Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

Having owned a S2 for 2 years and now driving around in a M35 (for the past 3 or so months), I thought it would be a good idea to find out what others think about them - ie. which they prefer, and why etc.

I'm really only interested in hearing from people who have at least driven or sat in both - since there's a few things about the M35 in particular that is not obvious until you drive one.

Basically, the M35 is a much "nicer" car to drive. The suspension has been "improved" - it hides the bumps much better, and also rides much flatter round tight corners, however it is also softer than the s1/s2 suspension so if you prefer the sportier feel then you may not like it.

I'm still a bit torn between different parts of both - wishing that Nissan hadn't changed some things and glad they changed others.

The ONE thing that often has me wanting my s2 back is the Automatic Transmission. Yes its a 5 speed but I find it very frustrating for several reasons:

- Its very very slow changing gears - ie. kickdown, yet its still sensitive so that it WILL kickdown - all in its own good time.

- doesn't seem to transfer power to the wheels very well - very difficult to take off fast - it feels like the torque converter just absorbs all the power (feel free to help me understand this - i could be way off track).

- I thought I'd love the extra gear but in light of the above - its just one more gear it has to get through - it really is a chore.

Maybe my transmission is slipping or faulty? I dont know - I've had it serviced recently and no issues were found.

Anyway, other differences include: the s2 sits lower to the ground, and just feels more "raw" - ie. more like a sports wagon than luxury wagon. The M35 is very "nice" but in my opinion lacks the raw/sporty feel.

If you've driven or been in both, let me know what you think?

i have a 35 with nismo s tune sus and im sure this improves the feel around corners considerbly over the stock sus, i was very suprised how little roll there was for such a big car.

i agree with the trans, makes the car feel much laggier then it should, nothing a shift kit wouldnt fix though.

Before I bought my M35, I was hell bent on getting an S2 (Still love the look).

I finally got around to driving an S2 (only mod being a pod filter with CAI) in the wet and I gotta say that BOTH my wife and I could not get out quickly enough.

She hated the pod sound (it was faaaarkin loud!), I was disappointed in the power - or lack thereof and I thought the handling just was not crisp enough.

It had leather interior and Xanavi screen which were nice.

I must say though, that I tried out the tiptronic and was not impressed by that either!

Don't really know what I was expecting, but it certainly did not live up to my expectations.

On the flip side, I saw my M35 online and after negotiating, purchased it "sight unseen" and had it shipped to me.

My wife and I still BOTH love my car.

She loves the style of the interior (but mostly the leather, elec & heated seats) and how quiet it is when the windows are up.

I love the power delivery, aesthetics and the interior almost feels like it "hugs" me when I get in.

The interior build is fantastic and feels "complete" (don't know how else to describe it)

My ride is a bit floaty at the moment due to worn shocks, but 60,000k's ago, the ride was very comfortable and could handle quick changes in direction.

I agree that the transmission is not "all that".

I am not sure about yours, but mine has similar changes to the S2.

When I am under heavy throttle, I find that the changes are pretty quick but the tiptronic just does not do what want, when I want.

I just forget about the tiptronic these days... too frustrating.

I know you are after a comparison, but I don't think you can compare them.

I would buy another M35 without hesitation if I needed to.

If I didn't have my M35 and you offered me a S1 or S2 for free, I would sell it quickly and cheaply to put the money to getting another M35.

My mate also has Nismo suspension, it really changes the car's dynamics and is still very comfortable to cruise.

Haven't tried the Bilstein's yet, but I am told they are just as good (maybe better).

Maybe if I was in my early 20's again, the S1 or S2 would appeal a bit more, but I think that for the money you cannot get a better hauler than the M35.

Maybe I am just getting older :cool:

Or.... maybe that just means I have more money for mods :D

EDIT: Nope. Just means that my money goes to other things, like mortgages, bills, food, dogs..... :cool:

Edited by iamhe77
She hated the pod sound (it was faaaarkin loud!), I was disappointed in the power - or lack thereof and I thought the handling just was not crisp enough.

actually i mostly agree here - mine went a bit quicker due to some mods and was a little noisy with the exhaust - not overly loud though.

It had leather interior and Xanavi screen which were nice.

I must say though, that I tried out the tiptronic and was not impressed by that either!

mine was a little sluggish before i put the shift kit in - but i still reckon the m35 is a notch worse.

She loves the style of the interior (but mostly the leather, elec & heated seats) and how quiet it is when the windows are up.

I love the power delivery, aesthetics and the interior almost feels like it "hugs" me when I get in.

The interior build is fantastic and feels "complete" (don't know how else to describe it)

I like both interiors, but the seats in the M35 are definitely better - MUCH better for long trips!!

EDIT: Nope. Just means that my money goes to other things, like mortgages, bills, food, dogs..... :D

know the feeling. Hence why my M35 will probably stay stock...

Having said that, a shift kit would probably make me completely happy with the car. one day perhaps...

actually i mostly agree here - mine went a bit quicker due to some mods and was a little noisy with the exhaust - not overly loud though.

