Acura TL w/ Nav or Infiniti G35x with Tech/Nav. package?

Question

I live in Philadelphia so the unpredictable of the Northeast is a major factor in my decision. The TL is about 33k while the G35 is 38k. I don't mind paying extra money, I just hear that long-term TL is better buy. I'm afraid that FWD won't be that fun and I'm better off buying a Maxima. I appreciate your help, please let it rip!

Answer 1

The Acura is a great car, and is certainly not boring as someone suggested. The navigation package makes it full of amazing features including voice controls. "Set air conditioning to 74 degrees, select CD 3 track 4, find nearest gas station..."

I will say this, I slid off the road in mine during some snow. Now this was party because in 2005 some vehicles had faulty tires. Acura replaced them for free in fact, but even with the new tires I have to be a little careful in the snow and ice.

I love Infiniti (I used to own an Altima and it was outstanding). Unfortunately where I live there is no Infiniti dealership, so I never really got to investigate. I did drive the Lexus IS250 AWD, and it sucked completely.

If you can afford the extra money then I'd say that the new Infiniti AWD is the way to go. You clearly want that AWD protection, and with good reason, and Infiniti make a spectacular car.

As for the Maxima you mentioned, I wouldn't buy one for $20,000. They are getting old and tired and don't even look as good as the new 2007 Altima. In the summer there is going to be a hot new coupe version of the Altima too.

I've driven the completely redesigned Altima and it was exceptional. The new chassis makes it handle better than my Acura. I took it on a punishing test drive on some country road and it stuck to the road like glue. It was almost as good as the BMW 3 series, and that's no exaggeration.

The Altima can be fully loaded for about $32K. You get 270HP and a very nice looking car. If I were trading tomorrow I would seriously consider the Altima over my TL, but I would not even consider the Lexus IS or the Maxima. But if I had the money, and a dealer nearby I would be very interested in the Infiniti, especially the FX45.

Answer 2

The TL is an older design which just about to be replaced in a couple years with an all new model that will feature the SH-AWD system. Most of the reviews I've read on the TL mention the fact that it has way too much power for the front wheels and torque steers like crazy. It's like any Acura, reliable, easy to live with, and boring as hell. It's based on the Accord platform, which is a fine car but it's really more of a 'near-sports' sedan than a true sports sedan.

The G35x was just refreshed for 2007 and is based on a higher end platform, the Nissan FM (Front-Midship). This is the same platform used for the 350Z and the awd system is the vaunted ATTESA E-TS. It is much more car for your money. It also feels much more like a luxury car, with the interior aluminum panels modeled after Washi paper. It's a true competitor for BMW with its inline layout and performance oriented chassis.

The Acura has better gas mileage and a better nav system. The G35 is better in every other way except price, but if it were me, I'd rather forgo options than get the TL. As for being a better buy, if you consider resale value I bet the two cars have a similar cost of ownership. The G35 coupe has topped residual value charts for a few years now, which is a good proxy for desirability.

Avoid the Maxima at all costs. It's like a bigger, heavier TL. The Maxima has zero ability to manage its monster engine and will just try to kill you when you step on the gas. FWD + > 250hp simply do not mix.

Answer 3

Definately the Infiniti. I used to have an '04 TL and it was nice, but winter driving was an issue. I now have an '07 G35x and couldn't be happier. Although contrary to what some may say, the TL is a very nice sports sedan that actually has no torque steer whatsoever with the automatic transmission. The only thing about the G is that it is better than the TL in every single way except for fuel economy (Average of 17.1 compared to the TL's over 20s, but to be fair the car is seldom driven on the highway and is only a few months old). It handles better, is a lot faster (than even the new TL-S), IMO looks nicer, and has IMO a better interior. The ATTESA E-TS AWD system (that someone above me mentioned) is RWD until the car needs to be AWD, meaning that it handles just as well as the RWD G35 but goes a lot better in the snow. Floor it from a dead stop in a G35x with the traction control off in any road condition and you'll just be thrust endlessly forward in complete controll with minimal wheelspin (absolutely none on dry pavement, quite a difference from my old TL that used to squeel its tires from stoplights). And if that doesn't have you sold, test drive a TL and then a G35 (or vice versa) in the snow and see for yourself.

Answer 4

Go with the Infiniti. As you may well know the AWD system will be a MAJOR benefit for during the winter. Do not get the TL or you will most likely end up getting stuck. By the way, where did you hear that long-term realiability in the TL is better than the Infiniti. I have a 2000 Infiniti I30 with more than 114,000 miles on it and it runs perfect. I'd say that's pretty long-term to me. Either way, whatever you do try to get an AWD vehicle, and in this case the G35x.

Answer 5

I would chose the Infiniti G35x with AWD. It is a fantastic car and the new design for the 2007 models is great looking. The horsepower of 308 is unbelievable and the car handles wonderfully. My only gripe is that I wish the 2dr version of the G35 came with AWD but it doesn't. I also looked at the Lexus IS w/AWD and that car is a total dog-no pickup at all. I'm coming from an Audi A4 with a great quattro/AWD system. I would have to says that the Infiniti AWD is comprable and really will be giving the audi a run for its money. The infiniti G35x really gives you a lot lot lot for the money. No personal expereince with the acura only hearsay.

Answer 6

I havent driven the Infiniti, but i have some information for you..

TL is better on gas
fueleconomy.gov

Acura has better resale and reliablity (Infiniti's are great too.. but acuras ARE better)

You can call Acura and Infiniti's "parts department" and ask them how much it costs for suspension, AC, CV Joints, etc.... (just to find out which one is most expensive to maintain)

But in the long run, you want to buy something you will like... and i think BOTH options are pretty good...

And the FWD on the TL is very nicely done (ive tested a few of them) - Go test them both

Answer 7

I have an Acura 3.5TL w/ Nav and I love it. I was looking at the Infiniti but I'm glad I picked the Acura. Stay away from the Maxima....it's not worth the money.

Answer 8

TL no question
everything about it is better