Just by the numbers, the G35c gets slightly better handling #'s than the 350Z - check the road tests by the car magazines !!

 

oh, boy.
r u an editor at car n driver or something like that? that is the "best used cars under 25 grand" review of the year, people. now, i don't know what i want anymore, j/k
i greatly appreciate your help, as well as every other members' input. I guess i can't go wong with any car mentioned above, although G35 tops most members' list, including mine. u know what, i need to test drive a G35 first, cuz like most members said, it's really a personal preference since they are both great cars. i also like the se-r and rx-8, they have good power especially the se-r. not a big fan of miata for some reason, maybe because of the name...lol dunno.
any other recommendations or suggestions, keep them coming, please!

 

amethysc, why do u need both sc430 and g35 in your garage, don't be so greedy, sell the G to me. j/k

 

Nope.....I don't work for a magazine. Just a longtime member of CL and CAR CHAT.....and been reviewing cars for a long time.

More recommendations?

Among sedans, in the roughly-25K range you could choose between a new Subaru Impreza WRX or a used STi.
http://www.subaru.com/shop/overview....mmand=overview

The WRX is a delightful little sports sedan, ( or Sport Wagon if your wife needs the extra room for groceries ) with Subaru's proven AWD system and a turbo 230 HP flat-four. The AWD grips a dry road like glue. The engine doesn't have a huge amount of low-end torque but above 3500 RPM takes off like a scared cat. The Sti is even more powerful, ( 300 HP ) has a driver-controlled adjustible center-differential, an even more aggressive chassis and Brembo brakes, but rides harshly, is not a particularly good daily driver, expensive to insure, and, because of its scarcity as a new car, will be hard-to-find on the used car lot. New Sti's, being 30K and up, will probably be out of your price range. In spite of the AWD, for winter it will probably be necessary to get good snow tires for both the WRX and STi, as, unlike other Subarus, they don't come with mud-and snow-rated tires.....their factory tires, not surprisingly, are designed for dry-weather sport-sedan performance.

 

I think the 350z is a little faster because it has a different exhaust. Check the hp numbers if you dont believe me. But if it was me id go for the g35c with no question i dont like the handles on the z or the rear to much. I love the Leds on the g35.

 

Turbo cars usually are less dependable and the wrx isnt really fast on the highway but how about considering a gs400 or gs430? Both as fast or even faster than the g35 and 350z. Just an opinion.

 

I agree....the GS 400 / 430 has power, reliability, and refinement, but its chassis, especially stock, is not quite what you would call a true sport sedan. I thought he would want something that handles a little more aggressively....but of course, only he can decide that.

 

i would get the g35c as well, better overall car

 

G35 is sexier than the Z and sounds more raspy. I like it better

 

Actually the 350z is only a hair faster because of weight and possible the carbon fiber driveshaft. That's it. The all dyno the same however. G35 vs 350z. A g35 sedan just ran 13.7 at 103~ mph this past friday with only cats, ztube and K&N drop in.