Yesterday I got to testdrive my friend's 2008 Infiniti G35X. While it was a nice car, I didn't think it was as nice as my S-Type in a number of areas.

1. Styling - The S-Type is much nicer looking and elegant looking.

2. The Infiniti's controls (throttle and brakes) were really touchy and hard to get used to. In contrast, the S-Type's brake and throttle were more linear and easier to operate.

3. The steering was harder and less precise than the S-Type's. The S-Type is razor sharp by comparison.

4. The S-Type was more comfortable to drive in. The seats were better as well as being a bit smaller.

5. The S-Type's interior was a lot nicer and elegant. The Infiniti did not seem to be very distinctive, basically just different colored plastic.

6. The Infiniti had more power though. It was probably a second or so quicker to 60 mph.

 

I concur, Mike. The G-series is quicker than our V6 S-Types, but our S-Types are so much more elegant and comfortable. The G-series is a nice car, though....

 

The Infiniti will eat more gas as well. Check around the G35/37 forums. Average highway is 22-24 mpg.

After being soaked $1k for a radiator service, I was tempted to turn my Jag in for one of those. I am still considering it, but I am becoming more familar with this complicated piece of machinery.

I am going to purchase an extra set of coolant hoses from NAPA which sells them for 1/2 the price of the other places, just to have them on hand in case.

The point is, the Jaguar is overall a nicer car, but it will hit you in maintenance if you are afraid of turning a wrench on it.

This 1k repair was just the kick in the *** I needed to start repairing again.

In Texas, where I am now, repair shops are expensive and the managers are cocky. The dealers are outrageous, charging 15x as much for a simple intake gaskets as NAPA with similar quality. If I can help it, they are not going to get any more of my money.

If you don't like to turn wrenches, which I don't really, maybe an Infinitis the car, but I just don't want to spring for a lesser car, even if it is a bit more "reliable."

 

I'd absolutely take a G35 over a 6-banger S. G35 has newer electronics and the engine sounds a lot better.

 

I have an 05 G35 sedan, it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It now has over 160k miles without a hiccup. I installed an intake, plenum spacer, and some NGK Iridium plugs and it ran a 14.5 at the track. This is with the old VQ35 motor rated at 280 hp (270 by the new SAE standard), not the 08 VQHR with the dual intakes which is rated at 306 hp. As for styling and comfort, I would say the styling is subjective, although the comfort I would give to the Jag for sure.

 

You don't compare the antiquated 3.0 "S" to a late tech G35 or G37. You compare em to the 300 chp @ 310 lb/ft trq 4.2 "S"...Here, the "S" will walk-em.

 

Don't mean to turn this discussion into all about performance but what times does the 4.2 S run? The G37 can run high 13's bone stock. Somehow doubt the NA 4.2 S runs that...

 

Even with the power disadvantage, my S-Type acquitted itself rather well IMHO. It was a more well-rounded car that performs in real world situations that I would encounter better than the G35X, except for snow and ice due to the AWD of the G35X. I drove the G35X for about three hours and never got real comfortable in it. Mostly the overly touchy throttle and brakes didn't instill the degree of confidence the S-Type gives me.

One amusing thing about the NAV system. It was programmed for NY so when my friend put in his cousin's address, it went to NY. We got lost twice and I finally resorted to my Blackberry GPS map display.

 

The 4.2 "S" is no slouch off the line due to its superior torque characteristics, and will do low-mid 14's. Still, the 4.2 is what you use to judge for the "S" when considering it against late models.

 

Comparing drag-racing times only is missing the entire point of why Mike started this thread. It's about comfort, ride, fuel economy, elegance, style, and cruising ability much more than just sheer off-the-line speed. Hell, if all you care about is speed, then don't even bother with ANY S-Type, including the STR....

 

Sorry jon89, I'm a speed demon. The thread is about other attributes than speed. On the other hand, I disagree with you regarding your dismissal of the STR for speed. Wether in stock trim or modded, it rivals many for speed.

 

If you speed regularly and need to avoid tickets, use a good radar detector and support a good motoring group that wants to establish reasonable speed limits or even eliminate them on roads where it is safe. That would put some of that energy to good use. National Motorists Association Website.

 

No speed limit on some roads? Yeah baby!

 

I had a G35 coupe and it was a great car. Much more reliable than my S Type. Both have their positives and to me are very different cars.

 

Lion, pop on a K@N a/f, hi-flow cats, and an x-pipe on ur 4.2 for a 15 hp/trq gain.

 

Are you nuts?

Having just spent most the holiday driving to and from Atlanta I can unequivocally state that America is not ready to drive fast.

I've never seen a more pathetic bunch of poor drivers.

They don't know the rules of the road.

They nothing about physics and what potential havoc they can wreak by following so closely.

They all need a weeks worth of training in Germany and driving on the Autobahn.. Because if they don't learn it there at least they'll be killed off trying!

BTW the new Ford Taurus with paddle shifters drives pretty damn well. I'll bet the SHO version is a nice car. I averaged 23.7 mpg with the standard V6. Not all that impressive. My STR wasn't that much worse on the exact same trip.

I was doing a lot of lane changing going around all those four wheeled pylons that littered the road though ...

Major lead foot here ...

 

Here is an interesting article on the period before and after Montana posted a speed limit on its primary and secondary roads. From 1996 to the middle of 1999, Montana did not post a daytime speed limit. The speed limit was then posted at 75 mph on interstates and 65/70 mph on rural primary highways.

Montana: No Speed Limit Safety Paradox

 

I'm not surprised at the findings. When you are driving at a natural limit, your focus is on driving and not other things like texting, the stereo, GPS etc.

 

This post is full of WIN - therefore it is worth repeating! Nice work Bob.

 

I like the G35x, the G37(coupe) looks even better I think. Maybe I'm just to used to my Jag, but when I looked at a 35 I felt the interior was cheap.

As a side note, I heard those cars are death traps in the snow and rain unless you have the AWD. But I've never driven them myself, so I can't comment on the ride.