05 Infiniti G35 vs 05 Mustang GT

[TheWorm]

So funny, I was just about to post that I saw the new 'stang for the first time this afternoon, and it was one of those "it looks great in pics but not so much in person."

I haven't driven one (and honestly wouldn't consider it vs a G35 coupe, which I've had for over a year now), but I'd guess that even if the Mustang is faster in a straight line (dunno the specs), the G will be better on the curves.

I've had -zero- problems w/the G in 14 months of ownership. It's a stellar car and VERY well priced for what you get (mine is loaded w/everything but navigation, and was around $35k).

Not to mention superior reliability and resale on the Infiniti (despite years of poor resale on that brand, the G retains value very well).

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by TheWorm
So funny, I was just about to post that I saw the new 'stang for the first time this afternoon, and it was one of those "it looks great in pics but not so much in person."

I haven't driven one (and honestly wouldn't consider it vs a G35 coupe, which I've had for over a year now), but I'd guess that even if the Mustang is faster in a straight line (dunno the specs), the G will be better on the curves.

I've had -zero- problems w/the G in 14 months of ownership. It's a stellar car and VERY well priced for what you get (mine is loaded w/everything but navigation, and was around $35k).

Not to mention superior reliability and resale on the Infiniti (despite years of poor resale on that brand, the G retains value very well).

I know what you mean about comparing the Mustang to the G35. THey are completely different cars. I guess why I liked the Mustang is it is so differnent that what I have owned before. The G35/TL are just too similar to what I have owned lately. The STi was fun, but not a "muscle car", then the 330i was fun, but not sporty enough. So now I really figure that if I am going to deal with getting a new car I want it to be something completely different and new. I have driven many G35s on the track so the "new" feeling wouldnt be there. The TL is way nice, but I guess its not as different as I want. I want that feeling of being blown away with something fun and new. Not sure if that makes sense, but I will probably just stick with the Pilot/Accord combo until I can swing an M3 or Vette. Just not worth all the hassle dealers put you through. I think I would get bored with a G or TL as quickly as any other car. The mustang seemed like a car I would tinker with forever and not get bored. Oh well.

[johnabrown]

Originally posted by Oahu_Dave


I know what you mean about comparing the Mustang to the G35. THey are completely different cars. I guess why I liked the Mustang is it is so differnent that what I have owned before. The G35/TL are just too similar to what I have owned lately. The STi was fun, but not a "muscle car", then the 330i was fun, but not sporty enough. So now I really figure that if I am going to deal with getting a new car I want it to be something completely different and new. I have driven many G35s on the track so the "new" feeling wouldnt be there. The TL is way nice, but I guess its not as different as I want. I want that feeling of being blown away with something fun and new. Not sure if that makes sense, but I will probably just stick with the Pilot/Accord combo until I can swing an M3 or Vette. Just not worth all the hassle dealers put you through. I think I would get bored with a G or TL as quickly as any other car. The mustang seemed like a car I would tinker with forever and not get bored. Oh well.

How about the Mazda RX-8?. Looks good/non-mainstream. Excellent performance (with stick-shift) and likely to be very reliable. Has coupe looks with added practicality of "suicide" doors and rear seats.

Having said that, it sounds to me like you really want someone to convince you to go with the Mustang .

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by johnabrown


How about the Mazda RX-8?. Looks good/non-mainstream. Excellent performance (with stick-shift) and likely to be very reliable. Has coupe looks with added practicality of "suicide" doors and rear seats.

Having said that, it sounds to me like you really want someone to convince you to go with the Mustang .

Naw, drove an RX-8 on the track and was very disappointed. Also do not like the looks. Was really wanting to go with someone different than I have had before. STi sort of took care of the import sports car need, 330i took care of the sorta wanna-be luxury need so really what is left is some american muscle, but nothing really out there and I cant afford a Vette. GTO is just not impressive looking either. The only car really piquing my interest now is "maybe" a 350z, but they are also underpowered.

I'm putting the purchase on hold until I can dig up something I like. Liked everything I read about the Mustang, but was disappointed with it in person.

[robrecht]

Mahalo, Dude, but the Vette & the Z only have 2 seats. Are you changing the rules on us? If we're talking 'bout sports cars, think about the S2k--for your price range it's pretty good.

But if you really want a 'Vette, don't settle for used--the new one is just too nice--muscle car rediscovering its sports car inspiration. Poor man's Supercar.

If you're really going sports car, ie, relatively light 2-seater, at least test drive a Lotus Elise--it wouldn't kill you to tet drive light perfection on wheels.

