Maxima vs. G35 vs. G35C

[MaximaFan]

In the next few months, I will be in the market for a new car. The G35 and G35C are excellent cars, but seeing the new technology that Nissan has brought to the Maxima for 04, it is disappointing that the G35 does not offer it. Especially since the G35C is $37,415 when fully equipped, the G35S is $36,500, and the Maxima will be around $34,500 (supposedly).

G35 Pros:
-Styling on Coupe
-RWD
-Handling (which should only be noticably better in a race-track environment when compared to the new Maxima)
-Slightly more torque (negligible really)

Maxima pros:
-Slightly more horsepower (negligible once again)
-More interior room
-Elite Seating Package with 4 Bucket Seats
-Skyview Roof
-Bi-Xenon Lights
-Cornering Lights
-320 watt Bose
-Central control for HVAC/Nav/Audio on 7" LCD Screen
-Heated Rear Seats/Electric Rear Sunshade
-Better LOOKING interior with real metal trim (from what i can gather from the press material)
-ALL SEASON TIRES!!!! (kind of important for people in the NE)
-Better in the Snow
-And I can admit even the styling is growing on me - sort of like an 02 7-series.


So I've basically almost sold myself on the new Max when comparing it to the G35. Maybe I'm just biased because I've owned so many Maximas, but the Maxima always winds up being the best bang for the buck. Dont you think this technology on the maxima ought to reach the G35? On the other hand, the G35 has an EXCELLENT residual and the Maxima never has...so lease-wise i think the G35 might actually be about the same price as a new max...if not slightly cheaper. Well my intentions with this post were to get some feedback from you guys...what do you think?

[Umi_R98]

G35s (Skyline) was built a-upnpe years before the Maxima(Teana)

[aprfool]

I am stuck also between the G35 and the 04 Max. The wait for the Max has been somewhat of a let down, but the more I look at it the more I like it. The features on the car have blown me away. I myself am still leaning toward a 6MT G35 for the following:

1. Fit and Finish are outstanding
2. Infiniti's warranty and service
3. A True performance sedan
4. Resale value is higher

Now, with that said, I will withold judgement until I am able to test drive each and see which one I will be happy with for the next 3 years of ownership. Just my $0.02.

[JJS]

I'm pulling my hair out trying to make the same decision. I have an I30 with a lease running out in five weeks. I also have a great relationship with a Nissan dealer, and so far am not happy with the Infiniti dealers. My bigger problem is that I will have to decide before I even see a Maxima in person because I'll have to find something to drive for a month waiting for the Maxima to come out. Arrrggggghhhhh. And I agree completely with your analysis.

[copperhead]

The main problem with the '04 Maxima is that is is ugly as hell from the front. Forget about all the cool stuff in it..There will be an infiniti I35...so check that out...maybe....

Its still front wheel drive, even if it has a limited slip diff...if there was a AWD Maxima...yeah baby...but it would still be ugly as hell....its that front grill..The G coupe is really nissans best designed and styled car.

[_Eric_]

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
The main problem with the '04 Maxima is that is is ugly as hell from the front.

[/QUOTE]

subjective.

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
Forget about all the cool stuff in it

[/QUOTE]

Why?

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
There will be an infiniti I35

[/QUOTE]

Just your opinion. It's not going to happen though.

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
...but it would still be ugly as hell....its that front grill

[/QUOTE]

Once again, subjective.

[aprfool]

I must the agree that the front of the car is a bit busy. I myself didn't care for the 5th Gen Max when it first came out it had to grow on me. What one person may hate another might love.

So,I bet that all of the "Haters" of the front end now will grow to like it in about a year when they see nothing but Maxima's out on the street. If not, then if I choose the Max over the G35 then I will have a unique car on the road, IMHO.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

All postings are subjective, that is what this site is all about SUBJECTIVITY!!!!!!!!!

Posting that go, "so and so is merely subjective" is a lame attempt to discredit the post.

Are you a factory geek of some sort? Check out my monkey. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif

[aprfool]

Beauty is in the Eye of the beholder. BTW, Blondie...nice monkey!

[_Eric_]

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
All postings are subjective, that is what this site is all about SUBJECTIVITY!!!!!!!!!

[/QUOTE]

Really? Not the last time I checked. Some posts are purely subjective. Others are based purely on cold, hard facts. Some are a combination of both.

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
Posting that go, "so and so is merely subjective" is a lame attempt to discredit the post.


