05 G35 vs. 08 altima coupe

[Leman]

car 1:2005 G35 Coupeauto44K miles35% tintremote start$18,500

car 2:

2008 Altima coupe 3.5CVTpremium package19K miles$21,900

i really like the g35. and like that it is RWD and had VDC

but the altima is newer with fewer miles and has the cool push button start. pretty much the only thing working against it is FWD

so what do yall think? which would you get

[joe603]

I'd get the G35 if you want a true sports/luxury car. The Altima just isn't in the same league.

[Sentientbydesign]

Good call posting this up in the G forum. Now I can speak frankly about the Altima.

Have you actually driven the CVT? To me, it's one of the most annoying transmissions to deal with (second only to the BMW transmissions from 01-03). I personally like feeling torque (being pushed back in your seat). The A/C moves very quickly, but it accelerates like my wife's celica. Her celica has a decent amount of HP for it's weight, but has almost no torque.

Here's an honest assesment of the G35 vs. Altima Coupe.

G35-

-53/47 weight distribution which allows for the center of mass to sit pretty much center under acceleration.-RWD (you can't drift an Altima lol). Pushing yourself around turns is a very interesting feeling. Not always as safe as FWD, but still lots more fun.-A very nice balance of performance, style, and ammenities (HIDs, VDC, heated seats...etc)-A much more knowledgeable community for help, mod advice...etc. (Many of the Altima guys/girls are young and don't know much about their cars).-More seasoned aftermarket. The mods have been tried by many, supercharger, turbo, twin turbo, intakes, exhaust...etc are all ready and both transmissions are capable of handling the power.-You also have the added benefit of being able to share many of the 350z mods as well.

Altima-Price-Newness-Weight (not balance, just overall weight)

[etschell]

this is a joke right?

the altima isnt worth it. you're going to get boned hard on dep. but thats just me. and dont pay 18,500 for that g, you can cop it for less. the altima coupe has nothing special about it IMO and is less fun to drive due to the non rwd factor.

[zozoka1212]

I drove the new Maxima for a day with CVT. I don't think I ever can get used to that. I know it was a Maxima but the CVT should be same. Also was pissed about when you put it in Manual it was still shifting 500rpm under red line itself. WTF?

RWD vs FWD.

Do you have snow in your area?

New vs used.

Warranty for 3 years vs almost out of warranty.

Have you testdrive both?

zozo

[infinitgkid]

RWD > FWD

[kmckis1029]

This is a question?

no RWD or AWDnot even close to luxury (G35 is near luxury)CVT is nice technology but is a boring drivethe G35 will actually turn heads (if that matters to you)you could proabaly get the G35 for lessThey have the same base engine but the G35 would be tuned better

The only thing the altima has over the g35 is Age and better fuel economy.

If you just drive your car from point A to point B i say get the altima, but if you want an experience from point A to point B get the g35. I have had my g35 for 5 months now and its still as fun to drive as the day i test drove it at the dealer. i look foward to driving my car everyday... i have to say that it is very weird to get so much pleasure from driving a g35.
Modified by kmckis1029 at 10:31 AM 12/19/2008

[Leman]

thanks for all the replys guys. i have test dorve both and i like the way the g handles better. and i also like to be able to read a car while driving it. and i just couldnt feel it from the coupe.

also one more question it has the 17" alloys on it i see alot of people on here running the stock 18" does anybody have a set they would sell for cheap because of buying new rims?

[tollboothwilley]

thanks for all the replys guys. i have test dorve both and i like the way the g handles better. and i also like to be able to read a car while driving it. and i just couldnt feel it from the coupe.

also one more question it has the 17" alloys on it i see alot of people on here running the stock 18" does anybody have a set they would sell for cheap because of buying new rims?

Get a G35, but dont get that one. You can find a better price.

[Jacko3]

Hello Leman:

First of all, you probably have about the same number of remaining warranty on bhoth cars. Infinit gives you 60K warranty and so you have 16K left, and Nissan gives you 36K warranty, and so you have about 17K warranty left.

I have driven the Altima Coupe, 6MT and Auto, and eventhough it does have the VQ engine in it, its suspension and handling is no where near what is possible in the G-35 Coupe. The Altima Coupe is a coupe wanna-be. The G-35 Coupe is a true coupe. They ar enot on the same league.

