Stinger vs. Infiniti Q50 Redsport

[AV8R]

As a current owner of a sportish 2015 KIA Forte Turbo, based off my limited exposure and experience with the Stinger, below are the following reasons why I am leaning towards the Q50. Don't get me wrong, the Stinger is a good car and a fresh breathe of air. However, as I tend to keep my cars forever, therefore I have a very stringent selection criteria and a very particular eye for vehicles.

Primary Considerations,

*Interior Design (I'm not a fan of pop up displays and more importantly the stinger lacks a premium design. It just doesn't look plush, whereas the Q50 feels like you are cocooned in wrap-around luxury. The Stinger interior feels extremely cold and sterile by comparison)

*Interior Quality (No comparison here - The Q50 interior is typical Japanese luxury which means high quality surfaces and a very comfortable and plush cabin that will age well and hold up incredibly well over time, in 10yrs time the Q50 interior will still look and feel nice, I can assure everyone here the same cannot be said for the Stinger)

* Paint Quality (Stinger's paint job looks dull even in the showroom, and all the premature wear and tear the owners are experiencing with the paint reaffirms this view. There was a red stinger in the showroom and It just didn't gloss, sparkle and pop out like the way it should with a car of this class. Instead the paint gave the Stinger a very dull "plastic" look)

* Longevity (The Infiniti is a tried and proven formulae and the Japanese produce cars with the best drivetrains, engine and overall longevity and they're generally easy to work on)

*Age (The Q50 will age more gracefully inside and out than the Stinger)

Below are my secondary considerations,

*Compromise (I have driven plenty of cars, and every time I compare the Camry/Accord to Optima/Sonata, or Forte/Elantra to Corolla/Civic the former brands always drive better, I'm talking about power delivery, overall road holdings and balance. I clearly feel with Koreans - the overall ride and handling are always too compromised, either it's too hard and sporty or too floaty. There is no balance, this may impress the reviewers who spend 2 hours with the car, but for someone who will be living with the cars for years to come, it's not good. It's the same with power, the Koreans have a tendancy to overrate their power and the delivery of power is not smooth like the way Japanese vehicles - i.e transmission, throttle calibration, shift points, power management etc etc)

At the end of the day a vehicle is made up of thousands of different components and it's fair to say the Japanese have mastered the art of making all those components work in harmony to produce a more satisfying end product for the driver.

Well it looks like your are buying a Q50. Without being too obvious, if you come here as a member and start giving negative feedback about the Stinger then you open yourself up for criticism. Especially when you don’t even own one. I would suggest buy a Stinger then come back and you can criticise it all you like.
You can’t compare the Stinger to any car on your list. It is a personal preference that makes us buy the car. I never compared it to any car because as soon as I drove it it brought a smile to my face. Comparison was never a consideration as you will never match it. I think you are looking for a super luxury sports. Unfortunately as it is Kias first attempt at a rear wheel drive GT I don’t have a crystal ball to know how if all your comments will become true. You can’t compare a high priced vehicle with the Stinger, it’s like comparing a golf to a Ferrari. I wish you well on your quest for perfection, although I am surprised that you own a Kia Forte.

 

[AV8R]

There is so much feelings in your post? Lol. Says the guy that literally a few post ago said and I quote, "More premium materials to the touch? Why would someone want to touch that interior in the first place?"
That sounds like you have more feelings and emotional attachment to the Stinger. It sounds like you are almost border-line butt-hurt that someone actually said the Infiniti interior has better materials.

Hatred? Dude. All I said was the Infiniti Q50 has a better interior quality and materials than the Stinger then a whole lot of you started getting your panties twisted. But yeah, my post was obviously hated filled.

Ugly or not - that isn't the point of my post. My post was that the materials and the interior quality of the Infiniti is better than of the Stinger. We can debate on looks all we want but that's subjective. What's not is the material. The fact that you are refusing to even debate on the topic of the quality of the interior shows you are already made up your mind and refusing to even acknowledge this.



The Q60 and Q50 interior uses similar material is my point.



I was actually trying to. I literally listed out reasons why I think the material of the Infiniti Q is better than the Stinger. Willing to actually debate on this. However - majority of the members here - just refuse to and just say "I'm hating" or "I'm emotional." Its quite funny.



I just read the Jalopnik article and I pretty much agree with everything they said.

