M35x vs M45x?

[bwitte]

[Revised to non-AWD]Hi,I currently drive a 99 maxima which has done well by me for quite some time, but it is getting close to the end of its usable life. I’m looking into the M35/45 cars. I’m wondering whether there are any advantages of either the 3.5 or the 4.5 over the other. Also, are there any trim options that would make a big difference in terms of handling/performance. Is either car more or less modifiable then the other in terms of handling performance?

Are there any model years 2006 and up that have any major advantages over the other model years?

What do you think of the cars overall and would you make the same purchase again?

Thanks in advance!Bill.
Modified by bwitte at 10:19 AM 7/30/2009

[exbmwdude]

Both are heavier, slower and considerably thirstier than their RWD versions. I'm curious why you would buy an AWD car in DC where it rarely if ever snows ?

Stick with the RWD versions and buy some snow tires for the handfull of days you actually need the extra traction.

exbmwdude2006 M35S

[bwitte]

Considering I have a Titan 4x4, you are right! I just made the assuption that they were FWD, and I like the handling of AWD and RWD better then FWD.

[The00Dustin]

Regarding 2006-newer, I don't think there was an M45x until 2009, but that doesn't much matter since you don't want the AWD. The only other thing I know of off-hand is that I have seen a lot of complaints about the interior trim (especially the wood) in this forum, and I could be wrong, but this appears to be specific to the 2007 model. Additionally, the 2006 model (front) passenger seat is pretty weak in terms of adjustments, no lumbar or front height adjustment on the tilt (even premium package). In a thread where this is brought up, someone said that changed in 2007, but I don't know whether that change applies to both the tilt and the lumbar or only the tilt. I bought a 2006 M45 Premium Package a month ago; it was manufactured in April of 2005, so I am crossing my fingers and hoping it lasts as long as an Infiniti should even though it was pretty early off the line. Another difference you will notice is the dash lighting color in the 2008+ models. In 2006-2007, the dash lighting is red and the rings are classic infiniti brightness adjusting light coming from the outside of the speedometer (these can be turned off). I haven't seen a 2008+ M, but I had a 2008 G35x loaner (it was very go-kart-y, if the M35x would be the same way, I am super glad I got an M45 instead in spite of the snow in my region with it being my only car), and the lighting was blue, but the ring was faux and could not be turned off. Personally, I thought the faux blue ring in the G35x was very tacky (though I'm sure a real one would be beautiful, and the M might have a real one). That said, if you have the option to go that new, you might want to compare the interior lighting to see which you like better, depending on how picky you are. I'm sure there are other subtle differences; hopefully others will chime in.