I have taken both cars through high speeds on curves, and I felt unsafe with the limits of handling of the Altima Coupe, while the G-35 came out of the same curve normally and naturally and with confidence. That can be a significant issue in the middle of a spirited drive.

I like the CVT in the Altima Coupe and it is smooth and coordinated--takes away lots of the torque and headache and fun associated with the real driving experience.

So, if you are really interested in pushing a car for the fun of it, and not worry about reliability that much, I would go for a G-35 Coupe. But if you are interested in the gadgetry which will wear off within 3 months of purchase, then go for the Altima Coupe.

I have a NAV in my G-35 Coupe and I have not used it more than 7 times this year. I have the VDC in the car, yet, I rarely use it. Yet I paid for both technologies. I also have the rear active steer on my car, and that seems to be the only technology that I use because I have no choice in controlling if I use it or not--once i go beyond 50 miles per hour in a curve, my rear wheels actually turn at an angle as well.

So, you decide.

[Koolio]

The G35 and Altima are basically the same car. Save the $$ and buy the Altima- you are getting a newer car for not too many more dollars.

[Jacko3]

How so?

[Sentientbydesign]

The G35 and Altima are basically the same car. Save the $$ and buy the Altima- you are getting a newer car for not too many more dollars.

What is the basis for this claim? It's absolutely comical!

Different chassis, different platform (RWD vs FWD). Different origin (US vs Japan). Different standard and optional features. Did you want me to keep going on? Different tune. Different weight balance...

[Koolio]

Same engine. Same looks etc

[SVTCOBRA]

^ Based on your comments, I'm assuming you are just wanting to start something and I will decline to particapate at this time.

I think kmckis1029 summed it up wellDo you want to just arrive at your destination or do you want to arrive at your destination with a smile on your face!?!?

[Sentientbydesign]

Same engine. Same looks etc

Here's a list of vehicles with the same engine:

G35350ZAltimaMaximaFX35EX35M35

I think the Quest also uses the same engine, though I'm not positive.

The Altima and G35 share very little in common other than the fact that the Altima designers stole body design elements from the G35 and G37.

[cheapazz]

In the end it's all about YOU!!! Which car do You prefer....which car do YOU like to drive....which car gives you the ole twitch in the fruit of the looms when you drive it. We can have our tiffs with each other and give you our opinions on either or vehicle but it all boils down to you. I paid WAY to much for my 2005 coupe but I don't care.....I love it and now its mine.

If you get the coupe and are looking for some 18" rims lemme know, I should have some chillin in the garage this spring or you could find some on ebay for under $600.

[zozoka1212]

Here's a list of vehicles with the same engine:

G35350ZAltimaMaximaFX35EX35M35

I think the Quest also uses the same engine, though I'm not positive.

The Altima and G35 share very little in common other than the fact that the Altima designers stole body design elements from the G35 and G37.

I think he owns a BMW.

zozo

[Leman]

I went with the G

ill post up some pics as soon as i find my camera cord

[LeGeND42o]

They are both very nice rides, but i would not go with the CVT Altima. Tested a few out and they really arent that fun to ride in, and you wont get the feeling of speed. Im not looking to start anything, but with a few mods and right tune, the Altima will outrun a G. I do regret the FWD though!

[Jacko3]

I don't disagree with you, but so far I have outrun several 2009 Nissan Maximas---the new body style---and they have more power than the Altima. In my 4th gear, even before I hit 6 RPM, the gap just keeps increasing as I look at them in my rear view mirror. My G-35 has some mods, though. So, I am unsure how an altima with a few mods can outrun me. Maybe the Altima's lighter weight maybe its advantage.

[SVTCOBRA]

I went with the G

ill post up some pics as soon as i find my camera cord

Did you go with the 05??? Pics and specs pleeeeease!!

[LeGeND42o]

I don't disagree with you, but so far I have outrun several 2009 Nissan Maximas---the new body style---and they have more power than the Altima. In my 4th gear, even before I hit 6 RPM, the gap just keeps increasing as I look at them in my rear view mirror. My G-35 has some mods, though. So, I am unsure how an altima with a few mods can outrun me. Maybe the Altima's lighter weight maybe its advantage.

