G50 vs Y33 VIDEOS!

[elwesso]

First off, let me say that I have dogged the Y33 a little more than I should have, I drove Zinkie's Y33 today (which is a great car, in GREAT SHAPE) and I have to say, i was surprised. First gear is very similar, but 2nd and 3rd gear dont really compare. Definitely faster through 2nd gear... I even put my Q in stock mode and it was slightly faster but not much...

WE didnt race kinda like I wanted to because I like my car more than I do getting good footage. There were cops out today, and thank god Zinkie had a V1. That thing ROCKS, i am totally getting one!

It has certainly piqued my interest to see what kind of difference the KYB and Tein springs actually make... The dive and squat on accel was kind of annoying... However, handling is no comparison, even compared to a stock G50.. hes got realyl good tires on the Y33 too, 245-50-16 fulda extremos and they had good grip but the car is so floppy you dont really wanna push it too hard...

The car definitely feels a lot bigger around town, even though its not really much bigger..... interior materials seem cheaper, mainly due to the really plasticy wood trim.. would be more fit in a maxima honestly.. The leather also seemed inferior to me, it seems like that the dye or whatever could flake right off.. not sure what it was.. However, the leather was thinner and more pliable, which in turn made the seats more comfortable, MUCH more comfortable IMO. The interior looks nice, but it just doesnt really feel that nice to me...

My verdict stands though: Its not a better car, its not a worse car, its a DIFFERENT car, built with different purposes in mind for different people... Its a very comfy car, and it DEFINTELY is more of a luxury car than a performance car in my opinion...

The Y33 would make an ideal long distance highway cruiser... probably better than the G50... I sat down in those seats and I could see myself driving that thing for a long time.. It's a right lane cruiser... It just has a different attitude..... IT never really seems like its in a hurry, it will respond to throttle, but its just not a really a hardcore puller like my Q is... Even stock vs stock, its got a slightly flatter torque curve it seems to me... It goes about its business.. THis is a car that you could set the cruise control at 100MPH all day.. Thats right where it wants to be. it doesnt like going much faster than 100 in a hurry... Youll see it in the videos.

I have some more thoughts but this is what I want to get out of my system for now since most people wont read that anyway... my next project is to try and install a Y33 RSTB into the G50; i think it will work..

So without further adeu, here are the videos...

Y33 30-80ishY33 70-125Y33 on rampG50 0-80G50 40-80 (2nd gear)

[CrimsonQ]

g50 went 0-80 much faster than the 30-80ish!

Im still gettin my Y33, but alas for a different purpose (long distance driving,takin wife out)

[BlackBirdVQ]

80-125 seemed like it took a eternity while watching it.... G50 deff is faster from 80 up from my observation, now if my stupid drivers turn signal lens wouldn't fall out at over 100MPH It would be nice.

I will try to make a video of mine maybe tomorrow, but using a camera phone to do this with. I do not have a 2nd person to assist me in my crazy shananigans.

Here is a shot one I took the other day to give ya an idea on quality...http://home.comcast.net/~93ser/0218061036.3g2

[zinkie13]

Wes your car is definately a bada$$ Q. Your car has inspired me to possibly get an old g50 for fun when and if I ever get my new project completed.

[Jesda]

They both make some beautiful sounds.

[3Q Jay]

thanks guys, great fun!zinkie, your trans shifts perfect. very sure and crisp. can you squeeze redline out of it when manu shifting? would make it a bit faster. i'm not sure since the dash is dark on the 'on-ramp' video, but seemed like you might have been bouncing on the rev limiter--which would answer that question.the VH41 is such a stout engine. too bad it is not tuned to run above 6000 (can clearly see it running out of steam--same as mine). That short stroke should be able to buzz 7600 (imagine how sweet the cacophony) easily with the right fuel and valve maps.

Wes- your setup is very nice. i just read your sig and see you indeed have a high stall. that was one of the first things i noticed in the video--the tach jumping to about 25-2600 (what is your real stall??). definitely improves the outta the hole. the pull of the vh45 above 4000 is just unreal.

[DuDro]

I noticed that the Y33 had quite a few yellow warning lights on...What's up?

[DuDro]

I keep forgetting that my phone can record video!

I will need to record something and upload....

[sijoko]

--the VH41 is such a stout engine. too bad it is not tuned to run above 6000 (can clearly see it running out of steam--same as mine). That short stroke should be able to buzz 7600 (imagine how sweet the cacophony) easily with the right fuel and valve maps.

