Which Is Better.... S1 C34, S2 C34, S1 M35 Or S2 M35.... And Why?

[lachlanw]

i love my series 2 manual because it has a neo and w4d which will smoke most retards around town . i will have a m35 one day for the " im better than you because you dont even know what my car is but its better in every way than yours" factor

[dirtyRS4]

I have thought this through and if i had my time again i would purchase anyone of these:

E-WGC34 - X AERO SELECTION - 2500 - 2WD

E-WGC34 - X - 2500 - 2WD

E-WGC34 - RS AERO SELECTION - 2500 - 2WD

E-WGC34 - RS - 2500 - 2WD

E-WGC34 - G - 2500 - 2WD

GF-WHC34 - X - 2000 - 2WD

GF-WHC34 - G - 2000 - 2WD

Im thinkn rwd, the cheaper the better (including the 2.0 ltr - sacrilege) and manual conversion. The C34 platform is still quite comfy and adequate for size and towing. Anyone who wants to push over 250kw should just buy a R32 gtr. When im old and gray (and senile) i will think about buying a M35 or a real volvo.

[pixel8r]

Obviously the M35 S1 does not come in manual. I believe the S2 does come in manual, but loses AWD (correct me if I'm wrong guys).

ps steve: manual S2 C34 are 4WD, I don't think you can get a RWD manual.

I meant the S2 M35...(2004-2007). It comes in manual, but not with AWD.

[bigkevracer]

To all those that don't understand the reason for this thread (or the reason for me digging up a relatively ancient thread now), its so people like me get to choose between two good cars!

I'm looking at upgrading my R31 Pintara wagon to something a bit newer, bit faster and bit more comfortable. I've ALWAYS wanted a Stagea, but found that with C34s and M35s available for roughly the same price, there is still a tough decision.

If a clutch was a deal breaker, obviously I only have one choice, but it isn't. I will admit I am tempted though.

Either way, I'll mainly use it for highway driving and load lugging. We do motorsport video coverage, and the best thing about the Pimptara is the ability to load 4 guys and their cameras and gear into it. I'd like to get something which is more comfortable on country roads, primarily.

How much does fuel economy vary between the two? I've spent a couple of hours on here looking at old threads, and found people quoting 7.5L/100 for M35s, and 12-14L/100 for C34s.

How does the load area, and accessibility to the load area, differ?

How good is the semi-auto in the M35?

Mods don't seem to be a big deal. I'd like to mod it, but realistically this will be limited to basic stuff like wheels and exhaust.

I mean, when you can get stuff like this manual C34 and this auto C35 it makes it a very difficult decision...

If you had to buy one knowing its specifically going to be used for mainly highway/comfort driving and load lugging, what would you buy?

[andy65b]

My vote is the M35 but I am not impartial..lol

Fuel economy is more like 10-10.8L/100km on the highway (loaded up) and 13.5L/100km in the city (driving 1 hour in peak hour each way)

Boot space in the M35 is huge, much bigger than my 2004 Outback.

It is very comfortable for 4 people and all their gear.

The auto is a good unit but is a little more on the comfort side of the equation than performance.

Would definatley buy the M35 again.... best car I have owned in a while and I used to buy a new car every 4 years so have a reasonable comparison.

Good luck in your shopping.. I am sure you will be happy no matter which one you choose.

[matty_M35]

Funny thread... not going to get into the arguement... I had to get a family car and since getting rid of my wifes 04 maxima i convinced her into the M35. I love it, great car for the money, definately a more luxury feel then the c34 IMO but i definately dont see it as a sports car, it is definately is trying to tell me otherwise when i plant the right foot though

[KiwiRS4T]

If you had to buy one knowing its specifically going to be used for mainly highway/comfort driving and load lugging, what would you buy?

All Stageas are great for load lugging but though i have an S1 C34 myself I would say the M35 would suit your puposes better. Stock standard it is more modern (looking and designed) and probably a little more economical.

[GoldZilla]

I absolutely love my s1 C34 (especially because it was converted to a manual by the previous owner), but I'd have to say that the M35 is a more refined car. But that's progress for you - if newer versions of cars didn't get better and better as the model progressed, we'd all be disappointed and stop buying them.

[bigkevracer]

Hmm ok thanks for that. Guess that makes it a straight shootout between a manual and an auto. At the moment I have to say I'm leaning towards a manual C34 S2 with twin sunroof, but I'll report in later!