CTS vs G35

CTS (http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/models/gallery.jsp?model=cts) vs G35 (http://www.infiniti.com/content/0,,cid-30568_sctid-12001,00.html)

They are about the same price, what one do you like and why?
I like the 2-door sporty look of the G35, but the CTS has the nice luxury look/feel to it (and its GM).

Its funny that you bring this up because my g/f in in the market for one of these cars right now... She likes the Nissan Maxima, so shes going to look at the G35 next week which is almost the same...I really want her to get a CTS though.

I'll take my CTS in that pearl white color and chrome rims :)

I'll take the CTS but I would wait for the 6sp with the 3.6, that is of course if i wasn't getting the CTSv. I really love the new Cadillacs. I think the design language of the Art and Science theme is just supurb and is the most fresh thing around.

If it is the G35 coupe, then that would be my choice.
If its a four door, then the CTS.

G35 Coupe!!

I really like the looks, cool LED tail lights, it's a coupe, optional 18s and brembos... its just an all around sportier car. If I was in the market for a luxury coupe, I'd skip right over the GTO and BMW 3 series for a G35.

Now if I had to get a 4 door car, I still may lean towards the G35 but it'd be close. Both are pretty appealing. I'd have to test drive and price compare both.h

Not really. CTS is quite a bit more expensive. The one listed at the link is the 220 HP version. If you want 255 HP then you need to get their Luxury package, and it runs up the price.

the cts is nice, also look at audi a4/a6, and perhaps chrysler 300c,

beats the cts hands down, with a 5.7 hemi, for under 35k, hid, navigation, etc.

Originally posted by Meccadeth
Its funny that you bring this up because my g/f in in the market for one of these cars right now... She likes the Nissan Maxima, so shes going to look at the G35 next week which is almost the same...I really want her to get a CTS though.

The G35 is very different from the Maxima. The Maxima is very much like the Altima, not the G35.

The G35 is RWD, while the Maxima is FWD. The G35 is much sportier.

if your girlfriends an import chick (it could happen) point out the fact that the g35 coupe is the current skyline in japan

Originally posted by teal98
The G35 is very different from the Maxima. The Maxima is very much like the Altima, not the G35.

The G35 is RWD, while the Maxima is FWD. The G35 is much sportier.

Let me get my facts straight....

Is the G35 sedan, G35 coupe, and 350z all the same platform? Or are the coupes different from the sedan?

I knew something was wrong when I saw the G35 sedan next to the Maxima and thinking they were the same thing, because they had different proportions and the FWD/RWD thing...for some reason I got it in my head though that they were the same chassis (probably because the G35 came out about the same time as the new gen Maxima).

Originally posted by Stealth 86 LSC
if your girlfriends an import chick (it could happen) point out the fact that the g35 coupe is the current skyline in japan

Shes not really an import chick. She hates ricers and loves Mustangs and Camaros :metal: . Shes just looking for a good car for her needs. Shes looking for a sedan with a lot of comfort features and is not necessarily huge on performance. She wants something that she can drive in the snow with NO problems. She loves the look of the CTS (as do I). She said she wants to drive the Infinity G35 first though because she was so impressed with the Nissan. I told her that Infinity is the luxury brand of Nissan so if she wants comfort and convenience then she might want to look into Infinity. I made the mistake of telling her that the G35 is a Maxima but with RWD and more features and faster. I'll have to correct that...Right now she thinks the Maxima might be her car. She LOVES the Murano, but she doesn't like the wide back pillars because they abstruct her view and she doesn't like being so high up. So she drove the Maxima right afterwards and it had all the perks of the Murano, plus it was lower and didn't have the big pillars.

Unfortunately, GM isn't offering much to suade her away... :(

Id go CTS...Im in the minority that think the G35, and indeed, the rest of the Infinity lineup is freaking boring looking. (Except the FX car/trucks, which are funny looking.) :D

Originally posted by Meccadeth
Let me get my facts straight....

Is the G35 sedan, G35 coupe, and 350z all the same platform? Or are the coupes different from the sedan?

I knew something was wrong when I saw the G35 sedan next to the Maxima and thinking they were the same thing, because they had different proportions and the FWD/RWD thing...for some reason I got it in my head though that they were the same chassis (probably because the G35 came out about the same time as the new gen Maxima).

