Janq drives a G, and rides an STi...
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Janq drives a G, and rides an STi...
FYI;
Through the past few months there has been a good amount of conversation & debate in comparing the STi to other options available at the same or similar price points. One such item of comparison and discussion has been the Infiniti 'G35 Coupe'.
In the last few weeks several members have contacted me directly and asked that I post a review detailing my own observations of the Subaru 'STi' as well as the Infiniti 'G35' and a comparison of the two.
Well it took me some time and effort to get my butt & feet in an STi as well as a G35 but I was finally able to do so. No less my rides were back to back providing a best case scenario for comparison of these equally exciting examples of automotive excellence.
Due to the limitations in the amount of text that can be posted here (5K characters) and the length of my reviews I've opted to provide readers a link to access and read the reviews as hosted remotely;
* Click here for the STi review...
* Click here for the G35 Coupe review...
I hope you all enjoy the above reviews and find the information presented to be useful and pertinent.
I'll post as a follow-up my own decision as to which vehicle I preferred and decided to purchase.
Regards,
- Janq
Through the past few months there has been a good amount of conversation & debate in comparing the STi to other options available at the same or similar price points. One such item of comparison and discussion has been the Infiniti 'G35 Coupe'.
In the last few weeks several members have contacted me directly and asked that I post a review detailing my own observations of the Subaru 'STi' as well as the Infiniti 'G35' and a comparison of the two.
Well it took me some time and effort to get my butt & feet in an STi as well as a G35 but I was finally able to do so. No less my rides were back to back providing a best case scenario for comparison of these equally exciting examples of automotive excellence.
Due to the limitations in the amount of text that can be posted here (5K characters) and the length of my reviews I've opted to provide readers a link to access and read the reviews as hosted remotely;
* Click here for the STi review...
* Click here for the G35 Coupe review...
I hope you all enjoy the above reviews and find the information presented to be useful and pertinent.
I'll post as a follow-up my own decision as to which vehicle I preferred and decided to purchase.
Regards,
- Janq
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Well what can I say? Two equally exquisite well written reviews. I read the G35 review first because if I started with the Sti I know I would have just skimmed over the G35 and it deserves better. I'm not getting a G35 but I know more about it now than many.
As for the Sti it was a great story and very detailed. I can't know any more about this car now unless I drive one for myself. All this anticipation will continue to culminate until Wednesday when I finally get to fire that car up for myself. I'm quite relieved you liked it and didn't find too much if any fault with the car other than the HUGE spoiler. But I agree the car and especially the Blue colour looks way better in person. Photos don't do it any justice. I was also quite surprised at how small the rear break calipers were. I would like you to give me a little more detail about the exhaust note. Is it a souped up ricey sound or throaty like a Mustang Cobra or somewhere in between the two?
Good work and I think I know what you're getting.
As for the Sti it was a great story and very detailed. I can't know any more about this car now unless I drive one for myself. All this anticipation will continue to culminate until Wednesday when I finally get to fire that car up for myself. I'm quite relieved you liked it and didn't find too much if any fault with the car other than the HUGE spoiler. But I agree the car and especially the Blue colour looks way better in person. Photos don't do it any justice. I was also quite surprised at how small the rear break calipers were. I would like you to give me a little more detail about the exhaust note. Is it a souped up ricey sound or throaty like a Mustang Cobra or somewhere in between the two?
Good work and I think I know what you're getting.
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Originally posted by essogas
Well what can I say? Two equally exquisite well written reviews. I read the G35 review first because if I started with the Sti I know I would have just skimmed over the G35 and it deserves better. I'm not getting a G35 but I know more about it now than many.
As for the Sti it was a great story and very detailed. I can't know any more about this car now unless I drive one for myself. All this anticipation will continue to culminate until Wednesday when I finally get to fire that car up for myself. I'm quite relieved you liked it and didn't find too much if any fault with the car other than the HUGE spoiler. But I agree the car and especially the Blue colour looks way better in person. Photos don't do it any justice. I was also quite surprised at how small the rear break calipers were. I would like you to give me a little more detail about the exhaust note. Is it a souped up ricey sound or throaty like a Mustang Cobra or somewhere in between the two?
Good work and I think I know what you're getting.
Well what can I say? Two equally exquisite well written reviews. I read the G35 review first because if I started with the Sti I know I would have just skimmed over the G35 and it deserves better. I'm not getting a G35 but I know more about it now than many.
