Hi I'm in the market to buy another car and I'm deciding between these two, I'm looking for your opinions on them both, my driving preference is fast, looking for good handling, quick and a somewhat comfortable drive. Thanks!

which would you rather have and if you could, tell us why.


Some info

2005 G35 Coupe (base)

Engine Specs: 3.5L V-6 280 HP
Transmission: 5-spd tip auto w/OD
Fuel Economy City: 18.0 mpg
Fuel Economy Highway: 25.0 mpg
Bumper to Bumper Warranty: 48/60,000 (months/miles)

What Edmunds.com Says:
Infiniti's rear-drive G35 is a BMW 3 Series fighter if ever there was one. A discussion of the G must start with what's underneath. Like the 350Z, both the sedan and coupe are built on Nissan's FM platform. FM stands for "Front Midship" and refers to the positioning of the engine. Compared to most front-engine cars, Infiniti's engineers have located the G35's V6 further rearward behind the front wheels to improve balance and handling. Dimensionally, the G35 sedan is bigger than most of its competition. For instance, the G35 is 186.5 inches long, about 10 inches longer than the BMW 330i and IS 300. It's also taller than most. This doesn't translate to extra weight, however, as both G35s weigh about as much as their peers. Weight savings comes from a carefully designed body structure, an aluminum hood and extensive use of aluminum for the front and rear suspension components. The performance equation gets even better when you check out the engine. Under the hood of every G35 is a 3.5-liter V6 similar to that found in the Nissan 350Z, Maxima and Altima. This advanced V6 features 24 valves, dual-overhead cams, variable valve timing and an electronically controlled throttle. Output is rated at 280 hp in coupes and sedans equipped with an automatic transmission; opt for the six-speed manual in either and you'll top out at 298. The driver is greeted by a T-shaped instrument panel that is modern in appearance. Once strapped in, the driver might notice that the driver seat is actually different from the front-passenger seat. The seat cushion has a special center-mound shape that contains firmer foam to support the driver better during sporty driving. Other features include a gauge cluster that tilts in tandem with the steering wheel (though there is no telescope function), an optional and concealable LCD screen for the navigation system and an analog clock. Infiniti's target from the beginning was to create a high level of driving performance in a package that offers day-to-day functionality. If you are shopping for an entry-luxury sport coupe or sedan, this is one that you'll want to check out.



vs.


2005 350z Coupe (base)

Engine Specs: 3.5L V-6 287 HP
Transmission: 6-spd man w/OD
Bumper to Bumper Warranty: 36/36,000 (months/miles)

What Edmunds.com says:

Few Nissan products have a more loyal following than the Z. Light, nimble, sporty and affordable, the original 1970 Datsun 240Z was the company's first big success in America. Prospective owners had to wait nearly six months to get one. Horsepower was set at 150, and the car listed at $3,526. Though it became increasingly heavier and more luxurious, the Z continued to sell well throughout the '70s and '80s. In 1990, Nissan debuted an all-new 300ZX. The car had a 222-hp V6 and a completely new body and interior. Later in the model year, a twin-turbo 300ZX went on sale with 300 horsepower. By the mid-'90s, however, the sports car market was shrinking. A strong yen also caused the Z's price to skyrocket. Sales slid and Nissan pulled the plug on the 300ZX in 1996. Within the depths of Nissan, however, the eternal light wasn't quite extinguished. In 1999, the Z Concept first appeared on the auto show circuit. Created in secret by a team of designers at Nissan's Southern California studios, this metallic orange car relied heavily on cues from the first-generation 240Z. Its styling wasn't perfect, and the hardware underneath was mostly 240SX, but it was enough to get Nissan's top execs -- as well as the public -- excited about another Z. So now, almost a decade later, the Z is back, as is Nissan. This latest iteration stays true to the sports car formula: two seats, front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and a tidy size. T-tops aren't available but a roadster is, and there is no 2+2 variant. Nissan wants the Z to be accessible, so it's priced less like the semi-exotic '90-'96 car and more like the original 240Z. The 350Z is built on Nissan's FM platform. FM (front midship) refers to the positioning of the engine. Compared to most front-engine cars in which a considerable amount of engine weight is placed over the front wheels, the 350Z's engine is located further rearward behind the front wheels. Therefore, the Z isn't a true front midengine car, but the gains from this platform are tangible and real. It boasts a compact engine compartment, a long wheelbase, wide wheel tracks, short overhangs and a 53-to-47 front-to-rear weight bias. Compared to a '91 300ZX, it's about the same length, but with a better weight bias and a much longer wheelbase. Handling, as you might imagine, is fantastic. Moreover, the standard 287-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is a smooth and potent companion. Blast through the gears and there's a constant, insistent rush apt to make even the most jaded driver grin like a grade-schooler driving a go-kart. Of course, you can get an automatic transmission, too. And if you want to feel the sun on your face, then there's always the drop-top version. Although several other manufacturers have introduced performance cars in this price range over the last few years, the 350Z remains an excellent buy for enthusiastic drivers who don't want to spend big bucks.