[/QUOTE]

That's a pretty short-sighted statement. The fact of the matter is, the person wanted help deciding between these three models. In what way did Copperheads post help him? The fact that Copperhead thinks the Maxima is ugly is irrelevant. If the original poster comes on here and says it did help him, then I will stand corrected.

Is Copperhead entitled to post what he wants? Of course he is. Just the same way I'm entitled to comment on it.

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
Are you a factory geek of some sort?

[/QUOTE]

No.

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
Check out my monkey.

[/QUOTE]

No thanks. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I just read the fresh alloy article on the new Maxima and I must say that I am suprised that it is going to have more HP, albeit only a little, than the G35. IMHO, the G35 is sweeeeeet. Just look at if from the front, The 2004 Maxima grille is fugly; but it can probably be changed/modified if that is your only problem. It may all come down to taste, so I cannot tell you what to do there. However, from what I have heard, Infiniti service is far superior to Nissan service. I have a 5th gen Maxima. If I were chosing between the new Max (don't forget about all of the little bugs that may appear with this new model) and a G35 (used?), I would go with the G35.
Good luck

[r32guy]

I agree, and have said this before. Most of you "Ugly Max" haters will eventually cave. Sure, its ugly now. But so are the Camry, Accord, Galant, Legacy and especailly Avalon. I mean these cars are BUTT ugly (subjective--of course... http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif .) Its just the way of evolving auto design. So when everything else is "Uglier," the gen6 Max will look like a Rose surrounded by crab grass. (I of course apologize if I insulted any crab grass fans.)

Of course back to subject, my opinion is simply to buy the car that feels the best to drive. If you need more room (like me with my two year old and yellow lab,) then the Maxima is an excellent compromise of space and performance. But if you don't need it, nothing beats RWD, and the balance of the G35 if awsome.

[kevhen]

Basically it boils down to a test drive for me. The G35 looks much better and will still handle better. The new Max may be more refined with less-sensitive brakes, be quieter, and not as harsh of a ride but still be sporty. The steering wheel looks full-sized and not smaller like the G's and I doubt will be quite as sensitive too. In the long run though I think I might be just as happy with my '03 Max SE. The G does have a tighter turn radius and is shorter for easier parking and manuevering. The G also comes standard with VDC and traction control and RWD. Maxima has fold-down rear seats but not the G, right? It will be interesting to see if the G (coupe and sedan) will ever outsell the Maxima since they will be in a similar price range now.

[jaak]

I agree entirely... I think the new max is ugly. I also thought the tailights on the 2k max were really ugly, but I still bought one. The best car I've ever owned. Absolutely love it. I'm still not used to the taillights and they're still ugly, but at least Nissan made them uglier on the 2002, so now I don't feel so bad.

http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif

I'm sure when I drive a new one I'll love it. I even like how the Altima rides and the Murano. I would just have to avoid looking at the front and the back, instead of just the back. The New Max looks fine from the side.

[limits_at_infiniti]

maxima lacks led tailights (since your brought up bi xeons).
maxima will have torque steer.
maxima has more interior room but can only seat 4 people.
maxima lacks perfect wieght distribution.
maxima has nissan service and warranty.
34,000 is a bit steep for a nissan, when you have infiniti in the same range.
the looks still remind me of an ion.

g35 sedan has all seaon tires
rwd, with zero lift (optional though)
i wish the g35 had lsd the cetral information system and 18's.

besides you can omit certain options to make a g35 equipt pretty much the same as a maxima.
sports package
aero package
which will bring the maxima and the g35 within 1,000 dollars of each other.

these two cars will compete against each other

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Not really, subjectively ugly, in the ugly sense. The G35 was never heard to be considered anything but great looking. The G35C (sorry for the fat fingers last time)
is also universally thought of as great looking.

2004 Maxima is somewhat controversial because of the
split grille design element. That doesn't equate to ugliness within the lexicon of Japanese vehicles.

Pontiac Aztek, is the benchmark for ugly.

2004 Maxima is one great looking vehicle now, and will continue to grow in beauty with years of exposure.

It would have been that much better looking without the tooth, that is all people are saying. Can I get an Amen?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

In reply to:
Eric
_________________________________

What? You don't like my monkey? Dear Eric, no ones opinion is based on "pure facts" for the simple reason that pure facts do not exsist. In all of the universe
there is not one pure fact to be found. The laws of physics are under constant and rigorous investigation
in an all out attempt to proove them erroneous.

So don't sit there and tell us, that anyone proclaiming beauty or likes and dislikes is based on "pure facts."

