NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

Yah, because you have to make it sexy. :D

Slick8

Deciding between the two was a difficult decision, the last two contenders were the G35c and RX-8. I test drove the G35c, 350Z, WRX STi, EVO, 330ci, M3, Z4, S4, TT, and R32. Out of all these cars, it seemed like the G35c and RX-8 were the only cars that had the greater balance of performance, reliability, value, daily driver, style and design. The german cars are just ridiculously priced for a depreciating asset especially when the japanese cars these days are serious competition, and the EVO/WRX just too ricey though *****-out-amazing.

When I was shopping for the the RX-8 and G35c, the G35c was priced about $10,000 dollars more than the RX-8 I bought. I test drove the G35c and didn't get the wow/fun/smile factor feeling that I got for the RX-8. The G35 definitely has the edge with "status" thing and the looks are more traditional, though a sharp looking car. The RX-8 interior and exterior design are much more modern, as is the engineering precision in the chassis/engine. The G is more luxury and the 8 is more sport.

When looking at the aftermarket for the RX-8, though small, it is growing and is priced better than the G35c/350Z. If you do get the RX-8, you MUST add the necessary mods to the RX-8 to take full advantage of this conservatively tuned coupe which will add a few grand to the total: flywheel, CZ piggyback ECU/canscan/laptop, high flow cat, and REVi intake/ram air, and front/rear sways.

In this tuned form you will outpace a G35 or 350Z, but only if you understand how to drive the RX-8 and have good driving skills.

In the end, I took home the RX-8 and never regretted it.

...the $10,000 difference went toward a 50" grand wega HDTV and a kick **** home theater system, pre-owned ducati 748, the above mods, and some shares of ebay before they split. :D

bedrock83

I test drove a g35 coupe two days ago, it doesnt compare. Even my girlfriend who loves that car(the g35) said that it felt a lot slower. So although the power may be there where is it??? Besides nothing compares to the styling of an 8 unless you plan to spend xxx,xxx dollars.

crossbow

Btw...even if you don't like the looks of the evo/sti...you know you can change that right? If you like the way the car drives, handles, and acts, get it. Then just reverse body kit them. Just like you can "rice out" other cars, you can "de rice" the sti/evo. There are some pretty damn clean evo/sti's running around, without wings, hood scoops, and 5000 ducts in the front bumpers.

playdoh43

Ok, I am a 2005 G35 coupe 6spd owner here. Just got it couple of weeks ago. I like it better overall compared to the rx8 because its got 298hp and still handles great with those wide 19 inch wheels and potenza performance tires. Not to mention its the newest generation of the legendary SKYLINE in Japan so its got a lot of legacy. So I ended up choosing the G35 because its more refined and luxurious and have better performance. The G35 is more like a more powerful BMW 3 series than anything like the RX8. Rx8 is usually crossed shopped with the 350z and s2000.

However, I hope you understand that G35 is also in a different class in terms of price. It took me months of shopping to find one not loaded top to bottom with options and premium pakadges. The only option I got is a sunroof. And I got a pretty good deal on it as I searched in Md, Va, Pa, De, DC, and NJ. Still the out of the door price after taxes and tags ended up between $35-36k. Thats a lot more than what youd expect to pay on a base rx8 6spd which shouldnt break 30k. Also keep in mind that 95% of G35s in dealerships are loaded with options, so normally a G35 coupe 6spd goes for 35-37k before taxes and tags, and close to $40k after all is said and done. . On top of that, if you are getting an automatic, then you can easily get a good price on one if you bargain well. If you want a 6spd manual though... its a lot tougher. Around where Ive searched, you pretty much cant get the car at or below invoice. the 6 spd is still backordered in many states. Insurance is also crazy for this car and im 23 years old, I expect your insurance to easily cost above $2000 a year! ohh did I mention the tires are about $270 a pop?

