Infiniti G35 vs. Cadillac CTS vs. Lexus IS350... the COMPARO to end all COMPAROS!!!

[1X83Z]

..

 

[V1P3R]

I didn't realize these all got ****ty gas mileage... Hmm... I guess it'd have to be the IS350 then.

 

[Speedster502]

Well here in the UK the Lexus IS350 is considered a very good car. As for the Cadillac, is not so much appreciated. The Cadillac has a cheaper looking interior and seems like they toned it down too much for Europe. Plus its hardly the best looking of the three. The Infiniti, well I don't have much experience with looking at these so I have to presume its not too good and although it is the least expensive...its not the prettiest of cars, the front looks far too long and it has a short backside making it looks out of proportion.

As I said, I'd probably go for the Lexus, as well is it being good looking it also is the mid-range (cost wise) and has good reliabilty as it is a Japanese car. In the UK the diesel version of the IS350 is very popular and still every time I see one, I wonder what it would be like to own the car. It certainly looks different to most the other cars on the road.

 

[Duke]

I'd get a 335i with the Sport package.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

That's because UK get a rebadged Saab as their CTS don't they?
Out of these I'd take the CTS, the Infiniti is just ugly and the cheapest in appearance. I don't mind the IS350 too much, but I like the CTS, wins on style and interior for me.

Is that the RWD CTS? I spose it is because the others are RWD?

 

[Joey D]

That's because UK get a rebadged Saab as their CTS don't they?

That's the BTS.

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Anyways my boss has the IS350 and I've driven it on several occasion while taking him to the airport. It's a nice car, with enough power to get you into trouble. Looks damn good as well. Although I still want the illegitimate love child they are calling the IS-F.

The G35 is quite nice to although I've only ever been in the older model so I can't comment on it to much.

The CTS is a good car, a former boss had one of those, although it just didn't feel like something I personally would want to drive. The upcoming coupe however is something I would possibly consider on looks alone (something I rarely do).

 

[Jim Prower]

EDIT: Crap. See a few posts down.

 

[Philly]

I'd have to say the IS350. It's really the only Toyota product in recent memory that doesn't seem bland as hell, even though this generation is no IS300 of a few years back.

The G35 seems like a good car, and one I might like to play around with for a while but with the new one coming down the pipe I just don't like it enough to go out and get a car that will be replaced that soon.

I've never liked Cadillacs and still don't trust a GM car to compete with other luxury cars, so that one's out. I'm also surprised that it can compete with everything including price. I always thought American cars were great because they offered a little more for a lot less.

In the end I would much rather walk over to my Mercedes Benz dealer and walk off with a brand new C-class.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Cadillacs of late are probably the exception to the cheap American rule, because they are a luxury brand. That or the weakening greenback is playing a part here.

 

[Jim Prower]

Wow, You've got none of the options I want...and several I don't.

I've never been in one of these cars, but I've been a fan of the Infiniti G-series. I think I'll uncheck the auto, the Bluetooth, seats, and anything else that doesn't come with the Sport Package, put that package on, and have a bit of fun.

I'd also have to do the same with the CTS and IS. The IS 350 is full of surprises, possibly the most un-Toyota Toyota that exists. Too bad it's a luxury car, and not something in reach of the average man like the Celica. The CTS with that sport suspension...the full-house one...is incredible. I don't know how much more that'll cost me, though.

EDIT: Just used each company's website to configure cars the way I wanted them.

Infiniti: G35 Sport 6MT
Options: 4-wheel Active Steer Package and Premium Package...which the site forced me into getting
MSRP: $37,365 (If I skip the 4WAS, it's $33,365)

Lexus IS 350
Options: Least expensive X Package "With Additional Options" - Basically the Sport Suspension and the Premium package...
Accessories: HKS Exhaust and 18" ISP-Mode wheels and tires (price not shown)
MSRP: (Less exhaust and wheels) $39,664. It's a 40,000+ car with the accessories!!!

Cadillac CTS 3.6 DI
Options: Performance Package (with that FE3 suspension...^^) 6-speed Stick. No Premium package (Gasp!)
MSRP: $38,465

So it comes to which Car I think would be faster or better. The Cadillac has less of what I don't want and more of what I want, but It's more expensive...and If I don't get the active 4-wheel steering on my G, It's WAY less. The Lexus you showed must be the most base of base models with a couple dealer accessories. Oh, no stick. If I had the money...I'd go for the CTS, but the G is such a steal, especially if you uncheck a few boxes. Actually, I might butter up the dealer into getting me one with the 4WAS but no Premium package, and I like Nissan, so it wins on value this time.

