I've been fortunate enough to be driving our G8 GT for almost two weeks now. And I've been wondering: If I were in the market for a midsize or family sedan for about $30,000, would I buy a G8?
The car enthusiast part of me loves the G8's muscular styling, rear-drive and V8. Want to break the rear tires loose while doing a U-turn? Click off the stability control, manually select 1st and you're good to go... Or what about going from barely legal speeds on the highway to highly illegal speeds? As Han says to Chewie in The Empire Strikes Back, "Punch it!"
But the practical side of me isn't so sure. The interior, though respectable, still has some drawbacks. There's also fuel economy, insurance and reliability to think of. Would I end up with an Accord, Maxima or Passat instead?
I'll be putting another 600 total miles on the G8 later this week while taking my wife and daughter to visit family for the 4th of July. It should be a good test.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 5,214 miles
Subscribe
Recent Posts
Archives
Vehicles
Past Vehicles
Links
Well, I definitely would choose the G8 GT.
In fact, I will, if . . .
0 – If nothing significantly negative ( financially ) occurs in my life, between now and November.
1 – If I could specify a different interior color than black – or black & red. South of the Mason-Dixon line, a black interior is not a very good idea. A lovely shade of light gray would be nice. [ This seems very unlikely – so I’ll probably compromise here. ]
2 – If the M.Y. 2009 G8 GT receives the trans. upgrades the Corvette received in M.Y. 2008. The 6L80 trans. [mis-]behavior, particularly on manually commanded downshifts, is the one aspect of the G8 GT that still concerns me – after 2 test drives in 2008 G8 GTs.
3 – If nothing of greater interest appears over the next few months. An Infiniti M50 w/7 speed automatic trans., for example.
The G8, in V8 form, does still strike me as a bargain – relative to anything else with close to the G8’s combination of performance, driving refinement, utility, etc.
- Ray
Certainly not interested in any current Honda or Nissan sedan . . .
Accord?... I can see considering Maxima and even Passat, but Accord, certainly a nice enough vehicle, is so much more common and boring and ugly. I wouldn't expect a lot of cross shopping between G8 and Accord.
I'd got for a maxima instead, the new one of course
I've seen a few of these on the road recently and there is something "off" with that rearend. It doesn't seem to match the front and, for some reason, those clear tail lights look cheap. Anyone want to photoshop some regular ones?
I wouldn't go for the current-gen Accord. for 30k, I'd pony up the extra couple grand to get a G35.
That, or I'd get a used 330.
Given the family driving you're doing, I can see why you'd consider the Accord. But well, let us know what you think after your little road trip, we can't wait to tear that post apart!
I'll chime in as the Star Wars nerd here, but I think Han actually says "Hit it!".
That is, if you're referring to the scene in Epidose 4 when they are fleeing the Death Star just after Obi Wan has been "disappeared" by Vader.
I think he says something along the lines of: "I hope the old man got that tractor beam out of commission or this is gonna be a real short trip. Okay, Hit it!"
I feel like the comic book guy from the Simpsons right now...I'm so pathetic.
Accord or Passat no, neither interest me. Maxima, maybe, depending or price, but I expect it to be considerably more than the G8.
Lando Calrisian says "Punch it!" in Return of the Jedi.
Ok, the next movie I'm watching is Fight Club. I need my manliness back.
given today's gas prices, you'll get the same performance from the Passat V6 or the Maxima for less gas.
yes, the G8 may be an initial bargain, but when you are paying for 16 mpg in the city, is it really worth it?
elfjon,
Will you though? If you drive a Passat V6 or Maxi the way I'm sure that Inside Line is driving the G8 would you get much better mileage?
Per www.fueleconomy.gov:
2008 Passat V6 17/26, combined 20
2008 G8 15/24, combined 18
2008 Maxima 17/26, combined 20
So, all things being equal, the difference in mileage is negligible.