The G35 coupe and sedan, 350Z, and FX SUV all use the same FM chassis.
The Maxima and Altima use the same updated chassis as previous models. Both are FWD.

Now if your comparing the G35 sedan to teh CTS sedan, the G35 sedan does make more hp. at 280hp to the CTS's top V6 of 255hp, but the CTS's handling is probably better. If you are gunna go look at these two, I suggest a BMW at this rate. Much better quality then both the CTS and Infinity(especialy the infinity) and hey its a BMW. Im not the one to push BMW, but I just call it as I see it.

Now if your looking at the G35 coupe, why not look at the GTO? Better build quality and massive amounts of power. That might be a turn off for your gf. Also if your looking at a FWD sports sedan, why not look at the Pontiac GP GTP? Its faster and handles better then the Maxima. And the GP is ranked much higher then the Maxima in quality standards.
If shes looking for something hip, the Malibu Maxx is pretty cool. Massive capacity in a car. Front and rear sunroofs, 200hp standard engine, sliding rear seats.
And if she likes the Murano, she might wana check out the new Chevy Equinox. C&D gave the Nox great reviews. It also has the sliding rear seats. Also, the Pontiac G6 is coming wich is more along the lines of a midsized sedan like the Altima and Accord. It will get a 240-250hp V6 along witha 6spd manual. It will come in both coupe and sedan.
GM has a LOT for your gf to pick.

I also agree that the Nissasn/Infinity designs have been beaten with the ugly stick by Renault. Only car I really like is the 350z.

Originally posted by Big Als Z
The G35 coupe and sedan, 350Z, and FX SUV all use the same FM chassis.
The Maxima and Altima use the same updated chassis as previous models. Both are FWD.

Now if your comparing the G35 sedan to teh CTS sedan, the G35 sedan does make more hp. at 280hp to the CTS's top V6 of 255hp, but the CTS's handling is probably better. If you are gunna go look at these two, I suggest a BMW at this rate. Much better quality then both the CTS and Infinity(especialy the infinity) and hey its a BMW. Im not the one to push BMW, but I just call it as I see it.

Now if your looking at the G35 coupe, why not look at the GTO? Better build quality and massive amounts of power. That might be a turn off for your gf. Also if your looking at a FWD sports sedan, why not look at the Pontiac GP GTP? Its faster and handles better then the Maxima. And the GP is ranked much higher then the Maxima in quality standards.
If shes looking for something hip, the Malibu Maxx is pretty cool. Massive capacity in a car. Front and rear sunroofs, 200hp standard engine, sliding rear seats.
And if she likes the Murano, she might wana check out the new Chevy Equinox. C&D gave the Nox great reviews. It also has the sliding rear seats. Also, the Pontiac G6 is coming wich is more along the lines of a midsized sedan like the Altima and Accord. It will get a 240-250hp V6 along witha 6spd manual. It will come in both coupe and sedan.
GM has a LOT for your gf to pick.

I also agree that the Nissasn/Infinity designs have been beaten with the ugly stick by Renault. Only car I really like is the 350z.

Sorry to the origonal poster for somewhat hijacking this...

I thought the FX and Murano where on the same chassis?

I never thought about the GTO, thank you, I'll get her to look at one. Shes not really looking for a coupe, but the GTO is bigger than a regular coupe like a G35 so it might stand a chance. I've driven the new GTP and the new Maxima had MUCH better materials and features. It didn't feel as peppy but it was up there. I'm getting my g/f to look at a few GP's too before we're done looking. She wants to get a car within the next two months, so I think a G6 is out of the question. I also want her to look at the new Malibu's too. I WANT her to get a GM car, but honestly, there isn't much thats fit for her. A Malibu is nice and everything, but she wants more features and something thats a little less A to B-ish. The GTO might be too sporty and powerful for her :shame: The GTP I think might fit her, but again, I don't think she'll like it as much as she did the Maxima. BUT I will TRY to get her to buy GM. The CTS stands the best chance right now. I know next to nothing about Bimmers, so that will be an interesting day at the dealership if she decides to check those out.

