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I just bought a G35 6MT about a month ago (replacing a Rav4 and 02 9-3). To be honest, I didn't think much of the Saab. Aside from having the controls in the center of the car (a GREAT feature), I found the design of the interior horribly dated. I didn't mind the interior when I bought my 9-3 last year. However, after driving the latest Honda Accord, the Saab really didn't measure up. In addition, there are many viceral advantages to the G35 that the Saab just can't match, such as power everywhere.
Yea, having power at 2000 RPM is fine. However, below that you have to shift. This is NOT the case in the G35. I routinely drive around at 800-1000 RPM in 5th gear, sometimes 4th if a want a little more punch, without bogging down the engine. This is creat for turning corners and slow traffic. Of course the close ratio, short shifter is nice too. The new Honda Accord 4 cylinder has the best clutch/shifter combo I have ever driven, PERIOD. However, the Infiniti matches very well with the Honda 6 speed in the Accord Couupe. The handling is obviously superior in the G. This is the only car besides the M3 that has ever impressed me with its handling ability. The driving dynamics of a rear drive car are great. In addition, the "growl" that the engine makes really enhances the sporty sensation during spirited driving. I have had no problems with the brakes. Much like the rest of the car, they are in your face and demand your attention. I think that the clutch is difficult to modulate and has a too long travel. The clutch was the same way in the Accord Coupe 6MT, except for the travel. So I just accepted it as a tradeoff. Interior richness really doesn't interest me. I have owned what many consider the best (Audi). and have not missed it. I don't need wood and soft-rubber surfaces to improve the driving enjoyment of a vehicle.
The traction control system works very well and is almost seamless. I felt that the one in every front-week drive car that I have driven is basically junk, as in I can respond faster and better than the electronics.
Styling is always subjective and, quite framkly, doesn't matter much to me. Basically, I spend most of my time inside of the car. I don't really give a damn what the outside looks like. But that's just me.
I 6-5 and besides for the snug head room I don't feel crampted in the car at all. I certainly didn't feel as though the 9-5 was any bigger or airy. Onstar was a non issue for me because I always carry a cell phone and I have AAA and roadside assistance. In addition, I am very good with directions ;)
Safety is a non issue for me. I am of the belief of whatever happens, happens. If I wsa that concerned for my safety while driving, I would just stay home.
I was lucky in the fact that both the Infiniti and Saab dealerships were/are both great (Winner Infinity in Newark, DE and Kelly Saab Lancaster, PA), so there are no bonus points there.
Saab is of course very aggresive on pricing with their cars. In my evaluation, that really didn't come into play as the g stickered at 32K, before discount. So for 30K, I got a car that is obviously more tuned to the sport side of the sports-sedan category. The 9-5 just cannot compete with the performance of the G, and the 9-5's interior leave MUCH to be desired in today's market. The 9-5 is a fine car, but there are several cars that I would consider buying before I would purchase one, and it certainly cannot come close to the overall performance of the G. The trade-off is the lack of some luxury items in the G that the Saab has: items that I could care less about. Bi-xenon and rain-sense wipers are "cool" but unnecessary for me, as are heated rear seats.
This is a collection of random thought of my most recent experience. If you are not interested in pushing the car on a regular basis, then the G probably isn't for you. I can definately say that I do not miss fron wheel drive AT ALL (I still have the 9-3). By the way, I am speaking about the Aero in this post.
posted by 4.60.219...
, Fri, 11 Apr 2003 22:07:05
, Fri, 11 Apr 2003 23:09:31
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