Now, make friends with my monkey. Please. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif

[_Eric_]

blondie,

Let's not get ridiculous here. I won't even bother discussing your philosophy of the universe. But your idea of no existence of pure fact is quite absurd. The G35 is RWD, is that not "pure fact"? The Maxima is FWD, is that not "pure fact"? I could go on and on, but I don't want to bore everyone.

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
So don't sit there and tell us, that anyone proclaiming beauty or likes and dislikes is based on "pure facts."

[/QUOTE]

When did I ever say that. Please, no need for misquotes.

And no, I will not make friends with your monkey. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Mosquitoes? Who said anything about mosquitoes? RWD is not a pure fact, my good man; RWD is a relative term, a concept. Pure facts do not exist. Check it out. Get back to me on it. The monkey, well, the monkey forgives you.

[SHIFT_6speeds]

In my shoes if i were pondering on wich car to purchase (G or Max) it would boil down to FWD vs RWD.

Do you do alot of long distant driving? And do you ever do this Long driving in snow? Will RWD be acceptable for the uses of your automobile? If RWD is of no poroblem for daily, year round use, then I would go G. More well balanced, better driving, handling car. I cannot imagine the 04 Max being a better handling, driving car over the G.

That is how it boils down to me. Led tails and all gizmo stuff is just icing that does not equal to a better driving, more rewarding vehicle to own.

Let us know what you decide.

[kevhen]

Max seats 5 too. It's an extra option to seat only 4. New Max is wider than G35s so should be a little more roomier in the back. Both cars have all season tires. Just the coupe that doesn't. Don't think too many people are cross-shopping the coupe and the new Max, but like myself maybe the G35 sedan and the new Max.

[jaak]

Drive backwards and you can switch from RWD to FWD, or FWD to RWD... http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif

In bad weather, I'll look at RWD vehicles through the rear view mirror of my FWD... http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif

[Buster]

The bulk of this post will end up on the G35 forum where it belongs, but I thought you guys might be interested.

If you're interested in the G35c, a comparison with the Accord coupe makes you realize what a value the G35c is.

The sunroof and leather are standard on the Accord EX V6 coupe, but it doesn't have heated mirrors like the G35c. Fog lights and cassette are optional on the Accord, but standard on the G35c. The Accord seats one more than the G35c, but has less headroom in front and a little less front legroom. The Accord EX V6 isn't a bad ride for 4 grand less than a G35c. One thing that annoys me about Honda is they still insist on making a sunroof standard in its most desirable models.

So what does 4 grand more get you in the G35c? The Accord has a 36/36 basic with a 36/36 powertrain. With all the Acura 5 speed automatic transmission problems, that isn't very reassuring. The G35c has a 48/60 basic with a 72/70 powertrain. That's quite a difference and that alone is worth a couple extra grand to me.

So, for 4 grand more, you get a much better warranty, RWD, a 7 inch longer wheelbase for a nicer ride, better balance, more power, better looks, higher resale value, and more snob appeal with the G35c. It's worth the extra cash. You'll probably get most of that back if you decide to sell it within 3-5 years. The Accord won't have a warranty in 3 years, but the G35c with a year or more left on the powertrain warranty and several years left on the 7 year rust warranty will look considerably more attractive to a used car buyer than the Accord -- especially after a prospective buyer drives them back to back.

If price is an issue and you don't crave power, you can get a 160 hp 4-banger Accord LX coupe for under 20 grand. It probably handles and rides very well for a car in that price range.

[slingshot]

The new Max looks almost identical from the side as the new Saturn ION. Now do you really want people coming up to you and saying "Hey, nice new ION you have there!" I sure wouldn't want my new car looking almost identical to a car half its price. You call that good or original design? FUGLY is fugly and the new Max is definitely fugly from all angles not just the front. But the biggest reason not to get it is still the fact it looks so much like the Ion.

[geezer902]

What'd they do with that design anyway? I've had Maxima's and loved them, though Nissan's design team has tried everyway from heck to mess it up. Nissan is plain weird. Ghosn, I thought, would make the turn on the corner. And I thought it was coming together ... a string of nice, even beautiful, releases. Now...this http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif

Yeah, it's got some technology, though the initial list is unimpressive (first post) until it gets rid of the design team that keeps having these psychotic episodes and coming up with designs like this ... looks from the side like a pregnant sausage, a streeetch G35S. Maybe better as a wagon, or not.

