M35x vs M45x - anyone have experience with both?

[chris_s]

I'm looking to get into an M as a daily driver, and wondering if I should hold out for a M45 over the 35. I've read that the v8 is an extra 200 pounds, and the Hp numbers at least aren't a huge improvement, perhaps the torque curve is much improved though.

My requirements:

I need awd, and prefer the revised fascia, so it'll be 2008+ regardless
I live in the prairies, so I don't need hill climbing power
I want enough power to be comfortable, but don't need to squeal my tires at every stop light and generally drive around like a maniac
Reliability, reliability, reliability!


points of reference:
I currently drive a 2003 nissan altima 3.5, and enjoy the 250ish hp though I suspect the 4spd auto drags it down
I do about 200 miles/week, mostly highway, fuel economy is something of note but not a huge concern

thanks for any advice!!

[szh]

Hi, Chris!

Sorry you have not seen a response to this yet from somebody with a direct comparison.

I have only compared the G35 to an M45, so this is not a completely fair comparison per se. Since the interiors of the M35 and M45 are essentially identical, the only real difference is in the engine.

There isn't a whole heck of a lot of difference in the HP, but the torque numbers are quite another thing. Both cars will accelerate similarly, but the V-8 just seems far less strained doing it! The M45 is just that much more smooth getting to the speeds you want.

Would I buy an M35 (or M35X)? Yes, it is a perfectly fine car in its own way, and I would be perfectly happy owning one. It is just that, after previously owning two V-8 Infiniti cars, I am happier with driving a V-8 ... in my current older 2003 M45!

Z

[pedsemdoc]

Chris,

I have driven the non-AWD models of both the M35 and M45 when i was looking for my M, so not an exact comparison but prolly close enough. Both very quick but Z is right, low end torque on the 45 was just immense, of course that was just the butt dyno. The M45 didn't feel much heavier and it likely rides even better if the suspension is changed out too. I think the mpg difference is negligible too--how you drive ends up making more of a difference.

Altho' I may be biased b/c I own a M45. However, fewer bolt on mods vs the VQ engine...I vote for the M45 and going with the 2008+ styling is a good move. gl with the hunt.

craig

[mazz]

i owned 3 q45's before i bought both m35 i have owned
the 6 goes fast enough
if you want all wheel drive i think you have to stick with the m35x i thought the the v8 version was not offered in all wheel drive until 2010 or 2011

[chris_s]

thanks for the input, guys. The m45x became available in 2008, though they seem to be few and far between here in Canada at least. I think the 2008s will be coming up as lease returns soon so that may change.
I'm absolutely not interested in "bolt on mods" or anything like that, so "tunability" isn't a concern. This isn't a honda civic, people

[szh]

This isn't a honda civic, people

Heartily endorsed.

My opinion only ... and I can appreciate that some people feel otherwise.

Z

[quinner49er]

I live in the Toronto area and own a 2008 M45X, which I purchased new three years ago. And yes, the M45X is fairly rare around these parts. I test drove both the M35X and the M45X, so perhaps can give you some insights into the differences. Both are great cars, but it was the engine and power characteristics that sold me on the M45X; plus, I loved the chromed alloy wheels that were not available on the M35X!!! The acceleration is definitely better on the M45X. It has lots of power at all times, whether from a dead stop or at highway passing speeds. There is nothing like a big V8 engine for smooth, consistent delivery of power.

The other main difference for me was engine noise at highway speeds. At around 120 km/h (75 mph) the M35X was revving at around 3000 to 3200 rpm, which was noticeable and annoying to me (my boy-racer days being long over) and I thought it would be even more annoying on longer highway trips. The M45X was only revving at about 2600 to 2700 rpm at the same speed. Maybe a 6- or 7-speed transmission in the M35X might have helped solve that issue, but both only came with a 5-speed automatic at the time.

When I look at the 2008 Canadian Infiniti brochure the results are easily explained. While the RWD M35 is 135 kg (297 lbs) lighter than the M45X, the M35X is only 60 kg (132 lbs) lighter. The horsepower and torque differences are significant: 275 HP @ 6200 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque @ 4800 rpm for the M35X vs. 325 HP @ 6400 rpm and 336 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm for the M45X. That is about a 20% increase in HP and 25% increase in torque at much lower rpm, with only about a 3.5% increase in curb weight.

By the way, I average about 14 litres/100 km (about 20 mpg Imperial/17 mpg US) in Toronto commuter driving (about 50% on the highways and 50% on city streets) and I am not normally light on the accelerator! The numbers are much better on long-distance highway driving. I have no direct comparison for the M35X, but the manufacturer's estimates suggest you should get about 10 to 12% better than the M45X. At today's high gas prices that may be an important difference to you.

I love my car and know I made the right decision for me; and I'm happy that I could afford to pay the difference to get what I wanted. Whichever you choose, I think you will love the car. I just thought I would add my 2 cents worth, since I have had some direct experience with both models. Hope this was helpful. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them. Good luck on your search!


EDIT OCT 26/11: to add US vs. Imperial mpg conversion

[chris_s]

great reply quinner, very informative!

I'm going to keep an eye open for offlease m45x's coming up!