But finally, if you can't yet really commit to a real muscle car or a real sports car, consider a third car--the poor man's sports car--forced induction early Miata. Don't laugh. Dirt cheap. Reliable as air. Fun as sunshine in your eyes and wind in your hair. If it's not you're DD, don't worry 'bout tinkering with a TC or SC (Miata engine was previously designed as a turbo). Don't get me wrong, the Miata won't meet all your "needs," but it's a cheap 3rd car until you decide what you really want, ie, until you can afford a new 'Vette.

Anyway, keep us posted. Some of us Walter Mitty Dads are depending on you & rr for our vicarious thrills!

[a2Pilot]

I saw the new Mustang today while helping my father-in-law shop for an F250. (Long story) Anyway, the Mustang styling is absolutely beautiful. I love it. The review in Car and Driver was good, but I have not driven one myself. There's just something I really like about the Mustang...................

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by a2Pilot
I saw the new Mustang today while helping my father-in-law shop for an F250. (Long story) Anyway, the Mustang styling is absolutely beautiful. I love it. The review in Car and Driver was good, but I have not driven one myself. There's just something I really like about the Mustang...................

Yeah, I thought the same until I saw it in person. Its funny how people either hate it or love it. I hated it. Did not like the interior, the rear. So much about it I did not like. Too bad as they had a Black premium they let me drive and it was exactly what I was shopping for. Oh well.

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by robrecht
Mahalo, Dude, but the Vette & the Z only have 2 seats. Are you changing the rules on us? If we're talking 'bout sports cars, think about the S2k--for your price range it's pretty good.

But if you really want a 'Vette, don't settle for used--the new one is just too nice--muscle car rediscovering its sports car inspiration. Poor man's Supercar.

If you're really going sports car, ie, relatively light 2-seater, at least test drive a Lotus Elise--it wouldn't kill you to tet drive light perfection on wheels.

But finally, if you can't yet really commit to a real muscle car or a real sports car, consider a third car--the poor man's sports car--forced induction early Miata. Don't laugh. Dirt cheap. Reliable as air. Fun as sunshine in your eyes and wind in your hair. If it's not you're DD, don't worry 'bout tinkering with a TC or SC (Miata engine was previously designed as a turbo). Don't get me wrong, the Miata won't meet all your "needs," but it's a cheap 3rd car until you decide what you really want, ie, until you can afford a new 'Vette.

Anyway, keep us posted. Some of us Walter Mitty Dads are depending on you & rr for our vicarious thrills!

Yeah I sorta changed the rules when I could not find a good 4 seater. I think the Elise is about the best car in the world. If you want handling and a sh!tload of fun I think it is the ONLY way to go.

S2000's are friggin awesome. Friend has a supercharged one on Oahu and it is scary fast. Being a Honda doesnt hurt either.

As for Miata I just couldnt do it. I would rather stash the money in a 1 year CD and then shop again next year.

In regards to the S2K and Elise those are great for what they are. I think I really wanted something like I had never owned/driven before. I have a lot of seat time in S2Ks and G35s and other imports. I have mostly owned all imports and really was hoping to find some sweet american muscle, but the Stang ang GTO let me down. I am investigating the availability of the Elise in the area. Drove another S2K a couple weekends ago and its still awesome, but I did not get the new feeling as I have spent a lot of time in them.

Who knows. I'm like a woman (no offense PilotMom) just hard to please. I want one thing and then the next day something else. I probably need to check it as in the past 7 years I have never had a car longer than 9-10 months. Gets too darn expensive trading all the time.

I guess now it's between dumping money on an Elise/S2K if we can deal with a car with 2 seats or just waiting for a bit for a better 4 seater in the future.

[robrecht]

2 or 4. If you gotta have 4 seats--sounds like you won't be satisfied with anything short of a 911. If you go for 2, go light with the Elise or muscular with the new 'vette.

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by robrecht
2 or 4. If you gotta have 4 seats--sounds like you won't be satisfied with anything short of a 911. If you go for 2, go light with the Elise or muscular with the new 'vette.

Agreed. Elise is just amazing and you can pick them up for less than the S2K I have been hearing. Something about owning a Lotus just sounds pleasant.

[robrecht]

Originally posted by Oahu_Dave


Agreed. Elise is just amazing and you can pick them up for less than the S2K I have been hearing. Something about owning a Lotus just sounds pleasant.

Less than an S2k? Really? Wow!

