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.

 

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