The power is good.
The infotainment system is outdated.
The handling is horrible with DSA. Majority of people out opt of the DSA from what I read.
The car isn't worth over 55K. (Note: No one buys this thing over 55K too. You buy it during December or March for 40-45K OTD)

If you read my comments, these are all the things I have said.

Secondly - Jalopnik didn't call the interior outdated. They called the tech outdated. Maybe they merged the two together? Perhaps? Not sure. Jalopnik furthers my point - they addressed the interior quality. They didn't claim it was amazing nor did I. But from their words - Jalopnik claims the interior is pretty decent overall. IE: They gave it some credit and took some back.

My post has always been and still is the Q50 RS and Stinger both have good to decent interiors - the Infiniti Q50 just feels more premium at the end of day. This - this was the main point and this for some reason got people so twisted.

One word of advice to new members who don’t own the Stinger but would like to pick at its short comings.....don’t walk into a dog show dressed as cat and start barking, you should be able to understand what the outcome would be. The Stinger has its faults but it also has a hell of a lot of good points.

 

[AV8R]

Please understand people you can’t compare an Infinity with a Stinger as there are huge differences and there is a huge price difference hence the better quality. Stinger is an affordable car with heaps of schmultz but don’t expect grain fed cattle leather or holographic instrument displays as you will be disappointed.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

If you like a certain brand or style of car over another brand, then go buy it, if you don’t like the other car for various reasons without even owing one, we’ll it’s not your problem because you didn’t buy it...simple.
I’ve had my Stinger for 1 year now & luckily this car has had no issues for me to complain about, when I’m asked about it my general reply is “this is the best car I’ve owned period”.

 

[brancky3]

Please understand people you can’t compare an Infinity with a Stinger as there are huge differences and there is a huge price difference hence the better quality. Stinger is an affordable car with heaps of schmultz but don’t expect grain fed cattle leather or holographic instrument displays as you will be disappointed.

But my GT2 has nappa leather! And a heads up display! Honestly the Stinger interior feels nicer than my outgoing Audi, although it was only an S3.

 

[AV8R]

But my GT2 has nappa leather! And a heads up display! Honestly the Stinger interior feels nicer than my outgoing Audi, although it was only an S3.

Yes but I think I get what I am saying. The Stinger is always getting picked on just because it’s Korean. Stick a Kia badge on it and people thinks it’s a crap car. Hey I wouldn’t buy a Rolls, I may consider a Bentley but I also don’t want to lay out buckets of cash so I buy a car that makes me smile and won’t cost me a fortune to own. If it’s not super soft leather or whatever I don’t care for me buying a car is emotion not a status symbol . I don’t think many car manufacturers have a seven year warranty either.

 

[GRStinger]

As a current owner of a sportish 2015 KIA Forte Turbo, based off my limited exposure and experience with the Stinger, below are the following reasons why I am leaning towards the Q50. Don't get me wrong, the Stinger is a good car and a fresh breathe of air. However, as I tend to keep my cars forever, therefore I have a very stringent selection criteria and a very particular eye for vehicles.

Primary Considerations,

*Interior Design (I'm not a fan of pop up displays and more importantly the stinger lacks a premium design. It just doesn't look plush, whereas the Q50 feels like you are cocooned in wrap-around luxury. The Stinger interior feels extremely cold and sterile by comparison)

*Interior Quality (No comparison here - The Q50 interior is typical Japanese luxury which means high quality surfaces and a very comfortable and plush cabin that will age well and hold up incredibly well over time, in 10yrs time the Q50 interior will still look and feel nice, I can assure everyone here the same cannot be said for the Stinger)

* Paint Quality (Stinger's paint job looks dull even in the showroom, and all the premature wear and tear the owners are experiencing with the paint reaffirms this view. There was a red stinger in the showroom and It just didn't gloss, sparkle and pop out like the way it should with a car of this class. Instead the paint gave the Stinger a very dull "plastic" look)

* Longevity (The Infiniti is a tried and proven formulae and the Japanese produce cars with the best drivetrains, engine and overall longevity and they're generally easy to work on)

*Age (The Q50 will age more gracefully inside and out than the Stinger)

Below are my secondary considerations,

*Compromise (I have driven plenty of cars, and every time I compare the Camry/Accord to Optima/Sonata, or Forte/Elantra to Corolla/Civic the former brands always drive better, I'm talking about power delivery, overall road holdings and balance. I clearly feel with Koreans - the overall ride and handling are always too compromised, either it's too hard and sporty or too floaty. There is no balance, this may impress the reviewers who spend 2 hours with the car, but for someone who will be living with the cars for years to come, it's not good. It's the same with power, the Koreans have a tendancy to overrate their power and the delivery of power is not smooth like the way Japanese vehicles - i.e transmission, throttle calibration, shift points, power management etc etc)

At the end of the day a vehicle is made up of thousands of different components and it's fair to say the Japanese have mastered the art of making all those components work in harmony to produce a more satisfying end product for the driver.

