Mazdaspeed3, or Infiniti G35?

[mikepro]

So, I rode (didn't drive yet, planning on doing that in the next day or two) in a mazdaspeed3 last night. I have to say, as a whole, the car is a compelling package for the price. I wish that the cabin was a bit quieter, and there was less road noise. (I'm coming from a Volvo S60 2.5T now, so it is a pretty quiet car). Still, I think that would just fade to the background. I definitely need to drive the speed3, get a sense for how it feels, shifts, and see how bad the torque steer is. Hopefully I'll judge it acceptable as a daily driver. I also want to see how nimble the Mazda feels, my Volvo is kind of a boat with a lousy turning radius.


The Grand Touring seems to have a lot of features. But, I'm trying to decide if I should get the speed3, or spend the extra 7-9 grand and get an Infiniti G35. I've driven the G35, and it is a really nice car. Awesome power, great driving dynamics, RWD, and certainly a step up in the luxury department over the Mazda. The speed3 has more utility being a hatch, and having the ability to fold the rear seats down. Wish the seats folded down in the G. I sometimes need to haul long pieces of lumber for my woodworking hobby. I can live without that ability if I had too, (that's what friends' cars are for!).

I want something that is more fun to drive than my Volvo, but I also do like the luxury touches and upscale bits. Just not sure I like them to the tune of 7 to 9 grand. The extra cost isn't really a problem, I could afford it as it is close to what I'm paying for my Volvo now. Still, saving some money is always nice.

I like the image if the Infiniti, seems to be a bit more mature than the speed3, and has lots of amenities. But, if the speed3 is just as much fun to drive, can meet all of my needs, it seems like the smarter choice.

Any comments or advice? What would you guys do? Thanks!

 

[Black_Protege_5]

Ha I am in the same boat you are in except it is between the G35 and the MS6. I am leaning more toward the G35 just because of what it is. Great car and gets a lot more attention especially after a twin turbo kit. But the MS3 is a great car. I test drove it and it is quick but I just can't get past the styling and the FWD. The MS6 is an awesome car also. Handles great and could be much better with some suspension work. But I agree that the G35 is a much more mature car and it is something I am looking for. Along with the RWD.

 

[dread]

I have a speed 3 and my friend has a g35 sedan. They are both fun cars to drive and are both really fast. I am not going to lye to you the speed3 is a rough ride on bumpy roads as the suspension doesn't give much, where as the g35 is much more comfortable. I personally love the practicality of a hatch and think the speed3 is a better looking car, unless you are considering the coupe which is hot. Once you get used to the suspension and road noise caused by the huge rims it wont be a big deal. In my opinion a G35 is not worth 9k more, but it is still an amazing car and is definately more mature. I also like the fact that the speed 3 is relatively rare and you will not see many of them on the road. Have you considered a speed6? Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us updated either way.

 

[SwampAss]

I love both cars. I've also driven both cars. The G35 has an intoxicating exhaust note. The G35 is a much higher quality feeling car to me. Just not for 7-9k more. IMO

 

[Black_Protege_5]

Well i am planning on getting an 05 G35 Coupe 6spd. I can't afford new so out the door for this one is similar to what I would be paying for a fully equiped 6.

 

[SwampAss]

Sounds like a solid deal. I'd have no issue buying a used G35 as *most* are purchased by enthusiasts who typically care for their cars.

 

[dread]

Just make sure it wasn't a lease, people treat those cars like s***, my buddy who has the 06 g35, was putting regular gasoline in it and hasn't changed the oil yet after 4000 miles, it should have been changed twice already.

 

[Black_Protege_5]

No I am buying one from an old guy. I know they don't go very fast. It's just finding one that bought a 6spd. These are hard to find.

 

[mikepro]

decisions, decisions

Thanks for the comments so far. I did drive an MS6 a few months ago. It was certainly fast, but a few things bothered me. I didn't feel that the handling was all that great. The car felt a bit portly to me cornering. However, truthfully, I could live with it as I don't track or autocross my cars. The other things that bothered me was no folding rear seat (I know I could mod this, but cross bracing still in the way). Also, and this may seem petty or trivial, I was annoyed by the fact that it didn't have any sort of multifunction display that shows gas mileage, distance to empty, outside temp, etc. I felt in that class of car, it should have one. The MS3 has a pretty nice information display, and I like that part of the interior better. Also, being a bit smaller and lighter, I think (and the reviews seem to agree) that it would handle better than the MS6.

So, that's why I stopped looking at the MS6. The AWD was a nice feature though.

Dread, thanks for the comparison of the speed3 being a bit rougher on bumpy pavement, (which pretty much describes nearly all of the roads in SE Michigan). That's good to know. The G35x (AWD) I drove had a bit harsher ride than my Volvo, but was still pretty well designed to handle rough roads. I like the feel of a tight suspension, although do appreciate it being able to handle and dampen the rough stuff. (Haven't experience anyone do it better than BMW).


Reality check, I'm driving a '99 Protege right now since I just sold the Volvo, and I'm living with it. Does what I need it to do, and kind of fun because it is so small light. So, if I can be relatively satisfied with that level of car, it is making me think I should be practical and go with the cheaper and more practical speed3. Still, in a year or two, after some of the fun wears off, I don't want to regret my decision and wish I had gotten a more luxurious ride. But, with 9k in my pocket, will I have those regrets?

 

[Hughes412]

but it is still an amazing car and is definately more mature.

DING DING DING, We have a winner!

There is one main difference between between the two. Do you want people to look at you and think humm kid car, or hummm, man car making up from some thing! LOL

No really, the speed3 will be a good all around cheap car for a younger guy. But the G35 is a car ment for a more mature refined person. So it depends on who you are who you want to be and who you want other people to think you are.

 

[AKYellow]

Isnt the 350Z pretty much the same car as the G35 coupe? Just the G35 is alittle more luxurious?

 

[bazooka joe]

we're not really comparing the same cars here, correct? aren't they really two different animals?

 

[Hughes412]

Isnt the 350Z pretty much the same car as the G35 coupe? Just the G35 is alittle more luxurious?

For the most part yes. The G35 has a different interrior set up, and up intill 07 modles more power.

we're not really comparing the same cars here, correct? aren't they really two different animals?

I can see it.

 

[benzo]

we're not really comparing the same cars here, correct? aren't they really two different animals?

THEY REALLY ARE TWO DIFFERENT CARS. I OWNED BOTH CARS. I HAD A 03 G COUPE AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. THE PROBLEM I SEEMED TO HAVE MOST WITH IT WAS THE FACT THAT INFINITI DIDNT WANT TO WARANTY A LOT OF PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING WITH THE LEATHER SEATS. BEING 25 YEARS OLD AND DRIVING A G WAS THE COOLEST THING. NO MATTER WHERE I WENT I WOULD HAVE A BUNCH OF PEOPLE JUST LOOK AT ME LIKE I WAS MADE OUT OF CASH. NOW DRIVING THE MS3 I REALLY DONT GET THE LOOKS (WHICH IS FINE WITH ME). IF ANYTHING I LIKE IT MORE CAUSE WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE OUR MS3 CAN PROBABLY SPANK A G COUPE WITH A COUPLE OF MODS. I WOULD HAVE TO SAY I DIG THE MS3 A LITTLE BITTER. IT JUST SEEMS MORE LIKE A DRIVERS CAR. MAYBE CAUSE IT IS 6 SPEED AND SUSPENSION IS TIGHTER.

 

[wishingfora ms3]

imo everyone and their mom has a g. get the ms3

 

[smo0f]

G35 without a doubt. and to the guy who got peanut butter stuck in his caps lock key, the g35 is a six speed also.

 

[mikepro]

Well, I didn't get out of work in time to test drive the speed3. Have to wait until tomorrow or Thursday to do it.

In my area, Infinitis are not at all common. I think we only have like 3 dealers in the whole state. The closest one to me is like a half hour away, but they are building a new one just a few hours away. Mazdas are everywhere, and I would think the regular joe probably wouldn't recognize a speed3 as being something different or special. Maybe if it was right next to a regular model. So, they would seem more "common" to me. Do you guys really feel they are more unique, and stand out from a regular non-speed version?

Hughes and dread, you make good points. I'm "only" 32, but am pretty much ready to be done with the "kid" image that I think would be associated with the Mazda. But, I'm an engineer, and have a very practical side, so I am strongly drawn to the practicality and value of the Mazda, regardless of image. I also do like the better gas mileage, (not to be cheap, but to have less impact on global warming). If I really cared for image, I'd get a BMW, which I could afford if I wanted to. Nice, but somewhat overrated/over priced and too common around here imho. I dunno, I guess I feel I'm gonna spend a lot on a new car, is it worth spending 8k, 9k more to get a "higher class" car like the G? I priced out insurance on both today, the G is only $80 more per month, so not much help there...

I really like the G coupe looks, but heard it is not gonna be out until August, so not sure I want to wait that long....

Hopefully my drive will tell me something.

 

[slammie]

I think you'll pleasently surprised by the MS3. Bottom line: it is an econobox with a great engine. Yet, it is a very well engineered econobox with a refined, but raw quality to it. Not raw as in cheap, but raw as in tingling your senses. It's not luxury, but the interior is tasteful and well put together. And, the handling is superb. Plus, it's a hatchback, which makes it everyday friendly and adds to it's practicality.

I'm 35 and the G35 doesn't inspire me at all...it may as well be a Lexus or a Acura, which equates to BMW copycat without the BMW drive for middle-aged folks who are brand and image concious, but maybe a bit more practical than the German auto crowd. You see them by the thousands where I live (Twin Cities MN).

On the other hand, the MS3 is a hidden gem, an extremely well engineered machine which others won't notice because it looks like a Mazda 3. That's just fine with me. I like the idea of driving a stealthy, driver's machine that is mine at a reasonable price.

 

[SwampAss]

On the other hand, the MS3 is a hidden gem, an extremely well engineered machine which others won't notice because it looks like a Mazda 3. That's just fine with me. I like the idea of driving a stealthy, driver's machine that is mine at a reasonable price.

The more I drive my car, the more I can appreciate this statement.

 

[dread]

I am surprised no one has approached me about my speed 3 yet. To anyone who isn't obsessed with cars, I am sure that won't be able to tell the difference. To me it is a thing a beauty and I would choose it over the G35 even if I had the money for the infiniti.