03 M45 vs. 06 M45

[goldensndm45]

We all see raving reviews on how well infiniti has done with the 06 M. The 03 is hardly mentioned and seems missing in the picture. How does the 03 compare with the 06 in the following areas: power, acceleration, transmission, smoothness, handling, fit and finish, braking, appearance, reliability. Feel free to add more if needed. 03 M45 06 M45 power (1-10) 10=best (1-10) 10=bestaccelerationtransmissionsmoothnesshandlingfit and finishbrakingappearancerealiability

[szh]

Until someone with knowledge chimes in, here are my guesses:

Power: Same engine, so should be pretty much similar.

Acceleration: Should be similar, but the gearing of the new 2006+ M45 might be different (I have not looked), so it may be better.

Transmission: Similar, although the 2006+ has been reprogrammed, and might well shift more effectively.

Smoothness: No idea. But, I would think that the new M chassis and body design will lead to a quieter car. The frameless windows of the 2003/4 M45 probably have more wind noise than the 2006+ M45.

Handling: Here I think the 2006+ M45 is much better. The suspension of the two chassis are quite different. The 2003/4 M45 uses a somewhat dated front and rear suspension design, and the new 2006+ M45 ought to be way superior - given its entirely new multi-link system, sports suspension in the M45 Sport model, etc. I think I need to go test-drive the new M and compare to mine ... hmmm!

fit and finish: I'd think the 2006+ M45 is better, given the updates and far more modern interior. It looks new! But note that I am generally disappointed in all the new Infiniti models when compared to the original 1991 Q45 I bought back in 1991 - that was a marvel of interior and exterior quality. Outstanding paint (better than today's models), excellent leather seating, rock-solid engine (with the one design flaw of plastic chain guides, corrected in later years), etc.

braking: No idea. I have not compared them.

appearance: Well, here I am biased! I love the completely unique look of the 2003/4 M45. It is instantly recognizable on the roads. The new 2006+ M45 is a nice design, but it has two things against it, in my opinion: (a) the M45 and M35 are not clearly differentiated and (b) it is a bland design, very similar to many other cars on the road.

reliability: No idea. The occasional high oil consumption issue in the 2003/4 M45 probably outweighs other reported issues in the 2006+ M45 like the rear suspension noise. There is a study going on to help determine this further, but the jury is still out.

Z

[lswaidz]

Power: The 03-04 actually has a little bit more power, but I believe it is a heavier car.

Acceleration: Again, you are sacrificing power for weight... should be about even. The Y34's use a 3.13:1 axle ratio (which is low, they should have went 3.40'ish for better acceleration - I know a lot of guys have swapped gears from the 300ZX) but they did it for fuel economy. The 06's have a slightly shorter ratio, however are about a second lower... has to be the shift points, I don't know...

Transmission: The F50 cars have a much better transmission, but are geared for top end power versus low end and mid-range grunt like the Y34's.

Smoothness: The Y34's use a pretty archaic musclecar-type gear setup, so first and second are VERY tall gears, thus shift much harder. The 06's are all about being silky, thus giving up acceleration.

Handling: 2006, hands down. No numbers on 03 G loads, however the 06 went through a 600 ft slalom about 2 mph faster. Bigger tires certainly doesn't hurt either.

Fit and Finish: I might be crazy on this one, but I'm gonna vote for the Y34 here. I think the wood in the F50's look tacky and fake. I like the subtle finishes of the Y34, although it's not as big inside, I like it better.

Braking: Believe it or not, Y34. It's about 300 lbs. lighter, with the same size brakes.

Appearance: I have to go with the Y34 again. It stands out. It looks like NOTHING else on the road. It looks like something out of Judge Dredd, especially in black. The F50's look like a glorified Nissan Maxima... in fact I often mistake the Maxima for the the new M45.

Reliability: I think this one will ultimately go to the F50. It's built with higher standards than the Y34, and on a platform that has been proven for years. The V8 motor still has some issues, but that's going to be true of any high-valve, high feature V8 in it's class. The VQ series V6 is consistently one of the best motors in the world, so if you're looking for reliability, buy a V6. Actually just get a G35 because us M owners will pass you anyway.

For a more direct comparison... check out these links...

03 M45 vs. 02 Lincoln LS V8http://www.motortrend.com/road...rison/

06 M45 V8 vs. 06 Lexus LS430http://www.motortrend.com/road....html

Both were by Motor Trend and with the same test equipment.

[GNR4ALL]

Power: The 03-04 actually has a little bit more power, but I believe it is a heavier car.

Braking: Believe it or not, Y34. It's about 300 lbs. lighter, with the same size brakes.

I'm no rocket scientist but it seems like these two statement contradict each other¿?¿?¿?

[Q45tech]

Obviously the newer unit is better except for fuel consumption and price as 3 years difference in age equate to half the price.

[exbmwdude]

Actually just get a G35 because us M owners will pass you anyway.

Good luck with that. I have a 2007 G35 rental while my M is getting its rear steering solenoid replaced. After driving one for the past few days I know why it was such a tough decision for me to make (07 G vs 06 M). The new V6 is a screamer and the 07G is one *fast* car. From what I've read it's either dead even or slightly faster (with the manual) than the M45. Its top speed is - limited - to 158 !

The M with this motor and a 6-speed auto would be heaven !

exbmwdude2006 M35S