Sorry, I know some of you like it, but you asked. And some will dismiss this as "subjective." But speaking objectively, this really is disappointing. Its' chief virtue is to make me appreciate the Altima, FX, G35, coupe, Murano, Z ..... what on earth happened!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

responding to;
... looks from the side like a pregnant sausage, a streeetch G35S. Maybe better as a wagon, or not.
______________________________________

"pregnant sausage?" isn't that where Lil Smokies come from?

[James330i]

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />

In my shoes if i were pondering on wich car to purchase (G or Max) it would boil down to FWD vs RWD.

Do you do alot of long distant driving? And do you ever do this Long driving in snow? Will RWD be acceptable for the uses of your automobile? If RWD is of no poroblem for daily, year round use, then I would go G. More well balanced, better driving, handling car. I cannot imagine the 04 Max being a better handling, driving car over the G.

That is how it boils down to me. Led tails and all gizmo stuff is just icing that does not equal to a better driving, more rewarding vehicle to own.


[/QUOTE]

Exactly. Part of the reason I am buying a g35 is because I want a premium SPORTS sedan/coupe. Once you driven a RWD car, you will not want a FWD. I put a high priority on performance and handling, so why even bother comparing the G35 to other FWD cars close to its class????

[kevhen]

Some people like both FWD and RWD cars, so it's still fine to compare when they are in the same price range.

[jaak]

I think if you are really that sticky about performance, you shouldn't be buying a sedan in the first place...

Get FWD for your daily driver (Winter beater) and RWD for those tear the road up days...

Or really get serious and go racing.

Talking about serious performance with a sports sedan is a bit of joke, don't you think? A sports sedan is made so you can have some fun with your daily driver, not win races... http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/tongue.gif

[bora492]

I'd have a second look at the pricing. I bought an early G35 Sedan, with luxury leather and sport package, and the sticker was &lt; $30K. Later on, I saw an identical '2003.5' model equipped the same for just (barely) &gt; $30K, the difference being the standard Xenons. I don't know what options you're looking for, but I'd think about getting the G35S luxury leather (without the premium package). You'd be able to drop in a hootin' stereo, and still be $$$ ahead of a loaded Maxima.

[r32guy]

In fact, if you really want to go that far with performance comparisons, then maybe I should be looking at a Porsche 911. Forget FWD vs. RWD, lets go straight to front engine vs. rear engine. Tons of true performance benifits to that weight distribution, but then this a Nissan forum, so I'll stick to the topic at hand. Performance is performance is performance. And any drivetrain, in the right hands, can be stellar.

[jbgoodmax]

Well, until I see the pricing break out it's hard to say.

Loaded 34K - 2K(est) for nav. = 32K
32K - 2K(est. speculation) for skyroof and rear buckets = 30K


Base 28K + 1K SE (6-sp) = 29K (18" rims, ...)

It just seems to me that a person will get a full size near lux performance sedan, with good options for about 29 - 30 K.

That's not bad.

[JayG35]

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
And any drivetrain, in the right hands, can be stellar.


[/QUOTE]

FWD will never compare in all-out performance with its crap steering and poor weight distribution. RWD forever!!! http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif

[r32guy]

Ever heard of the BTCC my friend. How many rear wheel drive cars compete there?! And how often do thy actually win?!
FWD is not a bane, just a different style of driving.
Don't get me wrong, if Nissan made a RWD sedan big enough for my family, I'd be all over it. But they don't, so I'll have plenty of fun continuing to smoke 'Stangs and Beemers with my FWD http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif .

[limits_at_infiniti]

uhh, what do u drive now ?

rwd g35 seems to be quite big as does a q45 and m45.
altima and max are pretty much the same size.
i doubt nissan has anything bigger right now, in fwd.

[kevhen]

You are comparing a base leather G35 without the premium options to a loaded Maxima with alot more options. A G35 and 04 Maxima with the same options should run about the same price.

Coming from RWD to the Maxima, it didn't take me long to adjust to the steering, and the Max handles very well for a FWD car. A Max will hang with the G on the interstate and that is all I care about. If I were into racing or taking corners at 50mph I would get a Corvette or a Porshe. I do take sharp corners with the Max at 35mph and the wide 225mm tires grip without slipping all the way through the turn. Funny how the Max SE has sportier tires than the G35s.

