shift_zoom8

Tonight, I stopped by the local Infiniti dealership just to compare the G35 interior to the RX8's.

The only thing of higher quality in the G35 are the leather seats.

The thick rubbery material on and around the dash is about the same quality in both cars. Thinly cushioned vinyl on the door panels also seem to be about the same in both cars.

Everything else is higher quality in the RX8. The hard plastic is all over both cars, but the RX8's plastic is a little bit thicker and sturdier, little less pliant. Both easily scratch, though. EVERYTHING that has a clicking mechanism is of higher quality in the RX8, including the sunglasses holder that is overhead, the front reading lights that are overhead, and the front drink holder. These mechanisms in the RX8 close or operate with a precise, solid click. In the G35, there is a flimsy pingy clunk. The only thing that feels up to par in the G35 is the door of the little compartment at the bottom of the center console just in front of the shifter. The roof liner in the RX8 is made of a high quality woven nylon mesh. That in the G35 is a cheap felt. The RX8's roofliner even has more details and complex curves, important only in indicating how much attention to detail OVERALL went into the two cars, respectively. Accordingly, even the RX8's moonroof sliding liner is more intricately detailed than that in the G35.

When the G35 first came out, I really liked it, really wanted to like it despite the late 80's-early 90's 300ZX/Toyota Supra interior. You know how some people who are sympathetic to the RX8 feel sorry for its horsepower sitiuation when compared to that of the 350Z? Well, that's how I feel about the G35's interior quality when compared to that of the RX8.

It's an issue of materials and attention to detail.

Speed-ER doc

Another thing about the G35 interior is the several different patterns or styles of interior materials, kind of unfocused design.
Then again, the RX also has the different-looking passenger air bag area which is kind of out of place IMO.

BillR

I guess everyone has different opinions.
I own a G35 coupe and an RX8 so I think my opinions are subjective.
The only thing that I feel is cheaper in the G is the center console. It is real hard plastic that could be scratched easily. Otherwise I think everything else is in both cars is good quality. Infiniti uses a stiffer plastic which results in louder clicks in their compartments.
My biggest beef with the 8 is the radio/heat control lay out. It is not easy to read/use at a glance.

scorp76

I read somewhere in one the RX8 reviews that if you spend a lot of time worrying about interior quality/materials, you're not spending enough time driving. I couldn't agree more.

The whole interior quality subject is like a dead horse now. I wouldn't expect a lot from Mazda, since they're not a premium brand, and I wouldn't expect a lot from Nissan/Infiniti, since interiors aren't their strongpoint, and they're too concerned with cutting costs.

manbar

Uhmmm, arent the seats the most important part? Its what you seat on...

shift_zoom8

I agree that the plastic in the G35 used on the center console (where the clock sits) and on the horizontal center tunnel is a kind that you could almost scratch off with your nails (they use it in a bunch of the new Nissans and for the RX8 instrument pod). It's a different texture from the thicker, softer plastic used elsewhere (which is like that in the RX8) that can scratch pretty easily as well.

I disagree that the compartments on the G35 click shut just as nicely as those on the RX8. Maybe you don't care too much about how smooth the "swing" mechanism is or how gradual is the mechanism that clicks things close. But this is something that the industry and magazines evaluate and rate all the time. The swing and close mechanisms in Nissans and Infinitis are ABSOLUTELY, INARGUABLY of poorer design than those in the RX8. It is not an issue of thicker plastic.

I'm used to Honda slide type climate controls. I have never used one quite like the RX8's. After I got used to it (which didn't take long), I came to the conclusion that it is ergonomically better than slide or more conventional rotary **** designs.

But I think maybe you're actually referring to the horizontal clock/radio/climate/temp display strip high up on the center console. You know, I've read a few magazines that criticize this design and I've read a few that like it. I love it and I prefer it. I think it's actually safer to feel for the climate buttons while keeping my head and eyes high up. With conventional designs, I have to constantly look down to check the climate setting I've selected.

I would agree that the RX8 radio controls could be layed out better.

shift_zoom8

What I meant is the leather is better on the G35 seats. The RX8 seats are actually pretty good (EVERY SINGLE magazine review has commented positively on them) except for the quality of the leather and the large strips of plastic.

BillR

Shift_zoom8,

So your refering to the dampening of doors? The cup holder and sunglasses holder?
Try something more substancial - like closing the doors. The G is much more solid feeling.