Im not trying to scared the crap out of ya with these numbers :p, just want to put you into perspective how much it cost to get a G35. Rx8 should be much cheaper
and still provide you with a lot of refinement and good looks.

good luck on your purchase, you cant go wrong with either cars. just be responsible and make sure you can afford it, so it dosnt get taken away from ya by force later on If you can afford it, id say SKYLINE all the way , but im obviously a lil baised.

shaolin

Hey there the G35 is no skyline. The G35 is a variant of the 350Z. The skyline has been a riceboy's dream for sometime, but historically the Skyline is just a heavy RWD sedan and coupe line. There have been various trims, but the GT-R, which is the "legendary" skyline that you speak of utilizes an active AWD system dubbed "ATESSA" which stands for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split. The closest current G35 to that is a G35x, which is still a stretch. Furthermore, the Skyline has always been a completely seperately designed car from the Z/Fairlady Z.

The 300ZX/Fairlady Z of the late eighties and early nineties was offered in two basic packages. One being a strict 2 seater (with a convertible option) and the other being a 2+2. This my uninformed friend, is what your new G35 is really the next iteration of. I understand that in Japan, Nissan calls the current G35 a "skyline" but you have to understand the "history" or "legacy" if you're going to make claim to it. The Skyline has NEVER, EVER platform shared with any other car in Nissan's line up. It decended from the original GT-R in the early 70's which was a limited production car, dedicated to the then Emperor of Japan. Not only that, but both the G35 and 350Z, as well as the Altima's version of the VQ35 series engine are all in reality RENAULT engines.

Your car may masquerade as a "skyline" in some markets, but in most skyline dedicated circles and nissan enthusiast minds, the car really is no skyline by any far stretch of the imagination. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, if you consider this bad news. I'm no fan of the fat pig, riceboy dream the skyline is. But I do think the G35c is a very, very nice car. The "gentleman's Z."

\\Konig\\

iTrader: (4)

I would never consider the G35 as the skyline's predecessor. That would suck.

shaolin

You mean successor?

playdoh43

"Hey there the G35 is no skyline." is a very ignorant and narrow minded comment IMO. How do you know I was refering to the GT-R? not all skylines are GT-Rs, a skyline is still a skyline. and the 350z is based on the v35 skyline/g35 design, not the other way around. GT-R is the highest trim of the skyline. no one ever claimed that the g35, aka skyline 350GT in JDM is a skyline GT-R

Sharing platform and Engine with the 350z dosnt take anything away from the skyline legacy. At least i dont think it takes anything away from the Corvette legacy to share platform and engines with Caddy CTS-V, nor does it take anything away from Ferraris to share platform and engines with Messeratis. You're entittled to your own oppinion, but I certainly dont think platform sharing takes away anything from a good car.

The new 2007 GT-R based on the G35 design will have twin turboed VQ32DETT or VQ35DETT engine making 450-500hp and cost 60-70k. Having a Renault engine as you claimed (even though its co-engineered by Nissan), will not take anything away from it and keeping it from becoming the Porche 911 turbo fighter that Nissan intends it to be and continue the dominance of the GT-R badge.

That dosnt mean all the other versions of skylines are no longer skylines. Im affraid youre the one confused about what a skyline really is buddy and not understand the 50 years of Skyline "history and legacy" before you made your claim about it. The skyline line debuted in 1955 before its manufacturer Prince, was merged with Datsun/Nissan. Prince is a division of Nissan, and the entire SKYLINE lineup is dedicated to the then Emperor of Japan, Crown Prince Hirohita. This occured well before there were a GT-R version.

The SKYLINE officially became a performance car at the 2000GT (S 54 series) iteration in 1964 powered by a naturally asperated 2.0 liter inline 6. It finished 2nd in its first race, the 2nd GP of Japan in 1964 and almost beat the victorious Porsche 904GTS, which was a pure race car. Skylines has since then became one of the most popular track cars in Asia and in the world well before the GT-R version debuted. None-GT-R skylines are raced all over the world for decades and you can find many G35s on race tracks today.