Originally posted by Meccadeth

I thought the FX and Murano where on the same chassis?


Nope. FX is on the G35/350Z platform while Murano is on the Altima/Maxima platform. Murano is transverse engine and Front/All wheel drive, while the FX is longitudinal engine and Rear/All wheel drive.


The GTP I think might fit her, but again, I don't think she'll like it as much as she did the Maxima. BUT I will TRY to get her to buy GM. The CTS stands the best chance right now. I know next to nothing about Bimmers, so that will be an interesting day at the dealership if she decides to check those out.

What about a nice, supercharged, Buick Regal? Or Impala SS?

Originally posted by Meccadeth
Sorry to the origonal poster for somewhat hijacking this...

I thought the FX and Murano where on the same chassis?

I never thought about the GTO, thank you, I'll get her to look at one. Shes not really looking for a coupe, but the GTO is bigger than a regular coupe like a G35 so it might stand a chance. I've driven the new GTP and the new Maxima had MUCH better materials and features. It didn't feel as peppy but it was up there. I'm getting my g/f to look at a few GP's too before we're done looking. She wants to get a car within the next two months, so I think a G6 is out of the question. I also want her to look at the new Malibu's too. I WANT her to get a GM car, but honestly, there isn't much thats fit for her. A Malibu is nice and everything, but she wants more features and something thats a little less A to B-ish. The GTO might be too sporty and powerful for her :shame: The GTP I think might fit her, but again, I don't think she'll like it as much as she did the Maxima. BUT I will TRY to get her to buy GM. The CTS stands the best chance right now. I know next to nothing about Bimmers, so that will be an interesting day at the dealership if she decides to check those out.

I had thought the Murano and FX were also on the same chassis because they are very similar, but now the Murano uses the Altima/Maxima chassis. Teal98 beat me too it.

The GTO is basicly a 4dr car, but converted to 2dr. The Commodore is the 4dr car built along side the Monaro/GTO. The GTO is a very civil muslce car. Its not as radical as the fbodies, but it will get hairy if you dont watch out. Its still 350hp under the hood. The rear seats of the GTO are about as roomy as the front. I sat in a GTO and loved the feel of everything. All the materials were fantastic, and everything was so well put. Bravo to Holden. They know how to make a great car in and out. Only problem is that some GTO's have mark ups as high as 10k!! Its pretty sick what they are doing to the price of a car. I saw a 400 dollar "appearance package" on one GTO... it looked exactly like every other single GTO I have ever seen.
Anyway, go check out the GTO. she might not be able to test drive one because some dealers only have 1 GTO on the lot, and people dont want there brand new cars with 250miles on it before delivery. They are very clean and sweet looking. They arent in your face like the TA was, but the GTO is a very smooth and slick car.

Originally posted by Big Als Z

Now if your comparing the G35 sedan to teh CTS sedan, the G35 sedan does make more hp. at 280hp to the CTS's top V6 of 255hp, but the CTS's handling is probably better.

Umm...short of the V, the G35 Sedan is the better handling car. Driven both, thank you. G35 Sedan is 260 HP, Coupe is 280 -- single exhaust vs. dual :)


Now if your looking at the G35 coupe, why not look at the GTO? Better build quality and massive amounts of power. That might be a turn off for your gf.


It's very ironic that this topic came up. My mom called me over the weekend to tell me she picked up her G35 sedan. Here are some things of note coming from our conversation. She was shopping the G35, CTS, GTO, 330i and IS300...

CTS - Short of the V (a touch out of their price range), she wasn't really interested. She was coming from an old ('94) Lincoln Town Car and Caddy still has too much of the 'old lady' stigma. My personal driving impression from several months ago: :blah:

GTO - The local dealer (Ewing in Plano for you Dallas peeps) said she had sold the two they ordered and basically shrugged her shoulders at my parents. Shoved a catalog at them and that was that. (Typical Pontiac customer service :rolleyes: ) If this is supposed to be an image car for Pontiac, shouldn't they have some sort of certified salespeople for this thing. After a crappy shopping experience, my parents didn't even care to go to another Pontiac dealer. (Bit of a moot point, my mom said she thought it was a Cavalier at the auto show :lol: )

IS300 - Nice car overall, but had a bit of the boy racer image. Handled well, a bit underpowered. She said it needed a stick. Customer treatment was excellent.

