Will the Infiniti GT handle like the Z with the same suspension? I have a 2 year-old and working on another kid, and, need rear seats. The Z is fantastic, but I need to shove the kids somewhere. The coupe seems like the only answer. Or the Mazda RX8. Which, I don't like too much.

Thoughts?

 

Planning on taking on some twisties with the 2 year old and new born eh? :-P

 

I don't know for sure but I thought the G was little taller to accomodate the back seat. It should handle about the same though.

 

Ok. I heard the new G35c with sport suspension is a very nice handling ride, but I can't confirm this. I CAN tell you, we own both right now, that the older G35c's do not handle nearly as well as the 350Z. It tries, but it's just not the same. It's a great compromise of a car if you need the back seats though. If handling is your priority, head over to the RX-8. It's very good on handling.

 

I drove the 04 and 05 G35Cs (05 w/sport pkg)...not impressed. The 05 rides a little firmer, has a little less body roll...it's maybe 3/10 of the way to a Z. IMO the 04 was actually better...because the loss in ride quality (perhaps b/c of the wheel/tire combo) is greater than the handling benefit. I think the Z's handling prowess comes not only from its springs/shocks but also weight and wheelbase. Still from the sounds of things you've got no other options...so Go G.

NzZ

 

Thank you for the replies.. I will test drive one soon and give you all a report. I might swing by a Mazda shop too, but for real, the RX8 doesn't excite me. Especially the engine. Sure it's a Wankel, but the torque is non-existent. Spins at higer RPM, but I don't want a buzzing car. I love the sound and the torque in the Z / G35c.

Cheers.

 

I can't seem to be able to build a 2005 G35c on the web site with a 6MT. Only 5AT. Has the 6MT been discontinued?!?

 

N/A until January. But you can order from the dealerships.

 

Why trade the Z? You have a TSX.

 

I really don't think it's that big of a difference. I've driven both as I was looking at both when I bought the Z. The G35C handles at 9/10's of the Z. There's a few videos on the internet of race car drivers handling the two and there have been magazine tests in I think Auto Mag or something like that. The G35C actually OUTHANDLES the Z in longer and wider corners while the Z outhandles in tighter radius turns. This is because the G35C has a longer wheelbase so it has more traction, but it isn't as snappy going from edge to edge. (LOL, sounds like i'm rating skis)

 

TSX = wife's car. Also, it's 5 AT. I like driving it, but it ain't a Z. The FX is 5 AT as well. Bummer on both, but what can you do? I really love driving the Z, since 6 MT (and other reasons), but can't fit the whole family into it. Thus, looking for a G35c come Jan, or so..

 

keep all your cars and leave the Z for yourself. you don't lose anything. you already have 3 cars.

 

200lbs is 200lbs. no matter how you dice it. longer wheel base too I beleive. it definitly feels different. as to whether it actually handles differently by the numbers... I cant really say. but it feels different.

 

The G is more sure footed (it has better skid pad numbers than the Z, but this may mostly be due to the better stock tires), but the Z will be more nimble.