It may be about time for the 4th gen to be passed on.

So I'm looking at a 2003-04 models. I have a couple of questions...

I see that the sport package was dropped for 2004 but that side sills and the rear window shade were made standard. Heated seats are still an option. So there's just the cold weather package and NAV. I also see where the "sport tuned suspension" was available as an option by itself if the cold weather package was also purchased. As indicated by: http://www.infinitihelp.com/Infiniti...escription.htm

The 2003 model lists the sport package as an option and that is where my question comes up. My '97 I30t has great handling and I want that in the next I-ride I get. I see that the sport package includes stability control and I don't much care about that really.... I'll probably pull the fuse for stability control anyway.

For the 2003 specs, from http://www.infinitinews.com/site_lib...35/specs.shtml
"Sport Package: Vehicle Dynamic Control, sport-tuned suspension, side sill extensions, 8-spoke champagne-tinted aluminum-alloy 17-inch wheels with P225/50R17 V-rated all-season performance tires"

What I do wonder about is the "sport tuned suspension" details.

What exactly makes up the sport tuning? ...a larger anti-sway bar in the back...a different ride height...shocks...spring rate diffs?

Edit: I see a Canadian reviewer added that "The Sport package features a sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs and shocks than in the base luxury package"

Anyone have experience driving either car and recommendations?

Thanks, my brethren, for your help in advance... I love this site!

 

Negligible. Probably using the SE struts, which, is still very soft for my tastes. You wont notice a thing.

 

I have a sport package car, I've driven several I35s that were non-sport. The difference is miniscule, if there at all. I think the rear springs are a little stiffer, but that's maybe it. I've driven GLE Maximas as well and again, the difference is just like Nmex said, negligible.

Truthfully, the best suspension upgrade is probably to switch the struts out to Illuminas and tune from there (whether or not you want to change springs).

 

Thanks!!!

So now I'm looking for a 2003 in the sport & cold weather package in silver, graphite or white with less than 50K miles,

...or a 2004 with the cold weather package. I don't care if it has NAV or not but either way, it seems it's not too easy to find either combo without also paying to ship from CA to NC.

(All that being said....I'm now looking at the first gen M45 and I have a line on some decent cadidates.....now I just gotta get a raise to pay for gas.)

The I35 is still not out of consideration but I'm curious now speaking of fuel...how did the 5th gen with a slightly larger engine get a better fuel mileage rating than the 4th gen?

It isn't a huge difference but given bigger displacement & better performance, I'm curious.

Was a variable intake the trick ...improvements in gear ratios ...special coatings on internal parts...or was it a combination of them?