G35 - Handled very well; handled even better with the sport package (basically shocks and springs). Had the right ammenities for the right price. She liked the styling and the salesmen treated them right. Wham bam here's your new car. I believe sticker was a hair over $34k (no nav. or aero kit). They ended up going for 3/36k maintenance and the extended 72mo/100k bumper to bumper. Luxury buying is a completely different experience. They pick her car up and drop off a loaner to change the damn oil...

She bought the G35 before they got to the Bimmers. 3 was a tad smallish and the 5 was again a bit out of their price range.

Just thought I'd share a very recent buying experience.

Originally posted by Big Als Z
If you are gunna go look at these two, I suggest a BMW at this rate. Much better quality then both the CTS and Infinity(especialy the infinity) and hey its a BMW. Im not the one to push BMW, but I just call it as I see it.




BMW has better quality than Cadillac?

I think not, and JD Powers agrees with me.

i have a thing for the G35 coupe with the wing and the 18 inch wheels... looks just BAD ASS.

Originally posted by PacerX
BMW has better quality than Cadillac?

I think not, and JD Powers agrees with me.

as much as I love GM and am a loyalits, I find that the CTS's interior doesnt match the likes of the 3 or 5 series. Ive been in both, I know that the 3 and 5 are much better then the CTS. Gotta give credit where credit is due. The CTS could use a bit of an interior make over. Maybe Lutz can get his hands on it. Hope he doesnt change teh styling.


And Id like to see the G35 coupe vs the GTO at the track. And then G35 sedan vs CTS. I would safely say that the GTO and CTS would own both the G35 models. Its nice that you drove it around the block, but Im talking about hard core handling, not taking a turn onto your street. The Sigma chassis has to be one of the best tuned chassis out there.
And I think you mom needs to get her eyes, and ears checked if she thinks that the GTO looks like a Cavi.

Chances are your mom got a G35 due to her idea of American quality. It can be seen when she based the opinon of all pontiac dealerships, which GM has zero control over, off one dealer. Sorry, but thats being a bit ignorant.

Originally posted by muckz
Not really. CTS is quite a bit more expensive. The one listed at the link is the 220 HP version. If you want 255 HP then you need to get their Luxury package, and it runs up the price.

Not quite. If you want the A5, you get the 3.6 as part of the deal, regardless of whether you get the Base, Luxury, or Luxury Sport package. Manual=3.2 A5=3.6.

Now then, if you want DVD Nav, Wood, Sunroof, or the 17's, you've got to step up to at least the Luxury package.

if she wants space, and good all around....onc again..

300c awd. =)

I'd pick the G35 coupe, and don't really care for sedan.

Originally posted by Aeromaks
if she wants space, and good all around....onc again..

300c awd. =)

Aesthetically, the 300C is :yuck: :barf: in comparison to the two others, IMO. Of course, this is just opinion.

Originally posted by Big Als Z

And Id like to see the G35 coupe vs the GTO at the track. And then G35 sedan vs CTS. I would safely say that the GTO and CTS would own both the G35 models.

#1 CTS and G35 sedan have similar power and weight, please explain how CTS would 'own' the G35. #2 These are luxury cars. Who cares about 1/4 times. No kidding the GTO would beat the G35 coupe. It has a 70 hp advantage. :rolleyes:

Its nice that you drove it around the block, but Im talking about hard core handling, not taking a turn onto your street. The Sigma chassis has to be one of the best tuned chassis out there.

I don't have any numbers. My subjective opinion stands.

And I think you mom needs to get her eyes, and ears checked if she thinks that the GTO looks like a Cavi.

Once again you are criticizing a subjective opinion and taking quite a cheap shot at the same time. Grow up.

Chances are your mom got a G35 due to her idea of American quality. It can be seen when she based the opinon of all pontiac dealerships, which GM has zero control over, off one dealer. Sorry, but thats being a bit ignorant.