The VH41DE has the potential to be a screamer like you said but I feel it is held back by the stock exhaust manifolds.

I bought a set just to check it out. They are very restrictive.

The VH45 has welded tubular exhaust manifolds, but the VH41 has cast manifolds that look like something found on an old Chevy. The only reasons I can think of for this is either a lack of space or cost cutting.

[maxnix]

The VH41DE has the potential to be a screamer like you said but I feel it is held back by the stock exhaust manifolds.

That and the log intake plenum, and the fact it is tuned for torque since it is installed in a heavy car.

Same valve area, shorter stroke, but I think it lacks the VH45DE girdle. Still, in a lighter car or with more gears, it should scream.

While the VH45DE pulls harder, I am constantly surprised how fast I am going in the FY33 because the engine is turbine smooth, as is the car, and it is quieter.

[Flagship-Q]

Very nice. Kinda reminds me of some "Test" runs up by Auburn. Come to think of it, that on-ramp looked familiar! Were we out about in that area? Coulda called for another "witness" None the less, it's always nice to see some of what these cars are capable of.

[zinkie13]

Yes it was being bounced off the rev limiter....That's because Wes was driving it at the time!! hahaha and the warning lights are my ABS TCS and SLIP lights that I have mentioned before.

[maxnix]

Thanks for posting in WM compatible format.

Two questions:

Which one of you has the heavier keychain?

Why is the steering wheel on the G50 jacked up into Mack truck territory?

[elwesso]

I think a lot of the laser smoothness has to do with the front subframe on the Y33..... Its just like the rear subframe, wiht the silicone filled bushings. I wonder if you could put spacers in there like you do in the rear to make the front feel less vague.... The VH41 really seems like its packed into the Y33 engine bay a lot more than the VH45 is... Apples and apples too, because his battery is in the trunk as well as mine... Certainly doesnt look as pretty of an engine because its not as trimmed and theres more plasic covers on the Y33..

When I had it bouncing off the rev limiter (forgot i cant go to 7 grand) it really didnt make much difference, but it made some. I REALLY missed the gated shifter in the Y33... I even tried to get the back end loose on that On Ramp and it didnt want to do that....

Above 100MPH i noticed more wind noise than in the G50.....

The ex. manifolds on the y33 have ot be due to the lack of space, as i mentioned earlier.

Most of Zinkie's runs on the Y33 were done on the interstate, and mine were done on the backroads. There were a ton of cops on the Interstate and I didnt want to deal with anything.. his were much flatter and mine had some undulations but we tried to do it where it was flat.

And brian, maybe you dont know what it's like to be tall, but thats how i have to have my steering wheel in order to fit right..... plus when im driving long distances i often sit with my left foot near the seat...

I dont know why my keychain is big, i have the key to the Q, 4 keys, the remote, and a pocket knife.. I just dont have them on one ring because if i do and it sits in my pocket the keys stab my leg.

[Falkdesigns]

Well, the response is exactly what I would expect from Wes because you're so biased against it to begin with. The interior is miles ahead in terms of quality feel, the G50 feels all plastic and very 1980's. But again, it's just what I would have expected. I beat a stock G50 in a stop light race, hands down, but it was probably the G50 driver that couldn't drive I'm sure.

[maxnix]

The VH41 really seems like its packed into the Y33 engine bay a lot more than the VH45 is...... Certainly doesnt look as pretty of an engine because its not as trimmed and theres more plasic covers on the Y33..

When I had it bouncing off the rev limiter (forgot i cant go to 7 grand) it really didnt make much difference, but it made some. I REALLY missed the gated shifter in the Y33... I even tried to get the back end loose on that On Ramp and it didnt want to do that....

Above 100MPH i noticed more wind noise than in the G50.....

And brian, maybe you dont know what it's like to be tall, but thats how i have to have my steering wheel in order to fit right..... plus when im driving long distances i often sit with my left foot near the seat...

I dont know why my keychain is big, i have the key to the Q, 4 keys, the remote, and a pocket knife.. I just dont have them on one ring because if i do and it sits in my pocket the keys stab my leg.

The tower spacing is actually greater on the FY33.

I think both engines are beautiful, especially with the trim stripped. I am a cast aluminum junkie when it comes to engines. The aluminum oil pan for the VH41DE gives it the best look from underneath.

Have to turn off the TC to have any chance to break the rear of the FY33 loose. It is on by default.

The FY33 does seem to have less noise at speed, maybe subframe, wind sealing.

