Test Drove a 2006 G35C !
 

Well, I strayed today and test drove a 2006 G35 Coupe. I have had the 8 for about 2 1/2 years, and do love it, but feeling like I might need a change. I considered the G35 when I bought my 8, but obviously chose the rotary. My impressions - with 297hp, it does pull nicely, but I could tell the engine was probably tight as it only had 100km on it. I do like the styling, but the interior is very "german" compared to the 8, so not quite as nice, but still decent. The 2006 has lots of great features, and I always loved the sound of the exhaust. I do love the 8, but after 2 1/2 years, I might have to stray :nono:

The only real difference in power was the torque, but after getting back in my car, and running it to 9000rpm, I still think I could have kept up :)

Still on the fence with this one?!

You're considering the g35 when you don't seem to like it as much as the 8...

Just go with FI if you want change?

How did it feel handling-wise compared to the 8?

I strongly considered the G35, but we do not have an Infiniti dealer in town, so decided against it. My inlaws have the Infiniti small SUV, the FX45, and it is phenomenal

thoughts
 

Never said I didn't like it as much.....but there are pros and cons to both vehicles. The G35 felt a little more stiff in the corners? The ride quality was good, but once again, different than the 8...not in a good or bad way? I would love to run my 8 against it from a stop just to see what the difference would be. But the G35 did have a nice power band, but obviously not the same as the 9000 redline in the 8. It was a short but good test drive, and with the bump in hp to 297, I couldn't really notice it from the 2003 model I drove (friends car). But like I said, with hardly any Km's on the dial, the engine was tight. I guess there just isn't a lot of cars to compare against in this category?

Get racing beat swaybars, then wait a few more months then get a supercharger kit. Bet the car will turn on rails and blow the G35 out of your memory.

Wait a year or two if you feel llike trading your 8 in for one, FI options are coming out for the RX-8 finally, as what mysql101 said, the 8 with FI will be superior to the G35 in every category except fuel milage lol.. but who cares about that
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Gimmesex live

and 8 would still be cheaper. lol..

the only thing that worries me is warranty and the "little issues" I have had. I usually trade cars in every 2 years, or when the warranty is up at the latest. As far as a supercharger, I am not sold on the fact that in the "near term" there will be something available that runs smoothly on our cars......but if there is (was), it would be worth considering.

I guess I simply don't have the time to mod the car, and get it tuned etc.....I look at all the time it took some guys to turbo the 8 on here and it is not what I am after. .........don't get me wrong, I love the car, but I just started thinking about something a little different?....we'll see

^the Pettit supercharger for one, from what I know, will be out in a few months, and it wouldn't be as much as a hassle as installing a turbo.

Just bought a 2006 8. I too strongly considered the G35. Even ordered one but the dealer didn't get back to me so I went back to drive the 8 to confirm what I always knew in my heart...that I wanted an 8.

I must say that the 2006 felt different than the 2004 and 2005 8's I drove. This could be in part because I took it on an extended test drive. The '06 simply felt more torquey, faster and the throttle response/sensitivity might be matched but not bettered IMO. They key is knowing how to keep the car in the sweet spot.

I have no doubt whatsoever that I chose the right car. I learned a couple things--that as much as I like HP and TQ, it is the total package is what matters most. Were this not the case I could be driving a GTO. And secondly, thorough test drives under various conditions (even different cars of the same model) are a necessity.

I want to see more development of the Renesis but I honestly don't believe anyone can show me another car with a tag of $60K or less that'll make me smile more than my 8!!!

i didnt feel any difference between the 05 and the 06 rx8 models...

good post. :)

[QUOTE=Senna]Just bought a 2006 8. I too strongly considered the G35. Even ordered one but the dealer didn't get back to me so I went back to drive the 8 to confirm what I always knew in my heart...that I wanted an 8.

I must say that the 2006 felt different than the 2004 and 2005 8's I drove.
[QUOTE]

Did you test drive an automatic?

I also considered the G35, it's a handsome car with nice power...but it was too expensive and the rear seats were useless.

But, the more I drive my 8 the more I honestly love this car. The handling really makes you forget those 50HP we all would like to have real fast. It's so nimble and light on it's feet that now it's spoiled me and I don't know if I could ever trade it in if the new car couldn't at least be similar in feel.

If I got the G35 I'd cut some weight and work on the handling before spending my money on more power. It's a nice looking car with a sweet engine...so either way you will have a nice car.

there is a new and better G35 just around the corner... i'd wait for that

^yeah, I agree!

It's japanese interior...
and what the hell is wrong with german car interior? :dunno: If you've been in a BMW or Porsche you would know that they make some of the best interiors in cars to date.

btw.... Porsche seats are the nicest factory bucket seats i've ever laid my buns on.....mmmmmm so nice.

I agree. Teutonic interiors are some of the best on earth. As a matter of fact, Audi has the best interiors IMO of any German manufacturer, they've won awards for their fit and finish and quality of workmanship. I've driven Audi A4's and A6's and was thuroughly impressed. I drove a 2004 G35C before I got my RX8 and didn't particularly like it...it was ok, but nothing impressive. I prefer the 8's interior. It's the American interiors that stink...but that's another soap box.

I don't consider the FX45 a small SUV by any means.

I too considered the G35 when I was looking at the 8. I never test drove one though. Ultimately the higher price tag, interior styling, owning an infiniti, less accessable back seats, and the fact that the 350z is so similar, made me not even want to test drive it. I have no regrets about the 8 and love the uniquiness of it. I tend to keep a car for around 10 years, although I want my next car to be an elise which I'll have to keep forever!

Our supercharger is very close to release, and with a 3 hour install, and amazing reliability, its hard to turn down!

I think you should just wait it out.

RB sway bars for handling, and our supercharger will provide more then enough power to get you back into the RX-8 groove

I would say not a damn thing since German car interiors are usually know as the "benchmark" for car interiors across the world.

I thought for sure I was going to go with a G35 until I drove one & tried to sit in the back seat (my head hit the rear glass, & I'm only 5'9").

The 8 blew me away with its looks, interior, & handling...the fact that I got one brand new for 8K under invoice didn't hurt either!

What I didn't realize at the time was how difficult & risky it is to get decent power out of the Renesis. If only it had a high-revving turbo 4 cylinder instead of the weird rotary.

Had I to do it over again, I would not have chosen the 8 because of its inefficient, unreliable, weak engine.

Now that's just plain mean :pfanndina

3 hour install? Damn that's doesn't take to long. Any tuning needs to be done (ECU). Will I still be able to use my RB intake? I agree with the RB sways, can't wait to put a set on my 8.

lol? Unreliable and weak, how so?