We're all entitled to our opinions - even if they're wrong, but as stated elsewhere if you've come here to pick nits off the Stinger and sing the praises of the Q50, you've probably come to the wrong place. The Q50 is a nice car and was initially on my short list, but after one test drive of the Stinger GT2... it blew the Q50 out of the water in every way. Not even close, IMO. I never even thought about the Q50 after that, and have not regretted the decision for a second.

 

[STINGER]

As a current owner of a sportish 2015 KIA Forte Turbo, based off my limited exposure and experience with the Stinger, below are the following reasons why I am leaning towards the Q50. Don't get me wrong, the Stinger is a good car and a fresh breathe of air. However, as I tend to keep my cars forever, therefore I have a very stringent selection criteria and a very particular eye for vehicles.

I think the key thing here is you own a 2015 Forte and you have limited experience with the Stinger to make any judgements which are mostly opinions in things such as design and feel.

Primary Considerations,

*Interior Design (I'm not a fan of pop up displays and more importantly the stinger lacks a premium design. It just doesn't look plush, whereas the Q50 feels like you are cocooned in wrap-around luxury. The Stinger interior feels extremely cold and sterile by comparison)

This is your opinion, I feel the Stinger interior is better looking than the Q50. I am a fan of the Pop up display.

*Interior Quality (No comparison here - The Q50 interior is typical Japanese luxury which means high quality surfaces and a very comfortable and plush cabin that will age well and hold up incredibly well over time, in 10yrs time the Q50 interior will still look and feel nice, I can assure everyone here the same cannot be said for the Stinger)

I can assure you as a previous owner of a 2008 G35 which I bought new and sold a few months back that it had its fair share of abnormal wear especially the plastic parts that pealed like for example in the steering wheel. The dealer replaced it several times, only until the 2nd replacement were Infiniti was able to fix the defect. The Stinger is a new platform and on a completely different level as for an Ex. a 2015 Forte, I have no clue how you can assure us of such a thing especially 10yrs from now.

* Paint Quality (Stinger's paint job looks dull even in the showroom, and all the premature wear and tear the owners are experiencing with the paint reaffirms this view. There was a red stinger in the showroom and It just didn't gloss, sparkle and pop out like the way it should with a car of this class. Instead the paint gave the Stinger a very dull "plastic" look)

Paint quality issues on new cars is nothing new, the Stinger got so much attention because it was being heavily marketed and this issue was naturally brought into light. At least Kia did the right thing and immediately rectified the issues.

* Longevity (The Infiniti is a tried and proven formulae and the Japanese produce cars with the best drivetrains, engine and overall longevity and they're generally easy to work on)

This is nothing new, but that doesn't mean the new Korean cars are not good enough especially with the recent quality ratings they have been above average and inline with most of the Japanese brands. Japanese cars didn't start reliable from day one, they improved overtime, so has Kia and Hyundai who have improved extremely quickly.

*Age (The Q50 will age more gracefully inside and out than the Stinger)

How the hell do you know that? The Stinger design is very unique, more unique than the Q50 at least and has been awarded for that.

Below are my secondary considerations,

*Compromise (I have driven plenty of cars, and every time I compare the Camry/Accord to Optima/Sonata, or Forte/Elantra to Corolla/Civic the former brands always drive better, I'm talking about power delivery, overall road holdings and balance. I clearly feel with Koreans - the overall ride and handling are always too compromised, either it's too hard and sporty or too floaty. There is no balance, this may impress the reviewers who spend 2 hours with the car, but for someone who will be living with the cars for years to come, it's not good. It's the same with power, the Koreans have a tendancy to overrate their power and the delivery of power is not smooth like the way Japanese vehicles - i.e transmission, throttle calibration, shift points, power management etc etc)

The Stinger has definitely been underrated, and again we are comparing economy cars to the Stinger which has been purposely built to change the Kia mindset with people.

