Both the 350Z and the G35 Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags, head airbags, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
Compare the2004 Nissan 350ZVS 2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe


Safety
Warranty
There are almost 7 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the 350Z’s warranty.
Reliability
The battery on the 350Z is under the seat, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures which can degrade battery life. By keeping the 350Z’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The G35 Coupe’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.
Engine
The 350Z’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 7 more horsepower (287 vs. 280) and 4 lbs.-ft. more torque (274 vs. 270) than the G35 Coupe’s 3.5 DOHC V6.
As tested in Car and Driver the Nissan 350Z is faster than the Infiniti G35 Coupe (manual transmissions tested):
350Z |
G35 Coupe |
|
Zero to 30 MPH |
2 sec |
2.1 sec |
Zero to 60 MPH |
5.4 sec |
6 sec |
Zero to 80 MPH |
8.9 sec |
9.8 sec |
Zero to 100 MPH |
13.9 sec |
15 sec |
Quarter Mile |
14.1 sec |
14.6 sec |
Speed in 1/4 Mile |
101 MPH |
98 MPH |
Fuel Economy and Range
The 350Z automatic gets better fuel mileage than the G35 Coupe automatic (19 city/26 hwy vs. 18 city/26 hwy).
Suspension and Handling
For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 350Z is 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the G35 Coupe.
The 350Z Track Coupe handles at .88 G’s, while the G35 Coupe pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.
The 350Z Touring Coupe goes through Motor Trend’s slalom faster than the G35 Coupe (67.8 vs. 67.1 MPH).
For better maneuverability the 350Z’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the G35 Coupe’s (35.3 vs. 37.4 feet).
Chassis
The Nissan 350Z may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 250 pounds less than the Infiniti G35 Coupe.
The 350Z is 1 foot shorter than the G35 Coupe, making the 350Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the 350Z Touring Roadster is quieter than the G35 Coupe (45 vs. 46 dB).
Ergonomics
The 350Z’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The G35 Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The 350Z has a lever hand brake in the console, easy to use while keeping both feet free and not impeding entry and exit. The G35 Coupe’s foot pedal parking brake is not handy to use as a hill holding device with a manual transmission.
The 350Z’s standard power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The G35 Coupe’s standard power mirror controls are on the dash, hidden behind the steering wheel, where they are awkward to manipulate.