FR-S vs. Used G37 Coupe

[bucket]

Originally Posted by D87

What was disappointing? Power? Fit and finish? Weight?

My first car was a Nissan Sentra, then a 1993 Sentra SE-R (which is about the same weight as the BRZ but only had 140hp, but boy did I have a lot of fun in that sucker!), then the G35 - so I guess you can say I'm a Nissan enthusiast too.

Hey did you forget all the praise the automotive world gave the G35/350Z when it first came out. Everyone DID love it, in fact, so much that it was the Motor Trend COTY! It really brought Infiniti back into relevancy after meager offerings of the i30, G20, etc.

You should really take a look at the GTI with autobahn package or A3. The interiors are great, probably better than the 10-year old G...especially the Audi. They "feel" kinda fast, and if you're into that kinda thing you can chip them and they will be kinda fast.

The BRZ/FR-S are wholly different cars...think of them as more "stripped out" with only just what is needed for driving. These are light and responsive drivers cars for turning quick and running through canyons. I see the Gs are more big comfy highway cruisers with a dash of sport thrown in...the first thing in my mind after getting one would not be to hit the closest race track .

[bucket]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

I wholly agree. I might actually be able to let go of my 240Z after buying the BRZ. (not my Z below)

Say it ain't so. I would love a 240z, but can't really justify owning one right now...one non-DD that is not a truck should be my limit. The BRZ is kind of fulfilling that wish, but in a modern form that I would not think twice about driving around every day.

[kingDraper]

Originally Posted by pastuch

I have test driven three different G37s and owned a G35 Coupe. I hated my G35, it was unreliable and almost every electrical motor on it failed. Power door locks, windows, seats... failed. I didn't let that taint my review of the G37.

The G37 is a boat, it's even heavier than the G35 and it feels it. It weighs 1000 pounds more than an FR-S. The exhaust note is awesome and it accelerates in a straight line but there is no sense of fun to the car. The steering feel, or lack there-of, is almost Lexus-boring. Handling is poor with quite a bit of body roll and understeer. The manual transmission is a big improvement over the shit-box that they used in the G35. I would describe the G37 M6 as loose, there is a lot of play, but the shifting action is more direct and the clutch has better take up than the G35. It pales in comparison to the M6 in the RX8, Miata, RX7, BMW 3 and S2000. If you like the M6 in any of those cars above then you'll like the one in the FRS/BRZ more than the g37. Nissan\Infiniti still can't build a decent transmission.

The G37 has a very nice interior but I still think you'd be crazy to buy one over a BMW 328 or 335 Coupe. The driving dynamics of the BMWs are so much better in every way. The steering in the BMW is hydraulic, heavy and communicative. The transmission is not even comparable, the M6 in the 3 series is a class benchmark. They have beautiful interiors, better sound systems, and the horrible i-drive system. Maintenance costs between a 328i Coupe and a G37 will be comparable. The 335I will be substantially more.

Gas Milage: The FR-S\BRZ will embarrass the G37 (And 3 series) in this category. Fueleconomy.gov for comparison.

If you're shopping for an automatic you should just buy a Camry and get it it over with. Sports cars aren't for you, start having babies and buy a minivan.

Yah I know I'm replying to an old post.
not sure what this guy was smoking when he made this post, for the cars he has listed and his driving experience, sure he can't drive.

FR-S/BRZ is not in the same category as the g37. I would compare a 240sx/s2000/rx8, even then the FR-S/BRZ is on par or maybe less than the cars mentioned.
As I daily drive my g37 Sport coupe, its a heavy car and so is a GT-R, but still makes you smile and can take the twisty's better than other sport coupes.