 

[STINGER]

I wouldn't call the KIA Stinger interior outdated, its modern. But if we nic pick similar design ques, one could literally call the KIA Stinger outdated too. The aluminum piece that flows through the radio switches and across the steering wheel and the passenger dash was done before. The 2004 Acura TSX had something similar but just a thicker piece. Similarity - this can be done in a different style in the 2011 Lexus CT as well.
What I'm trying to say is - many many cars share design ques from across time and used in a different way. This doesn't make something outdated. An outdated interior should subject to materials and tech.

I feel like Jaloponik thinks its outdated because of the tech rather than the design.

I would like to point out that the VR engines in the Infiniti Q50 are highly underrated. The Infiniti Q50 RS is likely to have more than 400HP/350TQ. Dyno videos on YouTube of this proves it.
Because of this - I think the Q50 edges out the Stinger in performance.
And yes - the Q50 will have a bit less plastic and a more premium feel. This isn't to take anything away from the KIA Stinger. Given the price - the Q50 should have a more premium.

I mean... a few other categories I would give to the Q50 are:
Brand: Ehh. Infiniti isn't prestige like MB but we can admit they are more prestige than KIA.
Dealership experience: Off chance you service your stinger and you walk away with a KIA Rio loaner. I have argued for the Stinger at launch that Hyundai eff up 1 thing. They should have Genesis badge this Stinger. This car would have definitely given the Genesis brand some edge.
MPG: (Stinger: 19/25 \\\ Q50 RS: 22/26)

Stinger definitely best the Q50 in:
Utility
Tech
Uniqueness (Lets be real - no one is gonna stare at a Q50. Its too run of the mill even for the RS design)

I agree with you, but bear in mind that the Stinger is extremely underrated as well, it is rated at 365hp while making 330-350whp and has shown that it responds very well to mods too.

 

[Kamauxx]

Can't believe y'all are arguing with someone who refers to his 2015 Forte as "sportish".

His first sentence ruined his credibility in my eyes.

 

[GRStinger]

Can't believe y'all are arguing with someone who refers to his 2015 Forte as "sportish".

His first sentence ruined his credibility in my eyes.

I don't know if this guy is trolling, or just wants some sort of affirmation from owners here, like: "Gee, you're right. Wish I would have bought a Redsport instead!" Like I said, he ain't going to get it here.

 

[Ozstung]

I just read all 6 pages in one sitting, why are we rising to the obvious trolling? @AV8R summed it up perfectly - why go to a dog show dressed as a cat? Its all designed to cause anxt and some come here just to argue and to show their superior intellect. If its obvious no reply is the best medicine. Some making non emotional comparisons were genuine.

 

[Doel]

I cross shopped the Q50 RS with Stinger. The transmission and steering felt much better in the Stinger, infotainment was better, engine was torquier. I do think the Q50 had a bit more "premium" interior material but I far prefer the Stinger layout overall, and the Stinger interior material is still very good. I hated the center stack dual screen, it makes the Q50 interior already look dated and it's still a CY model. Virtually no one is doing this anymore, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, they've all gone to the single raised screen just like the Stinger. It makes more sense, you don't need two screens and it's just another very expensive tech item to break once the warranty runs out. Coming from a 2016 Maxima, I LOVE having the screen at the top of the dash, I can manipulate the screen while still watching the road, it's so much safer. The Q50RS looks pretty good but man, that body style has been around for a decade it feels like. Absolutely no one will bat an eye at it while the Stinger gets stares everywhere you go. Stinger has a much better warranty plus you know that Q50 is going to get replaced in a couple years.

The Q50 RS is a very nice car, if it was 5k cheaper than the Stinger I might have considered it, if it was 10k cheaper I probably would have bought it. I bought my GT1 for 37k, the MSRP for a Q50RS equipped the same was 56k! Even if they had somehow knocked 10k off, that's still 9k more for an inferior car.

This was a very very easy choice.

 

[westcoastGT]

As a current owner of a sportish 2015 KIA Forte Turbo, based off my limited exposure and experience with the Stinger, below are the following reasons why I am leaning towards the Q50. Don't get me wrong, the Stinger is a good car and a fresh breathe of air. However, as I tend to keep my cars forever, therefore I have a very stringent selection criteria and a very particular eye for vehicles.