The ENTIRE Skyline line has always been associated with performance, not just the GT-R. The g35 is a great performer at 298hp and almost 50/50 weight balance like a mid engined car coupled with 19 inch potenza tires provides it with great handling that out-performs the R32 Skyline GT-Rs. I never said the G35 is a GT-R, you just seems to assume that only GT-Rs can be considered skylines due to your own warped and uninformed view of what a Skyline is. :p

In conclusion, A G35 coupe/SKYLINE 350GT is to a SKYLINE GT-R, what a base Corvette is to a Corvette Z06. The GT and GT-R are trim levels of the Skyline. And most "skyline dedicated circles and nissan enthusiasts" knows this fact. and would never confuse a G35 with a GT-R but unlike you we all know the legacy of Skyline. I also agree that the g35 is a very nice car and a gentlemen's Z. :p

SlowLude

The G35 is a damn sexy car, but it is more expensive and you really can't seat anyone in the back older than 10 years. You can't negotiate on the price and the dealers that we have here are stuck up snooty ******. It's fast, but for some reason, it feels like you're driving a sedan. Its fairly common here, so its not all that special. I put a MS kit on my 8 and I haven't seen another around here yet! So worth it!!

playdoh43

I agree, G35 have a real linear and smooth powerband, and its torquey at just about any RPM. Rx8 feels more sporty and nimble despite being slower. Rx8 is a nice medium between the crazy gokarts like Evo, Sti and S2000 vs. the utility of luxury sport coupes like BMW 3 series and G35s.

Morgan

ok...i'm not reading any crap posted before me..i'm just throwing in my 2 cents.

I have an RX8 and the boyfriend has a G35-so recently i've been spending a decent amount of time in both. Now granted, his IS TT-but i really love it. I was looking to buy one before the 8 but too impacient. Now i really wish i had just waited.

I know this is my rx8 forumss and all...but i REALLY love the G. I love it to death from the inside out...just make sure to get black or white!!

crossbow

Hope your bf has money on the side for an engine rebuild...the shop nearby has two halves.

On the left is all the 350z's and G35's getting twin turbos put in...on the right is all the previous 350z's and g35's with twin turbo's getting their engines pulled, as the rods snapped, and now they have to spend about 10,000 USD on a bottom end buildup.

The shop LOVES it.

pelucidor

I had one of the first batch of RX-8s for a few months - wife complained back seats too claustrophobic for the baby. So then I got a G35 Sedan (with 6MT, sports suspension/wheels/summer tires, aero kit, NAV, and every other possible option).

RX-8 is lithe, nimble, subtle. G35 is heavy, fast, brutish.

RX-8 has MUCH better Bose stereo than the craptacular Bose in the G35.

RX-8 has slightly better NAV (bigger screen, better colours) than G35 (Birds Eye view a waste of time).

RX-8 is more fun, but G35 (sedan) is much more practical in terms of space.

RX-8 has wonderful and light steering. The G35 has wonderful and heavier steering.

RX-8 has superb brakes, and the G35 has just as good brakes (although a little more touchy for the first 2000 miles).

RX-8 has wonderful pinpoint handling that just encourages you to try that same corner a little faster each time, the G35 is more ponderous and heavy and less encouraging for an average driver like myself but also very accurate. Better drivers might find they both have similar limits.

If getting auto then G35 is probably a better bet - little performance difference to the 6MT.

If getting 6MT then I would go for RX-8 - much better gearchange and clutch.
Also there is a known problem with the 6MT in the G35 - grinding in 5th or 6th gear and then eventual failure to enter gear. My transmission had to be replaced at 6k miles. New transmission failing again at a further 14k miles - Infiniti does not know the cause and just replaces everything. I think only about 3% or less of G35s with 6MT have this problem so by no means common.

RX-8 with 6MT got about 17mpg over 3500 miles, whereas G35 with 6MT gets about 22mpg over 20k miles (but I drive more calmly nowadays than when I had my RX-8).

