I have an IS350 and am thinking about upgrading my wife's Accord to either a GS350 or an M. So which, between the M35 and the M45, would be the apples to apples comparison? Based on mfr 0-60 times, it looks to me like the M45 is it. I'm assuming the powerplant in the GS350 is as sweet as the one in my IS. If so, it will likely take the V8 from Infiniti to match up. Has anyone done a comparison (seat of the pants or otherwise) between the M35 and the GS350? If so, how do they measure up?

 

v6 to v6 and never any other way, each specific model line usually has a direct/similar vehicles in their respective segment

GS350 to M35
GS430/460 to M45/M50

 

I only test drove the M35x because the M45x was not available at that time. I would agree with Kev here, V6 vs V6 and V8 vs V8. And assuming that's the comparison, GS350 > M35.

 

Ordinarily, I would have looked at it that way as well. But, the performance of the GS350 (at least straight line) suggests it might compare better with the M45 which has a higher price point than the M35.

FWIW, I am comparing 2007 models with the intention of purchasing CPO.

 

no, you can just say the gs350 is much faster than the m35. but you really can't compare it with the m45. v8 is a different car

 

Fair enough. Though I will add that my v6 IS compares (acceleration, torque, handling) very favorably with my '99 540i which was a v8. Again, that's a seat-of-the-pants comparison. When it comes to reliability and general satisfaction, I've never owned a car that measures up to the IS. I'd simply get another. But, we need more back seat room in at least one of our cars.

 

no desire for BMW 550i?

 

When you say "M" remember that means BMW's marque

GS 350 vs M35 which will become M37 soon
GS 460 vs M45 which will become M50 soon
GS 450h has no competitor from Infiniti

You can get AWD in the M45, you also get hit with a gas guzzler tax.

The amazing thing is the GS 350 is pretty much as fast as the M45 and GS 460.

The new V-6s really give V-8s a run for their money.

 

Also, for '09 the M35 gets the same V6 as in the current G35 (apprx 306hp) mated to a new 7spd auto transmission (current M35 has 270hp and 5sp AT). If you get the M35 sport, you get paddle shifters that rev-match along with aluminum pedals, something to consider if you place sportiness above luxury - I wish my 3GS had these goodies. . .

 

same here. the infiniti is more of a drivers car. better brakes, steering, and suspension ( sporty), but lacks the total refinement of the lexus. I do wish that the GS had paddle shifters, better brakes, and more direct steering. ( oh yeah...also a big fat set of sway bars). I went with the lexus over the M ( infiniti mark as well, not just BMW) because I thought it was a better looking car, with a nicer interior, plus I had an infiniti before. If the M now has the 7 speed and more power I may have gone with the M35 instead, but at the time of my purchase the lexus was top notch imo.

I do have to say the V8's are gonna be a thing of the past. Most modern v6's will out perform most of the V8's from just 5 years ago.

 

I 100% agree the GS needs paddle shifters. I loved the e-shift on my 400 and IS300. I love driving the 2IS or IS-F with paddle shifters.

I just don't like the gated shifter on the console.

 

I didn't buy the M35x because it looks thicker, on top of that, it's a little slower and is less efficient.

 

i think i would go with the M45, V8's are awesome!

 

I cant remeber the last time I drove a car with a V8. I have driver almost strictly V6's or my friends v10 M6. It still doesnt blow me away. when they tell you 507 hp they fail to includee the fact that his m6 convertible ( yes he went without the carbon fiber roof) weighs in at almost 4300 lbs. I love V6's. More reliable, better efficiency, and cheaper with similar power as V8's but just a tad less torque. Infiniti's 3.7 liter VQ (bullet proof motor) puts out 330 hp. That will crush most of the V8's out there.

 

Actually the new 3.7 is rated more powerful but is no faster or barely faster than the last 3.5 b/c of weight. With 330hp, the G37 is slower than the IS 350 and on par with the GS 350.

I agree that these new age V-6s are incredible but the sound of a V-8 is just intoxicating, as well as the low end torque.