((EDIT2: I just noticed how close my CTS is to yours, while both Japanese cars are significantly higher, the Lexus especially. The G actually goes Lower if I want, though.))

 

[Touring Mars]

You will vote for your favorite, then voice your opinion if you have one. Then Brad will tell you why the CTS is better.

Ouch...

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I would have to drive them to decide. But the CTS seems like a good choice, because it has the best fuel economy. I think the CTS is the biggest of the three, which isn't necessarily great.

I think my list before driving them would be
1) CTS
2) G35
3) IS350

 

[YSSMAN]

That's the BTS.

BLS

And no, I have no idea what the name means...

====

That being said, Douglas is right in my choice of the CTS 3.6 DI FE3. Of all the cars listed it is by far the most-balanced in terms of performance and luxury, and all things being said, comes in at a very reasonable price.

At least in my opinion, its the best-looking of the trio because of that grille and those "Art and Science" design cues that they've perfected over the years. The interior is absolutely marvelous for the segment, easily a fair bit ahead of Mercedes this time around, and certainly, one could make the arguement against Infiniti and Lexus as well (but thats a bit harder).

Optioned correctly, this car is a real gem... Easily the best choice on the list.

===

I'd get a 335i with the Sport package.

No matter how much I love the CTS, that will always be true. Odd, because I'd almost rather have the G8 GT than both...

 

[Keef]

It's cheaper, it's more performance oriented, it's got better seats and a more comfortable driving position with a nicer steering wheel (I've compared them), and it's my new G35.

 

[Sage]

I probably should like the G35, since it’s purportedly the best-handling of the three. However, I can’t handle the styling – there’s one G35 that in the staff lot that I always pass by on the way to the gym, and I cringe every time I see it.

So, I’d have to go with the IS350. Handles well enough, I love the interior (I’ve sat in it), and I way love the styling.

 

[Gil]

I imagine from the reviews that the Lexus is the best of the three for "sporting intentions".
However, I have been wanting a G35 for a long while now.
I personally, would have to go G35x for the all wheel drive.

 

[Philly]

and all things being said, comes in at a very reasonable price.

The other three come in at a more reasonable price.... I still find it surprising that GM would price their car over their "competition." That's either saying something about how far the CTS has come or that GM has a little wishful thinking going on. I guess I'd better leave that judgment to somebody who has actually compared the cars though.

The interior is absolutely marvelous for the segment, easily a fair bit ahead of Mercedes this time around

I'll believe it when I see it. But again, I'm pretty prejudiced against Cadillacs, so there could easily be something in all the news I didn't really look at or the cars in Chicago that I ignored.

However, I can’t handle the styling – there’s one G35 that in the staff lot that I always pass by on the way to the gym, and I cringe every time I see it.

I wonder if the car would have better relative looks if you didn't have the stunning G35 coupe to compare it to.

 

[1X83Z]

..

 

[006r]

I love the IS's looks, although the caddy is second and the G is just plain blah....

 

[Philly]

By the way the coupe version of the G35 is now called the G37.

So they are still selling the sedan under the G35 name? Didn't know that only the coupe went to G35.

 

[YSSMAN]

That shocked me when I was making up this list. Note that I did not include the 'FE3' performance package - that would've taken things over $40,000! I think Cadillac is thinking that they can charge a bit more because of the CTS's styling and interior styling, hoping that people will spend a few thousand extra on emotion rather than logic. It's swayed a few people in this thread so far!

Thats because you had the wrong interior equipped from the start. Some of the colors only come with the upgraded interior leather, and you've also gotta watch your automatic transmission choices, which can include AWD.

I just configured one with the FE3 Performance tire and the slushbox:



Depends on what you want in your car I suppose. Going for FE2 keeps prices down, and like most cars, you just have to pick the right options.

Also keep in mind you're paying for a bigger car, and paying to keep jobs in the US. They build these cars about 45 minutes from me house, and we'd like to keep the factory busy (as it already is with CTS/STS/SRX and Lambda production).

===

That being said, Cadillac can't continue to be a "value" leader if they want to take the fight to the Germans on every level. They, generally, are still a cheaper alternative (especially to BMW), but certainly are not short of the Japanese by any means. Pound-for-pound, its a good fight between the three. I just prefer the American.

 

[Joey D]

So they are still selling the sedan under the G35 name? Didn't know that only the coupe went to G35.