[r32guy]

You're right, I don't mean to discredit Nissan, in the respect that they do infact make large RWD sedans. But badged as Infinity's they carry $45 thou+ price tags, more than I am willing to spend on ANY car. Before I cought wind of the gen6 Max, I was hoping Nissan would take the 45's platform and cross that over to the Max. Could have priced it between, maybe, $34-40 thou. Probably more than most would be willing to pay for a Nissan though. And, of course, it would have been a bullet to Nissan's own head, mashing M45 sales, which have still proven shaky at best.
I'm not sure where I'm going with this, since it's over and done with, and the new Max is finally here.
As for the G35, its not the front passenger room that I have a problem with, its the back. I'll say it again, its a fantastic car, but at 6' 2", I'm pretty picky about comfort in the back seat. Thats all.

[Addicted2G]

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
G35s (Skyline) was built a-upnpe years before the Maxima(Teana)

[/QUOTE]

i thought the Teana was the same as the Altima? the Teana looks to small to be the same as the Max.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

G35 Coupe. With out question the best looking, best handling and with out the BUCK tooth !! The new MAX is a dressed up Altima with some new toys. Considering it is also going to be built in Tenn !!! Go get a G35 or an 03 MAX !!!

2003 Black Max Titanium

[JayG35]

LOL sorry r32. I really don't hate FWD as much as my posts would indicate. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/blush.gif You're right about the different styles of driving, though I much prefer RWD after tasting the G. The 04 Max still appeals to me because it's a completely different kind of car from the G35, despite the similar price.

[r32guy]

No offense taken my friend. I think we're all here to browse on inside info and share our opinions. I can have as strong an opinion as anyone, so I'm sorry if my retort was a bit ego driven http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif .
(Besides, if the G35 had a larger back seat, I'd have one over my '02 Max, because, quite frankly, I personally prefer RWD too. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif )

[kevhen]

Yeah, I would like a 5th gen Max SE with RWD with the G35's exterior. That would be my ideal car. I like the manners and interior of the Max better than the G35. Yeah, that's right, the Max has better manners than the G35!

[MaximaFan]

call me strange, but I think the 02-03 Max SE looks better than the outside of a G35 Sedan overall (i think the back is what ruins it for me). So my ideal car would be 04 Max interior, 03 Maxima back, 03 G35 front. OR they should change the back of the G35 Sedan to be more like the coupe...

[kevhen]

OK, I could settle for a G35 front with the '03 Max rear, but I would still want the current Max interior. The orange display with the Altima 3 pod design looks sort of cheesy to me. The photos make it look OK on the new Max, but I when I test drove the Altima I liked it at first but the longer I looked at it the less I liked it. Maybe in person it will look better on the new Max.

[r32guy]

Yeah, although I think, alas, we will all have to settle for what Nissan has already done with the Max http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif .
(Damn, I just wish I had an R32 GTR-suprised? http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif )
By the way, if I can find a way to transplant the R34's tail lights to the Gen5 Max, I'll let you guys know. (I, too, think that's the only asthetic bane of the car.)

[_Eric_]

</font><blockquote><font class="small[/img]In reply to:</font><hr />
By the way, if I can find a way to transplant the R34's tail lights to the Gen5 Max, I'll let you guys know. (I, too, think that's the only asthetic bane of the car.)

[/QUOTE]

Someone's already done it, just on a 4th gen. though. Go to www.maximadriver.com (http://www.maximadriver.com) and check out some of the Maxima's of the month. He's the one for July 2001.

http://www.seas.ucla.edu/%7Efarhana/2dmaxpicts/back.jpg

[r32guy]

WOW! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Thanx

[_Eric_]

Glad to be of assistance.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid47/pc9caf648ac7cab2fc6eda9749d252ef2/fcc6eba3.jpg
VS
http://www.caranddriver.com/image_cache/DATA/Caranddriver/images/2002/may/0205_g35_main.jpg
http://www.roadandtrack.com/images/rt_images/2002/november/bts/2002_11_bts_g35_static_front_spawn.jpg

Does styling matter?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I am sorry, but IMO the front end of the new Maxima looks horrible compared to either the G35 or the Altima. I like the rear end design, but the headlights, grill and front bumper on the Maxima are sad. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif I can't believe this car came out of the same design studio as the 350Z and FX45...

Around the same price compared to the G35, but:
1) Exterior styling 2 notches down (3 notches down from G35C)
2) Interior space not much bigger, shorter wheelbase?
3) Skyview roof? I can't even stick my head out of them.
4) Lack of Infiniti reliability, service, loaner and warranty.
5) Front Wheel Drive.... what a waste of 265hp. Heavier.
6) Strange options, like the skyview roof and 2 seater rear.... Makes no sense.