G37 is not a gas miser and being a v6 don't expect it to be or any other 6 cylinder. Power is amazing than other Sport coupes in its category. handling is better than any 3 series BMW, it might be little slower than the 335i but overall experience is good. Given the issues with 335i, I wouldn't even touch them. 328 is no comparo with G37, it is underpowered and should be compared with a g35.
I've test driven a FR-S, man is it seriously underpowered, its easier to get more power out of a Honda Civic/integra than with this one. I was serioulsy unimpressed with what Toyota has come out with. Maybe it got handling but unless you're at the track, how often do you make sharp turns.
I think most of the ppl are more like 1/4 mile dragsters, as they like to punch the gas at the traffic stop than make that sharp turn.
OP, not sure if you bought the cars or not, but it seems like you're buying the car for overall fun, you'll have more fun with a g37 than FR-S. So gas cost will be little high but this is only for few years and you'll move on to something else.
I used to like Toyota cars, like the Supra's and IS300's, not sure what's been happening to them lately. Most of the new cars look too feminine, including the FR-S/BRZ, power is not at par with other cars.
I would wait for the new WRX that's coming out soon, that's going to be fun.

good luck though.

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by kingDraper

Yah I know I'm replying to an old post.
not sure what this guy was smoking when he made this post, for the cars he has listed and his driving experience, sure he can't drive.

FR-S/BRZ is not in the same category as the g37. I would compare a 240sx/s2000/rx8, even then the FR-S/BRZ is on par or maybe less than the cars mentioned.
As I daily drive my g37 Sport coupe, its a heavy car and so is a GT-R, but still makes you smile and can take the twisty's better than other sport coupes.

G37 is not a gas miser and being a v6 don't expect it to be or any other 6 cylinder. Power is amazing than other Sport coupes in its category. handling is better than any 3 series BMW, it might be little slower than the 335i but overall experience is good. Given the issues with 335i, I wouldn't even touch them. 328 is no comparo with G37, it is underpowered and should be compared with a g35.
I've test driven a FR-S, man is it seriously underpowered, its easier to get more power out of a Honda Civic/integra than with this one. I was serioulsy unimpressed with what Toyota has come out with. Maybe it got handling but unless you're at the track, how often do you make sharp turns.
I think most of the ppl are more like 1/4 mile dragsters, as they like to punch the gas at the traffic stop than make that sharp turn.
OP, not sure if you bought the cars or not, but it seems like you're buying the car for overall fun, you'll have more fun with a g37 than FR-S. So gas cost will be little high but this is only for few years and you'll move on to something else.
I used to like Toyota cars, like the Supra's and IS300's, not sure what's been happening to them lately. Most of the new cars look too feminine, including the FR-S/BRZ, power is not at par with other cars.
I would wait for the new WRX that's coming out soon, that's going to be fun.

good luck though.

A Infinity G handles better than a 3 series....? really....?

I admit out of all the sport sedans competing with the 3 (A4/S4, C class, IS), G is the closest in matching BMW's driving dynamics.

But in no way has it surpassed the driving dynamic of the 3, which is still the benchmark in the class (E90/E92)

[Steve]

Do you want a big car or do you want a small car?

/thread

No seriously though, big sports car or small sports car. there's nothing to compare, everything is relative to their size.

[Rampage]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

I'd recommend an Audi or BMW over one any day of the week!

God no! I owned an A-4 Quattro for 10 years. Over that time period I did more repairs to that car than all the cars I have ever owned combined. I kept the damn thing because I would have felt too guilty selling it to anyone else. If it does not have a warranty attached do not buy an Audi or BMW. German engineering my ass!

My son has had a 2004 G35 for 6 years. The only thing it has needed in that time frame has been brakes, oil changes and tires. I had a 2003 350Z for three years concurrent with the Audi. I had zero repairs on it and the only fault I had with it was the front tire feathering issue. Based on my experience, I would go Nissan/Infiniti before I would ever buy any other German product.

That said, buy the FR-S/BRZ.

[deange]

I'd compare the BRZ to the G37. They are closer when you consider some of the options and extras like keyless entry / start, paddle shifters (if you aren't going to get the manual), Navigation, Leather, etc...

Obviously coming on here you are going to get everyone saying that you should get the BRZ or FRS over the G37. I think the BRZ is more fun to drive, looks better, and gets better gas mileage. That was my reason for getting a BRZ over a G37 which I've driven a good bit before (though I didn't own it).

The FRS or BRZ will probably depreciate more in the short term since it is new, the G37 will drop in value a little more slowly most likely.

