2005.5 Audi 2.0T A4 vs. 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe... Help me Decide!!

[MJH 102383]

I have never had a harder time deciding between these three cars, I know I only listed 2 in the topic but those are the main 2 that I'm deciding between. The 2005.5 Audi A5 2.0T or the 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe, or I'm even considering the 2004 Lexus RX330. I know the Lexus is in a different category but I just wanted something that's more mature, and had a bit more of a sense of status compared to the other two choices.

I can't decide between 6-speed and automatic between the 2 cars, obviously the SUV I would get the automatic. I'm a little tired of shifting all the time, but then I go back and forth in terms of 6-speed vs. automatic. I feel like the automatic will be more boring but more practical, I can let the girlfriend drive it, etc. I just feel like I'm less likely to heavily mod an automatic.

My BIGGEST dilemma is I don't want to be caught up in another money pit car. I currently own an Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 6MT that I'm about to sell that I just could not stop modding. It was a never-ending project trying to make it faster, look better, etc. I want something maybe I'll mod slightly, but that I'll be happier with all around, hence why I'm thinking maybe an automatic.

2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T
Pros: new body style, my first turbo car, projector headlights, good looks, best on gas out of 3 choices, 4 doors, not that common, debadged resembles the S4, decent performance potential, AWD, best in snow, etc.
Cons: lack of power, interior is pretty ugly, and questionable reliability compared to the other two choices.


2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe
Pros: fastest out of all choices, good power, good handling, great looks, nice stock wheels, very nice interior, etc.
Cons: RWD in snow and rain, addicting to mod, can't see myself leaving this car stock especially if I get it in 6-speed, gas mileage 17 MPG city premium only, 25 MPG highway, 2-door, etc.


2004 Lexus RX330
Pros: great looks, great comfort, very luxurious, good in snow / rain, mature, practical, etc.
Cons: gas mileage about the same or a little worse than G35, 87 octane fuel is okay though, not really mod-friendly, some people would call it boring, etc.


Any of these choices I would ONLY buy in black, white, or grey.

Advice is needed!

[Tiesto]

Sorry but the Infiniti's interior is much more tacky looking, the seats are said to be uncomftorable as well. It's a boat of a car and won't handle too well in the snow or rain. The B7s have good reliability ratings, where did you get your information?

Not even going to discuss the RX...

[MJH 102383]

Please IGNORE the RX330 even being on the list, I was considering it, but I'll be bored to tears driving that soccer mom's car, lol. Anyway, the B7 A4 I absolutely LOVE in terms of looks, and I love the interior and exterior as well.

The reason it's not a total no-brainer is because the G35 just looks so damn clean in pearl white! And I can't seem to find a B7 A4 in 6-speed and white for under $21-21.5K they all seem to be way more expensive in white.

Chipping the B7 A4 typically adds what? 40-50 HP and 50-60 lbs. of torque? I'm just wondering what it would take to put the B7 A4 into the high 13's / low 14's.

And how difficult are xenon headlights in the B7 A4? Do they come stock?

[burns420]

i went from an infiniti coupe to an a4 and am happier with the a4. modding the g35 is way more expensive than the a4 and the results may be a slght power gain. maintenance on the infiniti is also about 3 times as much as the a4 based on my experience. girls also like the audi better for some reason.

[MJH 102383]

I could not agree more about girls liking the A4 more, lol. Every girl I've asked responds with, "well guys in Audi's are hotter than guys in Infiniti's..." lol. :D

[rudtf]

cuz it's true...

i'd say a4. my female friend has the g35 and she hates driving so i get to drive it often. for some reason i hate driving it.. clutch is freakin weird and interior blows. the only upsides is it's decent looking and the v6 sounds so sweet.

[bigbro]

a4 FTW!!!!!!!

[$4c@b]

A4 + mods might be a decent driver but it's not going to be confused for an S4 without an S4s worth of mods.

