Hi! I was strongly considering getting a 350Z Enthusiast Roadster or Coupe, with MT, but got turned off by the abundant posts about the suspension, tire feathering/cupping, and pull to the right. That really turned me off. So I am considering the G35 Coupe MT. I know the vehicles share the same engine and many other components, but I am wondering if the G35 Coupe MT is every bit as good in handling and performance as the 350Z Coupe with MT also. I've read a lot of reviews on the G35, but haven't found one that directly compares the handling and performance of the cars. It would be especially helpful if there are former 350Z owners here to comment on their experience in switching from the 350Z to the G35. Thanks! Jon

 

I've owned both, IMO the Z handles better and is faster because of the lighter weight. If you want backseats, a sunroof, and more storage space get a G. If performance is more important to you get the Z. The transmission will grind no matter the car Same thing with tire feathering, my G35's front tires were replaced at about 10,000 miles.

 

Are you serious? The suspension/feathering happens on the G35 too? I have been researching the forums, and have not seen the issue really raised as a prominent and frequent issue like on the 350Z's. Is this really common on the G35 too? The only reason I have been starting to consider the G35 is because it seemed free of this issue. If it exists on the G35, I might as well go with a 350Z (not 03 or 04 though), OR simply (actually emotions make that hard) forget about both cars. I do prefer the performance more than the extra seats and storage - I have a totally impractical MR2 Spyder right now, so those things don't mean much to me, lol. Jon

 

now i have driven both, and yes i can tell you the Z is faster. out there in the market there is a lot more mods available for the Z's than the G35 as far as bodykits, engine mods and so is almost the same.
If you are looking for a luxury car/sport go G35, but you are gonna have to deal with 400lbs on the car. If you want a fast looking aggressive car! the Z is a must.

my friend has a G35 and he brags of how so much his car can beat the Z

i had zero mods on my car
he had

flywheel
CAI
headers
High flow cats
plenum

i stayed side by side with him all the time

I got these mods now

SSV manifold
headers
high flow cats
CAI

he has no chance now...

 

feathering problem is no more in 05 and 06
yes some G's had the feathering problem too

 

My G has had the feathering problem as well (and thats the sedan)

 

Those problems were only stated in the 2003 models.. the late 04's and up didn't have those problems.

 

Compared to the problems the Z had with tire feathering, the G35 problems were very very infrequent. I have over 15k on my coupe and the tires are still in great condition.

 

I have almost 30K miles on my coupe, hasn't changed the tires once, and its completely fine. I also live in NYC which means SH*TTY roads. Again no issues with the tires. Maybe im just lucky or maybe the tire feather issues isn't really that bad?? I cant say for sure, all i know is i have no issues, take it for whatever its worth. Also since when is the Z 400 Lbs lighter than a g35??? LoL its more like 100 somethin lbs- 200 lbs (depending on what package). And if your getting a 6mt, the new 06 ones are only 2 hp difference and 100 something lbs heavier. Now is the Z faster? yes it is, but it isn't by much. Also on the note of what mods the g35 had and you were still able to keep up?? I bet with the mods you mentioned , the SSV, headers, cats and cai, if you were to race a completely stock 350z, he would somewhat be able to keep up with you too. Because SSV, headers, cats and cai simply doesn't make that big of a difference for our cars. Yes you would beat a stock 350z, but trust me it would be close. I have many friends with 350z, we've done alot of races with different mods. Trust me i kno. On the other note, you should decide wether if that performance difference on the Z is worth losing a better interior, more trunk space, 2 back seats. Which car looking better is really just opinions, i have as much ppl saying the g35 looks better than the 350z. So its really what you think looks better. If your the performance type of guy , no doubt go with the Z tho. Practicality? G35 all the way. Bottom Line: Is the Z really that much better in performance?? NO, Its faster but not by that much. Is the g35 really that much more practical?? Not really, it has 2 extra seats, but its kinda small and lacks headroom. I think it all breaks down to what car you like better. You cant really go wrong.

 

What year G35C??????
Mine s a 03' and not any major problems other than tires... oh and corrosion

 

I have the 04 model. No problems with the tire except normal wear and tear. Nothing abnormal.

 

I have an 03 coupe with 30,000 miles with the original front tires on them with no feathering. I've gone through a set of rear tires where the center tread worn faster than the rest of the tire. It all depends on air pressure. IMO opinion the G35 coupe is a classier better looking car. There is no question that the 350Z is quicker and my handle a little better. But that doen't make it a better car. In fact there was a Best Motoring video with an M3, G35 coupe and a 350Z and of course the M3 came in first, but the G35 coupe came in second.....Go figure.

 

I went through a similar debate before i bought my G. Decided I needed the extra seats and trunkspace. I'm able to hang w/Z's pretty well in AutoX, for my skill level, despite being in a longer/heavier car

 

Ditto on the autox. Except I've got the sedan.

 

The GSedan is fun to auto-X isnt it!!!!!

 

I read an article and have it in hard copy form at my office where the G beat the Z and the Z06 I believe on the track in Germany of 2003 (Nuremberg).

 

G35C, 6MT, 04' I have 23k miles on it and no tire issues.

 

Not to **** any Z guys off... but I'd like to see that article!!!!

 

yo relax for a second here

all those problems are common but its not gonna ruin your life. its a car, its gonna have some minor problems. the G and the Z are the same exact cars so its your choice. performane? a hint of luxury? looks? space? your choice
the problems shouldnt be the factor that decided what car you get.

 

i saw a video of a guy beating a regualr vette, a lotus, and a bunch of other turboed cars that would kill his stock G in a straight race. but this guy was more experienced and he handled the turns a lot better than the rest of them, so thats how he won. i bet it was the same case there