A buddy of mine is looking for a sedan and mentioned that he was looking at the Maxima. I told him that I didn't think there was much difference in price (similarly equipped) between the two and that I thought the G35 was a nicer car. I also told him that the ownership experience (dealer treatment) would probably be much better with the G.

Did I steer him wrong or am I ok on this? I really haven't looked that closely at either of the cars.

 

In essence you are getting the same car. Nissan owns Infinity, but you have to think that the Infinity is a little more refined. In which ways I really don't know. The Maxima has leather seats, a strong engine, many amenities found in cars sold for $5-$10k more. But in this case prestige for the luxury line might make the most difference. Obviously his best option is to test drive both, deal with the dealers and see what suits him best from there.

 

G35 is RWD while Maxima is FWD. Some other differences are size(Maxima is bigger) & options packages.

I myself would prefer the 6 speed G35, esp since a largish fwd sedan can only really go so fast. That plus the torque steer(even on my 96) can be a pain. Also, the new Maxima isn't really doing it for me in the looks department. They should have just tried to improve the 3rd gen(pre VQ days).

 

They are not the same car. They are totally different cars. Same drivetrain, but that's it. G35 is on a totally different platform with RWD. Maxima is FWD. I couldn't agree more that he should get the G35. They are very similarly priced, and the G35 is the real deal. A proper sports sedan, whereas the Maxima is more of a family sedan trying to be sporty. The G35 is the clear choice in my opinion.

 

G35 for sure! especially in Texas..... The new 6 speed G35 runs a low 14's Qtr (stock).....handles well, etc.......

Maybe the Maxima in Vermont where the FWD comes in handy in the snow.... I think maxima's are running 15.0 in the Qtr....

Not that dragracing is everything but it is nice to have some useable power!

 

Agreed, the G35 is one beautiful machine. But from what I understand, the coupes are a little hard to come by.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bjohnston
[B]They are very similarly priced, and the G35 is the real deal.

 

If he lives in TX like you.......G35.

 

hint: RWD

 

aside from RWD, the front midship configuration of the g35 chassis make a noticeable difference in handling response. unless your buddy just want something that looks good, then he should get which ever design appeals to him more, but if he is in any way planning on doing any remote type of spirited driving, then the maxima will be the lesser fun of the two.