35 or 45?

[JTL11968]

Hey everyone. My first post after months of lurking.

I'm looking to replace my 03 Maxima with a used 07 or 08 M35 or M45. The Maxima is great but I'm ready to upgrade yet want to stay with Nissan products.

Besides the extra bells and whistles that the M45 offers are there any additional benefits? I test drove a 08 M35 with 23K miles and was pleased but wonder if the larger engine in the 45 is quieter? Better fuel economy? Anything else that would make the extra $$ worth it?

Again, the extra toys are nice but not a deal breaker for me. I am more interested in quietness, power and fuel consumption. If the larger car makes a big difference than I'll go for it. Just want some opinions.

[WaynesNside]

I wanted the 45 coming off a 745 being used to the power. I think the 35 would get the better fuel economy being a smaller motor. I think that you can get them both with the same options right so that shouldn't be an issue. It comes down to the engine I would think.

I know others here know more than I do but I went with the 45.

[fiveliterbeater]

in the end it's up to you. if you want an upgrade from a maxima you made the right choice; but if you enjoy a little spirited driving once in awhile you will be slightly disappointed as the VQ in the M is only a 30hp bump from your current VQ, and to top it off, its in a car that weighs at least 800lbs more than your Maxima.The 45 will definetly put a smile on your face when you mash the gas, but make you cringe when your filling up 2-3 times a week based on your driving style/habits.if poor gas mileage isnt a thing to you then definetly get the 45; but if you're like me who can't stand filling up all the time; i just went and got a DD (which happens to be a max) and call it the day.

[dvan]

The m45 doesnt offer any more bells whistles compared to the 35..its all engine. If you want loads of torque to push you through traffic and pull away from stop lights with ease, get the 45. There are some issues with the m45's engine such as oil consumtion for some people. Although I havent had any oil consumption problems, I did have to have my engine replaced at 68K due to a broke piston.
Modified by dvan at 7:27 PM 3/10/2010

[zags]

The m45 doesnt offer any more bells whistles compared to the 35..its all engine.

I was going to mention the same thing, I'm not aware of anything the V8 has over the V6, except power.

The V6 seems to possibly be more reliable, that's relative of course. Give'em a test drive!

Let us know your thoughts.

[FNAWSM]

Like the other guys mentioned, the only difference between the M35 and M45 is the engine. However this engine will then make other differences such as gas mileage, engine power, oil consumption etc. I bought my M45 a few months back and i went back and forth with this same dilemma. Below are some things i considered about both models.

M35:~Available in an AWD model and m45 is not (this is for 06 models, 08 models may have an AWD M45)~Slightly better gas mileage depending on how you drive and whether or not you get the AWD model which will get less mpg than the non-awd.~Less reported engine issues like oil consumption. (i bought an elite extended warranty so this didnt worry me, not to mention i monitor oil level often) This issue also may have been resolved for 08 models.

M45:V-8 PowerV-8 PowerV-8 Powerget the idea??It also helped that the dealership had an M45 in the color, options, and mileage i wanted and an M35 wasnt available at the time.

If i had to do it again i would still get the M45 but sometimes the AWD option seems like a nice feature but a good set of winter tires for the bad month and ill enjoy the M45 for the other 11! Either way im sure you will be very happy! Keep us posted and Good luck

[cliffmdude]

I went from my 4th Max to my M45 Sport. Bought it pre-loved, and I'm SOOO happy with the V8 power it's truly hard to write it down here. I drove a lot of both models (35/45, sport, non-sport) before starting to search in earnest for my M45 Sport (love the added ground effects and the sport wheels). The V8 costs more to buy, and at the pump. That said, the enjoyment factor for me is worth every penny. I don't spend all that much at wide open throttle, what I love is the incredibly smooth, effortless way the V8 moves this car down the road. Ready to pass? Leisurely press down the pedal just a tad and you'll just melt your way from 60 to 80 as if you were going down hill with a hurricane wind at your back. It just feels effortless and easy. The V6 is no slacker, no way. But the additional torque and HP of the M45's V8 just sings easy acceleration, where as the M35's V6 feels as if it has to work a bit to get things rolling along.

In the end it's a clear difference *if* you find the V8's added performance compelling. Some say potatoe some say potatow. It's all a very personal preference.

As a former owner of many Maximas I *can* say you'll love you M!

[svard75]

The M45x started as a 2009 year model, however it could have been available in late 08 (Not sure).

Anyway everyone else voiced their opinions which is basically mine as well M45 (If you can get the Sport Model IMO).

Fuel consumption is dependant upon driving type. M45 + Lead Foot = Poor, M35 + Lead Foot = Slightly less Poor

I think the average MPG is around 1 less on the M45.

[mazz]

I bought the m35 new in 2005 chose to spend the 10g difference from 35 to 45 on tech pkg [ all appprox #] dont know if there still a 10 g spread now from 35 to 45 when buying usedHappy with the tech pkg and satisfied with the v6 power and i came out of a Q45Mazz

[wizard8873]

Made a similar move, 06 Altima 3.5SE to M45 and I say go with the M45 if you want something faster. To me, I wanted comfort and power and while the M35 was enough, the M45 just put a smile on my face so I went with it.

