Best Small level Luxury Sport Sedan

I'm gonna have to say infiniti G35. But you put these cars into your top Six, and give reasons!

1. Infiniti G35X with AWD its perfect in the winter. Most power, and the testers said it handled better than the BMW on the course.

2. Audi A4 3.0 with AWD also, its a great car when pushed to the limit.

3. Acura TL also AWD great on courser. Magazines tend to like them.

4. Cadillac CTS very fast, stylish and cool car. I heard it smoked a Lexus around a course.

5. BMW 330i frankley. I hate this car. I think it should die. So many people own them. its just a statis symbol so people can say "oh, i have a BMW" POS if ya ask me. Not as bad as Lexus though.

6. Lexus IS300. THey got the Luxury, but no performance to abck it up. THis thigns ok, but still a POS.

7. jaguar X-type simply a POS. Jaguar is failing and i think they should stop making cars

Acura TL also AWD great on courser. Magazines tend to like them.


I could have swore it was FWD...

Anyways...I'd pick the 330Xi over the G35X b/c I heard that the AWD system doesnt really help that much...the Bimmer still has better handling and steering even though it is overpowered by the G35

3rd...I'd choose the Audi Quattro 6MT

If you heard that the AWD was bad. Tell whoever told you that they are sadely mistaken and are saying shit from there mouth.

We had 2 feet of snow drop last Friday. 2 feet! Our G went right through it. No sliding or slipping at all. The thing was perfect!

^

I believe he meant on tracks and courses, it didn't make much difference between the AWD and RWD G35, that's what I've mostly read. But in the case of snow, most magazines don't test that.

And yes, the Acura TL is only FWD, the RL and AWD.

I don't really have a list, but I'd go with the G35 coupe.

The CTS is my favorite in the category, with the G35 second. The X-Type sucks at everything performance oriented, and has terrible reliabilty as well.

I'm comparing entry-level RWD luxury-sport sedans here.

1. Infiniti G35 - This car is simply amazing for the money. It has loads of power, unbelievable handling (second only to the 3 Series), a nice interior, a sweet six-speed, and great value. This is a 3 Series that sacrifices some refinement and athleticism for brute power, low price, and Japanese practicality.

2. BMW 3 Series - It's considerably more expensive than the G35, but it rewards you with a driving experience that simply can't be matched. The smoothness and precision of the steering, shifter, accelerator, brake pedal, and clutch are world-class. In addition, the 3 Series has a top-of-the-line interior and the best handling in its class. If it wasn't for the high price and the hit-or-miss dealership service, this'd be #1.

3. Lexus IS 300 - I'm sure I'll draw a lot of fire for this one. While it may not be quite as modern as its competitors, I've always appreciated the IS 300's well-composed chassis, excellent driving dynamics, and resilient suspension. The interior is very nice, and I really like the exterior design. All-in-all, a very good car, but not quite class leader material.

4. Cadillac CTS - A very good effort by Cadillac, and by no means a bad car (I just like the top three better). A powerful yet refined engine, a spacious and functional interior, and a smooth yet solid six-speed manual provide for a sporty ride that's unlike any Cadillac in the past 40 years.

5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class - This car just bores me. Bland styling, timid handling, and a soulless engine make for a pretty unengaging ride. The price is pretty high, too.

I've seen this comparo about a million times...

1) BMW 330i - Pros: Styling, handling, transmission, interior, engine (supprisingly close to G35 despite power difference)
Cons: Cost, Cost, and Cost

I love what CAR says about the 3-series
For: Best car in segment
Against: Every man and his dog has one
Sum Up: Woof Woof Woof

I understand G35x's reasoning that there are too many of them, but I really think theres a good reason for it. I remember C&D's article comparing the 330i and G35 (not the 325i v G35 etc. article), and the BMW won. I am probably (definitly) baised towards the 3-series, but even if I wern't I still think I'd like it more. I don't like the contention that they are just a status car. If someone wanted a $35,000 status car, they'd buy a Lexus ES330. Not to say that alot of people don't buy it for the status, but I think theres as many as you see out there at least partially because its the best car in the segment.

2) Infiniti G35 - Pros: Cost, engine, handling only inferior to the 3-series
Cons: Styling (different isn't always good), Interior
Conclusion: Better then the 325i, not as good as the 330i, overall a very good car, but not quite perfect, will become worse with the arrival of the E90 330i and 325i next year. It is the best wannabe 3-series.

3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi.