I am not saying the Maxima is a bad car, but a G35 sedan surely seems like a much wiser choice. The Max might have some extra gizmos, but that won't make up for the 2+2 restriction and exterior styling. I am beginning to think they should have released the M45 with a 3.5L engine and call it a Maxima. I am pretty dissapointed with the Max, especially the front styling.

[kevhen]

Yes, I would rather have a G35 sedan than the new Max for the reasons you have stated above.

[MaximaFan]

http://www.nissanusa.com/m/static/i/fm_wallpaper_maxima_800_02.jpg

I think this is a VERY good looking car. The G35 Sedan looks rather frumpy from the back in my opinion. Im not saying the G35 isn't a great car - because there are certainly areas where it excels beyond the Maxima, but there are also plenty of areas where the Maxima will excel beyond the G35. I also think it's too early to tell specifics, so we'll have to wait for the Maxima to be released to dealers so we can actually drive it...

[limits_at_infiniti]

look at the wheel gaps, atleast keep those uniform

the rear on this car is questionable

[Buster]

supershawn says: "<font color="red[/img] look at the wheel gaps, at least keep those uniform

the rear on this car is questionable" </font color>

So's the front...

[Buster]

kevhen says: "<font color="orange[/img]Yes, I would rather have a G35 sedan than the new Max for the reasons you have stated above.</font color>"

The G35 does have its advantages for the same dough. It may be a tick slower and have a few minuses where the Maxima has plusses, but it's an Infiniti with RWD and near-perfect weight distribution.

Then there's the G35c if you can handle the inconvenience of two less doors. See them all in person, drive them, then decide. I think I'll follow my advice even though I'm pretty much sold on the G35c. My Sentra SE-R had only 2 doors and I still enjoyed the 6+ years it spent with me. I seldom have more than one passenger, anyway.

[kevhen]

I think the new Max looks pretty nice from the side so it's unfortunate that the front and rear don't both hold up their ends in the looks department.

Why are the wheel gaps larger in the front? I would guess because the wheels turn in the front and would come into contact on bumps. Do we have the 18 inch wheels to blame for this? I think 17 inch wheels are big enough. Isn't performance hurt with the larger, heavier wheels?

[Guru03]

Funny, my little brother and I have been going through all these arguments already since I am buying him a new car tomorrow. The G35 was a great car but he wasn't crazy about the interior and the RWD in Michigan weather was not something he was up for. I had him wait until this month so he could see the 04 Maxima up close. THe grill killed it for him. He loves the rear and side shots but that ridiculous grill ruid the deal. He had a 95 Max and loved it. He wanted another one but just could NOT get past that grill. Well after much debating and looking at the G35 coupe (which I loved), he eventually chose a 03 Maxima SE. I found them at a great deal ($500 under dealer invoice), and the interior he liked the best (he doesn't like flashy, he's more basic kind of guy). The VQ motor is fantastic, it's built in Japan (huge plus IMO), I found 3 different ones with just moonroof like he wanted (which he is still debating on color) and at $23K, undercuts the other choices by at least $6000. We originally looked at used ones but at that price and considering the 255 HP motor is what he liked and the HID's are standard (meaning I don't have to add them in), it's a solid value. Nowhere else can you get a FWD sedan that powerful, that comfortable, with so many features and HID's standard for even close to $23K. Hell, that's cheaper than my WRX was and that had nowhere near as many features (although it was Turbo and AWD which is what sold me).

[jaak]

Wow, can I be your brother too? http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif

[nissan_man]

http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif What a person you are! I admire your bond with your brother!! http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif

[M_TYPE_X]

If my brother wants my Integra, he's gonna buy it from me. Sheesh you nice people! http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/mad.gif

The front of the Maxima nor the G35 really appeal to me. They are quirky and questionable aspects of otherwise hot cars. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif

[bk2kmax]

In regards to your post:
maxima has more interior room but can only seat 4 people.

FYI, it comes standard with the 5 seat and the 4 seater as an option.

[limits_at_infiniti]

maxima 6 MT at 6.3 to 60, makes it a tick slower than the 5AT g35

[vqman]

if it helps, my 2003 Maxima pulled a 14.99 in tbe quarter on Sunday February 2nd, and a buddy was there with his G35...ran a 15.1....

same day same conditions...

i am a rookie at the strip though...so that gave him a slight advantage..but I still won!

but then I lost to a 1993 SE and a 1996 SE...both were modded...while I was stock..

-vq