As for features, all it has is a V8 and don't expect better MPG. in city, I get around 15-17 depending on how I drive, and close to 21-22 on the highway at about 80. Went to Colorado with four people, packed trunk, and ski rack on the roof at some highend speeds when there were no cars around and was getting around 15MPG. Did same in summer, minus the ski rack, and got closer to 20MPG then at around 80mph constantly.

Engine is quiet but you can still hear it while accelerating but it's not loud at all. In all honesty, head to a dealer that has both and test drive them. I had a chance as the dealer had an 06 M45 Sport and 07 M35 Sport similarly optioned.

[antzrus]

From my perception the whole issue is the placebo effect of 35 vs 45. 45 is a bigger number than 35, hence the placebo/thinking is that's better. Both machines have more power/omph than you will ever, ever be able to utilize on the road, except at the track. The prices are different adding to the placebo effect; if you pay more you think (placebo) you get more. The 35 engine apparently is more trouble free. The mileage is almost the same; terrible but then we didn't choose these machines for their mileage.

I went w/the '06 35 because I wanted 4x4. If I had the choice now w/both models having 4x4 I'd still go w/the 35. Low maintenance of these almost identical machines is a big plus w/me.

[rsg123]

From my perception the whole issue is the placebo effect of 35 vs 45. 45 is a bigger number than 35, hence the placebo/thinking is that's better. Both machines have more power/omph than you will ever, ever be able to utilize on the road, except at the track. The prices are different adding to the placebo effect; if you pay more you think (placebo) you get more. The 35 engine apparently is more trouble free. The mileage is almost the same; terrible but then we didn't choose these machines for their mileage.

I went w/the '06 35 because I wanted 4x4. If I had the choice now w/both models having 4x4 I'd still go w/the 35. Low maintenance of these almost identical machines is a big plus w/me.

The 35 and 45 are both fun to drive, but the difference is far from a placebo effect. I test drove both, and the 45 is just more exciting to drive, from the torque pull to the engine roar. The mileage difference is negligible when you get down to the mpg these cars achieve (although I still get around 20mpg, down from 22 before I got new tires, but still good in my book considering how nice this car is).
Modified by rsg123 at 8:20 AM 3/15/2010

[saeedakobiakov]

G37S

[dvan]

G37S

Are we naming random cars here? ok my turn, Toyota Camry!!

[antzrus]

The 35 and 45 are both fun to drive, but the difference is far from a placebo effect. I test drove both, and the 45 is just more exciting to drive, from the torque pull to the engine roar. The mileage difference is negligible when you get down to the mpg these cars achieve (although I still get around 20mpg, down from 22 before I got new tires, but still good in my book considering how nice this car is).

Heheheee, I beg your pardon: " and the 45 is just more exciting to drive, from the torque pull to the engine roar."

You mentioned thoughts, feelings which is exactly what "placebo effect" changes (as well as the actual physiology of your brain-but that's another thread...).

[1scott]

M45 drives better but longevity is a serious issue...while the M35 gives up a little in performance for longeveity or if it is just for fun...then go for the G37 it is faster, handles better, and has none of the engine problems of the M45s, I had one for a loaner for around a week and it is a lot of fun to drive. If you want to be bored for 150kmi then go for the Camry, I traded mine for the M45...now after 45kmi I am on my second engine and around 10th trip to the dealer for sqeaks, rattles, seat silding, and stuff but I still love too drive it more than my old but extremely realible Camry.My next car will more than likely be a 3 series or a G37 sedan (FUN).

[07sportm35]

There is no question, dollar for dollar the M45 hands down!

I personally would pay up to $3500 more for the M45 over the m35. If interest rate is below 4% maybe up to $4000 more.

Passengers say "your M35 is fast" or passengers say "YOUR M45 IS FAST".

That extra HP & TQ puts a extra smile on the face. And the sound...minus the reliablity should be taken into account.

[07sportm35]

M45 drives better but longevity is a serious issue...while the M35 gives up a little in performance for longeveity or if it is just for fun...then go for the G37 it is faster, handles better, and has none of the engine problems of the M45s, I had one for a loaner for around a week and it is a lot of fun to drive. If you want to be bored for 150kmi then go for the Camry, I traded mine for the M45...now after 45kmi I am on my second engine and around 10th trip to the dealer for sqeaks, rattles, seat silding, and stuff but I still love too drive it more than my old but extremely realible Camry.My next car will more than likely be a 3 series or a G37 sedan (FUN).

Don't forget G37 coupled with the 7 speed transmission...HUGE! Zero to sixty in 5 seconds flat bone stock.

