999

I'm replying about two people's posts.

MVice--
"I've heard they'll do about 250km/h or 150 mph"

150mph? I dont think so. It's a $30,000 sedan, not a $70,000 coupe. The top speed has got to be no more than 130mph (I dont know that for sure).

snowshoe427--
"It's likely the 06 BMW's will leapfrog the G35, but I'd rather that both cut down on the luxury stuff and focus on the driver stuff and get rid of some of the weight. Go drive a 2,500 lb. Mini Cooper, Caterham 7, or Cobra to see how the fun factor increases as the weight decreases."

If only there was a performance version of the G35... With 6 speed manual, weight reduction from alluminum components, light seats, light windows, no sunroof. With 17-18 inch racing wheels, Brembo's all around, sticky tires, bodykit w/spoiler, engine mods (intake, turbo/super charger, bored out V6, performance exhaust) with 320+ BHP because the 05 stock will have 298. Which would be available on both sedan and coupe variations. Making the seadn similar to the Nissan Altima SE-R (I think theres a Sentra with Enkei wheels/exhaust/bodykit, but I cant remember the name of it).

Just did a little reading. The G35 is electronically limited to 142 mph. Incidently the speed I claimed to reach in my previous post was 228kph (141.6mph). That was in an '03 w/ 260hp. The new 6MT sedans have 298hp and I hope have been given freedom to hit 155 like most german performance sedans.

Secondly, the '05 model has 18 inch wheels with decent rubber and the coupe version has 19 inch wheels with great rubber. Also, for those of you who don't know, the G35 wears a Nissan badge in Japan and is actually the next generation Skyline. People keep thinking they will import the Skyline GTR-34 to the US as a left drive car but they WON'T. They don't even build it anymore. But Nissan is planning to build a GTR version of the new Skyline (our G35) with possibly more than 400hp. That's the Skyline that they are likely to import, and as a left drive car. I've heard late 06/07. Anyone else know anything about this?

[MVice]

Just one more thing...I don't retract anything that I said in my previous post. But does anyone know if this is actually the R-35 or just a concept?

[Bdetore]

The dealers are looking to about '07 for the skyline, and debating whether or not it'll be the v6 or the infiniti v8. Of course,... when was the last time a dealer actually understood let alone knew anything about mechanical information?

[TooMAX]

Originally Posted by porscheguy9999

150mph? I dont think so. It's a $30,000 sedan, not a $70,000 coupe. The top speed has got to be no more than 130mph (I dont know that for sure).

Hey, my 2.0 liter G20 could do 130 mph on the long flats of Nevada.... the G35 has twice the power and a bit better aerodynamics.

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

ok. Everyone.

I have a 2004 infiniti G35x.

First of all. The top speed ranges from 151 to 155mph. I know because my dad has gone that fast.

Secondly..... whats secondly? Anyways. I just wanna say that.

[gti1689]

the g35 is my choice. bmw has gone donwhill since bangle joined, and even if they were "better", in terms of handling dynamics, i would still go for a g35. a new model w/325hp sounds delicious. btw, i have been up to 140 in my car, but it can go a good bit faster. gearing tops out at 172 (5-speed auto sedan), and the limiter is at around 156.

[MVice]

I have to agree with you on the BMW styling. I think that the 7 was controversial (the rear of the car is elegant and attractive IMO, but the front is ugly). Then the 5 came out and looked completely objectional. The M5's body kit will make some marginal improvements. The new 3, although safely styled, still reminds me of some 80's car I can't put my finger on, especially from the back. Infiniti on the other hand is on a hot streak IMO. The G was and is still a huge hit, and the new M car looks like a great combination of mean/sporty styling on the exterior, with elegant luxurious styling inside. All in addition to a great V8 engine.

Does anyone know the facts about the GT-R35? Is it the Japanese Skyline that looks identical to the American Infiniti G35?

[G35cTurbo]

I believe the g35 is a much better car. The bmw has a more solid feel though.