Actually, this is the first foriegn car my parents have bought, ever. My father, a die hard Chevy guy, agreed that this was the best car on the market in this segment. She bought the car because she felt it was the best value in performance and luxury and most importantly, she liked it the most. The comment of Pontiac dealerships came from me. I owned a Formula for a few years and had to deal with a couple of different Pontiac dealers. Their experience was consistant with my own.

This was a real world experience, not what should or could happen based on internet chatter....

I own a G35Coupe and my SS. I am 99% sure a G35 Coupe would own the GTO on a track, they handle great. In a straight line the GTO would win, but I doubt by that much. The G35's are great cars, bang for the buch you can not beat them.

Are we talking road course or auto-x? I would tend to disagree if you are referring to a road course where raw power will gain lots of ground in the straights...

Originally posted by E96Z28SS
I own a G35Coupe and my SS. I am 99% sure a G35 Coupe would own the GTO on a track, they handle great. In a straight line the GTO would win, but I doubt by that much. The G35's are great cars, bang for the buch you can not beat them.

I would think the G35 would take in both courses. If you account for the weight differences the GTO probably has a 30HP advantage. I don't think the HP advantage is enough to make up the difference in the straights.

Originally posted by E96Z28SS
I would think the G35 would take in both courses. If you account for the weight differences the GTO probably has a 30HP advantage. I don't think the HP advantage is enough to make up the difference in the straights.

doubt it highly. The Monaro runs in many SCCA races and can clean up pretty good. G35 wouldnt be able to hold its own against a far more powerful car like the GTO. You can feed me skid pad numbers all day, but none of that means much. Only thing that would hurt the GTO is the 245 series tires. Slap some stickey 275's on there and then let'em dance. You should watch Top Gears Review of the Monaro, which was a lower hp model then what we get here in the states. GTO is clearly the better choice over the G35 coupe if you are looking for sport. The G35 has more creature comforts like DVD navi, sun roof, heated seats.

I thought the 350Z got a better time than the GTO on Topgear, I am not sure though. The 350Z and G35 are almost identical. I am pretty sure the GTO weighs more than the Monaro also.

Originally posted by WJH'sFormula
#1 CTS and G35 sedan have similar power and weight, please explain how CTS would 'own' the G35. #2 These are luxury cars. Who cares about 1/4 times. No kidding the GTO would beat the G35 coupe. It has a 70 hp advantage. :rolleyes:
There is a bit more to track racing then power and weight. Balances and chassis strength along with many other factors would have the CTS ahead of the G35 sedan at the end. Im ont talking about 1/4 times either.



don't have any numbers. My subjective opinion stands.
People still have an opinon that the world is flat... does that make them right?



Once again you are criticizing a subjective opinion and taking quite a cheap shot at the same time. Grow up.
read last message.


Actually, this is the first foriegn car my parents have bought, ever. My father, a die hard Chevy guy, agreed that this was the best car on the market in this segment. She bought the car because she felt it was the best value in performance and luxury and most importantly, she liked it the most. The comment of Pontiac dealerships came from me. I owned a Formula for a few years and had to deal with a couple of different Pontiac dealers. Their experience was consistant with my own.
But its not the best on the market. If im going for luxury and performance, thats BMW with Caddy a close 2nd. How Infinity falls into luxury is beyond me. They are a very sub-par luxury company.
As for your experience with dealers, I guess you cant win.

This was a real world experience, not what should or could happen based on internet chatter....

What was? What real world experience are you talking about?
I guess in the end your mom is still happy she got her car. Hope she has many trouble free miles with it.

Originally posted by E96Z28SS
I thought the 350Z got a better time than the GTO on Topgear, I am not sure though. The 350Z and G35 are almost identical. I am pretty sure the GTO weighs more than the Monaro also.

Whatever minor weight was put on from the Monaro to the GTO is easily carried by the extra 50 hp.

I've owned a 2000 BMW328Ci and now have the G35. The bimmer only has a smoother ride than and a better sound system(harmonkardon is probably the best factory system I have ever heard). Quality wise the bimmer was worse, tons of problems. Have you ever owned a bimmer or a G35? The G35 is definitely a luxury car and reliability is great.

Okay Big Al, On Topgear, the 350Z got a 1:41 on their track, the monaro got a 1:48. The 350Z and G35 have almost identical #'s. I am pretty sure 7 seconds is a long time on a track.

