I have a Z (07 6 speed), had an 04 TL (auto) and an 05 G35 sedan 6speed. Your answer depends on what you are looking for. For driving fun: Z, G35 (6 speed), TL. For luxury & comfort TL, G35 & Z (my Z is an enthusiast). To haul people or stuff. TL (huge trunk), G35 (very close), Z. In crappy weather the Nissan's suck and the Acura is fair (only advantage of FWD). The Acura probably would have been better with all season tires. Gas mileage for my commute: Acura approx 25 - 26, G35 22.5 (although driving from Phoenix to Dallas I averaged 27, Z to new (less in 1 tank in ownership - but I'll be happy to 19 -20 the Z is a really FUN car to drive. More fun = less MPG). Cool factor Z (hands down). So you need to decide between COOL and the other factors all while in college.

I haven't driven the Maxima's in the past few years but they are really good and reliable (owned a 92 SE - 5 speed). Personally the new bodies do not do it for me. I'd test the TL, take a look at a 04 - 05 G sedan (Infiniti leased a million of these and some lots are full of low mileage G35's still under warranty), and I'd agree those that said with a Z you might want to have access to another vehicle. It is an AWESOME car, not a practical car. In foul weather I'll use my wife's Isuzu Ascender.

Good Luck

 

One of the best things as the others have said, is your friends don't expect you to play taxi, because well they'd have to run behind and push.

Perhaps do the old pros & cons list.