Material quality between the two vehicles is about the same, although 2005 model G35 has improved a bit from my 2004 (real metal surfaces etc).

Ownership effort: I am the laziest person in the world when it comes to looking after cars. G35 wins here because I don't do anything except fill it with petrol every 380 miles and check tire pressures every few weeks. However the RX-8 is not much worse - fill with petrol every 280 miles, check tire pressures and oil every few weeks (every 1000 miles).

RX-8 has 4 year/50k mile warranty and cheap servicing costs. G35 has 4 year/60k mile warranty and slightly more expensive servicing costs with free loaner cars and other perks as needed.




But all the above is pointless - just test drive them in quick sucession and you will know immediately which you prefer.

If you are not ecstatic the first time you hear that ultra-smooth turbine zoom to 9000rpm and then the gentle warning chime before the rev limiter cuts in at 9500rpm then the rotary is not for you...

Others might be amazed at the huge low down torque of the G35 and it's deep vocal V6, and how easily it pulls in any gear (3rd will smoothly handle 10-80mph).

jefferrari

I always question myself, what if I get a G35 or 350z or S2000? Sometime I compained about stuff in the 8. But probably would have complained if I buy other cars. Maybe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Because I need (or I thought I need) a back seat, so I narrowed down to G35 or 8. I am geting the base 8, so money was an issue (or I thought it would be better if I have some spare money in my pocket).

I guess I am just lost in the car buying game. 3 months after I bought my 8, I am still thinking about this. Imagine how much time I spent before I the purchase. (Sorry boss!)

I think you can try to have the dealers quote to you, see which one you are happier. I mean, both are great cars, so you will not make a wrong choice. So dealership service level and discount levels will also make your purchase happy.

playdoh43

Its normal, I do the same thing. I always wonder what if I bought this used Z06 with 36k miles on it or used E46 M3 from my friends sister's fiance who had to get rid of it to get a FX 35 now that hes getting married. (sucks to be him :p). Dosnt stop me from enjoying my G though, I still smile every time I get in it. But you always think what if?...

silverx8

The RX8 is different. The Wankel has a unique feel, just like a Porsche opposed 6 cylinder, or a riced out subaru, or a Ferrari V12. The gearbox is short and precise, the engine is front mid. All this adds up to an experience like a fine wine-unique.

There may never be another Wankel powered sports car, and this may be the last chance to feel what it is like.

Rotaries like to drink oil, but I never heard of a timing belt change, or burned valves, snapped con rods, blown head gaskets, leaky valve covers, etc...

Smoke Honda

iTrader: (1)

I just wonder how many of these topics are on the G35 forum? I think you should post on both the forums and take from both of them. Being a RX-8 forum, of course the people here are a little bias you know. I mean, these people on this forum did pass thru the G35 and bought an 8. The same is true with the G35 forum. Only a handfull of people on this forum knows the G35 well enough to say positive and the real negative about it.
Here's what I propose, a comparison between a Nissan 350Z, G35 coupe, and the RX-8. All of which is in my backyard right now. I think I'm going to start taking pictures and showing the stuff that the automotive forums don't show you to get the answers. Tire wear, warrenty, material, economics, space, comfort, reliability, ect. The comparisions is going to be a little lopsided because my 8 only have a apperance package, but it'll have to make due. I'm going to have to sway away from curtain things to make it an even field. I have a pretty good amount of time right now to do this and I'll post pictures and things when I done. Shouldn't take longer then a week.
You could make your decision then.

shaolin

Say what you will, but skylines have never impressed me. Maybe the GT-R's. Like I said, they've always been mediocre coupes and sedans. And they have ALWAYS been designed seperately from the Z.