Very nice Jacko, yea the Altimas are nice through first and second gear, but after that its a bit sluggish. With aftermarket parts on a G it would probably take care of Altimas, but hey thats when flip on my nitrous and have a good time.

[zozoka1212]

Nice let see some pictures of your new bad boy. Good choice. One thing to get from A to point B and another thing is to get in with the mos fun. RWD gives you that.

Congrats on your new ride.

zozo

[marlin29311]

RWD > FWD

So which one of you G owners drives in the snow?....

the G35 will actually turn heads (if that matters to you)

Actually, it's the altima that turns my head. I see so many damn G's on the road it's kind of annoying. The car is way overplayed.

I love the bias from both sides of the arguement. G owners think the altima is junk, altima owners think the G is overrated....it's hilarious.

Quite honestly it's impossible for someone to give you a good opinion of both cars. (I do see you already bought the G, so this post is somewhat useless...)

The interior quality of the G is nicer - higher quality plastics and leather are used. However, I feel the A/C has a better dash layout than the pre-08 G's.

The G is a better "performance" vehicle - RWD allows for a better suspension setup, easier to modify/enhance. The Altima is a better "daily driver" and will allow you to get through more road hazards (snow, etc).

They're both used - caveat emptor my friend.

I now await the flame fest that I'm going to get because I have an A/C on the G forum. Truth be told, I would have bought a G37/G35 if I had a few grand more for my car. I refuse to buy a pre-owned car, so that's why I didn't get a used G, and it's impossible to find a fully loaded G for 32k (how much my a/c retails for). I would have liked the more performance oriented car, but I also really do enjoy my A/C - the CVT does a wonderful job of "pulling" on the highway when you're passing someone (not the 2.5 - that thing sucks for everything but fuel economy), and once you drive it for a while, it is a lot nicer to drive than an automatic (6MT is still my preferred way to drive). It is true that the CVT does dampen the "feel" of acceleration, but the 3.5 CVT still lays down a 5.8 second 0-60 and can (if driven properly) break a 14 in the 1/4 (there are members in the altima forum that have done it).

Either way, they're both great cars - Nissan FTW.

At least you weren't looking at an accord or something....

[zozoka1212]

LOL

Actually few people here drive their G in the snow. Sean(Gwhizz) do it every day. I do it too.

LOL

About the 32k. There was a thread here I know it is a sedan but the priciest one. The XS brand new for $32700.

Here is the thread.

http://forums.g35club.org/zerothread/392666

I don't think people here think the Altima is junk. I think it is fantastic car. They are not in the same league. Not because the Alti is less classy. It just not comparable. For all the reasons listed already but mostly due to the FWD vs RWD. There is the reason why Nissan come up with the Alti coupe. It doesn't hurt as much the sale of the G. Same with the Z. 350z has the RWD like the G but they made the 2 car totally different driving experience. 2 seater vs 4 seater , rougher ride vs more of a luxury ride.

Same idea why I don't mind the Maxima out. It has similar options than the G asedan. Are they the same car with the same driving experience. Nope not at all.

To me it is awesome. More cars means more to chose from. I even hope some of the automakers try to make cheaper but same set up like Nissan/Infiniti does. That just helps to keep the price tag lower for all the cars.

Go Nissan.

zozo

[zozoka1212]

Marlin to be honest I really really don't like the CVT. I usually change easily but that thing when I drove it with the Maxima was just not for me. Is yours shift itself even when you are in Manual?

zozo

[marlin29311]

Marlin to be honest I really really don't like the CVT. I usually change easily but that thing when I drove it with the Maxima was just not for me. Is yours shift itself even when you are in Manual?

zozo

I know the CVT isn't for everyone - just like auto isn't. I've really enjoyed it though.

And yea, it does - when you put the car into manual mode, the car will automatically "shift" about 500 rpm before redline. I think Nissan tuned the ECU to do this as a way to protect the engine from people who would forget to shift. I'm sure Cobb or some other ecu company can flash it and change the rev-limiter - it also doesn't allow you to do it in drive either.

[zozoka1212]

I know that was really the only thing I would not be able to leave with. It actually kind of pissed me off when I drove the Maxi. Hope somebody will come out with some tweek and you can do the shifting. It just no point for the red line. To me just does not make sense. Auto transmission does not do it for you when you are in manual. It only shifts back at the stop. You can shift at redline or a little beyond.

zozo