Gentelman your opinion please M3 vs G35 coupe

[Finality]

I am currently in the midst of my future car choice. I narrowed it down to two beasts

The BMW E46 M3
or the Infiniti G35 coupe

Both cars are superior in their own right.
Naturally the M3 is faster especially once you start climbing into tripple digit speeds 208 bhp/ton vs 186 bhp/ton for the coupe. I have test driven both cars and they are quite comparable in terms of power output handling and ride quality.

Some months ago I originally planned on a fully loaded M3 w/o SMG (just go get a feel of a true manual car). Two problems in my eyes. Firstly the E90 platform is due in rougly two years and the M model designation will change to become and M4 though I doubt we shall see this car for at least 4 more years.
Secondly the M3 has no or very little engine potential beyond its stock form. Getting the M3 I would probably do a software update from a respectable tuner to get it de-limited as well as a nice lightweight wheel package and sound system.

Recently though I have started to take a very close look at the G35 coupe. In stock form I would naturally choose the M3 however I dont see a limit on the potential for this car both in handling and power output. The VQ30 engine is cable of about 12.5 psi on stock internals bring the output to ~425 fwhp. The VQ35 with variable valves larger displacement and better internals should be capable of much much more. I'm guessing with a good set of cams + good fuel management it could easily run 550+ hp at the wheels. I crave power right now as the number of cars back home that runn 400+ bhp is getting quite insane

I am still trying to decide which car is right for me and would appreciate any thoughts you might have on the subject.

[kevin034]

Go for the G35c.

[Freesock]

there are turbo's available for the M3 I'm pretty sure...

[Finality]

As far as I am aware there are no boost kits for the E46 S/C or Turbo. There where for the last generation, but I believe the current engine is already under too much stress hence no tuners have come out with a boost kit as of yet.

[HIPAD]

Wait for the upcoming Nissan Skyline or GT-R (In US). That car will be hard to beat.

[kevin034]

R35 GTR V-Spec II = bye bye M3 for me.

Rumored to go against the next Supra, turbo and rated at 500+HP/TQ. Ahem, by the way, that 500HP detuned from factory for mass consumption. What does this mean?

$500 dollar chip and HP/TQ jumps to 600-700.

Some major mods, $3000+, you are looking at a 10 second car. What is a 10 second car? Let's just say that even if I had a GT2 or even an Enzo, I won't mess w/ it.

Long live Skyline. (PS. It's still my 2nd favorite car. 1st favorite? Look at profile.).

[-Kaizu-]

Originally posted by Finality
As far as I am aware there are no boost kits for the E46 S/C or Turbo. There where for the last generation, but I believe the current engine is already under too much stress hence no tuners have come out with a boost kit as of yet.

That's right, the current engine is already under much stress, but I think G-Power isn't the only tuner with those kits ?

[M Power]

You're right .. there is a lot of potential to really boost power. The M3 is a fantastic car in it;s own right but for those willing to spend a little cash vs a TON of cash on mods.. the G35 should give you far more flexibility.

[Finality]

Originally posted by HIPAD
Wait for the upcoming Nissan Skyline or GT-R (In US). That car will be hard to beat.

I wish I could but I need a new car in September sometime since I plan on moving countries shortly

Ideally I would like to have a highly modified R34 and a stock M3 as a DD, but I'm young and still need to save for a house

Kev your a madman just like me!

Originally posted by -Kaizu-
That's right, the current engine is already under much stress, but I think G-Power isn't the only tuner with those kits ?

Wow thanks for the link definetly something I need to look into

M Power: thanks for the advice. It essentially comes down to leaving a car stock or highly modifying it. Obviously one of the main problems that is plaguing me is a question of reliability with the G35. I sacrificed the idea of running something in the order of 550 rwhp to get something in the sane, reliable level

Ahhh why couldn't I have been born a Billionaire?

[kevin034]

The VQ35 engine in the G35, G35c, maxima, etc. etc. is rock solid. Pumping 500+HP out of it using F/I is EASY. Matter of fact, Nismo has been rumored to be releasing a factory / dealer installed turbo soon, to match Comptech for Acura/Hondas.

Japanese engines ROCK for F/I!!!

[MEnthusiast]

I dont see how you can compare- the M3 is much more preferrable from a performance standpoint (stock). As a guy who keeps the cars stock, Id say M3. And I would compare the G35 to the 330ci, then the comparison is much more fair and for the record I like the G35 very much. But if youre going to tweak it out, its awfully hard for anyone but you to help you as you only know how far you will go with these tweaks. I got to drive the G35 sedan and I found it to be 95% of what a 330 is.