In-depth look at G35x vs G35 at Automobile mag

[pelucidor]

The April issue of Automobile has a big section hidden near the back that analyses 2WD vs 4WD. It is a thorogh study with testing on dry and wet/snowy surfaces and hills and checks out acceleration, handling, grip, braking etc.

The best bit is that the cars used are a G35S 5AT and a G35X to investigate RWD vs 4WD. They also check out the similarly priced Audi A4 1.8t in it's FWD and quattro models. The writer definitely prefers the way Infiniti does 4WD compared to Audi's quattro - and the results easily bear this out. Definitely worth a read - I for one am EXTREMELY impressed with how well the heavier G35X does compared to the regular sedan in dry conditions let alone in slippery ones.

2004 Sedan 6MT | Premium/NAV/Aero | Diamond Graphite/Graphite | Pictures

[struan87]

Thanks, pelucidor. Any chance this article is online?

You know what I drive. Pictures.

[pelucidor]

Saly no it is not available online. The magazines website www.automobilemag.com makes very little published content available online (unlike Car & Driver etc). I might type up the highlights this evening.



2004 Sedan 6MT | Premium/NAV/Aero | Diamond Graphite/Graphite | Pictures

[Lrpba300]

QUOTE: I for one am EXTREMELY impressed with how well the heavier G35X does compared to the regular sedan in dry conditions let alone in slippery ones!...............
I couldn't agree more. I love my G35x. It handles great, is very quick & handels in the snow like the snow isn't even there! I love my X I just wish it had a little more room inside!

[superdds]

holy shit...you dug this out of the grave...wtf!!!!!!!!

[Neal376]

yea its kind of old, but none the less. Our G35x's kick ass

I just got a 04 RWD loaner.
I can feel the weight difference...but still feels slower (04 = 20 less hp) The biggest difference is the suspension. Car sits much lower, and has much less body roll...I want my car lowerd now...badly.

The tranny is much better. The car had 100k miles on it...and under heavy acceleration, the car doesnt go CHUNK like mine in tiptronic mode (maybe mine is not broken in?). The rev matching is a definite plus in the 05. The 04 is definietly sipping less fuel tho....

[MikeG356MT]

That Atessa system (isn't that what it is called?) is supposed to be one of the best 4wd systems out there as it instantly (we're talking milliseconds here) senses slip and sends the traction to where it needs to go. I had driven one several weeks ago when I was in Denver (what else would a G owner rent?) and it was great in the snow. Had I stayed in Denver I would own one, I am THAT sold. Kenny (also known as "da mayor" on this site) is an Infiniti dealer in NY state and may have more details on how the system works. And welcome to 6MT!

Edit on this one: one of the major car mags just wrapped up a 50K extended road test on the G35X and said it performed flawlessly! Obviously one of the best 4wd cars out there...

[mrdvsteight]

yes the x wins all hands down

[chenga]

If only they mated it with a manual...