I tried searching for the topic but didn't have much luck. I currently own a Z and I'm thinking of selling it in the next few months and purchasing a Gcoupe. There are a few things I I really don't like about the Z. 1) It is so loud inside...hard to talk on the celly. 2) Transmission is clunky (6mt). 3) Sound system is horrible. 4) Very impractical for every day driving (no trunk space). 5)Really bad blind spots. 6) And the mighty tire roar!
I'm wondering if any of you have sold your Z and bought a G how does it compare in the above areas. How does the acceleration compare?
Thanks! [boink]
2004 350z | Peformance
2004 4runner | Sport Edition
It sounds like you just described my G. Except the noise inside isnt THAT bad. But everything else sounds about right.... You would essentially be trading in for 2 more seats!
2004 6mt Coupe White/Black Leather - Premium/Aero.
Unfortunately, I had stars in my eyes when I bought the Z (such a good looking car)...that and my wife was back in DC so I could drive the 4runner when ever I wanted. [] That and it is really hard to judge a car on a 15 minute test drive.
I was really hoping the G would be my saving grace. The looks have really grown on me (I now like the looks better than the Z now). Judging by the TSB listed on this website it didn't seem like there were as many as on the Z. Don't get me wrong the Z compared to the competition is a great car. But it is a great "weekend" car not a great daily driver. The G seems more practical.
2004 350z | Peformance
2004 4runner | Sport Edition
The G coupe is only slightly more practical than the Z. The sedan is definitely a practical car with a lot more usable trunk space than the coupe. What you described with the Z is pretty much what you are going to get with the G coupe. The only real bad blind spot in the G coupe is driver's side rear quarter. Tire roar isn't too bad in the early stages of the tire's life, but expect it to get worse near the end of the tire life (it is a maximum performance tire after all).
"you will rue this day....well go on start ru-ing" Stewie Griffin
Thanks for the quick responses everyone. Unfortunately, not the exact info I was hoping for but definately good to know! I guess I will have to test drive it and add the BMW 330ci back into my list of possibles. I'm not super crazy about the back-end of the G sedans (sorry just personal preference). I just wish the 330 was more comparable in power to the G. Unfortunately I don't have the doe to get an M.
Thanks again! [cheers]
2004 350z | Peformance
2004 4runner | Sport Edition
I was in your same spot. The Z WAS THE CAR for me. Then I started thinking that I didn't need two coupes but wanted similar performance from a sedan. Then I found out the G sedan comes in 6mt form as well. I decided that was the more practical way and after owning it for about 6 mos I know I made the right decision.
I looked at the "Z" as well before buying my "G", and decided against it for some of the same reasons as well. However, I choose the 5AT because of high-traffic congestion in my area and been happy with that choice so far. I think you will find the G35 a supremely better choice IMO.
After visiting at the dealer yesterday, I rekindled affection for the G35, including the sedan. There are 4 or 5 colors that are awesome-I would take any of them and be happy. I think they are both great cars. If trunk space is premium to you, consider a Buick, or Lincoln Town Car. If you want a sporty, performance laden Coupe or 4 door, go with the G.
If the back of the sedan is a problem for you, you may want to wait until the 2005's arrive. They re-worked the back of the sedan, and made it more coupe-like. I had the same issues with the sedan when I was looking at it, and it really turned me off. It just didn't feel right to me. So I got the coupe. I'd recommend, at the very least, taking a look at the sedan.. especially if you can wait until the '05 is out there.
Thanks for the quick responses everyone. Unfortunately, not the exact info I was hoping for but definately good to know! I guess I will have to test drive it and add the BMW 330ci back into my list of possibles. I'm not super crazy about the back-end of the G sedans (sorry just personal preference). I just wish the 330 was more comparable in power to the G. Unfortunately I don't have the doe to get an M.
Being a new G35 coupe owner who just came from an E46 M3, and also previously owned an 02' 330ci, I can say this....
...your assumption that the 330ci (in a real life application) is any less powerful than a G35 is incorrect. On paper, the G35 does outshine the 330 in HP/TQ numbers, but the "real world" performance is the same. I speak without bias. I love the G35, but it's no quicker than the 02' 330ci I owned prior to the M3. If you decide to get a 330ci, the only downfall is added costs. The interior IS better in the E46 BMW's when compared to the G35, although I do give the G35 credit on having nicer seats (support wise) than a 330. Also, being a current G35 owner, I can see where the cost cutting was done in the G35 to put it at a lower price point than the E46 3-series. In either case, they are all great cars. I don't notice any instrusive amount of noise in the G, nor does tire howl seem too prevalent. The 3-series is a quieter, smoother car no doubt, but again......unless you're going CPO, or a "bare bones" version of the 3-series, you will pay a bit more. If you need specific pros/cons, let me know. I've owned BMW's for the past 3-4 years, so I'm familiar with all the nuances involved with them. Good luck on your decision.
P.S. I too will be back with BMW in about 3 years, but for now, I needed a change, and I love the G!!! I had to try it out. =)
Vanos,
I eat up my coworkers 04 330ci all day. I'm not sure where your comparison results came but my G took his car pretty bad several times leaving work. I'm sure his 330 being auto plays a roll too.
2004 6mt Coupe White/Black Leather - Premium/Aero.
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Selling the Z buying a Gcoupe...
You would essentially be trading in for 2 more seats!
] That and it is really hard to judge a car on a 15 minute test drive. 