The engine in the G35 makes decent power and pulls strong throughout (I have a heavy FX35)

Get the manual regardless of your choice. I read more posts (68/32%) about people who are glad they chose a manual OR regret chosing auto VS people glad they chose auto.

your gf will be a better gf if she can drive stick.

[A4A4A4]

2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T
Pros: new body style, my first turbo car, projector headlights, good looks, best on gas out of 3 choices, 4 doors, not that common, debadged resembles the S4, decent performance potential, AWD, best in snow, etc.
Cons: lack of power, interior is pretty ugly, and questionable reliability compared to the other two choices.

Seriously?

I have an A4 and my brother has a G35 and the general concensus is that my interior is much better looking. Don't get me wrong the G35 is a gorgeous car and is A LOT of fun to drive.

Other than the interior part, I think your pros and cons are spot on. My vote is for the A4 but in the end the choice is yours so pick which ever one you think you'll be happier with.

Good Luck

[MJH 102383]

So far guys I'm really leaning towards the A4. :)

I can't decide between the white, black, or graphite grey! I really want the white, but it seems so damn uncommon!

[juju4uofa]

Have you driven a G35? I find it impossible to get comfortable in the seats. In addition, unless you go with forced inducton you're stuck with a gutless car. Low 14 second 1/4s become boring very fast. With a B7 A4 you can get the same performance with a chip/intake/exhaust and still have a very practical car. Also, APR is about to release a new K04 kit and a Stage 3 kit for the B7 chassis if you get the itch. I suppose both cars have there advantages, but I believe the A4 prevails.

[Hotel Guy]

I am obsessed with the stock G35 exhaust note... Ive always loved those cars, never driven one though.

[1000songs]

Pretty funny - nobody on an Audi board is going to tell you to buy the Infiniti!

My last car was a 2004 Infiniti G35 with 6 speed MT and Brembo brakes (M6 sport package). The 2005 is a better car due to the fact that the clutch is not nearly as heavy as the 03 or 04. The Brembo brakes were big $$ to service - they may have saved my life but the definitely require TLC. Car had very good handling (it's not all about 1/4 mile times guys) and was absolutely stellar on the track - it was way faster and handled better than it had any right to. Some of the Porsche guys in my group called it a great "saloon", which is what it is; a big, heavy, muscled, US style Grand Touring machine. Fun nonetheless. It was also an absolute pig in the snow, even with snow tires. So much so that my usual joy at seeing a little slippery stuff turned to fear and loathing. You live in Delaware? Think about the weather when making your choice. Also - get out and drive one. Seriously.

As for the A4 - for me it's about 2 doors vs. 4 doors. I went Audi this time 'round because they FINALLY came it with a 2 door coupe (I know, but the TT didn't really count until recently!). You can mod the hell out of that thing, squeeze a lot more juice and have fun in the snow. Also - get out and drive one. Seriously.

[bigbro]

They also have a awd g35 called the g35x. Just a thought

[1000songs]

True that, although G35x only comes in the sedan, not the coupe (and he did specify the coupe). I believe Infiniti is finally getting the hint and coming with the G37 in AWD this fall, although only in automatic (boo).

[bigbro]

True that, although G35x only comes in the sedan, not the coupe (and he did specify the coupe). I believe Infiniti is finally getting the hint and coming with the G37 in AWD this fall, although only in automatic (boo).

Omg I though the coupe had it too. What was infiniti thinking.

[Stormin]

LOL. You're not going to get much Nissan love here...

I would go with the Audi simply for practicality reasons. AWD, 4 doors (much cheaper insurance), best MPG, etc...

The fact that with some work you can make it faster than an S4 is just a bonus.

[1000songs]

Oh yeah - ever seen the trunk on a G35 coupe?! There are actually instructions, both in the owner's manual AND in the trunk itself, on how to fit two (yes, two) sets of golf clubs in there. Damn it - I can fit two (yes, two) full hockey bags, full of gear, in the trunk of my S5!

[yoogene83]

fx35