Loaner Review

[jmess]

I spent 5 days in an G35X sedan and I am surprised at how much I prefer my EX 2WD over is this car.

The G exhaust was louder as has been noted before but the tire noise from the Good Year LS tires was way louder than the 18" Dunlops on my EX. At 70 MPH the noise level in the G was annoying and way more than I had expected. This car had 11K on the ODO and the tire wear was even; I check these things. I haven't driven a 328 or 335 for a while but I remember them to have more pleasant sounds at freeway speeds.

The G35X felt more nose heavy than the EX but the shock dampening and roll control was more suited to faster cornering. That is until you get on the gas hard and get the understeer induced by the AWD. The AWD system in the G seems to amplify understeer making the steering feel heavier and somewhat deadened in the middle of corners. Seldom did I feel like the AWD was helping anything on dry pavement. Since the AWD system is a computer controlled giving the driver the ability to adjust the front to rear torque bias wouldn't be hard. The shock valving was pretty good though, firm without being too harsh when hitting bumps. The EX shocks are tuned more for ride comfort.

One side comment, GM's (delco) magnetic shock technology is excellent. I had the MagRide shocks on my Corvette and I loved them; Ferrari has licensed GM's mag shock technology. My perfect car would have a HUD, AVM, and mag shocks.

G35x acceleration off the line was helped by the lower final drive ratio or gears. Once moving it didn't feel any faster than my EX 2WD. The lower final drive ratio made downshifts to use engine braking generate higher RPMs and noise. The EX is much smoother.

One deal breaker for me with the sedan is the backseat doesn't fold down. I had to disassemble my bike to transport it to the ride I did this weekend. With the G electronics I quickly grew to miss my EX's AVM. I also found the G's intelligent cruise control was just as dumb as on the EX. I hate it when it slows the car down going around a nothing corner.

I picked up my EX35 this afternoon and was quickly won over by the smoothness and quietness of the wagon over the sedan. The reduced noise level and drive-train smoothness immediately made the EX seem more luxurious. My main EX complaint is roll control on turn in; easily improved with more aggressive sway bars. Too bad better bars aren't available in the aftermarket yet.

The local dealer experience was excellent and it was nice to have the G35 to drive over the weekend.

[dividedhighw]

I agree on virtually every point. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

I would trade a little smoothness for better responsiveness from the EX's accelerator though, if I had a choice. Too bad the car can't be configured to start up in DS mode every time.

I know what you mean about the understeer when "pushed", but due to the climate where I live, I need AWD. If you're looking for an excellent AWD system with super handling, I would recommend you test drive something like an Audi A4/S4. (If you already have, do let me know your thoughts.)

Before I bought my EX35, the Subaru WRX or STi was on my shopping list ... it still is. If you've driven one of these, I'd be interested in your opinion there also.

[jmess]

I agree on virtually every point. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

I would trade a little smoothness for better responsiveness from the EX's accelerator though, if I had a choice. Too bad the car can't be configured to start up in DS mode every time.

I know what you mean about the understeer when "pushed", but due to the climate where I live, I need AWD. If you're looking for an excellent AWD system with super handling, I would recommend you test drive something like an Audi A4/S4. (If you already have, do let me know your thoughts.)

Before I bought my EX35, the Subaru WRX or STi was on my shopping list ... it still is. If you've driven one of these, I'd be interested in your opinion there also.

I drove and earlier S4, 2002, but I didn't have much time in it. I did spent a day at a driving school with a guy who had the previous generation STI. Due to my old race clubs insurance issues/fears I didn't drive it but I liked the way it felt in the corners. It has some understeer on throttle but they say you can dial most of it out with a rear sway bar change. The new STI was on my list when shopping for a wagon but after all the attention the vette got I wanted something a little more stealthy. I also admit I wanted something with a little softer edges. I am still attracted to the STI though, maybe it will be my 3rd childhood car :-)

[EXceptional]

I got a G35 as a Loaner... and let me say, I couldn't wait to get back in my Wife's EX-35.