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Acura TL vs Infiniti G35 vs BMW 330xi

247 messages,  Last post on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:38 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Infiniti G35, BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 22 of 26

#204 of 247 Re: why hp? [kdshapiro] by habitat1

May 24, 2006 (1:45 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (May 23, 2006 5:01 pm)
kdshapiro,
 
I think you are wasting your breath on factfinder. I submit two pieces of evidence:
 
Item #1, his statement: "Torque is really what gives the driving experience."
 
Item #2: He drives a slush box.
 
The G35 is a decent car, but I think the above two items of evidence should tell you that his definition of "driving experience" and yours (or mine) is worlds apart. I would submit that anyone that voluntarily drives an automatic "sport" sedan (oxymoron aside) isn't likely to appreciate the finer points of handling, steering, braking, and obviously, the control and enjoyment of a precise short throw manual. To each their own, I guess.

#205 of 247 Re: why hp? [kdshapiro] by goodegg

May 24, 2006 (5:06 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (May 23, 2006 5:01 pm)
the buttery smooth handling of a BMW is more important than winning the stop light race
 
But there are so many more stop lights than there are tight ess turns to weave in and out of. So the buttery thing leaves your hands greasy more often than not.
 
And most of us can't fit comfortably in a 3er.

#206 of 247 Re: why hp? [leadfoot6] by kdshapiro

May 24, 2006 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: goodegg (May 24, 2006 5:06 pm)
"And most of us can't fit comfortably in a 3er"
 
Most of us don't drive *your* car.
 
Of course if winning a stop-light race is your thing, you should go for it.

#207 of 247 Re: 06 Acura TL vs InfinitiG35 vs BMW 330xi [sidpaul] by arobs

May 26, 2006 (11:49 am)

Replying to: sidpaul (Nov 03, 2005 11:39 pm)
I purchased my G35 coupe about 6 months ago and love love love it. I researched against the TL, and the rear wheel of the G made it the obvious choice for me. The TL has far superior interior detailining including a much better NAV.
I didnt look at the BMW ( didnt want German).
 
The only negative is that i am only getting only about 15 miles per gallon...
 
good luck
 
Andrew

#209 of 247 Re: why hp? [leadfoot6] by factfinder

May 31, 2006 (10:36 am)

Replying to: goodegg (May 24, 2006 5:06 pm)
Agreed. I use to date a gal who had a 2002 3 series and for the life of me, I don't understand what handling advantage these bimmer lovers think the 3 has over the G. It's a little smoother, but that is it. The car sits on the ground.
 
The G is an overall stronger package--power, handling & looks. Infiniti melted these 3 attributes together quite well.

#210 of 247 Re: why hp? [kdshapiro] by factfinder

May 31, 2006 (10:39 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (May 23, 2006 5:01 pm)
If gas prices are a concern, get a hybrid. People who buy these cars should be able to afford the gas without crying about it.

#211 of 247 Re: why hp? [factfinder] by kdshapiro

Jun 01, 2006 (2:53 am)

Replying to: factfinder (May 31, 2006 10:39 am)
"I don't understand what handling advantage these bimmer lovers think the 3 has over the G. It's a little smoother, but that is it. The car sits on the ground."
 
"If gas prices are a concern, get a hybrid. People who buy these cars should be able to afford the gas without crying about it."
 
I'm glad you like the G and also glad you like paying the price at the pump. In the application of the G I'm not sure where the hp advantage really translates into an advantage of the car overall against the BMW. In the class the G is in hp isn't the end all and it's a thirsty car.
 
As you say the BMW is a little smoother and the G has a little more horsepower, but that's it.

#212 of 247 G35 and 330xi [kdshapiro] by circlew

Jun 14, 2006 (4:33 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Jun 01, 2006 2:53 am)
I lease the E90 330xi and test drove the G35 coupe. Not apples to apples but handling in the G was excellent but wind ni\oise was noticable. The difference between the 2 come down to choise of style and driving feel which for me is edged by the Bimmer. In the power distribution, coupe felt faster low end, bimmer more controlled at speed.
 
I also test drove a 300 SRT8 which is 425/420 hp/Tq and has the Bembro brakes. My take was this was a fast, well performing car but way less refined than the foreign competition. We won't get into gas mileage because as you say, you should know what you are getting into up front. I think some folks might expect too much from 1 vehicle which are designed for ever more specific modes of getting around.

#213 of 247 Re: first impression G35 [v_lad] by rward

Jul 13, 2006 (9:37 am)

Replying to: v_lad (May 23, 2006 8:22 pm)
Hi everyone ,
 
this is my first post on this forum. Having leased a 2004 BMW 325I with sports and premium packages with smg transmission and now owning a 2005 G35, loaded with manual transmission for four months, I thought I should compare the two cars for anyone looking to buy one or the other.
 
Although both cars are marketed to the same audience, I find them completely different. The G35 is much larger feeling and driving wise except for the drivers position in which there are several ergonomic issues, that make the driver feel a little cramped. Left shoulder, left knee and right knee bump into areas of the cabin that never were an issue in the smaller 325I. Drivers seat controls on right seat bolster are a real issue if you are over six feet tall. See other forums on this subject but you have been warned here. Otherwise your family will thank you for buying the g35 as mine has when it comes to their comfort.
 
However, I guess I should start off by saying right away that I miss the BMW a lot. Most important isuue in a sports sedan should be to me anyway how it handles. It handled perfect. No comparison to the G35. I really felt one with the road. The g35 feels heavy in comparison and the way over-active stability control that kicks in a lot when I drive around a corner is a pain.
 
G35 engine is much more powerful, duh!, but has a lot of vibration that you feel through the clutch and gear shift knob. Clutch is a little heavy and requires a little to much attention to itself when letting it out to shift smoothly. However, to be fair,the SMG in Bmw was fun for awhile but stay away and stick with BMW's excellent manuals.
 
Sports LUXURY sedan. Bmw has less bling appeal on the surface but offers way more. Things missing or not quite right on the g35 are no night light on the shifter, no day running lights, cigarette lighters turn off when car is off, seperate key fob on manual in 2005 anyway, no auto door lock when car starts, lots of squeeks in my car anyway, right center armrest on manual is useless, high beem color is off, low beems are not the small round type so the light pattern is not so hot, auto A.C. is not as sensitive to cabin temperature, key remote is not adjustable as in open all doors or just the drivers. There is more but you get the idea.
 
To summarize, the G35 just doesn't feel very sporty or luxurious to me after two years with the 325i, just larger and a little less money. This may sound stupid but it has no soul or anything passionate about it. The BMW was really an ultimate driving machine.
 
Hope this helps.

Messages Page 22 of 26

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