1500 miles/month at the combined mileage, with $4 gas = $300 for the Maxi and Passat and $333 for the G8. Isn't the enjoyment of a 360hp rwd sedan worth and extra $33/month?
For some, no. For me, you bet!
Bankerdanny - That type of fuel economy analysis ran through my head as well, though I've noticed the G8's personality does make one want to dip into the throttle regularly.
As for the quote, it is "punch it!" from when the Falcon escapes from the rebel's ice base. -- Brent
Agree with the G35 statement....for about $2k more, you can get the G35 with (I think) a slightly nicer equipment level and a very nicely powered engine. You also have alot more options for the rest of the car, and I'd rate the interior as modestly more upscale based upon pictures alone (I have not yet been in a G8...it's a crying shame, as I really want to test drive it).
Joe
Luke: Look, he's got a GTO.
Han: I think I can beat him.
Obiwan: That's no GTO. It's a sedan.
Han: It's too fast to be a sedan.
Obiwan: I think you'd better turn around.
Han: Yeah, I think you're right.
^^ Nice one. :)
estreka: Too funny! You still haven't escaped from Edmunds locker? I hope someone brought you a sandwich.
joefrompa \ dragonflight:
I have respect for the G35.
But.
1 - Acceleration – roughly a draw.
[ C+D test of a M6 G35 shows Quarter = 13.9 @ 103
and their test of the G8 GT shows 13.8 @ 104 ]
BUT
A good portion of that acceleration advantage is a result of fairly aggressive gearing.
One result of the final drive gearing chosen ( 3.69:1 - when combined with the five speed automatic vs the G8 GT’s six speed automatic trans. ) is:
G8 GT at 80 MPH in top gear = approx. 2,000 RPM
G35 at 80 = approx. 3,400 RPM
I find that a huge difference – and to me that is a real advantage for the G8.
Personally, on the highway, I would MUCH prefer the low RPM of the G8’s V8.
Though your preference is all that really matters – for you.
2. Handling – I hear kudos everywhere for the G8 GT’s handling \ ride.
I’d call this one close to a draw as well.
3. G35’s 5 speed automatic. I’ll take the G8 GT’s 6 speed auto., with a much more ‘relaxed’ cruising gear.
4. Engine \ exhaust. I’ll take the V8’s TQ & sound over any V6 I have ever driven. And that TQ:
G8’s V8 = 385, G35’s V6 = 268.
5. Better made interior. OK. The G8’s is fine w/me.
6. XM. 2009 G8’s will reportedly have the BT & XM.
7. Infiniti brand. OK, I’ll concede this one.
8. Great lease deal on a G35. Unlikely on a G8 anytime soon . . .
And the G8 is a substantially larger car than the G35.
An advantage to some – disadvantage to others.
EPA G35 A5: 17\24
EPA G8 GT A6: 15\24
So I’ll concede also a likely advantage MPG advantage to the G35 - in stop & slow driving.
Again, your $$s, your choice.
I may buy a 2009 G8 GT.
I will not buy a G35.
Enjoy your G!
- Ray
Just one opinion . . .
"Would I end up with an Accord, Maxima or Passat instead?"
Why would you consider a Passat if you are concerned about reliability? The G8 has the 5/100K powertrain warranty and extended warranties are dirt cheap these days. As the 2007 camry proved you cannot presume that a brand new model is going to be reliable just because it has an established nameplate. You can assume that a Maxima or Accord will be more reliable than a G8 but there are no guarantees.
I'm glad people pointed out the Passat and Maxima barely exceed the G8's mileage. I drive about 800 miles a month so the savings would likely be about $20 a month. Not to mention the G8 is faster and considerably larger than both those cars.
I've been in the G35 and G8 and the interiors are too far apart. The G35s interior looks much better than it feels in real life. If you want fancy options than the G8 isnt even a contender for your money. If you want RWD performance on a budget the G8 stacks up well vs the G35 and actually looks better.