As driving enthusiasts, we've probably all fantasized at one point or another about having a different car for every possible condition or mood. Since for most of us that dream will remain one, we settle instead on a compromise car. Often that comes in the form of a sport sedan. At the core of the sport sedan ethos is the belief that changing priorities (hauling around kids, clients, and co-workers) shouldn't mean sacrificing the thrill of driving. By definition, a sport sedan should possess a potent engine, a lively chassis, superb brakes, and a driving environment that caters to the person behind the wheel.
For decades, the BMW 3-series has been synonymous with "sport sedan," a market segment its forbears practically created. Virtually everyone else has attempted to copy the formula since then, and until recently the only ones to even come close to translating the blueprints have been other Germans. But one challenger in particular has been closing in on the magic — Infiniti's G sedan. For 2009, the 3-series got a mild facelift while the G got another 22 horsepower, thanks to the G coupe's VVEL 3.7-liter. But is power alone enough to establish a new benchmark? To find out, we pitted a 2009 335i against a 2009 G37.
Good article, but you guys copped out on making the call.
Everyone does on this comparison.
The better car is the 3 Series, with the G right behind it, if not equal. Bets are hedged based on pricing. That's the constant theme of all the comparisons.
Good read. Wow a 10k difference in price and no NAV on the 3.
The savings didn't totally hit me until we got a G37xS in the office this week. I looked at the monroney and it said $43,XXX. I thought man, that's expensive. But that's for an all-wheel drive, 7-speed automatic G37 with navigation, a sport package, a premium package, and a spoiler. The same money would buy an all-wheel drive 335xi with no options at all. Pretty impressive that a G maxes just above where the 335 starts.
Eh, I like the 335 alot, but I'd still take the G. Something about it just attracts me more than any other sport sedan on the market, in terms of non-hyper-sport sedans (M3, C63 etc...)
Quote, originally posted by Tourenwagen »
If you watch `Jaws' backwards, it's a movie about a shark that keeps throwing up people until they have to open a beach.
Quote, originally posted by Snacker »
You want reliability, check out a mk4. I haven't had to fix anything on my Jetta in at least 5 days.
The better car is the 3 Series, with the G right behind it, if not equal. Bets are hedged based on pricing. That's the constant theme of all the comparisons.
But every time, the G nudges closer. The extra power puts it right there with the BMW. It really isn't so much that one is better any more, it's all down to what's most important to you. The G is a damn fast car and a great value, but the 3 is just a bit more fluid in everything it does.
The savings didn't totally hit me until we got a G37xS in the office this week. I looked at the monroney and it said $43,XXX. I thought man, that's expensive. But that's for an all-wheel drive, 7-speed automatic G37 with navigation, a sport package, a premium package, and a spoiler. The same money would buy an all-wheel drive 335xi with no options at all. Pretty impressive that a G maxes just above where the 335 starts.
The G35/37 has always been about very aggresive MSRP pricing as well as class leading leases. I don't see too many people dropping 40k or more for it though ( I recall C&D stating in a quick drive that the more expensive the G is the more the 3 looks better) but instead the majority are the 35k- right under 40k models.
Whats amazing is people continue to buy the 3 in droves even with it having noting resembling a price advantage. As your article stated it continue to be the STANDARD others are measured at in this class and I totally agree.
My "review" (lol) of the car on Clublexus was that the G35 (G37 just extends this) for 35k is damn near all the luxury car you need. Its an incredible jack of all trades at a very attractive price.
The G35/37 has always been about very aggresive MSRP pricing as well as class leading leases.
Not quite.
The G35 has always been about the spec sheet. Ever since its debut, it's been near the top of the class in power numbers. They used the exact same strategy with the Altima 3.5 too. The fact it was cheaper than the BMW was less of a factor because basically anything that isn't German is cheaper than the BMW in the class.
So, the G37 is a 335i competitor for around 10 grand less, comparably equipped. Impressive, but seeing as Nissan made the 370Z a Cayman S competitor for around 30 to 40 grand less, I shouldn't be surprised. These guys are really on a roll.
The G37 sedan looks goofy to me for some reason, though. I don't feel that way about the coupe version, it seems to flow nicely, there's just something about the sedan that looks off to me.
A whole $10k difference wow, to boot its 0.4s faster in straight line 0-61mph test. We don't get these (Nissan Infinity) here in South Africa, I wonder how they would fare locally, by current exchange rates there would be a R100k difference.
