BMW M3 and Infiniti G35 Coupe; M3 Worth Price Premium?

[FacelessNobody]

Hi

I've spent a bit more time than usual reading my car magazines lately, probably because it seems like you really can't go completely wrong with any car these days. I also like that no one brand dominates anymore, even BMW seems to have slipped a bit with the new 5. While reading, I stumbled on to a bit of a philosophical debate. The E46 BMW 3-series is the undisputed champ in its class and is now the perennial overdog, and the is just as fantastic as ever. The Infiniti G35 Coupe interested me though, too, and seems to offer a HELL of a lot for it's $36000 asking price. So my question is this: do you think the BMW M3, priced at $56k, is worth the $20k premium over the Infiniti G35 Coupe? Why?

 

[DainBramaged]

M3 = a hell of a lot faster.

 

[boyRacer]

In my opinion, no. I'm a fan of the E36 M3 though. The current one is one hell of a machine... even if quite porky and expensive. Depends on what you want really. The M3 is more exclusive around here.

 

[fyleow]

I'd take the Audi S4 just because...

Given a choice between the M3 and the G35 I would definately take an M3. I don't know about you but everyone and his mother has a G35 coupe here. It's so common that I don't see it as anything special anymore. Besides I hate the styling.

 

[TechnoKid]

Yeah, I too would take a '04 S4, and then the BMW and then the G35...

 

[dirtboy]

M3. It's fast and sexy. Even though the G35 is in the same class, the M3 is in another league.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I'm with boyracer on the E36 M3. Would be nice if I could get a E36 M3 sedan with the Euro engine and tranny

 

[Crappopotamus]

there are too many g35s around. its a great car... but its too damn common. nissan needs to make it more expensive. would make room for the maxima too...

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I'm with boyracer on the E36 M3. Would be nice if I could get a E36 M3 sedan with the Euro engine and tranny

Yeah! That would be awesome... Seems like we always got the anemic versions of cars back then.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus
there are too many g35s around. its a great car... but its too damn common. nissan needs to make it more expensive. would make room for the maxima too...

Really? I'm lucky to see one a week here in Atlanta.

 

[fyleow]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: Crappopotamus
there are too many g35s around. its a great car... but its too damn common. nissan needs to make it more expensive. would make room for the maxima too...

Really? I'm lucky to see one a week here in Atlanta.

There is a bunch where I live. Then again I also see M3s, S4s, ML55 AMGs, CL 55 AMGs etc parked here a lot at my apartment complex.

 

[Turkish]

S4 ....

not M3 or G35, buy an Audi S4!

 

[boyRacer]

Lots of G35s and 350Zs here... even when you go to to the boondocks... they're just all over the place. More G35 coupes than sedans actually.

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: FacelessNobody
Hi

I've spent a bit more time than usual reading my car magazines lately, probably because it seems like you really can't go completely wrong with any car these days. I also like that no one brand dominates anymore, even BMW seems to have slipped a bit with the new 5. While reading, I stumbled on to a bit of a philosophical debate. The E46 BMW 3-series is the undisputed champ in its class and is now the perennial overdog, and the is just as fantastic as ever. The Infiniti G35 Coupe interested me though, too, and seems to offer a HELL of a lot for it's $36000 asking price. So my question is this: do you think the BMW M3, priced at $56k, is worth the $20k premium over the Infiniti G35 Coupe? Why?

I was in this situation 8 months ago and chose the G35C.

First off, there's no denying that the M3 is overall the better performance machine. It's a good deal faster in the straights - 333hp out of an NA I-6 definitely beats the 280 out of the G's VQ35. It's transmission is is more refined, and it's engine note is intoxicating as you build up to 9 grand. All this with arguably the best man-machine interface ever designed. It is an awesome car.

However I chose the G for a few primary reasons.

One, the driving experience. The M3 was great but not as viscerally satisfying as the G. This could be the G's slight amount more torque or just a part of the G's driving dynamics. The G is less refined but for me, that was a plus - it felt more like a sports car than a fast luxury sedan. The steering is more communicative, and the stick has great, direct linkage rather than the numbed feel of the BMW shifter.

Two, performance. The G handles just as well and brakes just as well (see BM video for handling, stopping distance #s for braking). It only falls short on straight-line performance. So 9/10ths the performance for 20 grand less - the difference could easily pay for mods that would allow the G stomp the M3 in every category.

Three, it's more unique. It's true that Gs are becoming more and more common, but E46 cars are as common as civics these days - and I find the styling to be very bland. The G has a true coupe profile, strikes an awesome visual balance of sport and elegance, and draws all kinds of attention.