As for the Sti it was a great story and very detailed. I can't know any more about this car now unless I drive one for myself. All this anticipation will continue to culminate until Wednesday when I finally get to fire that car up for myself. I'm quite relieved you liked it and didn't find too much if any fault with the car other than the HUGE spoiler. But I agree the car and especially the Blue colour looks way better in person. Photos don't do it any justice. I was also quite surprised at how small the rear break calipers were. I would like you to give me a little more detail about the exhaust note. Is it a souped up ricey sound or throaty like a Mustang Cobra or somewhere in between the two?
Good work and I think I know what you're getting.
Thus far I have had the good luck to observe two Blue/silver STi's in their element and observe both while on the prowl. At idle the engine note from the muffler when standing outside of the car is a barely perceptible low rumble. So low in fact that you actually have to strain your ears a bit to focus on the sound and realize its coming from the car.
But when the gas pedal is massaged a bit that rumble builds though never roars. Kind of like that noise you first hear before a big thunder storm rolls in to town. Its just a little bit of rock & roll that seems to get not louder but more so intense as it gets closer. Thats the exhaust note from outside.
Now on the inside things sound different as the car has little sound absorption material and the cloth seat coverings don't offer as much sound absorption properties as say leather in a 'Cobra. But even still its never deafening just authoritative. At idle its nothing more than a 'burrrr' sound. No loping like a V8 just a constant tone very similar to what you might hear in an M3. Once you get moving the sound doesn't increase in decibles like Mustangs and so many other US hotrods. In fact all that happens is the tone becomes more insistent and rises in pitch more so than volume. Throughout the entire ride with Meridoc all three of us held a conversation at a regular/normal speaking voice and I never felt as though I couldn't hear and didn't have to yell. My neighbors 'Stang GT and my other neighbors V8 powered Ram on the other hand requires yelling even if sitting _outside_ the car. In fact that damn Ram truck is so loud I can hear him coming two blocks away. In the STi I'll be able to drive home and not have to worry about cutting the engine down the block and coasting in to my driveway so as not to wake the baby, which my wife will appreciate.
As for downsides there really aren't any other than the surprising amount of flex in the rear wing. And even that is a cosmetic thing and thank goodness it can be chopped down or removed entirely.
Folks have been belly aching about the no radio thing and frankly I see it as a value add. Most folks run I.C.E now days anyway so this way it makes life easier. Although some cool STi logo mats would have been a nice touch, but hey crying is for babys...and I'm a grown a$$ man.
So be sure to let me know when you pick up your own ride, you will adore it though putzing through the break-in miles will be tough as this thing begs to be flogged. Post plenty of pics too.
- Janq
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I.C.E. = In Car Entertainment
At first I was only seeing this stuff in show & competition cars as well as on MTV cribs. That was 4 years ago.
Now it seems everyone and their grand'ma has it.
My Honda Pilot comes with it stock from the factory.
DVD player with flip down rear LCD screen, seperate CD player, wireless headsets & remote, driver/passenger configurable seperate channels...the works.
I'm thinking of going with a used stock head unit and running a 'Phatbox' to it. I'm not yet decided on an amp, speakers (4 or 6) and a sub.
- Janq
"Ice, Ice baby!" - Vanilla Ice
At first I was only seeing this stuff in show & competition cars as well as on MTV cribs. That was 4 years ago.
Now it seems everyone and their grand'ma has it.
My Honda Pilot comes with it stock from the factory.
DVD player with flip down rear LCD screen, seperate CD player, wireless headsets & remote, driver/passenger configurable seperate channels...the works.
I'm thinking of going with a used stock head unit and running a 'Phatbox' to it. I'm not yet decided on an amp, speakers (4 or 6) and a sub.
- Janq
"Ice, Ice baby!" - Vanilla Ice
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Hi Janq,
First I like to apologize for saying you like the G35 Coupe because of its status on another thread. I said that because I remember you once said you like to give a more mature image in front of your customer. I was thinking "mature image" = status. After I think about it for a while, I believe I misunderstood your meaning.
Thank you for the nice written review.
I gave the G35 Coupe a chance afterall and went to test driven a 6MT last weekend. I agree with just about everything you said. The shifter is great, seating position is pretty good, could be better. The exhaust sounds good. The one thing I hate the most is the rear seat head room, it was sure not enough for me, and I am only 5'10"! I had to slide down my body in order to sit with my head straight. Personally I can't sit in the back seat for more then 30 minutes. Other then that, it is a great car, especially consider its very good price.
I have yet driven a STi yet, the local dealer still haven't got it yet, can you believe that! But I am pretty convince the STi is the next car for me.
First I like to apologize for saying you like the G35 Coupe because of its status on another thread. I said that because I remember you once said you like to give a more mature image in front of your customer. I was thinking "mature image" = status. After I think about it for a while, I believe I misunderstood your meaning.
Thank you for the nice written review.
I gave the G35 Coupe a chance afterall and went to test driven a 6MT last weekend. I agree with just about everything you said. The shifter is great, seating position is pretty good, could be better. The exhaust sounds good. The one thing I hate the most is the rear seat head room, it was sure not enough for me, and I am only 5'10"! I had to slide down my body in order to sit with my head straight. Personally I can't sit in the back seat for more then 30 minutes. Other then that, it is a great car, especially consider its very good price.
I have yet driven a STi yet, the local dealer still haven't got it yet, can you believe that! But I am pretty convince the STi is the next car for me.
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JDM Nut,
I recall that thread/statement and believe me you are not the only one to say so. But don't sweat it old chap, its a public forum and by posting I set myself out there to get chomped on.
I don't take anything here personally though as I'm only here to have fun and learn/share info with folks.
No apology necessary as you're cool in my book.
BTW, funny thing is my two long time i-Club/NASIOC forum buddies 'Essogas' and 'AMDMAXX' have both told me off at one time or another over something we've disagreed on; i.e. STi not being a "rally car", G35C being "luxury only" and the EVO sucks thread.
I tend to take the barbs and smile though I might bite back with a bit of sarchasm if the mood hits me.
Anyway, my third & final post comparing the STi & G35 C will include some insight as to my feelings/observations on 'image' for both vehicles. I'm sure some folks may disagree and thats cool as the discussion keeps the board interesting and buzzing.
Regards,
- Janq
I recall that thread/statement and believe me you are not the only one to say so. But don't sweat it old chap, its a public forum and by posting I set myself out there to get chomped on.
I don't take anything here personally though as I'm only here to have fun and learn/share info with folks.
No apology necessary as you're cool in my book.
BTW, funny thing is my two long time i-Club/NASIOC forum buddies 'Essogas' and 'AMDMAXX' have both told me off at one time or another over something we've disagreed on; i.e. STi not being a "rally car", G35C being "luxury only" and the EVO sucks thread.
I tend to take the barbs and smile though I might bite back with a bit of sarchasm if the mood hits me.
Anyway, my third & final post comparing the STi & G35 C will include some insight as to my feelings/observations on 'image' for both vehicles. I'm sure some folks may disagree and thats cool as the discussion keeps the board interesting and buzzing.
Regards,
- Janq
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Anyway, just let a guy from Iraq test drive my Mustang. He didn't like the fact it was a 5 speed. It was a dealbreaker. (after all the detailing I did on it today) looks like I'm trading her in, damnit.
Last edited by essogas; Jun 16, 2003 at 03:31 PM.
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hehe, I dont recall ever telling u off, but I can start now if u wish..
ye, let us know what u pick.. BTW, I pretty much set my mind on a vehicle also.. Stay tuned, in about 6 months.. the car is coming...
ye, let us know what u pick.. BTW, I pretty much set my mind on a vehicle also.. Stay tuned, in about 6 months.. the car is coming...
Originally posted by Janq
JDM Nut,
I recall that thread/statement and believe me you are not the only one to say so. But don't sweat it old chap, its a public forum and by posting I set myself out there to get chomped on.
I don't take anything here personally though as I'm only here to have fun and learn/share info with folks.
No apology necessary as you're cool in my book.
BTW, funny thing is my two long time i-Club/NASIOC forum buddies 'Essogas' and 'AMDMAXX' have both told me off at one time or another over something we've disagreed on; i.e. STi not being a "rally car", G35C being "luxury only" and the EVO sucks thread.
I tend to take the barbs and smile though I might bite back with a bit of sarchasm if the mood hits me.
Anyway, my third & final post comparing the STi & G35 C will include some insight as to my feelings/observations on 'image' for both vehicles. I'm sure some folks may disagree and thats cool as the discussion keeps the board interesting and buzzing.
Regards,
- Janq
JDM Nut,
I recall that thread/statement and believe me you are not the only one to say so. But don't sweat it old chap, its a public forum and by posting I set myself out there to get chomped on.
I don't take anything here personally though as I'm only here to have fun and learn/share info with folks.
No apology necessary as you're cool in my book.
BTW, funny thing is my two long time i-Club/NASIOC forum buddies 'Essogas' and 'AMDMAXX' have both told me off at one time or another over something we've disagreed on; i.e. STi not being a "rally car", G35C being "luxury only" and the EVO sucks thread.
I tend to take the barbs and smile though I might bite back with a bit of sarchasm if the mood hits me.
Anyway, my third & final post comparing the STi & G35 C will include some insight as to my feelings/observations on 'image' for both vehicles. I'm sure some folks may disagree and thats cool as the discussion keeps the board interesting and buzzing.
Regards,
- Janq
