So ... I went the opposite way that Wannabe did. I traded in my '09xS and got a '11 6MT. I bought the xS as a ski car, but now my wife has an SUV which does a better job of that. I think the xS can still be a very fun car. At least it was compared to my previous FWD cars (Acura TL and 5MT Maxima). However I'm just a manual transmission guy and I wanted the steering ratio, brakes, sport suspension, etc. kept eating at me once I didn't really need the AWD any more. I would be driving a true sports car if I didn't need 4 doors.

With the same tires (either winter on both cars or A/S on both cars) there is no comparison in the snow. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The AWD system combined with traction control had me outgunning 4x4 trucks and SUV's in the snow (as long as it wasn't too deep). But the S/6MT with good tires is okay in the snow. I would say good A/S is fine for occasional snow use, and true winter tires for heavy duty snow. Here in northern Colorado, we get some pretty major snows, but it's a fairly dry climate and the snows tend to melt off quickly. The total number of days driving in snow & ice is probably 50% or 60% of what you see in the Midwest or upstate New York.

In terms of acceleration, the x's AWD traction combined with the short first gear ratio on the 7AT gets you off the line quicker, but AWD adds ~200 pounds and some friction. My xS and 6MT have a totally different personality so it's hard to tell. My butt dyno tells me the 6MT pulls harder overall - but that's not why I switched - it's the all the reasons given above.

Greg

 

One other comment - tires will last a lot longer on the x because you aren't continually slipping the rears (which I tend to do without even trying) and because the x and xS use a square setup - meaning that you can rotate the tires. The true S models have a staggered set up - wider in the back.

 

I went with the AWD because 1) That is all that is available in my area and 2) The added convenience and cost savings of not having to switch to dedicated snow tires. The moderate amount of snow I see in Ohio does not necessitate snow tires. City driving on all seasons on a G37x in snow mode has been fine traction-wise. I have never had snow tires and I do not know anyone that uses them here, in the city at least. I'm sure that adding snow tires would be even better and I may do this in the future, purely for creating the safest winter driving vehicle possible.

I find the G37x to be plenty sporty enough. Full disclosure: I know a little about cars and enjoy sports car dynamics much more than a comfortable cruiser, but I will probably never take my car to a track and breaking the back end loose on public roads sounds like a bad idea to me. Even if the AWD version is not as exciting as the RWD, you still get a RWD-biased car with great power, steering feel, and handling, which I think is more than enough for the average driver, even with enthusiast leanings. The added stability from AWD is something that a lot of people find confidence-inspiring and can add to the driving experience.

Also, one more note... My last car was a 2004 Subaru Legacy (AWD) sedan and I can tell a big difference between the two AWD systems. The Subaru had much better traction in the snow (and obviously no RWD feel). I can feel the delay in the G37x before the front wheels kick in and it's just not as solid on slick surfaces. Snow mode definitely helps on take off and it's been helpful for me not just in snow, but also in wet grass. Infiniti's AWD system works, but it's not as good as Subaru or Audi.

 

Tim, I agree as I had a Quattro Audi but the statement of Not As Good is an apple to orange comparison as the Audi and Suburu are full time awd...our Gx is parttime..so "different" is the word your looking for
As an Ohio daily driver you and I have the same temper and requirements and our choice in and X is reasoned and sound.
If you are interested in a club check out The Ohio G Club on Facebook. If you are in Cbus, wave as I drive by

 

I love my xS. I test drove both and my previous car was rwd and did fine with snow tires but in deep snow it wouldn't really do much, so I decided to give the awd a try. The car feels sporty but it isn't quite as balanced as the rwd, but I have no regrets with my decision as it got me around just fine during our last storm.