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by Rampage

God no! I owned an A-4 Quattro for 10 years. Over that time period I did more repairs to that car than all the cars I have ever owned combined. I kept the damn thing because I would have felt too guilty selling it to anyone else. If it does not have a warranty attached do not buy an Audi or BMW. German engineering my ass!

My son has had a 2004 G35 for 6 years. The only thing it has needed in that time frame has been brakes, oil changes and tires. I had a 2003 350Z for three years concurrent with the Audi. I had zero repairs on it and the only fault I had with it was the front tire feathering issue. Based on my experience, I would go Nissan/Infiniti before I would ever buy any other German product.

That said, buy the FR-S/BRZ.

That's too bad for you. Certified pre-owned is the way to go.

[Mikem53]

Owned a 2007 G35 sedan.. It was Fricken tank.. A sofa on wheels..
The car was quick.. But it felt like you were dragging an anchor behind you..
Bloated and fat.. All about gadgets and comfort.. Great on the hwy.. If you can stay awake driving it..
The 86 is about driving enjoyment.. Nimble and visceral.. Not the best hwy cruiser .. Too different to compare..

[kingDraper]

Originally Posted by shu5892001

A Infinity G handles better than a 3 series....? really....?

I admit out of all the sport sedans competing with the 3 (A4/S4, C class, IS), G is the closest in matching BMW's driving dynamics.

But in no way has it surpassed the driving dynamic of the 3, which is still the benchmark in the class (E90/E92)

Yes, the G can outhandle a 3 series, not the M3 mind you. Throw in some coilovers and other track mods, you got a seriously handling machine. If you think you need BMW 3 series driving dynamics; son, you need to practice more.
The new VQ engines are amazing, stronger internals, able to handle power around 500whp, stock. Better luxury, have you seen what you get for a 3 series, Audi is in a different game for this.
Anyways, if you're looking for less problems or no problems, have fun, cheap insurance, go Japanese or maybe Korean.

[Ryeong86]

The G37 is a nice car but depending on how it makes you feel when you drive it. I honestly think Infiniti needs to step up their game and give that car more horsepower considering it weighs a shit ton. Then again adding all that leather and extra padding to make it a quiet ride adds weight. At the end of the day, what makes you smile and stare at your car when you walk away, is worth every penny.

Originally Posted by Chris

Ok hear me out. I know they are completely different, target different markets, used vs. new etc etc. I am looking to get a different car in the next few months, and have decided I want something fun for a reliable DD. I have had several old BMW's (2002, E21, E30) as project cars, and they were a blast. So the idea of a small lightweight RWD car is appealing (I know the G37 wouldn't be classified as light). The majority of my driving will just be commuting, and driving to visit my g/f. Could be upwards of 500 miles per week. She has a G35 coupe, and it's great. Rear seat is very usable IMHO, plenty of power, and is a good highway cruiser. Ultimately I guess I need to just drive both.

$25k '08 G37 39k. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=317351588

[Brzetto]

Originally Posted by D87

What was disappointing? Power? Fit and finish? Weight?

My first car was a Nissan Sentra, then a 1993 Sentra SE-R (which is about the same weight as the BRZ but only had 140hp, but boy did I have a lot of fun in that sucker!), then the G35 - so I guess you can say I'm a Nissan enthusiast too.

Hey did you forget all the praise the automotive world gave the G35/350Z when it first came out. Everyone DID love it, in fact, so much that it was the Motor Trend COTY! It really brought Infiniti back into relevancy after meager offerings of the i30, G20, etc.

I saw a 90's model SE-R about a year ago, it was Blue but darker Blue than my 04 Spec V. Still looked like a nice car.

[SmsAlSuwaidi]

I've driven a g37 for over a month and man i hated that car, its lost. it tries being a sport car but fails, tries providing comfort but feels like a bus to drive. Good things its gone and i have my frs back

[autobrz]

is this a serious question?

G37 is at complete opposite end of the spectrum.

What they have in common: sporty look, 2 doors, back seats

where they differ: weight, power, everything about driving feel, how they should be driven.

I figure though, a lot of people buy sports cars for the looks and the cool factor, not necessarily to drive fast or enjoy driving fast. For those people, either car is fine. G37 is quieter, more luxurious, better highway cruise. BRZ better on gas, has better looks IMO.