Just got done test driving a new 412hp 2011 Mustang GT and I've got to say I'm very impressed, the new V8 is a beast and sounds SOOO sweet. Sure it's still a Mustang as far as being a bit rough around the edges but for $33.5k w/ premium package it seems like a damn good alternative to the G. It really handles tight and definately hauls serious tail. I'm just so dissapointed that Infiniti can't (or won't) address the pathetic paint issues w/ these cars. I've also looked at a couple others such as the Genesis Sedan (the coupe is too ricey looking IMO), the Audi S4 which I'd have to get CPO since it's about 8k over a G, Audi A5, and BMW 135 (I know it's small but it is a blast).
C'mon Infiniti, get this issue fixed, I love these Gs and don't really want to look elsewhere but I'm not going to get another one w/ the same paint

Anyone else looking at other makes/models due to this issue?

 

So you're jumping ship because of the soft paint? Have you considered putting a clear bra on your car?

 

Go for the Stang. Do it.

 

I didn't drive the new GT, but I read good things. I agree, the paint on the G sucks, and when my lease expires in 30 months, I might look elsewhere if this problem is not fixed by then.
As to your other choices....
The genesis - decent performance and price (even with the turbo 4cyl), roomy, cheap looking interior, hate the "lazy eye" look of the rear passenger window.
S4 - great looks and handling, nothing bad except the price.
A5 - great looks and handling, but not as fast as the G
135 - 335's retarded younger brother, hate the looks. Short, narrow, tall and tiny looking wheels, not the best combo. An alternative for someone who wants a nice BMW but cannot afford a nice BMW. Suffers from heavy understeer when pushed, though much quicker than the G.

If not the G, I'd get the Mustang, especially if I owned my own business ...a gas station.

 

I think your all forgetting the new 5.0 V8 mustang gets better gas mileage then our G haha.

DO IT! but not the 33.5k one... get the Brembo package, the 4:10 gears, rear view camera, double stitched leather, nav THEN my friend, you will be ready to trade up and NEVER look back lol.

 

412-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine delivers an impressive 26 mpg highway and 17 mpg city when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission and 18 mpg city and 25 highway when equipped with six-speed automatic.

 

A friend just rented a v6 mustang convertible for the weekend. He got 14 city, 20 hwy, even though they advertised 20/31. I'm sure the 5.0 v8 is way worse than the G in terms of mpg.

 

RYs: The better mpg for the Sang is for the 2011 V-6 version not the Monster V-8...according to the promos. Regradless, it's a great car. I'm tempted myself : Mustang GT or Charger with a nice Big Hemi... To hell with mpgs. That is until gas hits $4 / gallon for premium. That's going to happen soon as the Recession Shock wears off.

 

I like the stang and had one as a rental recently but damn that giant hood. You cant see anything. Honestly i had to work to keep it between the lines. I was sooo happy to be home to my g after the stang. But it looks good and what can you say about a v8, its awesome.

 

stang is on my future list, USED>

wait another year and get it used for half the price.

 

135 loaded costs nearly as much as a 335. difference is neglegible.

 

So you want to get a different car because of paint?

 

I hardly think driving a rental Mustang gives you a good measure of true fuel economy for the brand. If it's a rental, it's been beaten on, the air in the tires was probably not even close to correct, the air filter was likely filthy, and it probably had the wrong grade of gas in it.

That, and I'm sure your friend feathered the throttle all weekend, right?

 

All modern cars use paint that sucks due to the EPA's requirements. I just got rid of a Ford, and the paint was pitted and chipped just like any other car made in the past few years.

I think you're going to be very disappointed if you're choosing a Ford for paint quality, and that's coming from someone who likes Fords!

 

I rented a V6 Mustang for the a few days and it did pretty damn well with MPG. My G gets around 17~18 combined driving where as the Stang got 22~23. I was damn impressed.