Talked it over with the wife and we have decided to get rid of my 03 350Z base model and get an 05 Model.

I know this is like comparing apples to oranges but these are the two models I am debating on purchasing.

A few quick questions for you G35 coupe drivers?

1. Is the G35 coupe ride similar to the Z? I have heard it is similiar to the Maxima? I am going to test drive one tomorrow. What are the changes other than the increase in HP?

2. Is the Bose system better in the Infiniti than the Z? Do you have to buy the sunroof to get the Bose?

3. Is the Navigation worth the $2k?

Any other sugestions would ne greatly appreciated. I am purchasing one of these in the next week or so, I am torn between the G35 and the Roadster.

BTW, the price of the G35 with all options is $39K, the Touring Roadster is $39,500.

Thoughts?

 

Anyone?

 

Coming from a guy with an 04 G 6MT w/Aero and Navi
I've driven a few Zs also. Here are my thoughts:

1. Ride Quality:
Between the two, the ride quality is much nicer in the stock G. I haven't driven a ZR but compared to other Zs, it's a softer ride in the G stock vs the Z. Steering wheel is stiffer in the Z. (Now it's a different story since i swapped out the springs and swaybars)

2. Bose aka BLOWS
If you're a crazy audiophile that's used to aftermarket sound systems, it's sub-par. It comes included in the Premium package tho, (sunroof, leather, homelink, yada) and if you're going to get the NAVI, it's not a choice. It's a requirement.

3. NAVIGATION
I have it, don't need it, but geezus do i love it. Worth it? Yes. #1 reason to get NAVI, because you will use it. A super close #2 reason is value. Think about it, few years down the road, we might see navigation (voice recognition or not) STANDARD. Later on, if you're looking to trade in or sell the car, a car with factory NAVI will hold much better value over one without factory navi. Even if you had aftermarket navi, it just won't be the same.

MY ADDED NOTES:
Insurance for Z>G
From what i've sen, pigs target Zs more than Gs.
Surprising room in the rear seat for the G.
(Co-worker is a new dad. Loves the G but was worried about lack of rear seat space. He sat in the back seat of my car one day and said "whoa")
I love both cars but for value and a slightly higher level of prestige, i'd go for the G. Although we're talking about a ZR. Super tough call.

ZR is such a pretty ride, but it's a pig. Even heavier than the G.

I could go on for days. Maybe i'll add more later.

 

I drove the new G35c with sport suspension...it is definitely firmer than the 04 Maxima SE I've driven...but it is a long way from the Z. The G is fun to drive, but not as buttoned down as the Z. Of course the comparatively flabby handling pays dividends in terms of ride quality. I've said it before, I actually like the 04 G better...it handled almost as well as the new sport suspension and the ride was noteably smoother. Still you can't go wrong with either one.

Bose in the G sounds the same as the one in the z...it's not what you'd expect for the cost/reputation but it is a step up from the base stereo.

NzZ

 

Thanks all for the comments, drove my Z to a dealer 40 miles away and purchased a 05 Redline Touring ZR with all options including Nav and 18" Wheels. Got $3K off MSRP.

Literally drove it off the showroom floor.

The ride is not as harsh as the 03's. I couldn't believe how much better a drive it is.

 

I have driven both and I own an Infiniti. That would be a tough call especially since the new G has a better interior on the doors than the Z. Also the G has 298 hp. But a Z is a Z and G is a G- in other wors I would get what appeals to me the most. I plan on getting a Z in two years.

 

imo, the roadster Z is hidious.

 

 

Don't get me wrong. I love z's. I had one before my g coupe. But, you will be way better off with the g.

 

I hear ya, I was going to get a G but I guess the slalesman thought I was not going to buy so he would not even let me test drive one, amazing. He lost out big time!

 

Here is my opinion on three diff things that chalks up the win for Infiniti in my book. I owned a Nissan for a long while and at the same time my wife has owned an Infiniti. The conclusion that I have come to is that Nissan customer service sucks big time and Infiniti customer service is top notch. The G has a very roomy back seat for my son to ride in that the Z does not have. And last but not least you can now get 19 inch forged wheels stock on the G. As for everything else its all perspective and you should go with your gut feeling. And that folks in my .02 cents.

 

You know. I had my heart set on a 350z touring model, but after looking at what you get for 2k more, I'm starting to sway towards the G35 with sport. How does the sport suspension compare to the regular suspension and the 05 350z? I'm sure the cabin noise will be significantly less than in the Z.

For 2k, you get a better interior, sunroof, more horsepower, factory 19" forged wheels, a back seat, and more trunk space. It's starting to sound like the G is a better buy than the Z.

 

Ride is somewhat softer on the G.

The G35 blose system is MUCH better than the 350Z blose system (i've heard both)

The navi adds certain features such as service reminders, tire pressure readouts, and having it will as mentioned above, increase the resale value of the vehicle. (I don't have one, but It'd be a nice toy to have)

I got my 04 G 6MT for 35k before taxes. Even if the navi was added, it shouldn't be over 37k. Did the price of 05's go up?