The second gen Q seems more mainstream and over the top - "look at me" with chrome thrown on. Prominent are the chrome Mercedes style grab handles and huge chrome grille. We aren't crazy about the boxy profile. It reminds us of an I30 of the same era where as the first gen Q unlike anything else in the lineup. 

Some of the female staff members actually preferred the second generation Q to the male editors' dismay. We do like the more modern clear xenon headlamps of the second gen Q versus the lower tech halogen headlights of our 96 Q. Overall we prefer the classic styling of the first gen Q.

Performance
Both Qs have dohc 32-valve V-8 engines with aluminum alloy head and block. Both engines are part of the VH family; the VH45DE (1990-1996) displaces 4.5 liters and the VH41DE (1997-2001) displaces 4.1 liters. The VH45DE was good for 278 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The VH45DE lost variable valve timing due to tighter emissions rules in it's last year - 1996. Thus some enthusiasts view 96 Q45s as slightly less powerful. Some Q enthusiasts claim that earlier engines were probably closer to 300 bhp but more problematic; earlier 91-93 Qs suffered from timing chain guide and exhaust problems. So the best bet is are 94-96 cars for reliability. With the muscular engine and refined aerodynamic sculpting, Infiniti claims first gen Qs hitting 155 mph when new and we believe them.

The VH41DE in the second gen Qs was slightly detuned down to 4.1 liters but regained a less aggressive form of variable valve timing and was down to 266 bhp but lost some pounds (3,879 pounds vs. 4,039).

From seat of the pants impressions, the 96 Q feels stronger and torquier but is slightly louder and not as smooth as the 2000. The VH45DE does feel smooth but is a bit coarser than we expected. The newer Q's VH engine is buttery smooth and quiet but doesn't quite have the thrust of the VH45DE. On the freeway the differences are negligible until you stab the accelerator.

The first gen Qs had front and rear multi-link suspension whereas second gen Qs moved to a front strut and rear multi-link suspension. You'll be able to tell the difference on pot hole infested roads. Our first gen Q is shod with standard tire/wheel setup and absorbs bumps quite well with minimal impact harshness. The 2000 Q was fitted with 18" wheels making the ride a bit more jittery so this maybe comparing apples and oranges.

Both Qs handle well but the 96 Q seems more nimble and manageable around corners even for a big sedan. Since our 96 Q is a base model, there's a bit  more body roll than we want. The 2000 Q seems more cumbersome next to the 96 Q. 

However the steering on the 96 Q is a bit more precise and accurate. If we had more time with a second gen Q we could figure out how to best throw it around corners.

Interior
The interior of the 2001 Q could be the most visible indicator of Nissan's downwards spiral in the late 90s (before the bail out). The inside of the newer Q is just too simple and shares a lot of similar buttons and switch gears parts with "lesser" Nissan vehicles. Infiniti did attempt to gussy up the Q in its last two model years by introducing chrome instrument gauge bezels and restoring its signature analog clock. Short of a total redesign, Infiniti couldn't turn things around. We especially like the chrome accents on the vent controls. While the quality Of materials used are great, they were not appropriate for a flagship car of Its stature.

Power seat controls mounted on the bottom side of the seat make adjustments difficult. Both cars include power tilt and telescoping steering wheels. Did we mention, the steering wheel on the 2000 Q seems like it was sourced from a Maxima? The driving position is not quite as sporty as the 96 Q with the taller boxier dashboard.

The 2000 Q does offer a bit more cabin room, duo-tone interior, power rear windshield sun shade and automatically closing power trunk but we felt betrayed by a lack of distinctiveness.

The 96 Q's interior may be outdated but check out the easily accessed power seat controls mounted on the site and even power front head rests (not even found on 2002 Qs). Sure the 96 lacks an in-cabin CD changer but the standard Bose system beats any late 90s Infiniti Bose system hands down - we've listened to another 2001 Q45 and can testify to that fact. However, the Kenwood system in our test Q is a different animal with a DVD GPS navigation and unbeatable clean sound. (Read more about the Kenwood system...)
 

The quality of the interior materials on the 96 Q is also excellent - our leather seats and door trim remain in excellent condition. The soft touch plastics on the a-pillars and dash remain in good supple shape. The only area of wear is on the driver's door where the leather is wrinkling. The trunk is a bit smaller than we like but it will fit most luggage and boxes.

Sitting inside the 96 feels more like a proper European sports sedan than the Cadillac position of the second gen Q. Credit goes to the beefy seats, Jag-like gated shifter, and oversized side mirrors.

Conclusion
The second gen Q isn't a bad car but isn't a great car compared to it's predecessor. If you're looking for a used Q with lower mileage, you'll probably want a second gen Q at a higher cost. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more for upkeep, get a 94-96 Q. You can easily pick up a 1994-1996 Q45 under $13k these days. Just count on spending one two grand to keep it running well.

Pssttt...don't tell too many people. Let's keep it our little secret.

-Noel Saw and Robert Mamos

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