Both cars have their weakness and strengths. I haven't had as much time with the 8 as we've only had it about two weeks, however, I have had the G almost a year.
Both are a BLAST to drive though!!!! The 8 is much more nible in the twisties!

One thing I have noticed so far, I feel more cramped in the 8 than I do in the G. But it could be the seat position as I am still experimenting with it. But when I exit the 8, it seems the roof edge is right were my head wants to go.

241Commuter

Yet another reason to get your car straight off the truck before your friendly, compliant Mazda dealer get's a chance to show it...:D

I drove both (putting all kinds of miles on the dealers' cars, to their chagrin) before buying an 8. I walked away with the impression that the G has a higher level of luxury that would last. It's easier for me to get in and out of the G with my bad back. I definitely liked the rear fold-down rear seat of the G. The acceleration seemed a bit better if you deliberately put pedal to the metal.

Both cars had little scratches in the plastic.

In the end, the G is just another car. Nothing special to drive, nothing special to look at. The 8 still makes me grin from ear to ear when I get in to drive. And the looks I get make it all worthwhile.

I took my 8 to the local hand wash place for its first baptism. The owner came out to supervise, giving his illegals specific instructions for finishing the car. He started comparing the car with the Aston Martin Vanquish and Jaguar XK's he's seen go through his wash. Not bad respect for a $30,000 car, even if all these cars are really just Fords. I don't think the G would have had the same effect!!!

shift_zoom8

Illegals. LOL.

zthang

I also agree with ya here. I'm tired of hearing how "superior" the interior quality is of the RX-8 to "xxx" car. If so many RX-8 owners hold interior quality to such high importance, then why didn't they just buy a BMW? The benchmark for interior quality? I say just accept your car the way it is. Honestly, it seems like people are trying to compensate for something by saying things like 'my sunglasses holder clicks more solidly than yours'. If you love your car, then you love your car. Theres no need for a 'holier than thou' attitude. Who cares if it makes nicer 'click' noises?

shift_zoom8

Thanks for mentioning the doors, Bill. Doors are something that I would say have differences in design that are not so easily evaluated (not as clear-cut as plastic compartment cover mechanisms). I played with the G35 doors for a while. At first, they do seem better than the RX8's in that they shut more easily with less force. But then I started observing more closely. The doors are much longer, as you would expect from a coupe. They appear pretty thick but feel less substantial, like they're somewhat more hollow than the RX8's or have unexpectedly less mass. Or rather could it be that the hinges aren't that solid? Have you felt this?

The RX8's doors are smaller yet feel a little more solid through its swing motion. They definitely do not close as easily as the G35's or with the click in the G35. But if you give it a fuller swing, it closes with a pleasing compressed air thump. No clicks or other noises, no slight, almost-imperceptible shuddering or vibration.

The new Mazda 3's doors are more similar to the G35's than the RX8's. They close with a click and easily, and the feel is more similar to that in the G35. If one might not conclude that the 3's doors are better than the RX8's, then one might not conclude that the G35's doors are better than the RX8's.

So I'm suggesting (without any technical knowledge on doors!) that there may be at least three factors to consider with door design: the solidity of the door itself, the hinges, and the latch mechanism.

shift_zoom8

I know what you mean by that some people buy something they know is flawed and then overcompensate to assuage their egos. It's like a person who doesn't get into Harvard Medical School and has to "settle" for, say, Jefferson in Pennsylvania, which is a top 25 med school and is pretty good. They'll spend every day for the next 30 days explaining to people what great programs they have.

But not everyone does that. Some people are just very, very detailed and analytical. And in an unbiased way. In the same way that people who purchased the RX8 can complain about the adulterated gas mileage and horsepower yet laud the RX8's suspension, handling, brakes, and interior ergonomics and aesthetics (if not interior quality).

In science, you can't just make blanket statements. You have to first break things down piece by piece (reductionism) before you put everything together and come up with a getalt conclusion.

I think that's what we're trying to do in threads like this. There is no G35 bashing here. I certainly didn't. I think this is a worthy topic. And keep in mind that every car magazine talks about these subjects in their car reviews.

zthang

I understand completely. Glad to see people who really care about their cars here. Better this than a bunch of posers that buy the 8 for all the wrong reasons.