I've seen this comparo about a million times...

1) BMW 330i - Pros: Styling, handling, transmission, interior, engine (supprisingly close to G35 despite power difference)
Cons: Cost, Cost, and Cost

I love what CAR says about the 3-series
For: Best car in segment
Against: Every man and his dog has one
Sum Up: Woof Woof Woof

I understand G35x's reasoning that there are too many of them, but I really think theres a good reason for it. I remember C&D's article comparing the 330i and G35 (not the 325i v G35 etc. article), and the BMW won. I am probably (definitly) baised towards the 3-series, but even if I wern't I still think I'd like it more. I don't like the contention that they are just a status car. If someone wanted a $35,000 status car, they'd buy a Lexus ES330. Not to say that alot of people don't buy it for the status, but I think theres as many as you see out there at least partially because its the best car in the segment.

2) Infiniti G35 - Pros: Cost, engine, handling only inferior to the 3-series
Cons: Styling (different isn't always good), Interior
Conclusion: Better then the 325i, not as good as the 330i, overall a very good car, but not quite perfect, will become worse with the arrival of the E90 330i and 325i next year. It is the best wannabe 3-series.

3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi.

the new A4 is essentially the same car as the B6, different headlights and tail lights, not to mention the huge gril treatment. interior wise is the same with the exception of a new steering wheel and other minor details. the biggest news is under the hood. the tried and true 1.8t gets a much needed power boost to 200 thanks to .2 more liters. and i think the 3.2L V6 is at 255. some improvements, but not enough to call the next A4 'new' IMO.

anyway, my ranking is this:
1. 330i - had it been the lower model, this wouldnt' rank first
2. even though i own an A4, it's not a 330i. :D but Dinan makes a good piont, i see 3 series EVERYWHERE.
3. TL, yes it's fwd but man this this thing is beautiful. got to finally ride one, and if you didn't know it was FWD, it's the next best thing to the 3 series IMO.
4. G35x, styling is the main reason i ranked this car last amongst the cars i care to rank. somethign about it, esp the rear just dont' look right. and could use some lessons from audi and bmw on interior fit and finish otherwise a fine car.

the rest, while each has their merits don't impress me much.

5. BMW 330i frankley. I hate this car. I think it should die. So many people own them. its just a statis symbol so people can say "oh, i have a BMW" POS if ya ask me. Not as bad as Lexus though.

:rolleyes:


ugh... obviously you've never driven one. The outgoing 3-series (E46) was still a better car than everything in its class, including the newly launched models from rivals. I havent driven the new one yet but it's supposed to be a substantial leap forward in every department. Easily my top pick out of all these cars even in it's current form.

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

Thats also why i see woman driving them down the street and they go slow it just makes you want to rip their heads off.

"3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi."

I read an article saying the A4s AWD is inferior to the g35s and it is much mroe complex and very old technology. Read up msot comparisons and they will say that the g35 handles snow way better than the A4.

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

You are a comedian, buddy.

You are a comedian, buddy.

Yeah he is...in his profile it says he's 13

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

Thats also why i see woman driving them down the street and they go slow it just makes you want to rip their heads off.

"3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi."

I read an article saying the A4s AWD is inferior to the g35s and it is much mroe complex and very old technology. Read up msot comparisons and they will say that the g35 handles snow way better than the A4.

yeah, quattro is older technology than the system nissan uses for the G35x. but guess how much longer it's been around compared to. :rolleyes: may be older but it's tried, proven and remains one of the best awd systems available. it's about time other luxury cars get with the times that audi's been in for years.

Uhh... ya i have driven in one. They are stiff, noisy, and they rattle.

Thats also why i see woman driving them down the street and they go slow it just makes you want to rip their heads off.

"3) Audi A4 3.0 - Pros: Styling, AWD, interior
Cons: Old (new one coming soon), engine
Conclusion: If I lived were it snowed more often, I'd probably want an Audi."

I read an article saying the A4s AWD is inferior to the g35s and it is much mroe complex and very old technology. Read up msot comparisons and they will say that the g35 handles snow way better than the A4.

You dropkick, Quattro is such an old technology because it's a PROVEN technology, why would Audi bother upgrading thier drive tain when it's superior to every AWD drivetrain out there except for that of Subaru?


And I seriously doubt you've driven a 3 series, I'd never let a 13 year old behind the wheel of my 330Ci, imagine the story you'd have to tell the insurance company if the kid stacked it? And while the suspensions are stiff, that's because they are SPORTS saloons and it's not nearly as bad as other cars I've driven. Mine doesn't rattle either.