[lip]

This is my third Infiniti. I bough a 2005 G35x new in 2004. Got a little bored. Bought a 2006 6MT coupe in late 06 slightly used 400 miles for a song. I spent a few bucks modding the coupe (Motordyne, cai, tune, exhaust, suspension, etc)

I purchased an 07 M45 Sport with 20k on the odo back in January to replace my coupe which was just a little tough to live with as my only car. I test drove a nearly identical M35 sport. Both cars just off lease. You could easily get away with the VQ- However, I really wanted the V8. The torque and refinement were the two attributes that sold me. I was getting maybe 19-20mpg in the G coupe-The same commute yields around 17 in the M45-I was doing worse before I got used to the car.

You have to drive both. Great car either way. I love the V8, it cooks pretty good stock and makes a great sound doing it.

While others wish these cars had shorter gears, I think if anything the M45 could use taller gears. Or better yet, I wish my car had more gears. This would improve highway mileage dramatically.

[StevenRogers]

i drove the 35 and 45 back to back. 35 first then the 45. significant difference in power and torque. what sealed the deal on the 45 though was the mpg. the 1 mpg difference between the 35 and 45 wasnt going to break the bank for me. i could live with getting 1 less mpg for a more powerful car. and our 45 consistently gives us high 17-18 city and 22-24 highway. no problems yet. bought the 06 m45sport with 10 k on it and it has about 30 k now. just oil changes (syn) and an air filter is all weve done maintenance wise. it does need some of the 30 k stuff done, but ill figure out whats necessary within the month.

[WaynesNside]

This is my third Infiniti. I bough a 2005 G35x new in 2004. Got a little bored. Bought a 2006 6MT coupe in late 06 slightly used 400 miles for a song. I spent a few bucks modding the coupe (Motordyne, cai, tune, exhaust, suspension, etc)

I purchased an 07 M45 Sport with 20k on the odo back in January to replace my coupe which was just a little tough to live with as my only car. I test drove a nearly identical M35 sport. Both cars just off lease. You could easily get away with the VQ- However, I really wanted the V8. The torque and refinement were the two attributes that sold me. I was getting maybe 19-20mpg in the G coupe-The same commute yields around 17 in the M45-I was doing worse before I got used to the car.

You have to drive both. Great car either way. I love the V8, it cooks pretty good stock and makes a great sound doing it.

While others wish these cars had shorter gears, I think if anything the M45 could use taller gears. Or better yet, I wish my car had more gears. This would improve highway mileage dramatically.

Yeah I would like to have one more gear also for highway miles.

[njjuliano]

Heheheee, I beg your pardon: " and the 45 is just more exciting to drive, from the torque pull to the engine roar."

You mentioned thoughts, feelings which is exactly what "placebo effect" changes (as well as the actual physiology of your brain-but that's another thread...).

Placebo that is not. There is an actual, measurable difference between the 2 engines, that directly affects the difference in emotion, as you say, and others ie actual hp, torque, times... The V8 is not a sugar pill.

Placebo is if the 45 and 35 difference is the seats. And that difference is what gives it more oomph.

As alluded above, one really needs to drive both cars to see if the difference in power is enough to get the 45.

[cliffmdude]

Indeed, the difference between the M45's V8 and the M35's V6 is real, it exists. Placebo effect is when something that no power/ability to actually DO anything convinces a person it has a real effect. If somebody took out my V8 and put in a V6, I'd notice the difference immediately. Thus, not placebo. Nobody can tell me what car has enough, or too much power to be of use on the road, that's kinda silly. Just because the real difference elicits an emotional response does not make it a "placebo". Nor is the difference between the M35 and M45 so small to be unnoticeable to me. No way. To others the difference may not be noticeable, if you rarely use your V6's power, then the difference would be noticeable. I use the additional torque of my V8 daily, and yes I enjoy it.

[dvan]

Maybe Antz is just tryin to stir someone up

JTL11968, what say you?
Modified by dvan at 11:19 AM 3/13/2010

[antzrus]

Maybe Antz is just tryin to stir someone up

JTL11968, what say you?

Modified by dvan at 11:19 AM 3/13/2010

"Maybe Antz is just tryin to stir someone up " Who me? The gist of my comparison and the placebo effect had to do w/everyday driving. Obviously there is a big difference between the two when you have a chance to let her rip. I daresay many of you apparently let her rip from stop light to stop sign, to off ramp et al. during everyday driving. So yes, that effect is not placebo. Both machines provide awesome performance-the 45 obviously more so.

[JTL11968]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I appreciate the time and interest.

I just brought home my first Infiniti. After driving the 35 and 45, I went with the M35 and feel I made the best choice for my needs. The V8 will leave my V6 in the dust but I'm okay with that.

Proud owner of a white 2009 M35 with navigation and tan leather.

[FNAWSM]

Sweet man, congrats! Im glad you took the time to study your options and make the decision that makes the most sense for you. Im sure youre going to love your new M. Post up some pics when you get time and once again welcome!

[antzrus]

Kool!! Welcome to the club. An M35 vs an M45 is still The M; you're gonna' love it!!

[wizard8873]

Congrats on the new car. Post up some pics if you can