Infiniti G35 vs. Lexus IS300

For the past few years, Japanese automakers have been heavily envying the popularity of BMW's 3-series. Now this is as close as it comes. The term "sports sedan" is thrown around, abused, raped and turned inside out. But only Nissan and Toyota have really built anything close to the Bimmer. So what prerequisites must a car in this category have? 1) it needs to be unexpectedly pampering for an entry level luxury car 2) have excess power to do frivolous things 3) have handling which is proportionate to that power 4) and most importantly (well in my perspective) must have a traditional rear-wheel-drivetrain.

All I've been hearing are rave reviews from various publications for the VQ35DE powered G35. Where the Altima, Maxima, and I35 lacked in being a tight cornering sedan, the G35 picks up...

...And not to leave the slightly dated IS300 lacklustered, I will simply state that I need not state anything about the Lexus: it seems to be universally known that it is a finely crafted machine.

So what's it going to be? The G35 with its passive demeanor, yet undeniable road going prowess--or the IS300 with its standard setting design, yet mild performance (for a lack of a better fitting term)?

Pretty even score so far...

Anyone care to add any comments about why they chose which?

i picked the G35 simply becusae its a nissan and it has a better engine. but i don't know enough about the car to actually make any kind of comment. plus the IS300 is very slow for its horsepower and that the manuel version is hardly faster. even a much heavier maxima can kill it straight line. think of what a lighter RWD G35 can do to it.

Good call... after all it's still a Skyline, right? (Well, in some ways).

Update: The VQ35DE has been offered as an engine choice for the SKyline GT in Japan, to accompany the VQ25DD and VQ30DD powerplants. That helps us overseas, since more aftermarket parts can possibly be available from the country of origin.

maybe if the gear ratio wasn't sooo wide apart the altezza would be alot faster. but since its not and it really wasn't designed to be a true performance car. the G35 would be the smallest car to use to VQ35DE I believe. they're probrably goin to put the maxima's 6 speed into it as well. and its RWD~!!!! it would murder the IS300 and it would give the 3 series a good run for its money, and who knows, it might even beat it since it has more hp.

Magazines keep stating that a coupe version of the G35 will be added in due time. Is this the same coupe that the American version of the concept GT-R is supposed to be? Or are there going to be TWO instead of one new sport coupes added to the Infiniti line?

i'm surprised that people are still brining this thread back from the dead. well now the G35 is out and it would definitly leave the IS300 for dead. that machine was spank even the bimmer in other other way except for style and ergonomics. however the G35 is still a sharp lookin machine esp the coupe which looks like a dressed up 350z even though its made on a different platform cause its a 2+2

Originally posted by TatII
i'm surprised that people are still brining this thread back from the dead. well now the G35 is out...

Huh? What people? You and I were the only ones posting on this thread, and the last time I made a response was back in March--the same month I started the thread (and note, the G35 was not available then). And my last post was about the G35 Coupe model, which still isn't available. Am I missing something here? :huh:

well for me this is really hard to call but i say G35 cus i like its look a little better

i would say the G35, cuz it looks betta:bandit: :smoka: :smoker2: :ylsuper

Originally posted by What ya Smoking?!?
i would say the G35, cuz it looks betta:bandit: :smoka: :smoker2: :ylsuper

I third that comment! The Lexus is UGLYhttp://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon13.gif

In my mind, the G35 edges out the IS300, but not by much. I like the looks of both, but i guess the G35 looks "newer."

I'd love to get a good look at an IS200, though... ;) ...but that'd be a different comparison, wouldn't it? :p

And IS430 wins hands down. I would pick that in a heartbeat over almost anything... :eek:

Morpheus XIII see someone voted and that brought the post back to the front page. sooo i was checkin out of they made any comments. but since the G35 is out now anyways, thats why i added in another comment.

The 3.2 TL Type S is pretty damned sporty. Its a possible alternative to the lexus and infiniti.

Originally posted by Fliquer
The 3.2 TL Type S is pretty damned sporty. Its a possible alternative to the lexus and infiniti.

Yes, an alternative to a different car class. The TL is larger than the other two, and is still front-wheel-drive.

I dont know why I brought up the 3.2 TL type S....musta been on crack.

But it is in the same class: same horsepower, weghts less than 200 lbs more than the infiniti. Read the sport sedan comparison done by R&T

Can somebody post some performance numbers? I don't really follow luxury cars.

infiniti G35 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. 1/4 mile in 15 flat at 95mph

lexus IS300 5 speed.
0-60 in 7.2 seconds. and 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds.

Acura 3.2 TL type S
0-60 in 6.2 seconds (claimed) 1/4 miles is not known

Originally posted by TatII
infiniti G35 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. 1/4 mile in 15 flat at 95mph

lexus IS300 5 speed.
0-60 in 7.2 seconds. and 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds.

Acura 3.2 TL type S
0-60 in 6.2 seconds (claimed) 1/4 miles is not known

Acura 3.2 TL type S

0-60 in 6.3 sec 1/4mile in 14.7


Now going back at the G35Vs. IS300.

If i was going to mod them, i would get the IS300 and turbo charge it.

If im going to keep them stockers then i would go with the G35.

whoa are you sure about those numbers for the TL? i mean there is no way that a TL can out gun a bimmer and a G35. the TL is hardly second class in performance compared to those 2. i would i know i have a type S in my garage. its not even as agile as my S14, its definitly faster, but its not that 2 seconds faster then my S14 either.

Originally posted by TatII
whoa are you sure about those numbers for the TL? i mean there is no way that a TL can out gun a bimmer and a G35. the TL is hardly second class in performance compared to those 2. i would i know i have a type S in my garage. its not even as agile as my S14, its definitly faster, but its not that 2 seconds faster then my S14 either.

I got that number from Motor Trend. So yes im sure.