You dropkick, Quattro is such an old technology because it's a PROVEN technology, why would Audi bother upgrading thier drive tain when it's superior to every AWD drivetrain out there except for that of Subaru?

Agreed. Subaru is the AWD master because that's all they use. You could also make a case for Honda's SH-AWD being superior. But Quattro is definitely one of the best AWD systems out there; it's simple, effective, and proven.

Very true about Honda's SH-AWD, I've yet to sample it, but it certainly makes an excellent case for itself. You have to hand it to Honda, absolute masters of vehicular engineering.

I'm gonna have to say infiniti G35. But you put these cars into your top Six, and give reasons!

1. Infiniti G35X with AWD its perfect in the winter. Most power, and the testers said it handled better than the BMW on the course.

2. Audi A4 3.0 with AWD also, its a great car when pushed to the limit.

3. Acura TL also AWD great on courser. Magazines tend to like them.

4. Cadillac CTS very fast, stylish and cool car. I heard it smoked a Lexus around a course.

5. BMW 330i frankley. I hate this car. I think it should die. So many people own them. its just a statis symbol so people can say "oh, i have a BMW" POS if ya ask me. Not as bad as Lexus though.

6. Lexus IS300. THey got the Luxury, but no performance to abck it up. THis thigns ok, but still a POS.

7. jaguar X-type simply a POS. Jaguar is failing and i think they should stop making cars

I think the high end 3-series BMW's just scream luxury sport sedan. It seems like you hate them because rich ppl own them. If so, why do you even ask for luxury sports sedans? Luxury pretty much means rich.

In reply to your rankings
1. which BMW, which course?
2. Great car when pushed to the limit? wow, that speaks heaps! What limit are you talking about? You added that in just to sound cool right?
3. Magazines know everything
4. Smoked a Lexus around a course! Wow! Man, you add any more detail and I'll be able to replay the race in my mind!
5. BMW is expensive because the build quality is so high. It'll outlast any Cadillac you can think of. (and rattle? a BMW? did you hack off the bumper beforhand??)
6. You know Lexus' were originally based on the Supra engine right? And you know the number one priority for buyers of luxury cars is to feel like you're floating around on a cloud.
7. hahahahhahahahaha. You know Jaguar supplies most of the cars for the British royal family? You think they settle for anything non-luxurious?

I have to go with the BMW 3's here...i driven a 323ise (325i for u guys)very fast and the feed back is great don't know how fast 330i will be but if 323i is already this good hey it must be better. also i think the 3 is the best looking bmw rite now except for 6's (minor change that is)

I think the high end 3-series BMW's just scream luxury sport sedan.


I don't believe in the words luxury sports sedan! :biggrin: . As far as I'm concerned, the word 'luxury' is ultimately a direct tradeoff to the word 'sport', and vis versa. Of coarse that could lead to the word 'sport' tied in with 'sedan' discussion......ok......I need to stop over analyzing.

I don't believe in the words luxury sports sedan! :biggrin: . As far as I'm concerned, the word 'luxury' is ultimately a direct tradeoff to the word 'sport', and vis versa. Of coarse that could lead to the word 'sport' tied in with 'sedan' discussion......ok......I need to stop over analyzing.

I don't really see how you could call cars like the 3-series, G35, A4, etc. anything but a "luxury sports" car. In this $30-$35,000 price range you have cars that are pure luxury, like the Lexus ES330, and then you have your sports cars, like the 350z, the cars we are comparing fall somewhere in the middle, trying to combine both luxury and performance. Sure, the 3-series isn't going to be as fast as the 350z or the EVO, but it also has a component of luxury that those cars don't have. Companies like BMW and Audi have made a name for themselves making cars like this, cars that are both fun, and nice to drive.

I don't really see how you could call cars like the 3-series, G35, A4, etc. anything but a "luxury sports" car. In this $30-$35,000 price range you have cars that are pure luxury, like the Lexus ES330, and then you have your sports cars, like the 350z, the cars we are comparing fall somewhere in the middle, trying to combine both luxury and performance. Sure, the 3-series isn't going to be as fast as the 350z or the EVO, but it also has a component of luxury that those cars don't have. Companies like BMW and Audi have made a name for themselves making cars like this, cars that are both fun, and nice to drive.

The 350z is pretty luxury....