Both great cars, the question is whether the M3 is worth the price premium - and in my opinion, no.

 

[notfred]

With a 48 month loan, and $10k down, you end up paying about $1000/month for that BMW :Q Then you still need to insure it!

 

[WinkOsmosis]

The M3 is faster, but I see more M3s around Austin than G35 coupes. Not worth it IMO. It has 333hp, but that is high rpm hp, just like from a Honda.

 

[m2kewl]

M3 - there's no comparison.

how many people who pick the G35 obviously drove the M3 to it's limits?

 

[Gravity]

Originally posted by: m2kewl
M3 - there's no comparison.

how many people who pick the G35 obviously drove the M3 to it's limits?

Most drivers will encounter their personal limits way before they reach the limits of this machine. It is the ultimate driving machine, most of us are only the ultimate drivers on the xbox or playstation2. I took my car to a drivers school several years ago and I never got near it's limits but I discovered mine.

As for the M3 vs. all other comers, I have to say that BMW has made a name by being on top of this genre as well as others. Any other contender has to build way outside their comfort zone to compete. Not only that, the car is built for a specific enthusiast. If you actually prefer the other car(s) then you simply aren't one of them, no offense intended. Historically, the M brand nearly stopped making the M3 but upon the hue and cry of the drivers/enthusiasts in the BMW Car Club of America saved the brand and propelled the m3 into the forefront of the BMW developer's minds.

Thanks to the folx at BMW, they have garnered a following that is very, very strong and loyal to the brand. Each time there is a modification to the body style or engine/tranny, you will hear a bit of squawking but you will always see the first models of each new model year sell out before they are available.

Personally, I drive a 1998 328 and have modified it to perform closely to the m3 of that year. I know that the first m3 that I will own has probably already been purchased by an enthusiast already and I hope he's taking meticulous care of it.

Gravity

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: m2kewl
M3 - there's no comparison.

how many people who pick the G35 obviously drove the M3 to it's limits?

I don't think he's asking which car is better on direct comparison... he's asking if the $50-55k for an M3 is worth it over the $35-40k for a G35. The M3 is obviously better on specs alone. But is the difference worth $20k?

 

[FacelessNobody]

M3s do kick ass. We have a 98 M3 sedan and an 88 E30 M3, both of which I love to drive (I'm better with the 98, but drive the 88 more). Having stuck with BMW so long I'm always anxious to see how other cars compare, and I hope somebody can dethrone BMW eventually. Nobody deserves to be king their whole life .

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: m2kewl
M3 - there's no comparison.

how many people who pick the G35 obviously drove the M3 to it's limits?

Actually I have with both cars. Have you taken the G35 to its limits? Somehow I get the feeling that you haven't.

 

[FacelessNobody]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: m2kewl
M3 - there's no comparison.

how many people who pick the G35 obviously drove the M3 to it's limits?

I don't think he's asking which car is better on direct comparison... he's asking if the $50-55k for an M3 is worth it over the $35-40k for a G35. The M3 is obviously better on specs alone. But is the difference worth $20k?

Thanks. That's exactly it. Would you rather have the M3 or a G35C with $20K more in the bank?

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: FacelessNobody
M3s do kick ass. We have a 98 M3 sedan and an 88 E30 M3, both of which I love to drive (I'm better with the 98, but drive the 88 more). Having stuck with BMW so long I'm always anxious to see how other cars compare, and I hope somebody can dethrone BMW eventually. Nobody deserves to be king their whole life .

king of what?

 

[sillymofo]

I agree with Mani, and there's also a video floating around on this forum that pitched the M3 against and S2000, R34-GTR, G35, and some other car, and the M3 didn't do that well. The G35 only had an engine mod on oil cooling. I can't find that vid, but Boyracer might be able to help. Seriously, for 20 more grands, I could make the G35 a freaking speed demon, if it's not already is.

I do agree with Mani on the styling cues also. The M3 has had subtle changes in it's styling since the late 80's, even though it looks nice, but I think the G35 is teh sexy.

 

[FacelessNobody]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: FacelessNobody
M3s do kick ass. We have a 98 M3 sedan and an 88 E30 M3, both of which I love to drive (I'm better with the 98, but drive the 88 more). Having stuck with BMW so long I'm always anxious to see how other cars compare, and I hope somebody can dethrone BMW eventually. Nobody deserves to be king their whole life .

king of what?

BMW has ruled the mid-sized sports sedan market since the early 90s with both the 3 and 5 series. Somebody's gotta take em down sometime.