I am barely over 6 feet, so I don't see how 6'3" and taller guys (and presumably, women) fit at all comfortably. I crack up everytime I see the picture of Rob autocrossing with his head out the sunroof. But I keep my extra keys in the console so I don't wear out the ignition lock prematurely.

[hannibal]

Nice vids! It does seem like the G50 is much faster from 80ish up.

Blackbird, I love the sound of your Q!

[elwesso]

1. Well, the response is exactly what I would expect from Wes because you're so biased against it to begin with. 2. The interior is miles ahead in terms of quality feel, the G50 feels all plastic and very 1980's. But again, it's just what I would have expected. 3. I beat a stock G50 in a stop light race, hands down, but it was probably the G50 driver that couldn't drive I'm sure.

1. I am not. It seems like it but ESPECIALLY after this, i am not hardcore biased against them... I may not prefer them for what I want out of a car, but that doesnt mean I dont like them for what they are.....

2. Dont force your opinion as fact... but FACT is the Y33 does have more plastic than the G50 does, especially around the center console.. The wood trim on the doors, around the radio, and around the shifter is all really fake feeling..... the wood around the shifter does feel better though than the thin flexy stuff around the radio. The wood onthe 94s around the door lever is really fake and I accept that, but around the shifter its definitely real, you can tell by taking it off!

on the G50 everything around the radio and instruments is the vinyl covered stuff.. You can even tell the difference on the material quality used in 95 and 96 Qs. its considerably less... On 95/96 Q youll see the upper part of the door panel commonly worn off, on 90-94 you hardly ever see that.....

I still think the G50s interior doesnt look as good, but it feels better and is slightly more functional, but the Y33s looks better (much better) but it doesnt feel as nice...

I really think that you want me to hate the Y car. I tried to be (and I think I was) objective as possible... Yes I still prefer the G50, but I do definitely respect the Y33 more than I did before, now that I have actual experience driving one... I really want to drive one with the suspension setup right, as the stock suspension leaves much to be desired in the handling stand point.. Still it very likely handles better than a standard G50, due to lighter weight, FSTB/RSTB, and the rear sway bar... Q45t would be a closer match..

[Rex]

... Blackbird, I love the sound of your Q!

I'm pretty sure that video clip is of his Maxima.

I'd be interested in some "measured" numbers, if Wes has them ... you know with a stop watch or a g-tech or something more technical than his butt dyno.

BTW - I only have the Key or key and remote, no other keys hang from the ignition.

[Jesda]

Well, the response is exactly what I would expect from Wes because you're so biased against it to begin with. The interior is miles ahead in terms of quality feel, the G50 feels all plastic and very 1980's. But again, it's just what I would have expected. I beat a stock G50 in a stop light race, hands down, but it was probably the G50 driver that couldn't drive I'm sure.

No, the Y33 interior is definitely cheaper. At the dealer I was chatting with the service manager, and I got a chance to sit in a 2000 Anniversary model that one of his guys was working on. The materials were cheaper but the seats were nicely shaped.

http://www.freshalloy.com/site...shtml

Quote »InteriorThe 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.[/quote]Bonus info:90-92 (possibly 93?) use a headliner thats made of wool and polyester. It feels like the fur on a newborn bunny. 93-96 and 97-01 use a canvas-like material similar to what is found on the Mercedes C-class. While the later style is much easier to keep clean, it looks and feels rough and truck-like.

In addition, door handles, pillars, and door panels were cheapened after 1993 and especially in 1996 and 1997.

I also have the lightest Q (yes, even compared to Y33), since 1990 used the least amount of sound deadening and had the fewest extra features. Of course, that makes it the loudest at high speeds and I lack power lumbar, power folding mirrors, and power headrests. Yanking the disabled Bose amps should save another couple pounds.

90-93 have sodium filled exhaust valves.

96 loses VVT, which is regained in 97 with the VH41.

'90 has the sportiest steering feel and sharper shifts because of TCU software.

Stock, '90 will run to 60mph in 6.7 seconds, according to Car and Driver.

The '90 was named by Road and Track as one of the ten best cars in the world, alongside these amazing cars:Acura NSX, BMW M5, Chevy Corvette ZR-1, Ferrari 348tb, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz 300E, Mercedes-Benz 500SL, Nissan 300ZX Turbo, Porsche 911 Carrera 4, Nissan 300ZX.

In conclusion:Jesda's car > Wes and Kevin's. You guys can bicker all day and night, but in the end I still rule.