Originally posted by Big Als Z
There is a bit more to track racing then power and weight. Balances and chassis strength along with many other factors would have the CTS ahead of the G35 sedan at the end. Im ont talking about 1/4 times either.


Not refuting your point, but do you have tests and numbers?

I ask because the G35 coupe is very much like the 350z which btw is a good handler. On paper, the g35 coupe (in comparison to CTS) would appear to be the sportier of the two. Maybe i'm wrong. Is the g35 sedan that much different than the G35 coupe? :confused:.

CTS-V :D

When is the 300C going to hit dealerships?

Isn't the G35 heavier than the 350Z (esp the track version)?

Originally posted by uluz28
Isn't the G35 heavier than the 350Z (esp the track version)?

yeah. I think the G35 is a 4 seater while the 350z only seats two. So its wheelbase is probably longer as well. With it being a luxury brand, it probably has more fluff too. So it should weigh good bit more. I'll look up the numbers later.

I saw the Top Gear episodes too. The 350Z beat the Monaro in track times. same driver(the Stig...:bow:) same course. Numbers dont lie. I dont plan to own either, but Im sure the G35 is better bang for your buck on a road course.....Stop smoking that crap Al, its messing up your head.;)

Originally posted by Nittanymarine
I saw the Top Gear episodes too. The 350Z beat the Monaro in track times. same driver(the Stig...:bow:) same course. Numbers dont lie. I dont plan to own either, but Im sure the G35 is better bang for your buck on a road course.....Stop smoking that crap Al, its messing up your head.;)

Again, we are comparing a (much) lighter car (350Z track) vs. a car with 50HP less than the GTO :confused:

Originally posted by uluz28
Again, we are comparing a (much) lighter car (350Z track) vs. a car with 50HP less than the GTO :confused:

Rule #1 when quoting car comparisons over the internet:

Make sure the US manufacturer gets handicapped.

Big Al - you are still criticizing other's opinions and labeling them as wrong, yet you present your own opinons as fact. :rolleyes:

-Jason

Regarding crappy Pontiac dealerships, the Franklin(formerly Cain) Pontiac, GMC, and Buick dealership is downright dispicible. Our neighbors own a 93 Jimmy that they had serviced at this dealership for 6 years. All kinds of bad things happened to their car including 3 electrical problems that left them stranded, improperly serviced brakes that warped the rotors, a transfer case that went bad, and the worst part their motor threw a rod at 60k. Now they have taken their Jimmy to a different shop for the past 3 years and logged 40k trouble free miles on their car.

Sorry, just had to vent:cry:
If you live in Nashville, DO NOT do business with the Franklin Pontiac, Buick, GMC dealership.

caddy needs to make a CTS coupe...

If I was looking at the low 30s price range and nothing lower, I'd go (in order): GTO, 300C, G35, then maybe the CTS.

If the low 30s was my price limit, then it'd be Mach 1, GTO, Mustang GT, 300C, G35, and maybe the Supercharged Monte Carlo SS (add a smaller pulley, and it should be quite a ride! :D).

G35 seems to be the better bargain of the two. I wish the CTS-V could be had for 40K. I would buy one.

After working at an Infiniti dealership for a while, I have to say congrats on picking the G35. That car is def on the top of my list of 'next' cars. BTW, from all the reports that I have read (mostly C&D, but also most other mags too) the sedan is a touch slower in a straight line than the coupe, and about = or maybe better than it in the twisties (very impressive considering it has skinnier tires:eek: ).

Big Als Z what are you smoking:confused:

Personally, with a 6 speed, areo package (0 lift frt & rear and 0.26 cD of drag) and sport package, I don't see the GTO or non- "V" CTS coming close.

Originally posted by Red89GTA
Big Als Z what are you smoking:confused:

Personally, with a 6 speed, areo package (0 lift frt & rear and 0.26 cD of drag) and sport package, I don't see the GTO or non- "V" CTS coming close.

Word, plus wiht the 6 speed the G35 a mid 14 second car. The CTS is a mid 15 second car isnt it? I really dont see the CTS keeping up with a G35 4 door at all around a road course or down teh drag strip. :think: