The Infiniti G35 and the Subaru Impreza WRX STi are performance cars that appeal to separate markets. The G35 was a luxury sports car produced from 2003 to 2007, but the STis roots belong to the more rough-and-tumble world of road rallies. Both pack a wallop under the hood, but the STi is more compact, with a more responsive suspension, and wields greater horsepower and torque.
Background
The Infiniti G35 was part of the G series of midsize luxury sedans and coupes produced from 1991 to 1996 and from 1999 through at least 2012. The G series didnt attract much attention among luxury sports car enthusiasts until the G35 debuted in 2003. The G35 lasted only through one generation before the even more popular G37 replaced it in 2008. The Subaru Impreza WRX STi sedan has been in production since 1992 and was still manufactured as of 2012. Through 2000, the STi pretty much gave just the pretense of being a performance car, until Subaru unleashed a redesigned model with a stiffened suspension system, six-speed manual transmission, optional Brembo brakes and a beefed-up, turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine complete with a huge hood scoop to signal its racing intentions.
Power
Early versions of the Infiniti G35 featured a 3.5-liter V-6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque that, even for its 3,416-pound curbside weight, responded remarkably well on tight curves. By the end of its lifespan, the G35s V-6 delivered 306 horsepower and 268 foot-pounds of torque. A five-speed paddle-shift automatic was standard equipment, but road warriors could order a six-speed manual transmission if they didnt mind the clunky shifting. There were two engines for the STi: a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four. The 2-liter developed 265 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque. The 2.5-liter was available only for the North American market and wielded 300 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. The 2.5-liters turbocharger provided a maximum boost of 14.5 psi. A six-speed manual transmission matched the engines.
Performance
The 2003 G35 could reach zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and 100 mph in 16 seconds. In the quarter-mile contest, it clocked 14.6 seconds. Its top speed was 145 mph. Fuel efficiency was above average for a heavy luxury performance sports car: 19 to 20 mpg in the city and 24 to 27 mpg on the highway. The performance of the 2003 STi with the 2.5-liter engine varied depending on who did the testing. "Car and Driver" magazine reported that the STi hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds and 100 mph in 12.4 seconds. In quarter-mile testing, it recorded 13.2 seconds. Its top speed was 145 mph. The 2003 STi earned 19 mpg on urban streets and 26 on the open road.
Dimensions
The STi sedans wheelbase grew from 99.4 inches on pre-2008 models to 103.3 inches on 2008 and later models. Its overall length measured 173.4 inches. It was lighter than the G35, with a curbside weight of 3,263 pounds. The STi rode on 17-inch alloy rims. The G35 also rolled on 17-inch alloy wheels, but it was considerably larger than the STi. It had a 112.2-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 182.2 inches.
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