Which would you go for?

[mwmorph]

I'm stuck in a decision between a 2005 Infiniti G35 and a 2005 Pontiac GTO. I'm looking to get one for ~$17K and so far I'm at a standstill.

I don't race anymore, I don't mod my cars anymore, and I'm not looking for a track day vehicle, more of a everyday GT than anything else.

G35 Coupe:
Looks better
Handles better
Will have way more miles than the GTO for that price (around 80K v.s. 40K)
IMO VQ35 has never been my favorite sounding engine

GTO:
Looks like a rental car
Handles best if pointed in straight line
Low mileage & surprisingly, as nice an interior as in a G35.
Favorite engine and sound (nothing like a 400hp V8 SBC burble and pop on decel)
Oddly shaped trunk, might be less practical than a G35 despite being bigger.

What would AT go for?

Also I have only driven the Auto cars so far, but in my experience, driving 350Z manuals have a oddly heavy clutch pedal, which I feel can get very annoying as a daily driver. I've also heard the manual on the GTO is very notchy and unpleasant. Can anyone comment on those 2 things?

 

[StageLeft]

G35 Coupe, but that's because for my next car I will very likely choose between a G35 Sedan and something else.

Is being from a dead brand going to make the GTO worth comparatively more or less? What are repairs like between then? Certainly there are a ton more G35s on the road.

 

[PricklyPete]

I LOVE that engine (edit: in the GTO)...but I'd likely go with the G35 in the end.

 

[mwmorph]

G35 Coupe, but that's because for my next car I will very likely choose between a G35 Sedan and something else.

Is being from a dead brand going to make the GTO worth comparatively more or less? What are repairs like between then? Certainly there are a ton more G35s on the road.

I'm pretty sure Pontiac dying dropped the prices on these cars, I'm seeing some nice looking 2005s with ~40k miles for ~15.5 or 16k, which sounds like a good deal to me.

I was in your boat, I was set on a G35 coupe until I checked GTO prices. Reliability should be similar, AFAIK, both cars are reliable.

 

[Arkaign]

G35 for me personally, but I like the GTO's as well. It's a win/win my friend!

 

[Vette73]

If you want more power to lux then go GTO. If you want more Lux to power then get the G35.

I like the GTO myself, but drive each and see which one fits best to you.

 

[compman25]

G35

 

[jlee]

I'd drive them both first. The GTO is a lot faster, but if you're not going to race at all then I'm sure the G35 would be more than adequate. I do love a nice V8 though.

It's all what you want -- drive them both and report back!

http://www.edmunds.com/infiniti/g35/review.html
http://www.edmunds.com/pontiac/gto/review.html

 

[HannibalX]

Nota

 

[KIAman]

Has anybody ever heard the VQ35 engine note? It sounds like an I-4 diesel, so I understand the OP's apprehension on the noise.

But given only those choices, I would go for the G35, even though the mileage might scare me off and consider neither car.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've driven both and the G35 is more of a driver's car. The GTO is just a heavy boat with lots of power.

 

[CrackRabbit]

I'd go with the G35. Thinking long term, parts might be an issue in the future for the GTO. Tt was a low production vehicle that was 80+% Australian.

 

[coldmeat]

G35, simply because the GTO looks like shit.

 

[StageLeft]

In those pics GTO does look like an old rental car.

 

[mafia]

I've driven both and the G35 is more of a driver's car. The GTO is just a heavy boat with lots of power.

But we all know the OP just wants more POWWAHHH!! But in any case, I agree with Jules, G35 is more of a 'drivers' car.

OP I would recommend you look around more, you could get a G35 for that price range with much less miles.

 

[Fenixgoon]

have you driven both yet? that will definitely help you figure out which one you like better.

personally i'd go GTO. it's a little bit of a sleeper, but they've grown on me. in addition, G35's seem to be everywhere. and then there's just the roar of the LS engine

 

[thescreensavers]

G35. But Drive both see what you like

Has anybody ever heard the VQ35 engine note? It sounds like an I-4 diesel, so I understand the OP's apprehension on the noise.

But given only those choices, I would go for the G35, even though the mileage might scare me off and consider neither car.

VQ exhaust note is legendary

This Guy and the OP must be nuts. or having hearing issues.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

GTO

To me it has a better interior than the G35. G35 engine is rough. Hwy mileage with the GTO is better.

GTO is much more unique, G35's are dime a dozen and I think the coupe is ugly!

 

[StageLeft]

G35. But Drive both see what you like




VQ exhaust note is legendary

This Guy and the OP must be nuts. or having hearing issues.

I have always liked the sound of my maxima at about 3200 rpm. No question, though, V8s sound far more awesome.

 

[AMCRambler]

J. Alba. Oh wait, she wasn't on the list.

 

[AdamK47]

My unbiased opinion: GTO

 

[AMCRambler]

GTO gotta have those 400 ponies

 

[KIAman]

GTO

To me it has a better interior than the G35. G35 engine is rough. Hwy mileage with the GTO is better.

GTO is much more unique, G35's are dime a dozen and I think the coupe is ugly!

Hahaha, let me tell you a story. My brother and I raced down a street, he in his G35 and me in my 330i. We weren't speeding, just accelerating to the speed limit than stopping at the next light.

We pulled up to the light and he was revving his engine and grinned at me while people walking around the street gave him a big frown and thumbs down. I revved my I6 and the same people gave me a thumbs up.

We finally get to our destination, Hooters and he shakes his head while I'm laughing and he tells me that some people just don't understand what a REAL engine is supposed to sound like.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Hum....Tough call...personally between those I'd lean ever so slightly towards the g35...any reason you aren't considering a legacy gt? I picked one up recently and love it (moving from a lightly modded 240SX) and I know many board members feel the same.

 

[ayabe]

Hahaha, let me tell you a story. My brother and I raced down a street, he in his G35 and me in my 330i. We weren't speeding, just accelerating to the speed limit than stopping at the next light.

We pulled up to the light and he was revving his engine and grinned at me while people walking around the street gave him a big frown and thumbs down. I revved my I6 and the same people gave me a thumbs up.

We finally get to our destination, Hooters and he shakes his head while I'm laughing and he tells me that some people just don't understand what a REAL engine is supposed to sound like.

I think people are just sick of the VQ sound, and it's not getting better in the newer series.

People still go to Hooters? Worst food on the planet.