My exhaust is a bit louder, but no where near enough to be a concern.

mine was a little sluggish before i put the shift kit in - but i still reckon the m35 is a notch worse.

I certainly is not what it could be. That is for sure... Perhaps you don't get the revs up for the crisp changes? (at around 5000 to 6,500rpm)

I like both interiors, but the seats in the M35 are definitely better - MUCH better for long trips!!

Yep, seats are definitely better in the M35... Although I think the cloth seats are MUCH more supportive than the leather!

know the feeling. Hence why my M35 will probably stay stock...

Yeah, but I still say that you should spring of a full exhaust... Minimum of dump back (like mine).

This will make the car soooo much more enjoyable

Having said that, a shift kit would probably make me completely happy with the car. one day perhaps...

yes. one day. :D

Only played with the Autech Axis: never actually drove it, but I found the interior to feel a lot more spacious than a C34, although the lighter colour probably contributed to that. Also, I found the M35 to feel heaps more solid and better build, which I guess is to be expected, given the age difference. The only thing that stopped me considering buying one was the fact that there is no manual turbo option: I was impressed with the car from what little I saw/felt of it...

Only played with the Autech Axis: never actually drove it, but I found the interior to feel a lot more spacious than a C34, although the lighter colour probably contributed to that. Also, I found the M35 to feel heaps more solid and better build, which I guess is to be expected, given the age difference. The only thing that stopped me considering buying one was the fact that there is no manual turbo option: I was impressed with the car from what little I saw/felt of it...

I suppose if you were/are excessively cashed up, you could try to get a 350S complied... then put a twin turbo kit on it

Damn. Work phone just rang and woke me from my pleasant day-dream.... mmmm.... 350STT... :D

What else would you need??

I suppose if you were/are excessively cashed up, you could try to get a 350S complied... then put a twin turbo kit on it

Damn. Work phone just rang and woke me from my pleasant day-dream.... mmmm.... 350STT... :D

What else would you need??

clutch, (gearbox strengthening?), possibly strengthened driveshafts/diff etc etc.. I know there's tt kits for the 350GT, but the Stag is trying to move significantly more weight, so the strain on everything is significantly more.... And it's only RWD. A lot of the appeal of my Stag (to me, at least) is the all paw traction. That said, a M35 hanging its rear end out would be an impressive sight to behold!

Before I bought my M35, I was hell bent on getting an S2 (Still love the look).

I finally got around to driving an S2 (only mod being a pod filter with CAI) in the wet and I gotta say that BOTH my wife and I could not get out quickly enough.

She hated the pod sound (it was faaaarkin loud!), I was disappointed in the power - or lack thereof and I thought the handling just was not crisp enough.

It had leather interior and Xanavi screen which were nice.

I must say though, that I tried out the tiptronic and was not impressed by that either!

Don't really know what I was expecting, but it certainly did not live up to my expectations.

On the flip side, I saw my M35 online and after negotiating, purchased it "sight unseen" and had it shipped to me.

My wife and I still BOTH love my car.

She loves the style of the interior (but mostly the leather, elec & heated seats) and how quiet it is when the windows are up.

I love the power delivery, aesthetics and the interior almost feels like it "hugs" me when I get in.

The interior build is fantastic and feels "complete" (don't know how else to describe it)

My ride is a bit floaty at the moment due to worn shocks, but 60,000k's ago, the ride was very comfortable and could handle quick changes in direction.

I agree that the transmission is not "all that".

I am not sure about yours, but mine has similar changes to the S2.

When I am under heavy throttle, I find that the changes are pretty quick but the tiptronic just does not do what want, when I want.

I just forget about the tiptronic these days... too frustrating.

I know you are after a comparison, but I don't think you can compare them.

I would buy another M35 without hesitation if I needed to.

If I didn't have my M35 and you offered me a S1 or S2 for free, I would sell it quickly and cheaply to put the money to getting another M35.

My mate also has Nismo suspension, it really changes the car's dynamics and is still very comfortable to cruise.

Haven't tried the Bilstein's yet, but I am told they are just as good (maybe better).

Maybe if I was in my early 20's again, the S1 or S2 would appeal a bit more, but I think that for the money you cannot get a better hauler than the M35.

