Sign In Join 



Article Comments - 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37

87 messages,  Last post on Jul 03, 2009 at 6:14 PM

You are in the Infiniti G37 Forum. Your Host is claires

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Car Comparisons, Coupe

Article comments for Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37 - After driving the 2007 BMW 335i and 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport, we wonder if the people who built them thought about anything besides going fast. (more)


Messages Page 6 of 9
1
...
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#48 of 87
Dose of reality... by pbinteg99
Aug 19, 2007 (8:09 pm)
Reply
Okay as many of you, I grow weary of this debate, but as long as cars are designed within the same vicinity of one another in terms of performance, features, and pricing, similar discussions will be as common as daylight itself(sorry Oregon folks...)
 
First off, I am 26 years of age and have owned 2 BMW's to date: a 99 323ci and a 02' M3, both of which I LOVED for all the renown reasons. The first BMW acted as a stepping stone into BMW's realm or righteousness, the latter confirming and solidifying the hearsay. The performance, the amenities, the appeal, and of course, the namesake of these cars are breathtaking and desirable. Of course BMW's aren't your most expensive or awe-inspiring vehicle, but being a single 26 year old, I can tell you that it definitely does not stalemate the conversation (you'd be surprised how many people I meet of the opposite gender that knew what an M3 was), but alas, I digress.
 
I recently sold my '02 M3 as the miles were racking up and ordered a brand new 335i. I heard of the under-rated horsepower and the performance figures that matched or even rivaled that of my former E46, as well as the desirable new outfit the car adorns. This along with a couple of new improvements inside, the 335i appeared to be the best bang for the buck when factoring-in everything.
 
Well it is now August of '07 and I have not 1 but 2 deposits on the brand new '08 G37. Surprised??? Well so was I...as an inspiring BMW advocate, this came to me as quite a shock but allow me to elaborate:
 
The 335i I ordered was a fully loaded (minus the rear sunshade), standard gearbox version of this acclaimed car, and came to a price of approx $49,500. Well the fully loaded G37 I just ordered (less the 4-wheel steering) has an unconfirmed price of $42,500 which is $7k less. Yes I know you BMW fans are already cracking your fingers to reiterate how price is not an option when considering performance, but think about it. Through the slightly varied comparisons, these cars have near-identical performance figures and unless you are amongst the select few that take their car to the tracks or road courses on a regular basis, this nominal difference isn't enough to justify the means in my eyes.
 
The gap grows even larger when you compare the amenities of both vehicles. The G37 is far more technologically advanced, mainly with it's voice-activated navigation system and accompanied features such as the 9.3 hard drive music box. Sure some of you may think these are minuscule in terms of convenience but as a sales rep, having the ability to voice your destination with just a touch of a button while driving, or having up to 2,000 songs at your disposal w/o fiddling with any device, is VERY convenient. You can't even control the BMW's temperature fully via voice, only fan speed...and let's not get started on the cumbersome I-drive. The re-designed interior of the G37 is superior to that of BMW's, whose flat dash, and standard vent layout, almost seems retro. Even the keyless entry system is flawed as although it does not need to be inserted to start, BMW recommends it as it helps keep a steady charge.
 
The G37 is not invincible due to it's cramped back seats, near-useless truck space, and heaver body weight which can hinder it in the eyes of a potential buyer, but comparing apples to apples, it is a far better bang for the buck.
 
A traitor I am not. I am paying very close attention to the new M3 soon to debut, but with an estimated price tag of $60k, and with my price tag being closer to $70k, the upcoming Nissan Skyline seems to be a better buy. Let's face it, you pay for the BMW name, and although they never fail to uphold the performance bar, the envelope of practicality just might have been pushed a bit too far...
#49 of 87
Re: Dose of reality... [pbinteg99] by kdshapiro
Aug 20, 2007 (4:19 am)
Reply

Replying to: pbinteg99 (Aug 19, 2007 8:09 pm)

Is there really a difference between a steak at a top-end steak house and a $19.95 Outback steak? They both fill you up in different ways. Not suggesting the top end steak house is BMW. But am suggesting the practicality you speak of is your perception of value. BMWs at least from what I remember going back in time, were never about value. They always were more expensive, but gave the driver what they are asking for, more so than the competition.
 
I myself am not enamored with technology that does not contribute to the driving experience. Keep the doodads and gadgets to the engine, brakes and tranny. I myself find it hard to warm up to the G3x.
 
Good luck with your new G.
#50 of 87
Re: Dose of reality... [pbinteg99] by dougsilver
Aug 20, 2007 (11:13 am)
Reply

Replying to: pbinteg99 (Aug 19, 2007 8:09 pm)

While more than twice your age, I too was in the same quandary regarding which to consider. I love performance, but, based on my previous BMW experience (1986 325ES), I had a real fear of reliability and maintenance costs. Add to that the turbos which seem to be just begging for future problems. If the cars were about the same price, I would still have real reservations about going with the 335i. I am strongly leaning towards the G37 and look forward to test-driving soon.
 
