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Infiniti G35 coupe vs Audi A4 sedan

41 messages,  Last post on Aug 27, 2007 at 11:47 PM

You are in the Audi A4 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Infiniti G35, Audi A4, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 5

#4 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [johnnypapp] by colonel35

Jul 07, 2005 (5:18 am)

Replying to: johnnypapp (Jul 06, 2005 10:19 am)
Not to argue with your personal observations, but CR rates the G35 as more reliable than the A4; my 2003 G35 has been extremely reliable, with only the navigation screen flickering in high heat an issue (soon to be resolved, hopefully).
 
I've driven the A4 (1.8, with sport) and S4, and while the latter is very impressive, I'd say the G35 Coupe sport easily outhandles the A4. The A4 is a great, comfortable, poised and polished sedan, but it's not nearly as powerful or agile as the G35 Coupe. On the other hand, the interior design and materials of the A4 flat-out embarass the G35 (which feels like a Subaru interior by comparison).

#5 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [colonel35] by craigp1

Jul 07, 2005 (5:50 pm)

Replying to: colonel35 (Jul 07, 2005 5:18 am)
Thanks for the input. For you guys who have the G35, is it a car that could be used on an almost daily basis? My main concern is gas mileage and driving in the snow. Here in NY we have been having some pretty nasty winters the last few years.
 
I do currently own a 2003 A4 1.8T, and it has been a great car, and initially I was simply upgrading to the improved 06 model as they seemed to have fixed all the complaints of earlier models, such as a more powerful engine, and a sixth gear for cruising speeds.
 
But seeing the G35 coupe one day, and test driving one, I have to admit it was pretty fun to drive. And id looks damn sexy. I do agree the Audi interior has a much more quality feel to it. For some reason, the Japanese can't seem to build an interior that doesn't use an abundance of cheap looking plastics.
 
And then today I saw the 06 IS 350 on the Lexus Web Site. Not out yet, but man what a nice looking car! It's what the new 3-series should have looked like. Such a tough decision!

#6 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [craigp1] by pat

Jul 08, 2005 (4:27 am)

Replying to: craigp1 (Jul 07, 2005 5:50 pm)
If you go to the dedicated G35 discussion and use the Search This Discussion feature for "snow", you'll get lots of information!

#7 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [craigp1] by frisconick

Jul 09, 2005 (2:15 pm)

Replying to: craigp1 (Jul 07, 2005 5:50 pm)
The interior of the G35 coupe is it's only weakness, but this year's interior is better. However Japanese did a great job with the TL interior, all leather and polished and bushed aluminum.
 
However, sports cars like the G35 really don't emphasize a lux interior. I think the sedan should have a better interior however. Audi interiors are fantastic.

#8 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [craigp1] by socala4

Jul 09, 2005 (3:27 pm)

Replying to: craigp1 (Jul 05, 2005 6:45 pm)
(x-posted on the "Audi A4 2005+" thread)
 
I purchased an A4 2.0T "Frontrak" (not Quattro) after comparing it to the G35 sedan, BMW 325i sedan (outgoing 2005 model), Acura TSX, Acura TL, and Volvo S40 T5. (I did not consider coupes because I require a useable back seat for business.)
  
I may provide a more detailed comparison/ review later, but my basic thoughts on the G35 sedan (again, not the coupe):
  
-Pros: Nice powerful motor (one of the nicest V6's available), exterior styling (personal taste, I know, but I happen to like it), reliable drivetrain. (I did not compare, but I would bet that the Infiniti automatic transmission is superior to the Audi CVT.) Also, for those of us in warmer climes, rear-wheel drive offers a performance advantage that even the best FWD can't match.
  
-Cons: Brake rotors have been a significant problem area, at least on the 2003-4 model years (not sure if this has been completely resolved, I believe that the 05's might have improved somewhat), interiors are not durable or attractive for a car in this price range, depreciation is notably bad (at least in my market). Also: poor fuel economy (although perhaps not unreasonable, considering the power output), finding one with a manual transmission is nearly impossible (I wanted an MT, so this was an issue), lack of maintenance package that is available with European makes. Also, with comparable equipment, the G35 would have cost slightly more (although it does have a larger motor, so an even comparison isn't quite fair.)
  
Also, the G35 will be replaced in 2007, so you may be in for a further hit to values. In contrast, I would guess that the Audi makeover in 2008 will be less drastic (in German fashion) and therefore less disadvantageous to residuals.
  