Maybe I am just getting older :P

Or.... maybe that just means I have more money for mods :(

EDIT: Nope. Just means that my money goes to other things, like mortgages, bills, food, dogs..... :)

i'm with you cam , getting older you tend to focus on value for dollar , i think the nm35 represents that down to a T, not as raw and racey as s1 / s2 more a complete package, everthing in moderation, with potential to improve !!!!!!! :(

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Well, I can recommend the partial AV system translation CD I ordered from Car Audio Workshop in NZ. Whilst it didn't address the date issue, it has conveniently translated on-screen menu items into English, and now allows the GPS-received time to be offset in hours rather than minutes, so I can display Eastern Australian time accurately ( and bump it by another hour when daylight savings starts ).
    • Yuh, if it's 45°C outside, my car is driving in it.
    • I'd be curious to hear more. Otherwise, have you driven a modern x-trail? I wonder how it compares. Here in Australia they are/were popular for rentals and fleet vehicles. I have been in some and my impression was they are bad. But, this may have been very different in the 2000s at a good trim level. Twenty years is plenty of time to make the model worse. I do very much agree with the 2 silver cars in the garage approach. But, not driving because it's too hot would not leave a lot of time in the year for many Australians. I don't think you need to worry too much unless the car has actual issues with overheating. 
    • Back again. I returned to Japan in Jul/Aug to spend time with the car on my birthday and remind myself what all the sacrifice and compromise is for. It happened to line up with the monthly morning meet in Okutama, which I have been wanting to go to for a long time. It's a unique event at a unique spot with really rare, interesting, and quirky cars. It's where all the oldheads and OGs gather. The nighttime scene at DKF certainly has its place and should be experienced if you're into cars, but there's too much bad attention and negativity around it now. IMO the better time is Sunday morning at DKF or Okutama; it's more chill and relaxed. I'm glad I was finally able to go, but not sure it's worth the drive from all the way from Nagoya immediately the day before, unless I was already staying in Tokyo for the days right before the meet, because you have to wake up quite early to make it in time. Funnily enough though I didn't drive the car all that much this trip because it was just too damn hot. While there were zero issues and running temps were nominal and the A/C was strong, RBs already run crazy hot as it is. Sure, it took it all like a champ but something about driving these cars in the ridiculous heat/humidity bothers me and makes me feel like I'm asking too much of it. I'm just me being weird and treating the car like a living thing with feelings; I'm mechanically sympathetic to a fault. Instead I was mainly driving something else around - a KX4(silver) 2001 X-Trail GT, that I acquired in May. There's a few different flavors to choose from with Xs, but visually it's the Nissan version of the Honda CR-V. Mechanically it's a whole different story as this, being the top-trim GT, has an SR20VET mated to a four-speed auto and full-time AWD! It was a very affordable buy in exceptional condition inside and out, with very low mileage...only 48k kms. Most likely it was owned by an older person who kept it garaged and well-maintained, so I'm really happy with how it all worked out. It literally needs zero attention at the moment, albeit except for some minor visual touch-ups. I wanted something quirky, interesting, and practical and for sure it handily delivers on all three of those aspects. I was immediately able to utilize the cargo and passenger capacity to its full extent. It's a lot of fun to drive and is quite punchy through 1st and 2nd. It's very unassuming -in the twisty bits it's a lot more composed than one would think at a glance- and it'll be even better once I get better tires on it(yes, it's an SUV but still a little boat-y for my liking). So...now I have two golden-era Nissans in silver. One sports car and one that does everything else; the perfect two-car solution I think👍 The rest of the trip...I was able to turn my stressed brain off and enjoy it, although I didn't quite get to do as much as I thought. I did some interesting things, met some interesting people, and happened into some interesting situations however, that's all for another post though only if people really want to know. Project-wise, I went back to Mine's again to discuss more plans and am hoping to wrap that up real soon; keep watching this space if that interests you. Additionally, while working in the tormenting sweatbox that is the warehouse, I was able to organize most of the myriad of parts that my friend is storing for me along with the cars, and the 34 has a nice little spot carved out for it: And since it can get so stupid hot in there, that made it all the more easy -after I was standing there looking at the car and said 'f**k it'- to finally remove all the damn gauges that have mostly been an eyesore all this time. Huzzah. The heat basically makes the adhesive backing on the gauge mounts more pliable to work with, so it was far less stressful getting this done. I didn't fully clean it up or chase the wiring though; that will happen once I have the car in closer possession. Another major reason to remove all that stuff is to give people less reasons to get in my car and steal s**t while it's being exported/imported when/if the time comes, which leads us to my next point... ...and that is even though it's time in Japan is technically almost up since it's a November car and the X would be coming in March, I'm still not entirely sure where my life and career is headed; I don't really know what the future looks like and where I'm going to end up. I feel there's a great deal of uncertainty with me and as a result of that, it feels like I'm at a crossroads moreso now than any point in my life thus far and there are some choices I need to make. Yes, I've had some years to consider things and prepare myself, however too much has happened in that time to maintain confidence and everything feels so up in the air; tenuous one might say. Simply put, there's just too much nonsense going on right now from multiple vectors. Admittedly, I'm struggling to stay in the game and keep my eyes on the prize. So much so in fact, that very recently I came the closest I ever have before to calling it quits outright; selling everything and moving on and not looking back. The astute among you will pick up on key subtext within this paragraph. In the meantime I've still managed to slowly acquire some final bits for the car, but it feels nice knowing there's not much left to get and I'm almost across that finish line; I have almost everything I'll ever want for my interpretation and expression on what it is I think an R34 should be. 'til later.
    • Thanks for that, hadn’t used my brain enough to think about that. 
×
×
  • Create New...