Doug
#51 of 87
So these two are same commodities now... by hpia4v2
Aug 20, 2007 (9:39 pm)
Reply
Even if BMW 335i made in Japan we wouldn't be able to buy it at the Infiniti G35 price, why?
It doesn't share platform with lesser more common sibling cars (like Z350).
 
The minute BMW share chasis, engine with Mini; that's when start shopping somewhere else.
#52 of 87
Re: So these two are same commodities now... [hpia4v2] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Aug 21, 2007 (8:41 am)
Reply

Replying to: hpia4v2 (Aug 20, 2007 9:39 pm)

I don't know...the MINI is a hell of a car in both chassis and engine...it would give a G35 fits on the road in terms of performance I think. Of course, it wouldn't ride as nice, I agree....
#53 of 87
Re: So these two are same commodities now... [hpia4v2] by dougsilver
Aug 21, 2007 (2:18 pm)
Reply

Replying to: hpia4v2 (Aug 20, 2007 9:39 pm)

What does this comment have anything to do with the price of tea in China? The G37 (as well as several other cars out there) compare pretty favorably with the more expensive 328 and the much more expensive 335. It shares platforms--so what. The end result is a car that perhaps is incrementally less than the 335i in terms of performance but substantially less in terms of price and (based on my first-hand experience as well as the experience of several friends and acquaintances who have owned BMW as well as Asian cars) probably lightyears ahead in terms of maintenance and reliability. But your comeback is that it shares a platform--bravo.
#54 of 87
Re: Dose of reality... [kdshapiro] by pbinteg99
Aug 21, 2007 (7:44 pm)
Reply

Replying to: kdshapiro (Aug 20, 2007 4:19 am)

I find it a bit hard to decipher your analogy, primarily due to the fact that a professional food critic (along with most avid steak consumers) would definitely identify the difference between a fine steak, and something from Outback. I can only assume that you’re referring to different tastes for different people. You seem to insinuate that if a vehicle dawns the blue and white checkered symbol, it automatically has higher build qualities and materials than it‘s Asian rivals? Some people are just partial to a certain established comfort, if BMW falls within your comfort zone, then by all means stay committed to them. I loved my previous BMW's with all my heart, but considering the stated valid points with supported facts, opting for change was a no-brainer.
 
If you are not one for bells and whistles and focus more on performance, why not consider a C6 corvette? For the same price as a fully specked 335, you'll advance several tiers in a performance aspect. I (like many in the market for new automobiles) do enjoy a good mixture of both. This is why they are called luxury sports cars, they should have a good (not necessarily even) mixture of both. Why shun convenience when it is readily available?
 
I go to pick up my highly anticipated G37 tomorrow and I will post another comment shortly thereafter (standby dougsilver), but I can assure you that the title of my post will NOT be "buyers remorse..."
#55 of 87
Re: Dose of reality... [pbinteg99] by kdshapiro
Aug 21, 2007 (8:39 pm)
Reply

Replying to: pbinteg99 (Aug 21, 2007 7:44 pm)

"why not consider a C6 corvette?"
 
It's a one trick pony. I'm not into useless vehicles, I like good performancing vehicles that gets me though winters in the northeast. I somehow almost never see a corvette in the rain, much less in the snow.
 
I have nothing against the Infiniti, I would get an IS350 first. Just not my cup of tea.
#56 of 87
Re: Dose of reality... [kdshapiro] by pbinteg99
Aug 21, 2007 (10:03 pm)
Reply

Replying to: kdshapiro (Aug 21, 2007 8:39 pm)

"It's a one trick pony"
 
Obviously you haven't read up on the new Corvette specs or options. Had you done so you would have realized that the new Corvette has quite a few features along with sheer power, but why would you be concerned about a horse that did anything but perform if you're not enamored with technology and such features? A Corvette is far from useless and has far better grip and handling than a 335, so I don't see where you derive your thesis on the 335 being better suited for all weather conditions? The 335 doesn't even have limited slip ergo it would be more prone to unevenly distribute power thus leading to traction loss. The only reason a Corvette would have a harder time in rain would be due to an inexperienced driver and a happy-go-lucky foot.
 
The reason I don't opt for a Corvette is because I do care for power and performance, but amenities rank right up there, and being around $7k less than both the Corvette and the 335, the G37 prevails. I also happen to think the G37's body lines are quite seductive.
#57 of 87
Re: Dose of reality... [pbinteg99] by kdshapiro
Aug 22, 2007 (6:02 am)
Reply

Replying to: pbinteg99 (Aug 21, 2007 10:03 pm)

"Obviously you haven't read up on the new Corvette specs or options. Had you done so you would have realized that the new Corvette has quite a few features along with sheer power, but why would you be concerned about a horse that did anything but perform if you're not enamored with technology and such features?"
 
You missed the point big time, let me emphasize for clarity SNOW. The vette is useless in 6 inches of snow maybe 3 inches and has two seats. The 335xi will have no problem with 2 feet of snow and has 4 seats.
 
Not to mention the dismal gas mileage on the Vette in heavy stop and go traffic. On dry land for two people cruising down the highway, the vette is a bargain. Lots os power and fun, but for the rest of earth, two extra seats and ability to use the car for 12 months in any type of weather mean something to a number of people.

Messages Page 6 of 9
1
...
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement