Since this is an Acura forum, I'm sure this might be a little biased, but what the heck...

I'm about to buy either a 2004 Acura TL or G35 Coupe, both 6MT and fully loaded. I'm going to leave my decision in the hands of everyone on this forum, because I really can't decide myself. Here's what I've figured out so far...

--G35 exterior is awesome, but the TL interior is much better (mainly because i like the blue lit dash, the integrated nav system, the better sound system, and the dials for the audio volume and tuning). For some reason that analog clock in the g35 really bothers me, and what where they thinking when they put that pop-up nav system in?...and what's up with the orange gague lights?? I heard you can't even change out the light!

--Also, the G35 is way faster, BUT the TL is going to handle much better in the snow (I live in northern VA, so I will expect to see a moderate amount of snow each year). I'm not convinced that the snow tires for the G35 really help out that much, so this is a big issue too.

I've driven both cars 2 times each, and it feels like the G35 drives slightly better, and can be a lot faster...It's just really hard for me to get past paying 40k for the interior and having the cost of switching out the snow tires in the winter. However, I do want the fastest, sportiest car possible! Please, let me know what you all think! Thanks!!

 

I had it narrowed to the same two cars, but auto. I couldn't get over the cheap interior of the G35, inferior stereo and that cheap pop-up manual navi. No Bluetooth handsfree, no voice control. The decision became easier the more I looked. To me they both drove fine and I really don't care about the fwd-rwd debate. I also like the high resale value of Acura and the reputation.

I've had mine two weeks with zero problems and I am happy with my decision.

 

Same problem I had.Was actually on my way to Infinity to put a down payment on the G35 SEDAN-6MT, when stopped at Acura . They didn`t even have a brochure or even a picture of it yet. But after the dealer described it to me, I waited. And glad I did.You mentioned the G35 Coupe, well if your looking for a SPORTS CAR, then get it, if you need more room, and comparing the G35 SEDAN,the TL easily outweights the decision. More features, new design, with only slightly less performance than the G35, the TL wins hands down!

 

Have you also considered the new G35-x which comes in AWD? I'm not sure if this is available in the States and if it's available for the coupe, but in Canada we have an AWD option for the G35 Sedan. Of course this will increase the price, but it should help if you are concerned about driving in the snow.

I'm not sure why you're comparing the G35 Coupe to the TL, since 1 is 2 door and the other is sedan. The TL has a much nicer interior, but I kinda like the G35's exterior better (more European than the TL). It's a tough call, but value-wise I'd pick the TL.

 

I drove the G35 before buying my TL. It's a nice car, but I couldn't stand the interior layout. It also felt small inside (compared to TL) ....

 

I was in the same decision, the price of the G35 coupe however was more than what I would pay for the TL and you were getting so much more in the TL then the G35. Decision made!

 

Add me to the list - I had a deposit on a G35 sedan (not Coupe as i need 4 doors), and then the TL hit the dealerships. After a few test drives i was sold on the TL.

However, if i was looking at coupes, i would be looking at the G35 and BMW 330ci. Just my 2 cents.

 

I'd actually perfer to have a 2 door sports coupe car. Let me know if that changes any of your opinions. btw, I test drove the BMW 330ci, and I just didn't think it had nearly the power that either the acura or the infiniti had, so I took that one off the decision list immediately.

 

I looked at and drove the G35. Attractive car on the outside but I felt it had "copied" the exterior of my other car - a 2001 Audi TT.

Inside, I took one look and was immediately turned off. Seriously - it's cheap. I still drove it but the interior of any car is one of my most important deciding factors since it's what you see most of the time. It drove OK but no big deal. I'm not a RWD snob and there are very few every day drivers that are competent enough to take advantage of the difference between the two.

The car magazines and other "professional" reviewers talk about torque steer or road-holding, etc. Yes, they're important if you're good enough to drive a car up against the envelope. Trust me - most people aren't and, even if they were, there aren't many places to do it, safely. I buy cars for how I drive them - not how others do.

The TL offers an immensely better driving experience as well as far better standard equipment. Those, combined with Acura's traditional end of lease or trade in value sealed the deal for me.

 

Another G35 convert here. I fell hard for the G35 coupe when it came out, but wanted to wait to see the new 5 series - one of my all time favorites. Along the way the TL came along and for my needs was perfect. That said, I think the G coupe is the best sport coupe out there it you don't need the room. I would add two other things to consider. 1) insurance - two doors and sports car = high$$. and 2) while they are not as common as 3 series (one reason I did not really consider them) they are getting quite common. I saw three in 20 minutes the other day on a rural interstate. (If that matters)

(Still only seen 2 TL's on the road in two months.)
Good luck

 

I think both the G35 and TL are great cars!

Either way, you're coming out with good performance and great value. Just yesterday, I was reading about the vehicles with highest resale value. The G35 coupe made the list (after 5yrs, it retained something like 50% of its value). The list didn't have anything about the new TL, so I don't know...but I'm assuming it's not far off from that.

Upon test driving the G35 Sedan (they wouldn't let me drive the coupe), I noticed that the engine was rather loud. Now, that could be good if you're into that, but I was looking for refinement...which means quiet (read Acura TL). Both cars are well powered, but the interior of the TL looks nicer and more high tech

The exterior looks of the G35 coupe, i think, wins over the looks of the TL. BUT the G35 sedan just doesn't look right.

Just my thoughts.

 

daikon38!!


thank god, i was beginning to think i was the only one that thought the g35 sedan looked weird

the g35coupe is a looker no doubt, however, that interior is soooo subpar imo...i mean a 20k accord has better switchgear and interior


the point is, yes the public will see u from the outside all the time, but the driver will always be in the inside...thus, i could never buy a car w/an interior i didnt like

 

Ditto on just about everything being said. Most important is what you yourself said about the interior of the G35...its cheap looking and not up to par with the exterior styling, smaller navi screen with silly po-up design, RWD does not make sense for you in your climate, and I don't know how big you are, but to me the interior felt very confining and narrow.

Most of us are biased because we're such Acura enthusiasts, but you're hearing from several people who ALMOST got the Infiniti as well, and those are the comments the should really resonate with you. A coupe is so impractical, so if you plan on keeping the car for a while, you are likely to outgrow its limitations.

Good Luck.

 

Your comparing a 4 door to a 2 door. They are both nice and very different cars so just choose the one that best suits your needs. I decided on the G coupe. My family has been with honda/acura for a very long time, but I lost faith in acura after my transmission died twice on my 03TLS. The exterior styling and performance is way better in the g coupe but the interior and technology and little gizmos are better in the 04TL.

 

2 door or 4 door, the G35 crunches my legs, both sides and the door presses my shoulder. I'm 6'0", 190 and I'm crowded. Drove me nuts on a long mountain ride. Also, surprise, the sedan is no faster and the coupe, barely.

 

partagas, the sedan is suppose to be slower than the coupe...it only has 260hp vs 280hp for the coupe


btw, 6spd instead of automatic and that should solve the tranny issues (hopefully )

 

Performance numbers for the TL and G35 are actually quite close. G35s usually run high 5 secs to sixty, as does the 6MT TL.

The G35x is Auto tranny only, as it uses the same system as the FX and Nissan has apparently not developed a manual for that AWD system.

The TL is more practical, better in snow, etc.

The G35 should feel a little more sporty, etc. I haven't driven one, but the lighter weight and size should have that result.

I don't think you would go wrong with either one. It just depends on what you want.

A 330ci would be a nice choice. A little more expensive to purchase, but a lease rate should be competitive given the higher residual value on the Bimmer. I can't see myself buying a 3-series wanna be (G35) over the original, but YMMV.

 

It's supposed to be but read last month's C&D, it ain't. They both ran the quarter in 14.2, noisy and rough but fast. Personally, I think that the coupe looks great but is totally useless and the sedan's back seat is great but the drive compartment is for skinny short people. Lotsa leg length but no breadth. I guess that I jus found the roughness, noise and cramped space off putting.