The 350Z is anything but luxurious. The ride is very loud and harsh, the shifter is chunky and notchy, and materials quality is nowhere near luxury level. People who want a luxurious 350Z should buy a G35.

Companies like BMW and Audi have made a name for themselves making cars like this, cars that are both fun, and nice to drive.

Exactly. When I'm 35 driving home in rush hour traffic, on the edge of my nerves from the guy behind me flipping me off, I don't want to deal with the harsh suspension and loud cabin noise that I just love at this age. However, I don't want some 7 tonne car that washes my laundry either. I think BMW and Audi has found a very nice little niche in the market.

It IS a direct trade-off when you put sport wiht luxury, but I think there is a good balance as the high end 3-series show.

As with the 350Z being luxury, you have to pay a luxury car tax here in Australia for one. Hell, you even have to pay the luxury car tax on the RX-8 if you choose the leather pack option. So in that case, if we're talking about luxury sport sedans, I'd choose the RX-8 :lol:...it does have 4 doors:lol2:

I don't really see how you could call cars like the 3-series, G35, A4, etc. anything but a "luxury sports" car. In this $30-$35,000 price range you have cars that are pure luxury, like the Lexus ES330, and then you have your sports cars, like the 350z, the cars we are comparing fall somewhere in the middle, trying to combine both luxury and performance. Sure, the 3-series isn't going to be as fast as the 350z or the EVO, but it also has a component of luxury that those cars don't have. Companies like BMW and Audi have made a name for themselves making cars like this, cars that are both fun, and nice to drive.

Yes I understand why their called the lux sports sedan, and within this lies the compromises. Of coarse I wouldn't have any spec of doubt in my mind whether or not I would own a BMW...gimmie! gimmie! But when you get the car, your getting compromised between the sports factor, and luxury. The tight and stiff characteristics that are reputable in sports car are etched out with a dampened suspension. And you also loose out on the sheer riding comfort in a full fledged lux car. Your basically getting the inbetween, which is great for the majority of people (I myself would rather drive somthing like this daily), but its the sacrifice that is made to make it what it is. Then you have to ask yourself as an enthusisast, what makes the inbetween just as estatic as the extremes? To me, its the compromise (like driving a BMW) that we make daily so we can enjoy what we love on the weekends!!

So I guess what I am saying is when you buy a luxury sports sedan, you don't get the best of both worlds, you compromise the best of both worlds for an equal footing.

Fhew, good thing thats over. Like I said in my first post, its my fault being myself in over analyzing everything......should of just kept my mouth shut :lol:

Yes I understand why their called the lux sports sedan, and within this lies the compromises. Of coarse I wouldn't have any spec of doubt in my mind whether or not I would own a BMW...gimmie! gimmie! But when you get the car, your getting compromised between the sports factor, and luxury. The tight and stiff characteristics that are reputable in sports car are etched out with a dampened suspension. And you also loose out on the sheer riding comfort in a full fledged lux car. Your basically getting the inbetween, which is great for the majority of people (I myself would rather drive somthing like this daily), but its the sacrifice that is made to make it what it is. Then you have to ask yourself as an enthusisast, what makes the inbetween just as estatic as the extremes? To me, its the compromise (like driving a BMW) that we make daily so we can enjoy what we love on the weekends!!

So I guess what I am saying is when you buy a luxury sports sedan, you don't get the best of both worlds, you compromise the best of both worlds for an equal footing.

Fhew, good thing thats over. Like I said in my first post, its my fault being myself in over analyzing everything......should of just kept my mouth shut :lol:

i don't know, an M5, RS6 or E55 amg are pretty damn sporty AND luxurious to me. i think these cars give the best of all worlds, room for 5 and their gear, leather/power and everything any luxury car comes with complemented by a 0-60 time under 5 seconds and sub 13 second quarter mile times. whoever said sports cars need to be low to the ground and have only 2 doors anymore? but i see where you're coming from. :icon16:

and don't worry bout sharin your opinions and opening discussions, that's what this place is for. :bigthumb:

BMW 330i- after owning 5 BMW's I can safely say, they are the best cars available.

Audi A4 AWD- What a a 330xi should be.

Caddy CTS- Hate the styling, can't rgue with performance though.

Acura Tl- reliable and nicely styled.

Jaguar X type- It's got the jag charisma, but thats about it.

G35x- Hate the styling, it's amazing that the coupe is so sexy, but this is so ugly.

IS300- Solid "meh"