Why? a fwd hatchback is exactly what the op is considering. So many people bring up the fwd issue but don't really give a reason why they hate it. There are plenty of fwd hatchbacks that will run circles around your precious rwd G. Focus St. Heck, even the Fiesta St will give you a run for the money. But I don't expect the American society to understand or appreciate the hatchbacks, or a efficient turbo 4 over their " bigger the better" mentality.
I agree wannabesport. There's more to driving than 0-60. Unless I live on the drag race track, I can care less.

 

Ok, I think you're stretching it a bit with this claim. I dunno about a base G37, or a G37X, but a G37S isn't going to have circles run around it by a Focus ST.

Car and Driver Lightening Lap:

Lightning Lap 2013: Hot Cars, Hot Track, Hot Laps - - Car and Driver

Ford Focus ST: 3:21.4
G37S: 3.17.5

As for FWD hate, that's actually pretty easy. Your front wheels are responsible for applying power, steering, and doing 60-70% of the braking. I've yet to experience a FWD car with steering on par with my S. From the weighting to the communication of what the tires are doing on my G vs torque steer on a FWD car.

My RWD G is also less likely to spin a wheel that a FWD car. My folks have a DSG Turbo beetle--and I tend to agree, stock for stock, it sounds better--but make a right turn into heavy traffic and get on it results in pretty massive wheelspin and the TC dialing back power. Maybe its the 245 summer tires, or maybe its the RWD thing, or maybe its the LSD, but my G doesnt have that problem.

Nothing wrong with hot hatches. If I wanted to save some cash I'd be shopping them. But I think the whole running circles claim is a stretch, unless you're comparing it to a base or X, in which case you're probably right.

 

Run circles huh? Care to name some?

 

Oh my, it seems that most people are blinded by the "I own one therefore it's the best".
I like my G37, but I do see plenty of shortcomings, the 7AT tranny is rubbish, the one wheel drive RWD system is also inadequate, it's a big car and it handles like one.
The G for being such a big car has very poorly designed interior. There is a severe lack of storage space compared to smaller vehicles, it's very striking; tiny glove compartment, center console and no additional storage space. It is a perfect family cruiser though.
I've had plenty of turbo cars, and still own one. Driving one is just different. I enjoy turbo lag as much as I like the steady power of the G.
Most vehicles have a place in their own category, comparing a big boat like a G37 to a hot hatch isn't very fair.

 

No one is saying its the best. What they are saying however is its one of the best cars you can get for your money which is an entirely different thing. I test drove many different cars (evo, sti, s4, 335i) before buying my G. All those cars had certain things about them that made them great, but the G ultimately won me over because it did every great thing those cars could do well. While there are things that make the G long in the tooth I still think it offers the best balance of sport and luxury in its price point.

 

Get a focus ST, not a Fit... the ST will get 30mpg + on the hwy, and with a 6 speed and recaro seats its a blast to drive. best of both worlds.

 

I think the AWD system is holding you back, the RWD is a blast to drive. The akebono brakes are perfect for aggressive street use. Only gripe is the rear seats not folding down but when you get things like LSD, rwd, and solid ride it sort of puts it out of my mind.

Going from a G37 to a Honda Fit you are going miss out on luxury, rwd, performance in every department and your friends are going to question man parts. S2000 would be respectable since it truly is a sports car (even if slow).

 

I agree here the G37S offers an affordable luxury and sport ride for a few thousand less of what a 335i costs. Don't start including regular maintenance.

 

And I agree, this is why I said comparing luxury sedan to a hot hatch servers no purpose. They each have different purpose.
Dismissing other technological alternatives (turbo vs NA) because of the exhaust note is just silly though. Just as not all FWD and RWD cars drive same. A properly tuned FWD car will drive better than a RWD car with solid been rear suspension, and vice versa.

 

FAST FACTSEngines:*The 2.0L turbo four-cylinder makes 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-liter V6 makes 321HP and 275 lb-ft.

Transmissions:*Six-speed manual for RWD 2.0T only, six-speed automatic available across the board.

Fuel economy:*Four-cylinder RWD, 21 MPG city, 31 MPG highway. V6 RWD, 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.


Drive a Cadillac ATS 2.0 Turbo with the manual. Cheap, fast, very efficient, and IMO the best handling entry sport-lux chassis on the market. Superior to the 3 series in handling, luxury and technology. Cadillac has a good extended warranty for cheap as well, as reliability could be a concern. The only reason I am not driving one is bc I have a large frame and the B pillar interferes with my driving position.

 

The ATS may be superior in every way to the 3 series, but ytd BMW sold 56,647 vs CTS, ATS, XTS 42,408.

 

Who cares how many of each has been sold. The OP wants better gas mileage than his G. That won't be hard to find.

OP. Test drive a GTI. Trust me.

 

I didn't read though the entire thread, but just though I'd chime in and say that I actually came from the Focus ST prior to buying the G.

I generally averaged between 23-26mpg mixed driving when it was stock. After adding a few parts and using a Cobb AP with just an off the shelf tune it put down 255whp/350wtq and gas mileage actually went up to 27-30mpg mixed and if I drove like a granny on the highway I was able to easily get 34-38mpg.

It was a fun and nimble little car, and full boost was at 2500rpms!

 

Right and if you are discussing things other than gas mileage, expect those to be discussed as well.

 

Do you still have it? That thing must have hauled....hatch

BTW - Welcome Arlington TX!