Best Small level Luxury Sport Sedan

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

I'm gonna have to say infiniti G35. But you put these cars into your top Six, and give reasons!

1. Infiniti G35X with AWD its perfect in the winter. Most power, and the testers said it handled better than the BMW on the course.

2. Audi A4 3.0 with AWD also, its a great car when pushed to the limit.

3. Acura TL also AWD great on courser. Magazines tend to like them.

4. Cadillac CTS very fast, stylish and cool car. I heard it smoked a Lexus around a course.

5. BMW 330i frankley. I hate this car. I think it should die. So many people own them. its just a statis symbol so people can say "oh, i have a BMW" POS if ya ask me. Not as bad as Lexus though.

6. Lexus IS300. THey got the Luxury, but no performance to abck it up. THis thigns ok, but still a POS.

7. jaguar X-type simply a POS. Jaguar is failing and i think they should stop making cars

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by G35XAndTrailBlazer

Acura TL also AWD great on courser. Magazines tend to like them.

I could have swore it was FWD...

Anyways...I'd pick the 330Xi over the G35X b/c I heard that the AWD system doesnt really help that much...the Bimmer still has better handling and steering even though it is overpowered by the G35

3rd...I'd choose the Audi Quattro 6MT

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

If you heard that the AWD was bad. Tell whoever told you that they are sadely mistaken and are saying shit from there mouth.

We had 2 feet of snow drop last Friday. 2 feet! Our G went right through it. No sliding or slipping at all. The thing was perfect!

[CanucksRT]

^

I believe he meant on tracks and courses, it didn't make much difference between the AWD and RWD G35, that's what I've mostly read. But in the case of snow, most magazines don't test that.

And yes, the Acura TL is only FWD, the RL and AWD.

I don't really have a list, but I'd go with the G35 coupe.

[SuperHighOutput]

The CTS is my favorite in the category, with the G35 second. The X-Type sucks at everything performance oriented, and has terrible reliabilty as well.

[kman10587]

I'm comparing entry-level RWD luxury-sport sedans here.

1. Infiniti G35 - This car is simply amazing for the money. It has loads of power, unbelievable handling (second only to the 3 Series), a nice interior, a sweet six-speed, and great value. This is a 3 Series that sacrifices some refinement and athleticism for brute power, low price, and Japanese practicality.

2. BMW 3 Series - It's considerably more expensive than the G35, but it rewards you with a driving experience that simply can't be matched. The smoothness and precision of the steering, shifter, accelerator, brake pedal, and clutch are world-class. In addition, the 3 Series has a top-of-the-line interior and the best handling in its class. If it wasn't for the high price and the hit-or-miss dealership service, this'd be #1.

3. Lexus IS 300 - I'm sure I'll draw a lot of fire for this one. While it may not be quite as modern as its competitors, I've always appreciated the IS 300's well-composed chassis, excellent driving dynamics, and resilient suspension. The interior is very nice, and I really like the exterior design. All-in-all, a very good car, but not quite class leader material.

4. Cadillac CTS - A very good effort by Cadillac, and by no means a bad car (I just like the top three better). A powerful yet refined engine, a spacious and functional interior, and a smooth yet solid six-speed manual provide for a sporty ride that's unlike any Cadillac in the past 40 years.

5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class - This car just bores me. Bland styling, timid handling, and a soulless engine make for a pretty unengaging ride. The price is pretty high, too.

[DinanM3_S2]

I've seen this comparo about a million times...

1) BMW 330i - Pros: Styling, handling, transmission, interior, engine (supprisingly close to G35 despite power difference)
Cons: Cost, Cost, and Cost

I love what CAR says about the 3-series
For: Best car in segment
Against: Every man and his dog has one
Sum Up: Woof Woof Woof

I understand G35x's reasoning that there are too many of them, but I really think theres a good reason for it. I remember C&D's article comparing the 330i and G35 (not the 325i v G35 etc. article), and the BMW won. I am probably (definitly) baised towards the 3-series, but even if I wern't I still think I'd like it more. I don't like the contention that they are just a status car. If someone wanted a $35,000 status car, they'd buy a Lexus ES330. Not to say that alot of people don't buy it for the status, but I think theres as many as you see out there at least partially because its the best car in the segment.

2) Infiniti G35 - Pros: Cost, engine, handling only inferior to the 3-series
Cons: Styling (different isn't always good), Interior
Conclusion: Better then the 325i, not as good as the 330i, overall a very good car, but not quite perfect, will become worse with the arrival of the E90 330i and 325i next year. It is the best wannabe 3-series.

3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi.

[del]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

I've seen this comparo about a million times...

