Nissan 350z v Infiniti G35/Nissan V35 Skyline

[Sir_GT]

I was browsing through top secret's website just now (topsecretjpn.com) and I saw a black G35 sitting alongside the 350z, and I was wondering which one was the better performance car? I know Top Secret changed the engine of their gold 350z before they tuned, therefore its capable of a shade under 800bhp.

What I was wondering was which one, based on their stock engines and parts, is the better performance car? Which one handles better, and which engine is easier/better/more rewarding to tune?

Highest I've come across from a stock 350z engine was 550bhp... anybody know higher? or the highest from a stock G35's engine?

[Sir_GT]

Cool cool. I can't recall the interior of the G35 though... was it a 2+2 or strictly a 2 seater like the 350z?

[CSedl87]

They're pretty much the same. It's like asking if the Golf, A3, or the TT is the better car. They're the same engines, same platform, but the suspension tuned a little bit differently.

[Sir_GT]

They're pretty much the same. It's like asking if the Golf, A3, or the TT is the better car. They're the same engines, same platform, but the suspension tuned a little bit differently.

That's not entirely true I think. I've read somewhere that the 350z's engine isn't the same VQ one as the G35's. The 350z's badged VQ, but it was lifted off a Renault, unlike the G35's, which is a true Nissan.

Which is also why I'm wondering how far you could modify the two. Highest I know for the 350 was Top Secret's attempt, but the engine was entirely different (lifted off another Nissan), so I'm curious to see how well the 350's stock engine responds to modifications.

[papaSMURF]

damm, if what youre saying is true, the 350z must be the worst car on earth.

i took my friends g35 for a spin for like 30 miles or so, and it felt alright, but WAY too disconnected from the road, every input from the driver felt like it was going through 6 computers and finally making its reaction.

if the 350z is worse i may as well go play gt3 or something to get a better feel for a car.

[ZfrkS62]

And driving it in the rain is like driving it on glass.....


that squirlley feeling has always been inherent to the Z line :wink: i think it's just a standart part of its fun loving character :mrgreen: My 240 was happiest in the rain...or cruising comfortably at 90 on the freeway :mrgreen:

[ZfrkS62]

damm, if what youre saying is true, the 350z must be the worst car on earth.


350 has perfect road feel IMO. i drove one a while back and it felt great. the only thing i didn't like was the short shifter but thats just because i wasn't used to it. the G35 is nothing like the 350.

[ikon2003]

both use the same VQ engine from Nissan, so you can pretty much get identical performances out of each. (Greddy makes prolly the most popular twin turbo set for it.) G is 2+2 (either two door or 4 door) and Z is 2 seater only. I've seen a naturally Aspirated Z w/ 475 bhp (owner's claim), and a twin turbo one w/ 550bhp (both street legal... got some pics somewhere of them) Both using NOS too. I know there are some dragster Z's that put 550bhp at the rear wheels (the one i saw snapped two axles trying to put all that power to the pavement).

[findleybeast]

Both the Z and the G35 have the exact same VQ35DE engine, the 7hp difference was simply due to inlet and exhaust differences. Infiniti did recently boost the bhp to 298 in the 6MT (six speed manual) G35, but there have been no boosts for the Z as of now.
The interior of Z is nothing particularly special, but I did really like the orange leather sports seats. Seemed to hold well and I thought they looked great.

The Z does have a lower, stiffer, sportier supsension but whether you choose that over the G35 is really personal preference. I haven't driven a G35 yet, so I can't give a comparative view, but I can say I really do like the Z's suspension. Its perhaps a little too rough for my taste in daily driving, but otherwise I haven't found any abrasive faults.

I guess that's my friendly disagreement w/ you Everso, but of course you may have experiences some suspension problem I haven't dealt with. Of course what I am saying is completely subjective as well...

Oh, actually I have had some bad experiences driving on snow w/ the Z :?

[Sir_GT]

Cool cool. I can't recall the interior of the G35 though... was it a 2+2 or strictly a 2 seater like the 350z?

the G35 has a small backseat (a little big bigger than the one in my car, yet still very small). The 350z has NO backseat, and on top of it, has this ridiculous "bar" in the trunk.....which takes up the whole trunk.

the interior of the G35 isn't brilliant or anything, but compared to the 350Zs interior, it looks much much better. Less cheap plastic, and more aluminum. It's a bit more conventional, but also a nicer place to be.

driving wise, the G35 simply had a better feel to it. The engine back when i drove it was the 280hp version (compared to the back then 287hp of the Z). Since then, i've heard Nissan has increased the power of both. The suspension on the 350Z is just....frankly awful. And driving it in the rain is like driving it on glass.....the G35 feels much more engaging while driving.

hmmm... you're tempting me to contact an importer :)

[ikon2003]

- yeah, i agree: orange seats are the way to go w/ the Z... a nice unique option.