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by robrecht
Less than an S2k? Really? Wow!

Nevermind, I must have been high when I read some article. S2k is like $32k starting, Elise is $40k. Maybe the S2K is looking nicer.

[macroy]

Originally posted by Oahu_Dave


Yeah I sorta changed the rules when I could not find a good 4 seater. I think the Elise is about the best car in the world. If you want handling and a sh!tload of fun I think it is the ONLY way to go.

S2000's are friggin awesome. Friend has a supercharged one on Oahu and it is scary fast. Being a Honda doesnt hurt either.

As for Miata I just couldnt do it. I would rather stash the money in a 1 year CD and then shop again next year.

In regards to the S2K and Elise those are great for what they are. I think I really wanted something like I had never owned/driven before. I have a lot of seat time in S2Ks and G35s and other imports. I have mostly owned all imports and really was hoping to find some sweet american muscle, but the Stang ang GTO let me down. I am investigating the availability of the Elise in the area. Drove another S2K a couple weekends ago and its still awesome, but I did not get the new feeling as I have spent a lot of time in them.

Who knows. I'm like a woman (no offense PilotMom) just hard to please. I want one thing and then the next day something else. I probably need to check it as in the past 7 years I have never had a car longer than 9-10 months. Gets too darn expensive trading all the time.

I guess now it's between dumping money on an Elise/S2K if we can deal with a car with 2 seats or just waiting for a bit for a better 4 seater in the future.

You looking to track this car only? Elise isn't really something you drive around on a sat. Its a GREAT car... on the track. But you may end up rattling out your teeth driving it around town.

IMO - The G is one of the most beautiful cars one the road right now. I sometimes wish I got that rather than the M (just for a minute).... But then I remember how "ugly" Nissan/Infiniti interiors are to me. But that car even sounds good...

S2K - never driven it. But my buddy, who also has a M3 swears that its more fun than the M. He basically "upgraded" from a S2K to a M3.... but then realized that it wasn't an upgrade. So bought another s2k. And besides, like all Japanese cars... you can make that into a 500HP rocket for less than 10K (so i'm told).

I have a 00 TL... and its probably the best all around car for the price. The new one's are also much better looking (the old style was very bland). But it is a sedan... and drives like one. You'd never throw those around a turn.

Also, the 330 is supposed to come out with a performance package (drove one down in SC a month ago). No M3, but its much stiffer than the stock 330.

Just my .02 - good luck on your search.

[Oahu_Dave]

Originally posted by macroy


You looking to track this car only? Elise isn't really something you drive around on a sat. Its a GREAT car... on the track. But you may end up rattling out your teeth driving it around town.

IMO - The G is one of the most beautiful cars one the road right now. I sometimes wish I got that rather than the M (just for a minute).... But then I remember how "ugly" Nissan/Infiniti interiors are to me. But that car even sounds good...

S2K - never driven it. But my buddy, who also has a M3 swears that its more fun than the M. He basically "upgraded" from a S2K to a M3.... but then realized that it wasn't an upgrade. So bought another s2k. And besides, like all Japanese cars... you can make that into a 500HP rocket for less than 10K (so i'm told).

I have a 00 TL... and its probably the best all around car for the price. The new one's are also much better looking (the old style was very bland). But it is a sedan... and drives like one. You'd never throw those around a turn.

Also, the 330 is supposed to come out with a performance package (drove one down in SC a month ago). No M3, but its much stiffer than the stock 330.

Just my .02 - good luck on your search.

Yeah I agree with you on all points. I wouldnt not go with the G35, 330 or TL just because it is not different enough. It would just be an upgrade I suppose. The Elise and S2K would be different enough for me to enjoy the newness. The S2K is about $3k for supercharger that makes it a rocket. It is by no means an upgrade from an M3, in any way. I like M3s, but having done the STi and 330i it would be too similar.

I don't know. We are moving and looking at a house now so the car is off until we figure that out. Need the extra $$$ in the bank to make the loan go through easier.

[aeubank]

Speaking as both an owner of a 2003 G35 (and 2005 Pilot), I find the G to be a very nice car even after 20 months of ownership. It's fast (for an automatic), agile and smooth as a baby's bottom!! The wife drives it and she loves it. I refuse to drive a sports car like that with an automatic tranny...

I love it because the cost of a 350Z on insurance is almost double that of the G because of the rear (2+2) seating..

Now, as for the Mustang, I'm not a fan of the retro look. Looks like Ford is doing well with the Mustang and Thunderbird.. Godd for them, but it's not me..