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Choosing between G35x and Sport Models

17 messages,  Last post on Sep 17, 2008 at 6:49 PM

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What is this discussion about? Infiniti G35, Tires

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 17 Choosing between G35x and Sport Models by mrg2

Mar 01, 2007 (7:37 pm)

I’ve had a tough time choosing between the versatility of the all wheel drive G35X and the additional sporty feature/looks of the Sport Model that you can’t get on the X. If I lived in a very snowy climate, it would be an easy choice for me, but I live the DC area where we get some snow, but not too much.
 
The advantages of Sport Model to me are the sportier wheels and front grill, better performing tires (in summer), sport seats and steering wheel, lighter, better gas mileage, paddle shifters, better brakes, suspension, lower cost, less things to break, lower insurance cost (don’t understand that one). The downside to the Sport is having to swap out the tires in winter, not being able to rotate tires (different sizes), less traction in bad weather.
 
The tires was initially a deal breaker for me, but after thinking about it, I'm OK with swapping out the Summer Tires for the first couple of years, and then just leave all season tires on it.
 
Anyone else thought about this? Any flaws in my logic?

#2 of 17 Re: Choosing between G35x and Sport Models [mrg2] by myboynoy

Mar 01, 2007 (8:26 pm)

Replying to: mrg2 (Mar 01, 2007 7:37 pm)
mrg2, I was on the same boat as you. I ended up choosing the G35x over the Sport model (just bought it today). I live in NJ and get heavy snow and rain every once in a while. I also bought the G35x because I believe that it fits my driving style and personality. I don't push the car to its limits all the time, but I still wanted a car that had some kick to it. I'm also not a car-junkie so though I will be spending a lot of time with this car, I don't see myself adding to it other than keeping regular maintenance and keeping it clean.
 
From what you have stated, you sound like you are willing to work on your car. What is your driving style? Are there open roads in DC that will allow you to utilize all of what the Sport model has to offer? How are the cops down there? If you are buying the Sport model just for looks, it might not be a good idea to go that route. Also consider the extra expenses that you will be putting into the car. A set of tires already puts you above an extra grand, etc.

#3 of 17 Re: Choosing between G35x and Sport Models [myboynoy] by mrg2

Mar 01, 2007 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: myboynoy (Mar 01, 2007 8:26 pm)
Thanks for the feedback myboynoy. I agree the G35x probably makes more sense in New Jersey. I'm not leaning toward the Sport just for the looks -- it's also the performance and some of the features I listed. I do like to push the car sometimes, but probably will seldom push it to it's limits.
  
As far as the extra expense for the tires, the way I look at it, it's only the cost of changing them out. After roughly 5 years, I will have gone through two sets of of tires either way - I'll just be swapping them each Winter and Spring until the Summer tires wear out (probably a total of four times). I realize though that the summer tires will wear out a little sooner.

#6 of 17 Go with the Sport by kring5

Mar 02, 2007 (6:47 am)

I'm in CT which gets more snow then NJ on average and I decided on the sport because when it comes down to it, are you buying a car for the 10 days it snows and the other 40 days a year it's crappy out... or are you buying the car for the 315 days a year the AWD doesn't do anything for you.
 
What's your job like? I have the ability to work from home anytime I want so if the weathers really bad I just don't drive. I also happen to have a Jeep in case we do need to go out and the weather is bad.
 
And since your smart and are getting snow tires if you get the sport, it actually handles amazingly good, it's not AWD, but it's just as good as FWD with all-seasons on. The summer tires will last you 30-40K miles easily even if you have fun with the car (excluding lighting up the tires) after that go with the all-seasons. of if you are concerned about the summer tires, ask the dealer to swap them out for all seasons. I've seem many posts where dealers did this at no charge. I personally kept them because I too plan on doing Snows in the winter. I just picked the car up last week so I think I'm far enough through the winter that it's just not worth doing it this season.
 
Ulitmately the paddle shifters are amazing, I'm still in my break-in period but I am finding that I'm doing about 60% of my driving with the paddles, the 40% is when I'm just cruizing on the highway. There were many nice additions the sports model gives you over the X.
 
Keep in mind that if your getting the sport with additional packages you'll probably have to order the car and wait 3 months, sports are very popular and for some reason dealers aren't ordering many.

#7 of 17 Re: Choosing between G35x and Sport Models [mrg2] by bruceomega

Mar 02, 2007 (8:53 am)

Replying to: mrg2 (Mar 01, 2007 7:37 pm)
mrg2,
 
I also live in the DC area. The problem I find here is ice, sleet, and freezing rain are as much a problem as snow. This is compounded by drivers inexperienced with winter conditions clogging up the roads, and a density of traffic that limits your options when driving in inclement weather; e.g., forced to come to a stop on a hill, and having to start from a standstill on an incline.
 
FWIW, I personally like the assuredness of AWD so I don't feel hostage to road conditions. If everything else is equal; e.g., same tires, then I feel AWD is better than RWD in winter conditions.
 
I have an AWD sedan (330Xi) and in the snow this past weekend I found that if I stepped on the gas too hard, the car would lose traction and slide a little, so I don't think stability controls are a panacea. But the good news is the rear end did not slide out and I quickly regained control by letting up a bit on the gas.
 
Not sure how much any of this is a factor in your decision, but it's my $0.02 worth.
 
Thanks
Bruce

#8 of 17 AWD is not just for lousy weather . . . by shredderman

Mar 05, 2007 (12:29 pm)

For example, if you want to pull into traffic quickly, you have a much less chance of losing the rear w/ AWD. I think it's better for overall safety. That being said, I'm still a fan of RWD, but you're comparing the two, and the comparos should not be limited to bad conditions.
 
FWIW, I'd get an extra set of wheels and tires. Tirerack has come awsome deals. In the long run, it will cost pretty close to the same.

#9 of 17 g35x vs sport by 99rams

Apr 13, 2007 (8:44 pm)

Has anyone drove or test drove the Sport and the X and seen or feel a change in the pick up. From the 0 to 60 time?

#10 of 17 Re: g35x vs sport [99rams] by scottm123

Apr 16, 2007 (7:27 am)

Replying to: 99rams (Apr 13, 2007 8:44 pm)
Love these questions posted to numerous threads
 
The S model is a little more throttle "touchy", but they 0-60 runs are very, very close.
The X weighs a little more, but has signifigantly more grip (WOT) off the line, so runs are very close.
  
I don't know of any dealership that let's people take an X and an S out for numerous 0-60 beat runs... although my testdrive in the X was very fun.
  
If you're choosing between the X and S models and have no worries about winter weather, you'll need to compare more than just 0-60 times.
Do you like the paddle shifters, do you want a 6MT, do you want RWD or AWD, which seats do you prefer, and which ride do you find more comfortable.

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