Good write up. I understand the outcome. Similar cars, on is a BMW for $10K more, may be a slightly better car, but the Infiniti is the price leader between the two. Make your choice.
Good article. One point of contention though: an engine with a larger bore than stroke would be over-square, not under-square.
Quote, originally posted by Article »
To achieve the extra displacement, the stroke has been stretched from 81.4 to 86.0 mm while retaining the engine's 95.5 mm bore. Predictably, its under-square specs and natural aspiration mean the 3.7 is more of a revver than a torque machine.
Quote, originally posted by Jrod511 »
One of these days I'm going to break my computer screen punching you Corbic.
Personally in the sedan game I would always have picked the G, because IMO it looks better then the E90 sedan (I really don't like the looks of the 3er sedan) and due to them being close in performance.
The 3er coupe looks darn good on the other hand and if it wasn't for the better deal that Infiniti gave me(regardless of the MSRP difference), I'd have gone with the 3er coupe.
Modified by chamade at 7:52 AM 1-9-2009
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. ~Seneca
You cannot go wrong with either vehicle, there are no losers. Which badge do you prefer?
Quote, originally posted by BlackDevilCar »
She took the picture.
"No, honey, you don't look retarded at all! I'm soo happy you cut your hair like I told you to [the girls will love this one. For my next trick I'll have him jump off the Brooklyn Bridge]"
I really like both cars...ALOT However in the end, I'd take the G37 over the 335i sedan, due to price difference and interior layout. I still cannot get over the e90 dashboard.
I just sent a G37s back and I am writing my review on it this weekend... It is packed with everything you need, my wife likes it, it has enough power to keep me happy, it has room in the back for friends and it stands out (in Orange County, CA) amongst a sea of 335s... i love this car.
The G35 has always been about the spec sheet. Ever since its debut, it's been near the top of the class in power numbers. They used the exact same strategy with the Altima 3.5 too. The fact it was cheaper than the BMW was less of a factor because basically anything that isn't German is cheaper than the BMW in the class.
No, Acura is about the SPEC sheet as the TL is loaded except NAV. If you remember the last gen G35 sedan started at around 28k. That was way cheaper than anyting else. The current G35 sedan is also pretty much cheapest in class.
Its not a bad thing at all, they clearly offer a lot for their money. Don't get mad b/c people are more apt to buy it b/c of price instead of features.
NOTHING LEASES like a G35/37. Nothing in this class leases as close. You can get an IS250 for the price of a G37 with a lease. Makes the IS 250 lease price look silly.
THe low price does not make it a bad car. What are you talking about?
I really like both cars...ALOT However in the end, I'd take the G37 over the 335i sedan, due to price difference and interior layout. I still cannot get over the e90 dashboard.
I feel the same way about the interior of the new G, and the old M from Infiniti. The center stack is disturbing to look at, never mind operate. Just far too many buttons in one spot. Kinda like Mercedes did on the older S Class...
the infiniti dealership that i went to was really bad. even though the G lost in our comparison shopping we would have been leery about buying it. ive been treated better at vw dealerships when just kicking tires.
You can't overlook the lack jack, of any other highway to ride. It's got no signs or dividing lines, and very few rules to guide.
You cannot go wrong with either vehicle, there are no losers. Which badge do you prefer?
A better question is, which style/feel/character/build do you prefer. It used to be that a badge stood for the company philosophy in building an automobile irrespective of specs. You could immediately recognize a car came from a certain mfg from its lowest spec entry model all the way up to its high end model. In this way one could decide which mfg they most related to and based on how much the individual wanted to spend, shop within that mfgs portfolio. This is becoming less obvious lately due to globalization, copycating, shared suppliers, ever decreasing model cycles etc. but is still very evident, therefore to criticize people who purchase based on a badge is ignorant.
For me, the G37 is a very good car, and second only to the 335. The interior isn't my style and the drive lacked the "soul" of the 335...if that makes any sense.
Quote, originally posted by DoubleNaught »
If your wife gets a chance to look at this thread.....wait you probably don't let her use the internet....never mind
A combination of a CCX and 9-3 AeroX combi would possibly be the most evil looking car the world has ever seen, and I am rock hard writing this sentance.
I realized you didnt post that, good thing I double checked
BIH
Quote, originally posted by SteveMcqueen »
A combination of a CCX and 9-3 AeroX combi would possibly be the most evil looking car the world has ever seen, and I am rock hard writing this sentance.
For advertising information Click Here