I hesitate to report on a car that I have owned for only five weeks and 1,700 miles, but so far, the A4 experience has been excellent. After a proper break-in, the motor is tractable, the manual transmission is almost Honda-smooth (the benchmark for manual transmissions, IMO), and the build quality all around seems to be solid, with the interior being a high point. Ergonomics are very good (better than the comparable BMW), and the performance is quite good, with no discernable turbo lag if you work the gearbox properly. (Judging from the comments on an Audi owner's forum, the MT is notably superior to the CVT for performance and drivability.)
  
Passengers uniformly love the car (comfortable leather seats, both front and back, and the design is quite easy on the eyes), the seats are excellent and easily adjustable. I also manage to beat the EPA mileage ratings: at a 72 mph highway cruise, I can get 35 mpg. And I'll be damned if the thing doesn't look great! (The sports package helps, thanks to 45-series tires, nice five-spoke wheels and the car being lowered by 8/10ths of an inch, a subtle improvement.)
  
But being a German car, I will be watchful of reliability, despite Consumer Report's positive comments. Also, I don't believe that the standard included free maintenance schedule is sufficient (oil changes every 10k miles after the initial 5k change?), so I will be paying for extra work, despite the service agreement. (Update: Two dealer quotes for additional oil changes: $105-125 each!)
  
The latest issue of Road & Track reviews the A4 2.0T quattro 6MT, and compares it to the Volvo S40 T5 AWD. Except for the motor, the Audi won in all categories, although the Volvo performed well and was considered to be a bit better bang for the buck. The article is worth a read if you are in the market.
  
Hope that helps.

#9 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [socala4] by frisconick

Jul 09, 2005 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: socala4 (Jul 09, 2005 3:27 pm)
Great and informative post. However I think the comparo is apples and organges. The G35 is all power, and interior quality secondary. The A4 is all quality, and limited power. I think your post points that out nicely. Some sports cars are proud of the Spartan interior and major hp.

#10 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [frisconick] by socala4

Jul 10, 2005 (10:37 am)

Replying to: frisconick (Jul 09, 2005 3:53 pm)
Thanks for your comments. But to clarify, my issue with the G35 interior is not its spartan appearance -- without wood trim, the Audi interior is itself quite spartan, in good German fashion -- but its apparent lack of durability. G35 interiors do not seem to age well, it seems that the leather turns to vinyl, the dash materials become dingy and interior parts do not hold up well. These kinds of comments are echoed by owners and the press, alike, and I'm going to guess that the rapid depreciation has some relationship to this.
 
The character of the cars are different, but being premium sedans, they make for inevitable comparisons. The Audi 2.0 liter turbo is a nice enough and powerful motor, but there is no substitute for cubic inches, and the G35's six-cylinder is one of the best in its class. But driving a G35 with an automatic transmission left me with the impression of being almost American in character, down to the foot-pedal emergency brake and a suspension oriented toward ride rather than handling.
 
The non-quattro Audis are FWD, so some torque steer at the limit can't be avoided, but it still feels more nimble (lighter engine) and better suited to vigorous driving beyond a straight line than the Infiniti. I haven't yet put mine through its paces, but a 90 mph cruise is effortless and easy, and seems to offer a better balance between ride and handling than does the G35.

#11 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [socala4] by craigp1

Jul 10, 2005 (11:28 am)

Replying to: socala4 (Jul 09, 2005 3:27 pm)
More great replies and very informative. I'm leaning towards the A4 at this point. As I research cars, it would seem by 2008 there will be a slew of new an exciting cars to choose from, even from GM! It would feel good to buy a great American car once again, although it is getting more difficult to call any car truly American or German or Japanese.
 
The A4 seems to be the best when you average out all the pros and cons. It has nice looks, the best gas mileage (in its class), solid handling, great interior, quality fit and finish, finally 200 HP, finally 6 spds, Finally a Premium Package that has all the right options(2006), all for thousands less than the G35 and 3-series! ALL they need to do is ditch Bose and switch to Mark Levinson (found in Lexus). The Bose is no where near $1000 better than the stock system. And since the 2006 is towards the end of a platform design, problems should be few and far between.
 
And in Ocean Blue Pearl Effect (now a sold order option only), there will be few on the road (which is always nice). My guess is you will see almost an many 2006 3 series on the road than honda accords. (5 series here are everywhere)
 
The G35coupe would surely make a great second car though!

