Who Here Has Driven Both M35 And S1/s2?

[pixel8r]

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?

[Ross]

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.

[iamhe77]

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

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.....

Edited January 16, 2009 by iamhe77

[pixel8r]

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.....

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...

[iamhe77]

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.

[rb26stagea]

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...

[iamhe77]

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...

What else would you need??

[rb26stagea]

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...

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!

[sleeper393]

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

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 !!!!!!!