According to the Infiniti website the four door is still the G35, only the coupe has changed to G37.

 

[Jim Prower]

Thats because you had the wrong interior equipped from the start. Some of the colors only come with the upgraded interior leather, and you've also gotta watch your automatic transmission choices, which can include AWD.

I just configured one with the FE3 Performance tire and the slushbox:



Depends on what you want in your car I suppose. Going for FE2 keeps prices down, and like most cars, you just have to pick the right options.

Also keep in mind you're paying for a bigger car, and paying to keep jobs in the US. They build these cars about 45 minutes from me house, and we'd like to keep the factory busy (as it already is with CTS/STS/SRX and Lambda production).

===

That being said, Cadillac can't continue to be a "value" leader if they want to take the fight to the Germans on every level. They, generally, are still a cheaper alternative (especially to BMW), but certainly are not short of the Japanese by any means. Pound-for-pound, its a good fight between the three. I just prefer the American.

Mine (In my post) had the FE3 and Manual. The Stick actually knocked a bit the price down a bit. I was amazed how much cheaper the G was if one skipped anything that required the (rather pricey) Premium Package. which was just about everything.

When I configured the cars, I was Interior-be-damned. I wanted the 300+ HP V6, sporty Suspension options, 18" Summer tires, and a Stick. I had to pay for a lot more than that when I configured the Lexus...and I got flappy paddles and a torque converter, which automatically put it out of the running. I was happiest with the CTS, because it didn't make me choose anything I didn't want.

Just for kicks, I'll try out the Germans.

 

[1X83Z]

..

 

[Jim Prower]

Well, Like I said, I tried out the 335i, the A4, and the C350. Here's what I got.

BMW 335i
300HP, 6-speed stick
OPTIONS: Sport package. (Note, I was able to avoid unnecessary increases by choosing a white one with Leatherette. Like I said, Interior-be-damned...)
PRICE: a still Hefty $41,375.

VERDICT: The best cars are the most expensive.

AUDI A4 3.2 FSI Quattro
255 HP, 6-speed Stick
OPTIONS: Sport suspension, Performance tires, which forced me to get the S-line package, which forced me into the (ugh) Convenience package.
PRICE: $39,850

VERDICT: Needs more punch to keep up with the joneses.

Mercedes-Benz C350
268HP, 6 Speed...auto.
OPTIONS: Metallic Paint, 18" AMG twin-spoke wheels (What, no option for a better suspension?! It better be good stock.)
PRICE: $39,435

VERDICT: throw a blower on the V6 already, and give it a stick...oh, wait. I'm talking about Mercedes.

So the CTS still, when configured similarly, undercuts (or competes with) the Germans a little, gives you some more room, and more punch than two of them. And the G35, If you avoid the 4WAS and it's Premium package Requirement (I fail to see how those are connected) undercuts them BIG TIME.

 

[1X83Z]

..

 

[Jim Prower]

Eh, I guess you're right on that. I'll try that TL, too...

I'm also in kind of a money-saving mood right now, which helps explain my choices.

EDIT: YEEEIKES!!!!!

Acura TL Type-S
286HP, 6-speed Stick
OPTIONS: 18" high-performance wheels and tires
PRICE: $41,534.36! This makes it the Most Expensive car I've configured!

VERDICT: Well, if you REEEEALY like Hondas...

 

[JCE]

Is it even a contest? G35 FTW!

 

[YSSMAN]

A4 is underpowered as you mentioned. New one should correct that, but at what cost?

"More profitability" according to Forza2.0 (lol)...

I'm personally more willing to spend the cash on a proper car that fits my definition as to what is a proper sport sedan, and without question, the BMW has that in spades. The G35, if you read any test of it, only does well because it can deliver 8/10ths of a BMW at 8/10ths of the price. They still feel a bit "cheap," but nevertheless, they are very good competition indeed.

Lexus? Not so much...

It will be interesting to see how BMW and the like adjust as the different cars go in/out. The TL really means absolutely nothing in the segment, same with the Saab 9-3 (sadly... Waits for TurboX with XWD). They may sell better, but that really is only because of the women who have too much money to spend and like them because they're "cute" or "comfortable" or whatever.

Real drivers will likely be split between the G35, CTS and 3-series. Personally speaking, I like all three for different reasons (price, balance, pedigree respectively), but I'll be damned if they aren't all just about perfect in some way.

 

[Joey D]

Even though I despise Chrysler with a passion, what about the 300C?