[papaSMURF]

i honestly dont understand people's fascination with the new z, i like how the interior, but not the interior quality, etc. I know for a fact the g35 COUPE gives false information to the driver (disconnection like said before) and leads to a false security that the car handles better than it actually does (like what you said about them trying too hard to make it feel a certain way, with the 350z that is)

friend who owns the g35 was trying out its capabilities one day but means of a nice drifting around a corner, too bad he thought it was allright to push it that hard, car went into a ditch and totaled it (entire front suspension ripped out, all rear was demolished etc)...

i see why women buy them now, its a fun little car for a good price, but definitlly NOT a sports car, or even a decent lux car. it's "cute" thats why my sister bought one.

[gobs3z]

I underestimated the block on the the VQ engine, and i assume a lot of people have. Their 8 sec 350Z surprisingly uses the VQ block,http://www.theexperience.com/index.php.

[ZfrkS62]

friend who owns the g35 was trying out its capabilities one day but means of a nice drifting around a corner, too bad he thought it was allright to push it that hard, car went into a ditch and totaled it


and how much training did your friend have in performance driving? I don't think you can blame the car for it being totalled out. :roll:

[findleybeast]

just a note - enthusiast, performance, and touring packages all have traction control and a limited slip diff. only the base package for the 350Z doesn't have traction control.

and even though I seem to be the one defending the Z - if it came down to it, I'd actually go for the G35. The extra 2 seats, plus the trunk space provide enough more useability to sell me. The more toned down exterior and more compliant ride are more of my style as well. Now that the 6 speed comes with added power, there's no doubt in my mind.

On the other hand, if I was going to get a car just for performance and tuning, I'd choose the Z. Even though the G35 6MT comes with 11 more horses, it wouldn't take much to get that power back...

[ZfrkS62]

and even though I seem to be the one defending the Z


i think you're a bit off on that assesment :wink: i've been after a Z since the rumor was confirmed. i'm on your side findley :D

[Sir_GT]

and even though I seem to be the one defending the Z


i think you're a bit off on that assesment :wink: i've been after a Z since the rumor was confirmed. i'm on your side findley :D

Heh. Same reason why I brought this topic up. Thing is, I've come across a Top Secret modded G35, and it did not look all that bad. (change the grill, and it ups the car's looks quite a bit) Also, I'm pretty sure you could import one into the UK for around the same price the 350z is going for, and I thought that it might be nice for some added exclusivity.

Nismo also makes an upgrade for it... so now its a tough choice to make.

[papaSMURF]

i can blame whatever i want, the car was partly at fault for the misleading information it was sending to the driver. yes it was also partly his fault because he was driving and all.

any g35 fan out there, i beg you to drive a real car before you form your opinion on it.

[ZfrkS62]

any g35 fan out there, i beg you to drive a real car before you form your opinion on it.


which is why i like the 350Z. No electronic roadfeel :P but, for the yuppies that don't like feeling concrete beneath their tires, go ahead and blow your money an a G35 :roll:


yes it was also partly his fault because he was driving and all.


it was entirely his fault because he was driving like a Fn moron. i realize you feel like you have to defend your buddy, but face facts and realize that he deserved to total the car. and a car doesn't send false information to a driver. a driver misinterprets the information he/she is getting. Especially a young one that has no clue as to what they are doing in a slide. :roll:

[findleybeast]

i think you're a bit off on that assesment :wink: i've been after a Z since the rumor was confirmed. i'm on your side findley :D

always good to know

Heh. Same reason why I brought this topic up. Thing is, I've come across a Top Secret modded G35, and it did not look all that bad. (change the grill, and it ups the car's looks quite a bit) Also, I'm pretty sure you could import one into the UK for around the same price the 350z is going for, and I thought that it might be nice for some added exclusivity.

Nismo also makes an upgrade for it... so now its a tough choice to make.


It seems to be the opposite here, since both cars are available here i see a lot more G35s around. It sounds like it'd be worth it to get the G35 if it's close to the same price as the Z, especially if you can get the new Manual (6MT).

You got any pics of that Top Secret G35? I haven't caught it and you make it sound good.

[papaSMURF]

im glad to hear the z doesnt have the electronic interferences that the g35 has, and i will whole heartedly admit my friend is a dumbass, with cars that are better than his skills.

he went to bondurant b4 he got the car for their lessons etc, but still. what he did was honestly really basic, not exactly a drift, but more usually controlled. After i had my spin in the car when he was drunk in the pass seat, i was pissed off at the feeling, and made me understand why someone may put it into a ditch on accident.

[Sir_GT]

i think you're a bit off on that assesment Wink i've been after a Z since the rumor was confirmed. i'm on your side findley Very Happy

always good to know

Heh. Same reason why I brought this topic up. Thing is, I've come across a Top Secret modded G35, and it did not look all that bad. (change the grill, and it ups the car's looks quite a bit) Also, I'm pretty sure you could import one into the UK for around the same price the 350z is going for, and I thought that it might be nice for some added exclusivity.

Nismo also makes an upgrade for it... so now its a tough choice to make.