 

Poll added

To be honest the major difference is looks, dealer service and one seats 2 and one seats 4. Both have the same engine, sound the same, brakes, crappy interiors, small trunks and similar quality/reliability issues. The Z handles tighter being the smaller one and the G35 is a GT that handles well. Both have very good aftermarket support.

Funny in the past I would have said G35 easily but the 350Z has grown on me over time. I would go for the sportier car here. I can accept the crappy interior in the 350Z but I can't get past it in the G35.

A few guys here own one/both etc so hopefully they chime in.

 

Well said Mike. I have three friends with obsidian black G35 coupes, and although the interiors are crap, it is a very clean GT. To the OP, it really depends on what you want. The G is a GT and more comfortable and the Z is a more hardcore sports car. In your requirements, you mention "comfort" which the Z is not. My pick is the G.

 

Thanks for adding the poll, I saw that they are basically the same car, it just comes down to what kind of consumer you are, personally I look for the raw performance in a car and from what your saying with the Z being smaller and lighter it makes the handling better and the car quicker off the start.

 

Thanks. Good post.

Yup. Nissan did a great job making them different though they are so similar. Most reviews say the G35 is simply a nicer 350Z which is a good thing driving wise.

Drive both a few times and I think it becomes obvious which one you will want.

 

If you are talking about the G35 coupe I would go with the coupe. I highly considered getting the G35 coupe at one time but the lack of luggage space, some reliability issues, and lacking in interior quality(silver painted plastic peeling, flimsy cheap buttons, etc) steered me to a GS or 5 series. Even with those negatives with the coupe I still loved it, I thought it was one of the best looking coupes on the market. To this day it is one of the best looking 2 doors on the road. I think it is a better looking design then the current G37 coupe but the G37 has a much higher quality interior.

The G35 coupe also actually out handled the 350Z in some situations due to its longer wheelbase making it more stable and get better skidpad numbers, I find it much better looking then the 350Z inside and out. Even though the interior of the G35 is on the low quality side it is still nicer then the awful 350Z. If you take trips or need to carry anything you can cross out the 350Z because it is a 2 seater and there is a big thick rear strut bar eating storage in the trunk/rear.

In 2005 there was a interior update that addressed some of the quality/material issues. Expect gas mileage to be a good deal worse then the ratings with the VQ and nasty vibrations to make its way through the shifter.

Here is a review
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...oupe-road_test
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...0ci/index.html
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...6mt/index.html

 

Former Z owner here. If you are looking for a somewhat comfortable drive, then the Z is out of the question. The Z is not comfortable at all, and rides rough. If you have a passenger, they will not be pleased. It is also not practical because of the 2-seats and the rear bar taking up trunk space. I loved that car, and I wouldn't change a thing, but it's a pretty raw sports car def. for the driver.

That said, yes, both the G and the Z do not have Lexus-quality interior (duh) but IMO the Z actually has the better interior design and layout out of the 2. My friend owns a G35, so we have plenty of experience in both, and cockpit is definitely nicer inside the Z. Also, the materials are not as bad as some of you described. I had a 2003 and the only rattle I ever had came from the rear mirror which I easily fixed with some silicone. Otherwise the car feels VERY solid, and despite its weight, very nimble.

As others mentioned, this is a decision between a sports car and a GT. Good luck!

 

Insurance on the Z will most likely be double of the G.

 

I would go with the G35 coupe, it has the rear seats, is not as harsh and I just think it looks better.

 

I like the G, has plenty of HP for daily driving, is comfortable (more so than the Z) but it has crappy truck space (not sure but I think the Z probably has crappy trunk space as well).

Main thing is, Z is a manual and the G35 is not... so obviously the G35 will not be as fun to drive as you aren't as engaged.

 

id go with the Z myself. but depending on your situation (family, passengers, loading stuff, gas, etc.) it might be better to go with the G35. as PhilipMSPT stated, the Z will more than likely be double in terms of insurance which will be a huge factor. hope you get the car you want, my friend!