03 CL TypeS

Well after putting money down on my 03 CL-S 6spd yesterday, I had 2nd thoughts while driving home when I saw a G35 in front of me. I realized I bought the CL-S without even looking at the competition... though I disregarded BMW due to cost of ownership (i.e. repairs).

So I went to a Nissan/Inifity dealer today to look at the G35's and 350Z's. I ended up test driving an 04 Demo G35 (the one with 298hp). Well it was a short drive, but I could definitely say the car was far superior to the CL-S in terms of acceleration/braking/handling. The ride was stiffer, the engine sound was the sweetest V6 I have ever heard, ir cornered like a charm and snapped your neck braking (Brembo brakes). Both the CL-S & G35 may be in the "sports luxury coupe" class, but the CL-S is at the luxury end of the spectrum, while the G35 is in the opposite corner.

Financially however, you can't beat an 03 CL-S that comes in at under 24K, taxes in. The demo 04 G35 I test drove would come out to just over 43K, taxes in. Keep in mind this is in Canada (and I am converting the #s to USD @ 1.2 exchange rate).

Conclusion? G35 is much sportier than the CL-S and if it's not too bold to say, proportionally more expensive.

Shawn S

Please repost your thread over in the Car Talk area..
This section is reserved for 2nd Gen CL discussions.

Sorry, but we are unable to move threads right now.

Shawn S