It seems to be the opposite here, since both cars are available here i see a lot more G35s around. It sounds like it'd be worth it to get the G35 if it's close to the same price as the Z, especially if you can get the new Manual (6MT).

You got any pics of that Top Secret G35? I haven't caught it and you make it sound good.

I haven't seen a single G35 here, maybe because you have to import one to get it, which sort of appeals to me. Anyway, regarding the Top Secret Nissans, here yah go. Always happy to help:

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/z33wb00.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/z33wbfront.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/z1.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/rears.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/v35.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/v1.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/wave.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/v35rear.jpg

http://www.topsecretjpn.com/archives/autosalon2004/gtr.jpg

and the link to their short movie: http://www.topsecretjpn.com/tsas.wmv


See the black G35? THAT'S why I'm thinking of importing one.

[ZfrkS62]

i think the Z astheticaly looks better anyway

[JiggaStyles09]

not sure if anyone has seen this before (apparently it was released a while ago) but in 2005 nissan is coming out with a 35th anniversary package for the 350z. its supposed to come with front and rear spoilers new rims, brembo brakes and the 6 speed is said to have 300hp.

so this does in fact compliment the increase in hp for the G35

http://img60.exs.cx/img60/9159/i4a350z.th.jpg (http://img60.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img60&image=i4a350z.jpg)

here is the link: :arrow: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041020/206123_1.html

[ZfrkS62]

TT posted that awhile ago i think. Gorgeous car in yellow. I think it's the only Z to look good with that color.

[findleybeast]

so this does in fact compliment the increase in hp for the G35

I stand corrected. I'm assuming it has the same engine that is on the G35 6MT? The addiction of exhaust valve timing is a rather significant change as well :)
I remember seeing that pic before in a post, but must have missed the details about the car itself.

Sir_GT thanks for the pics and vid. That G35 really does look nice... Black and Charcoal Gray (dunno the official paint color) are by far my two favorite colors for that car. I like how... unobtrusive that Top Secret G35 is. Their Z seems to be at the complete other end of the spectrum.

Speaking of the Z, that functional radiator extract scoop is a pretty cool addition. Hopefully it actually makes a real difference and isn't just there for the sake of having it

[Sir_GT]

think the Z astheticaly looks better anyway

I agree wholeheartedly. Especially when its modded properly. (like how Top Secret did it, which I have to say, wasn't rice)

The catch in my situation is that I'm married, and my wife and I are looking for our first car. She fancies the RX-8 because of the looks and practicality, and I don't fancy it because of the wimpy wankel engine, and the horror stories I've heard about maintaining it.

My wife simply wants a good looking car where she can plop her pet dog in while we travel. Which is why a 2+2 with tiny rear seats makes sense to me right now... which is why I'm thinking about the G35. :)


Speaking of the Z, that functional radiator extract scoop is a pretty cool addition. Hopefully it actually makes a real difference and isn't just there for the sake of having it

It's for real. That specific car officially pumps out a shade under 800bhp. Buuuuuuttt... again, its not the original VQ35 engine. It's a tweaked VQ30 or VQ32 (I can't remember) from a different Nissan/Infiniti.

[Sir_GT]

think the Z astheticaly looks better anyway

I agree wholeheartedly. Especially when its modded properly. (like how Top Secret did it, which I have to say, wasn't rice)

The catch in my situation is that I'm married, and my wife and I are looking for our first car. She fancies the RX-8 because of the looks and practicality, and I don't fancy it because of the wimpy wankel engine, and the horror stories I've heard about maintaining it.
.

i do agree about the wimpy wankel motor, and the maintenence troubles, HOWEVER i've also driven the RX-8 and it was a much better car to drive than the Z or the G35 (in my honest opinion)

it had more FEEL than either of those 2 cars, although it was a bit slow...but if practicality is more important, along with overall performance, i think the RX-8 is a solid option.

you really should go drive these cars...it's the only way to really understand them. reading specs and numbers mean nothing when you're actually behind the wheel, y'know?

I know. I've got an RX-8 test drive and a 350z test drive lined up soon. Thing is, I can't possibly test drive the G35, which is why I'm asking. At least I can sort of use the RX-8 and the 350z as a basis from which to compare the G35 to.

I wish Audi would bloody release their new TT already... then I wouldn't have to go through this. :?

[Sir_GT]

You're quite right. The waiting list shoots up if you place your order after they do the public unveiling. If you're ahead of everything, you get it right after the unveiling. ;) but since it's fall like you said, I doubt if I can wait that long. I'll let you all know my thoughts on the 350 and the RX. Cheers.

[DeMoN]

I drove them both and bought the G35. It is just much better than the Nissan. And you get extra seats (not that i ever use them).

[Sir_GT]

I drove them both and bought the G35. It is just much better than the Nissan. And you get extra seats (not that i ever use them).

What comes standard with it? I know for one that if I import one from Japan, I have to get the tacho changed, and add rear fog lights, which shouldn't be a problem.