1) BMW 330i - Pros: Styling, handling, transmission, interior, engine (supprisingly close to G35 despite power difference)
Cons: Cost, Cost, and Cost

I love what CAR says about the 3-series
For: Best car in segment
Against: Every man and his dog has one
Sum Up: Woof Woof Woof

I understand G35x's reasoning that there are too many of them, but I really think theres a good reason for it. I remember C&D's article comparing the 330i and G35 (not the 325i v G35 etc. article), and the BMW won. I am probably (definitly) baised towards the 3-series, but even if I wern't I still think I'd like it more. I don't like the contention that they are just a status car. If someone wanted a $35,000 status car, they'd buy a Lexus ES330. Not to say that alot of people don't buy it for the status, but I think theres as many as you see out there at least partially because its the best car in the segment.

2) Infiniti G35 - Pros: Cost, engine, handling only inferior to the 3-series
Cons: Styling (different isn't always good), Interior
Conclusion: Better then the 325i, not as good as the 330i, overall a very good car, but not quite perfect, will become worse with the arrival of the E90 330i and 325i next year. It is the best wannabe 3-series.

3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi.

the new A4 is essentially the same car as the B6, different headlights and tail lights, not to mention the huge gril treatment. interior wise is the same with the exception of a new steering wheel and other minor details. the biggest news is under the hood. the tried and true 1.8t gets a much needed power boost to 200 thanks to .2 more liters. and i think the 3.2L V6 is at 255. some improvements, but not enough to call the next A4 'new' IMO.

anyway, my ranking is this:
1. 330i - had it been the lower model, this wouldnt' rank first
2. even though i own an A4, it's not a 330i. but Dinan makes a good piont, i see 3 series EVERYWHERE.
3. TL, yes it's fwd but man this this thing is beautiful. got to finally ride one, and if you didn't know it was FWD, it's the next best thing to the 3 series IMO.
4. G35x, styling is the main reason i ranked this car last amongst the cars i care to rank. somethign about it, esp the rear just dont' look right. and could use some lessons from audi and bmw on interior fit and finish otherwise a fine car.

the rest, while each has their merits don't impress me much.

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by G35XAndTrailBlazer

5. BMW 330i frankley. I hate this car. I think it should die. So many people own them. its just a statis symbol so people can say "oh, i have a BMW" POS if ya ask me. Not as bad as Lexus though.

ugh... obviously you've never driven one. The outgoing 3-series (E46) was still a better car than everything in its class, including the newly launched models from rivals. I havent driven the new one yet but it's supposed to be a substantial leap forward in every department. Easily my top pick out of all these cars even in it's current form.

[G35XAndTrailBlazer]

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

Thats also why i see woman driving them down the street and they go slow it just makes you want to rip their heads off.

"3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi."

I read an article saying the A4s AWD is inferior to the g35s and it is much mroe complex and very old technology. Read up msot comparisons and they will say that the g35 handles snow way better than the A4.

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by G35XAndTrailBlazer

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

You are a comedian, buddy.

[Andydg]

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

You are a comedian, buddy.

Yeah he is...in his profile it says he's 13

[del]

Originally Posted by G35XAndTrailBlazer

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

Thats also why i see woman driving them down the street and they go slow it just makes you want to rip their heads off.

"3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi."

I read an article saying the A4s AWD is inferior to the g35s and it is much mroe complex and very old technology. Read up msot comparisons and they will say that the g35 handles snow way better than the A4.

yeah, quattro is older technology than the system nissan uses for the G35x. but guess how much longer it's been around compared to. may be older but it's tried, proven and remains one of the best awd systems available. it's about time other luxury cars get with the times that audi's been in for years.

[Jimster]

Originally Posted by G35XandTrailblazer

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

Thats also why i see woman driving them down the street and they go slow it just makes you want to rip their heads off.

"3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi."

I read an article saying the A4s AWD is inferior to the g35s and it is much mroe complex and very old technology. Read up msot comparisons and they will say that the g35 handles snow way better than the A4.

You dropkick, Quattro is such an old technology because it's a PROVEN technology, why would Audi bother upgrading thier drive tain when it's superior to every AWD drivetrain out there except for that of Subaru?


And I seriously doubt you've driven a 3 series, I'd never let a 13 year old behind the wheel of my 330Ci, imagine the story you'd have to tell the insurance company if the kid stacked it? And while the suspensions are stiff, that's because they are SPORTS saloons and it's not nearly as bad as other cars I've driven. Mine doesn't rattle either.

[kman10587]

Originally Posted by Jimster

You dropkick, Quattro is such an old technology because it's a PROVEN technology, why would Audi bother upgrading thier drive tain when it's superior to every AWD drivetrain out there except for that of Subaru?

Agreed. Subaru is the AWD master because that's all they use. You could also make a case for Honda's SH-AWD being superior. But Quattro is definitely one of the best AWD systems out there; it's simple, effective, and proven.