Just back to back drove 335 and G37
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Westfield, NJ
Just back to back drove 335 and G37
I think I'd take the 37S. I'm friendly with both dealers, and neither had qualms about me doing a little hard cornering.
Cornering speed is better in the 37, with the BMW feeling slightly more stable. I got more feedback through the G's chassis, and found it more fun to put through a corner. I prefered the G's brakes. On turn-in, the G feels like it weighs less than the 335, even though it doesn't, a bit more sharp. Even with the sports package, the suspension tuning in the 335i is a little too isolated, IMO. The car corners in a very drama free and stable manner, but it is not as fun or lively as the infiniti, and doesn't seem to corner quite as quickly. Steering feel and accuracy on both cars is spot on, I see no clear winner there. The BMW has slightly lighter steering than the G.
The Infiniti interior is VASTLY superior. If you haven't checked out this car in person, go do so! It really is quite an asthetic achievment. One of, if not the best, interior in a ~40k car, IMO. Ipod integration is seemless. The computer/stereo is much easier to use than BMW, much more elegant design. Sound quality is also better in the G. I spent about 10 minutes fiddling with the stereo. Played some classic jazz, techno/trance, and alt rock, and it handled all very well.
The 335's engine is undeniably better. One of the best powerplants I've ever driven, and easily the smootest forced induction. It feels somewhat "vanilla" next to the G's high-revving motor, but is still stronger overall. The G's motor is very fun to use. The car isn't screamingly fast, noticeably slower than the 335i, but in some ways it's more fun to accelerate in because of the excellent power curve. In terms of how the motor drives, I'd compare it to a more flexible, slightly less high strung version of the motor from the E46 M3. Power builds smoothly and quickly with revs, giving a very nice "surge" feeling. However, the motor is also very flexible, and will move the car well from any speed.
I prefered the G's tranny. Throws seem shorter, and the box feels better engineered. Not as positive as the S2000 tranny, but also smoother. Both cars seemed to have good driveline's overall.
The G's stock LSD is a clear advantage on corner exit. It will exit smoothly with a slight wag of the tail (very, very controlable, and DSC doesn't step on your toes). The BMW just doesn't work as well on corner exits. The torque easily overwhelms the inside tire, and DSC kicks in quickly. You get a few moments of spin from the inside tire, followed by a slap on the wrist from the electronic nannys. It's clear that the 335i was overall designed more with 6-7/10ths driving in mind, where it absolutely excells. I'm sure it'd do better with DSC off, but I wasn't going to mess around too much on a test drive.
In terms of price... there isn't really a comparison. The BMW stickered at 52k. The Infiniti was 42k.
If these cars were the same price, it wouldn't be an easy call. I was a bit of a hater when the specs and pictures for the G37 were released, but I think I might order one of these instead of waiting on the one series.
Anyone want a squeaky clean 05 suzuka with 9k miles?
Another issue with the BMW is the waiting period. It'd be close to three months my 335i coupe to be BUILT, they're so backordered. I could get a G37S with the exact options and colors I want A LOT faster than that.
Cornering speed is better in the 37, with the BMW feeling slightly more stable. I got more feedback through the G's chassis, and found it more fun to put through a corner. I prefered the G's brakes. On turn-in, the G feels like it weighs less than the 335, even though it doesn't, a bit more sharp. Even with the sports package, the suspension tuning in the 335i is a little too isolated, IMO. The car corners in a very drama free and stable manner, but it is not as fun or lively as the infiniti, and doesn't seem to corner quite as quickly. Steering feel and accuracy on both cars is spot on, I see no clear winner there. The BMW has slightly lighter steering than the G.
The Infiniti interior is VASTLY superior. If you haven't checked out this car in person, go do so! It really is quite an asthetic achievment. One of, if not the best, interior in a ~40k car, IMO. Ipod integration is seemless. The computer/stereo is much easier to use than BMW, much more elegant design. Sound quality is also better in the G. I spent about 10 minutes fiddling with the stereo. Played some classic jazz, techno/trance, and alt rock, and it handled all very well.
The 335's engine is undeniably better. One of the best powerplants I've ever driven, and easily the smootest forced induction. It feels somewhat "vanilla" next to the G's high-revving motor, but is still stronger overall. The G's motor is very fun to use. The car isn't screamingly fast, noticeably slower than the 335i, but in some ways it's more fun to accelerate in because of the excellent power curve. In terms of how the motor drives, I'd compare it to a more flexible, slightly less high strung version of the motor from the E46 M3. Power builds smoothly and quickly with revs, giving a very nice "surge" feeling. However, the motor is also very flexible, and will move the car well from any speed.
I prefered the G's tranny. Throws seem shorter, and the box feels better engineered. Not as positive as the S2000 tranny, but also smoother. Both cars seemed to have good driveline's overall.
The G's stock LSD is a clear advantage on corner exit. It will exit smoothly with a slight wag of the tail (very, very controlable, and DSC doesn't step on your toes). The BMW just doesn't work as well on corner exits. The torque easily overwhelms the inside tire, and DSC kicks in quickly. You get a few moments of spin from the inside tire, followed by a slap on the wrist from the electronic nannys. It's clear that the 335i was overall designed more with 6-7/10ths driving in mind, where it absolutely excells. I'm sure it'd do better with DSC off, but I wasn't going to mess around too much on a test drive.
In terms of price... there isn't really a comparison. The BMW stickered at 52k. The Infiniti was 42k.
If these cars were the same price, it wouldn't be an easy call. I was a bit of a hater when the specs and pictures for the G37 were released, but I think I might order one of these instead of waiting on the one series.
Anyone want a squeaky clean 05 suzuka with 9k miles?
Another issue with the BMW is the waiting period. It'd be close to three months my 335i coupe to be BUILT, they're so backordered. I could get a G37S with the exact options and colors I want A LOT faster than that.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 1
From: franklin
Nice review very objective and thorough.I'm sure the G37 will be great but if you could keep your s2000 it would be best scenario.No g37 or 335i will ever take the place or feel of a drop-top roadster I know since I own a 335i and and S2000.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
I have an E46 M3 and I've thought about the G37. I doubt I would take the plunge but still it would be the best in my price range. I'm tired of the cold BMW interior and harsh ride. I guess I want something more modern with some comfort.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Originally Posted by ChuckV,Sep 21 2007, 02:23 PM
I got more feedback through the G's chassis, and found it more fun to put through a corner.
I prefered the G's brakes.
On turn-in, the G feels like it weighs less than the 335, even though it doesn't, a bit more sharp.
The BMW just doesn't work as well on corner exits.
I prefered the G's brakes.
On turn-in, the G feels like it weighs less than the 335, even though it doesn't, a bit more sharp.
The BMW just doesn't work as well on corner exits.
just kidding did the BMW have the Active Steering system? that has been criticized before for taking away some of the benchmark feedback..
how did they compare on bumpy or bad roads?
looks like the apprentice is finally catching up to the master...
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,882
Likes: 0
From: Where dreamers dream!
Nice write up. I'm also glad you posted the price because i had indicated that the 335i's were going for that much and everyone thought i was BSing. Thanks for you review i myself am interested in the 37.
Trending Topics
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 1
From: franklin
Originally Posted by CynCrvrAP1,Sep 22 2007, 01:52 AM
Nice write up. I'm also glad you posted the price because i had indicated that the 335i's were going for that much and everyone thought i was BSing. Thanks for you review i myself am interested in the 37.
