looking at Infiniti instead of BMW 335i - doing some research

[kcducttaper]

So, I had my mind all set on a BMW 335i/335is for a summertime daily driver that I could drop some jaws with and take to the track on occasion. It was small, nimble, and powerful, but big enough to take a road trip in, or take a weekend trip with some buds. Then, someone on the BMW forums mentioned that he liked the G37 over the 335, so I figured what the heck, went to carmax and drove a G37 and G37s (both sedans). I was quite surprised, but I definitely like the G37s much better as a daily driver and it seems like it would still be fun at the track (though not quite as fun or fast as the BMW, but close), but with significantly lower maintenance costs and easier to live with every day - especially with a set of regular tires and a set of track tires. So now, I'm trying to figure out what sort of small Infiniti sedan fits me best.

I really liked the seats in the G37 quite a lot and the rest of the interior was nice, but the front end just looks dumb to me, which is my biggest gripe. What's the deal with the Q40? It looks exactly the same as the G37...? I like the front end on the Q50 much better than the Q40, but haven't had a chance to actually check one out or drive one yet. I gather it's mostly just a step up in the luxury department from the Q40/G37. Seeing as how it has the same engine and similar size and weight, does it handle and throw down laps pretty similar to the Q40/G37?

I really just need to go to the Infiniti dealer and hash this stuff out. It's kinda hard to do that when you're a single engineer, but look like you're 17. I got the annoyed salesman vibe at the BMW dealer when I tried it over there with their 3 and 5 series comparison.

 

[Hooperman]

What did you end up doing?

I had a 2006 BMW and just got rid of it. Had a new 3 series on order from BMW. but looked at the Q50 and really liked it. I pick it up on Wednesday. Cancelled the BMW. I have had three BMW's and loved them all. They still may be my favorite after the Q50 but for now I wanted a change. I have not owned a Japanese car for many years and love European cars having owned also Volvo, Saab's, Mercedes etc. So this was a big switch. But I am 55 now and although I love cars this car made me feel great when I drove it and it is not all over the road like the BMW's in Orlando. My 3 was Black and I swear they are almost ALL black down here. I even gave up my favorite black color and opted for the graphite metallic outer and black/stainless steel interior for the Q50. My BMW was tan inside. But it just feels fun, solid, respectable and I am not interested in all the things that I once was, such as the largest widest tires etc. I love the creature comforts on the interior here and since I did not have a 335 but the regular straight 6 235 HP motor in the BMW this new 300 plus motor in the Q50 is sweet. Very quick in sport mode. Bigger interior than my three etc. So for now... I am looking forward to getting it on Wednesday and driving something a bit different and very well designed. And unlike Lexus and Toyota it does not look like all of it's Nissan cousins out there either.

 

[DurhamCollision]

Infinti vs BMW

We have both here in the shop (Durham Top Quality Collision, Whitby). The owners sons each have a luxury car. The performance on each is comparable. The handling on the track is where you may really feel the difference. The torque has a subtle difference between them. Really at the end of the day both cars are great. It's all about preference, right. I like what KCDUCTTAPER had to say about owning a variety of cars but really having primarily bought BMW and now he's switched to Infiniti. The guys here in the shop equally love their brands. Happy driving.