No matter how you try to stamp it, and no matter how much useless info you post, it doesn't change the fact that your car is platform shared with the Z. No skyline before the current "skyline" ever platform shared with the Z. And the comment about the Corvette and the Caddy is nil. You danced all around the subject, and called me out saying I don't know the difference of a GT-R and regular run of the mill skyline, but it seems you have comprehension problems. RE-READ my post. Your long useless post proved no point what so ever and provided no solid reason as to why I should even consider your car a "skyline" when it's just a heavier Z. I could post all kinds of historic info on why the RX-7 was a great car, what kind of heritage it came from, etc. etc. etc. but it doesn't prove anything saying the RX-8 claims any stake to that heritage. Accept it. Your G35 (although a very nice car) doesn't stake any claim to any of the "skyline heritage" you are so fanatical about. It's just a bigger Z. I hope in 2007 when they release the GT-R they give it what it deserves and make it its own design.

r55790

G35... Had one before I got the Rx8. Traded it in for the 8 as well... bad mistake. G35 is made better, service is better, and they always fix the problem or try to instead of trying to get around the issue.

Rx8 is a lot of fun the drive and turns heads... but I can truly say it's the first and last Mazda I will ever by... it's just plain horrible.

playdoh43

I never clinged to the GT-R's herritage, Im clinging to Skyline's own rich heritage. GT-Rs are not the only Skylines that has a racing heritage you know?. I never said the G35 is a skyline GT-R lol. so No, I dont have to accept it. because your argument is weak and ignorant. youre the one that said skyline sucks and its mediocre blah blah (which is fine with me, but if it sux, then why are you so passionate about it?), when you talk about my car isnt a skyline as if only GT-Rs are worthy of the skyline name plate. Your so called mediocre non-GT-R skyline coupes and sedans have raced all over the world since the 1950s.

welcome to the 21st century, buddy where platform sharing is the future. There is no shame in platform sharing. So youre saying my car is not a skyline because it shares platform with 350Z? lol. I guess you didnt know that Nissan wanted to save money and didnt want to develop a seperate platform for 350z, so they decided to use the skyline platform. The platform was orignally disgned for the skyline, not the 350z. Thats why 350z a pretty heavey for a sports car because its based on a coupe/sedan platform, but its ok since it allows Nissan to sell 350Z at a much lower price point.

Ive never heard of anyone besides you that says a car no longer deserves its badge because it shares platform now? Whao you have a real strong argument there about why its not a "mediocre" skyline!!! lol I guess to you, Ferraris are no longer Ferraris since they started sharing platform with Messerati? NICE LOGIC THERE!! lol I never danced around anything, I said theres nothing wrong with platform sharing. I guess you think you know better than Nissan what a skyline is huh? And you called me out first, and posted that LOOOOONG and boring useless info and got all passionate. but its ok, where would the world be without haters .

khtm

Yes, and RX-8s are not known for this at all. And they definitely don't have a more linear powerband than G35s...that would be ludicrous!

Reminds me of the Nissan salesman who told me the 350z could handle WAY better than my car.

playdoh43

lol 350z and G35 dosnt handle better than rx8. happy? . IMO S2k handles the best, then rx8, then 350z, then G35 is the worst out of the 4. But all 4 can still handle very well. And relatively speaking, rx8 does have a less linear powerband, because there isnt a lot of meat down low, but have tons of power up top. IMO :p Other things RX8 is better than G35 in terms of fun factor inludes ability to REV much higher, light weight, all contributing to a sportier feel

khtm

Relatively? Have you seen a graph of the RX-8 powerband? It's almost perfectly linear. Wow...where do you get this stuff from. Do you even know what "relative" means?

I've driven a G35C and there's no way in hell, either scientifically or relative to the gravitational pull of the moon, the elevation, or the temperature outside, that it has a more linear powerband than an RX-8.

playdoh43

ok ok, you got me , I told you what i meant, Its wrong to describe it by using "linear powerband" i was just trying to express that relatively speaking, G35 has good torque at just about any RPM, while RX8 isnt meaty down low and has more power up top. happy this time? this contribute to G35 feelings less sporty compared to RX8. sorry for the lack of.. accurate term to describe the situation.