#12 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [socala4] by frisconick

Jul 10, 2005 (11:29 am)

Replying to: socala4 (Jul 10, 2005 10:37 am)
Thanks for the input socala4, I have never heard of these problems with the G35 before. When I test drove the G35 I really didn't like the foot-pedal emergency brake. I couldn't tell if it was on or off. My wife didn't like the interior quality of the G35 either, to me, I didn't think it was so bad, but not in the TL class that I bought for her. I thought the Audi 4 was under powered, maybe I should test drive the 6.
 
BTW how does leather turns to vinyl?

#13 of 41 Re: G35 Coupe Vs Audi A4 sedan [frisconick] by socala4

Jul 10, 2005 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: frisconick (Jul 10, 2005 11:29 am)
Re: G35 problems, the brakes are a problem known to the manufacturer -- for the 2003 and 2004 model years, Infiniti has been replacing rotors as a warranty item. But I believe that owners will be stuck with the repair bills once the warranty period has elapsed. The interiors are a common complaint, although I haven't read the forums here to see whether owners complain about them here, too.
 
The TL is a great choice -- well built, should be reliable to a fault, the option packages are easy and unconfusing (transmission and navigation are the only choices) and I don't blame people for liking it. It didn't happen to suit my tastes because the combination of the heavy six-cylinder and FWD made it feel to me like a big, heavy Accord -- not bad, mind you, but a bit sterile. If buying an automatic, I'd probably choose a TL over a 4-cylinder A4 with CVT.
 
Re: A4 power, while I haven't driven the 1.8 liter turbo on the outgoing B6 platform (confusingly, both the 2.0 liter and 1.8 liter are labeled as being 2005's), the 2.0 liter is supposed to be much better, lacking the turbo lag of the prior car and delivering much better acceleration. If you believe that the A4 is underpowered, be sure that you are distinguishing between the two cars. (The new B7 model has the more aggressive front grill and Japanese-style taillights as compared to the B6.)
 
I should mention that the desire for a manual transmission had a lot to do with my decision. At least in southern California, it would have been easier to find the Holy Grail than to locate a 3-series BMW or G35 with a manual (particularly surprising that a BMW can't be found with the transmission that it is begging to have.) Also, BMW option packages are a joke, the cars are either stripped or loaded with stuff that I wouldn't possibly want -- even a basic feature such as a folding rear seat an option (and not an easy to find one at that) and the Premium package is both costly and loaded with items that are, IMO, a waste of cash. (Do you real need an OnStar-type system when you have a mobile phone and road service?) And good luck trying to find a leather interior without paying for this costly, fairly needless Premium package -- the leather itself is an expensive option, but without it, you'll get the pleasure of "leatherette" (read: plastic) on your seats.
 
Although Audi doesn't make it as easy as does Acura, the option packages make more sense than BMW's, and you can get by nicely with just a few well-chosen option packages. In my mind, Premium is a must -- it bundles a moonroof with a leather interior, power front passenger seat and a computer that is more useful than I would have thought. I also opted for the Sport package, which is actually good value if you want the lowered suspension, sport wheels and lower-profile tires, you'd pay more in the aftermarket for the same things and the wheels look great, IMO. The Bose is a toss-up: the sound is just decent, not fantastic, but it does include satellite radio (either XM or Sirius come pre-installed, so be sure that you get the provider you prefer, you can't switch on the lot) and it is superior to the stock radio (a bit more wattage and better quality speakers), so I chose it anyway. Finding an MT was easy, and it is not difficult around here to find a car that had the features I wanted and excuded those things that I didn't want.
 
As for reliability, the A4 may be a bit of a bet. Anecdotally, there seem to be three basic kinds of A4's: those that are rock solid, those with minor faults (not drivetrain-related, but mostly little stuff, like interior trim, bulbs, locks, etc.) and complete clunkers. Because I have a turbo, I am taking the extra precaution of letting the car idle for a minute or two after prolonged and/or hard driving, to allow oil and coolant to cool the turbo prior to shutdown. Previous 1.8 liter A4's had issues with this, hence the 6-quart crankcase in the new car, but these issues are not uncommon to turbo cars that are driven hard and put away wet, that's as much owner abuse as it is a manufacturer's defect.
 
Vinyl leather comes from plastic cows, I thought everyone knew that...

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