Just screwing with you guys. They're awesome cars and I'd be happy to drive them all.
Modified by Jesda at 12:15 PM 4/28/2006

[TgduMg]

They're awesome cars and I'd be happy to drive them all.

Zinkie's Q has nice growl at WOT!

And Wes, did I hear the Chilli Peppers in your 0-80 vid?

Danisiti 1

[Falkdesigns]

I guess the quality of Mercedes is on a huge downward spiral too, since I think my driving environment is just as nice as the 2000 S55 that I spent a day driving (except for the Navi I wish I had) and that car costs twice as much as a new Q45.

Quote »...thin flexy stuff around the radio.[/quote] What the heck are you talking about? It's firmly mounted, it's ALL the same material, I've never seen mine "flex". How the heck did you make it flex??? To me, and everyone that's ever ridden in my car (including parents that drive Lexus and Porsche) they all comment on how "nice" it is, or "did it come with the wood? nice....." type of comments.

There's only one place I'd rather be than driving my Q: in bed with my wife.

[Jesda]

I guess the quality of Mercedes is on a huge downward spiral too, since I think my driving environment is just as nice as the 2000 S55

MB has been declining rapidly since 1995, when they started pushing volume over engineering and quality. A lot of people mocked them when they ran ads for the newest S-class claiming to be the "most revered" -- they're trying to ride a wave that crashed long ago. No one has admired MB since the days of the W124 and W140.

[Falkdesigns]

No one has admired MB since the days of the W124 and W140.

Obviously, you've never been to Los Angeles then. MB has the thickest (by far) section in Auto Trader, the L.A. Times classified, etc of ANY brand.

Wes, your car sounds pretty good.

[Jesda]

`

Obviously, you've never been to Los Angeles then. MB has the thickest (by far) section in Auto Trader, the L.A. Times classified, etc of ANY brand.

And Chevrolet has the biggest section in Kansas City and Houston. Popularity has nothing to do with quality. Consumers can in fact be very stupid (including Los Angeles apparently), judging by the poor sales of anything thats ever worn a "Q45" badge.

MB quality took a huge nosedive in the mid 90s and didnt begin recovering until very recently. That is not a disputable fact. Dont insult your Q by comparing it to one of DaimlerChrysler's automotive abortions.

Note: I was just in Los Angeles in February.

[Falkdesigns]

You said "no one has admired MB", to which I said it's got the thickest section. Popularity = admiration. People the world over "admire" MB, crappy quality and all.

My Q is a piece of garbage, everyone knows it's inferior to the G50 by far, no one ever asks about it or looks at it, it's just bland, anonymous junk.

[elwesso]

Took some times from the videos and this is what I came up with

Y33 80-120- low 18 secondsG50 0-60- about 6.5 secondsY33 0-60 - about 7 seconds (this was kind of a guess as I based it off RPMs, still should be good within .5 seconds)Y33 40-80 (using 1st gear)- about 8 secondsG50 40-80 (locked in 2nd)- about 8 secondsG50 40-80 (using 1st)- about 6 seconds.

Rob's Q does 80-120 in about 11 seconds... I timed a stock 91 Q doing 80-120 off another video doing in about 13 seconds.

So this data shows that below 80, the Y33 and G50 stock are pretty close, even with my ECU. But past 80, there isnt much comparison as the G50 is much faster in any trim. I do kinda wish we would have done some highway racing, but thats ok.

[elwesso]

Zinkie's Q has nice growl at WOT!

And Wes, did I hear the Chilli Peppers in your 0-80 vid?

Danisiti 1

That you did... Just made a CD with a bunch of their greatest hits... Love em!

[Jesda]

`

My Q is a piece of garbage, everyone knows it's inferior to the G50 by far, no one ever asks about it or looks at it, it's just bland, anonymous junk.

I guess then we can conclude that MB's remaining (and very rapidly fading) admiration is a result of consumer ignorance.

I know you were being sarcastic, but I very much like your Q.

[maxnix]

I only have the Key or key and remote, no other keys hang from the ignition.

I also only have those items on the ignition key ring to minimize wear to the cylinder. Other keys go on other rings and are stored in the console.

While I prefer the rosewood in the Y50 interior, the plastic stuff in the pre-2001 and 2000 and earlier (exceptin the ae) doesn't bother me. In the later G50, the woods don't match from door to console, and personally I find the real maple wood trim in the ae 2001 FY33 too garishly yellow, at least in a dark interior.