Primary Considerations,

*Interior Design (I'm not a fan of pop up displays and more importantly the stinger lacks a premium design. It just doesn't look plush, whereas the Q50 feels like you are cocooned in wrap-around luxury. The Stinger interior feels extremely cold and sterile by comparison)

*Interior Quality (No comparison here - The Q50 interior is typical Japanese luxury which means high quality surfaces and a very comfortable and plush cabin that will age well and hold up incredibly well over time, in 10yrs time the Q50 interior will still look and feel nice, I can assure everyone here the same cannot be said for the Stinger)

* Paint Quality (Stinger's paint job looks dull even in the showroom, and all the premature wear and tear the owners are experiencing with the paint reaffirms this view. There was a red stinger in the showroom and It just didn't gloss, sparkle and pop out like the way it should with a car of this class. Instead the paint gave the Stinger a very dull "plastic" look)

* Longevity (The Infiniti is a tried and proven formulae and the Japanese produce cars with the best drivetrains, engine and overall longevity and they're generally easy to work on)

*Age (The Q50 will age more gracefully inside and out than the Stinger)

Below are my secondary considerations,

*Compromise (I have driven plenty of cars, and every time I compare the Camry/Accord to Optima/Sonata, or Forte/Elantra to Corolla/Civic the former brands always drive better, I'm talking about power delivery, overall road holdings and balance. I clearly feel with Koreans - the overall ride and handling are always too compromised, either it's too hard and sporty or too floaty. There is no balance, this may impress the reviewers who spend 2 hours with the car, but for someone who will be living with the cars for years to come, it's not good. It's the same with power, the Koreans have a tendancy to overrate their power and the delivery of power is not smooth like the way Japanese vehicles - i.e transmission, throttle calibration, shift points, power management etc etc)

At the end of the day a vehicle is made up of thousands of different components and it's fair to say the Japanese have mastered the art of making all those components work in harmony to produce a more satisfying end product for the driver.

To each their own , quit polishing the gun and pull the trigger..................then come back with your impressions .

 

[5tinger]

Can't believe y'all are arguing with someone who refers to his 2015 Forte as "sportish".

His first sentence ruined his credibility in my eyes.

It's actually the cerato/Koup Turbo which is actually considered sporty.

 

[5tinger]

Please understand people you can’t compare an Infinity with a Stinger as there are huge differences and there is a huge price difference hence the better quality. Stinger is an affordable car with heaps of schmultz but don’t expect grain fed cattle leather or holographic instrument displays as you will be disappointed.

I wouldn't be cross shopping the Q50RS with Stinger GT if the price was different. The offer I have for the Q50RS is price matched exactly the same as Stinger at circa 60k

What I've learned from owning Kia is that they are every nice from the surface, but it's only after owning them do you find out of their shortcoming and corner cutting and lack of engineering or optimising.

 

[Kamauxx]

It's actually the cerato/Koup Turbo which is actually considered sporty.

Oh!

Didn't realize it was the 1.6 liter, 170 hp, 8 second to 60, 15.5 second quarter mile, 130 mph "SPORTY" version.

Consider your credibility restored, Stig.

 

[westcoastGT]

thats great , now go buy the Infinity if you can really afford it , or are allowed to buy it ( Wife , Mommy ? ) then post up some pics and stop mealy mouthing here , get some skin in the game dude ! then you'll be a bit more credible

 

[Kamauxx]

thats great , now go buy the Infinity if you can really afford it , or are allowed to buy it ( Wife , Mommy ? ) then post up some pics and stop mealy mouthing here , get some skin in the game dude ! then you'll be a bit more credible

He's probably out hunting for mini-vans to race.

Vroom vroom, The Stig don't mess around!

 

[Stinger GT SS]

I wouldn't be cross shopping the Q50RS with Stinger GT if the price was different. The offer I have for the Q50RS is price matched exactly the same as Stinger at circa 60k

What I've learned from owning Kia is that they are every nice from the surface, but it's only after owning them do you find out of their shortcoming and corner cutting and lack of engineering or optimising.

Sounds like you’ve decided on the Q50RS due to Kias corner cutting & lack of engineering or optimising.
FWIW, we are on our 4th Kia now, wife had an 09 Koup for 8 years no problem, now has Cerato Sport Hatch for 1 year also no problem. I had a 13 Sportage Platinum 2.4l for 4.5years no problem, now have Stinger GT for 1 year, no problem, both our new cars still have 6 years warranty, cap price sevicing & roadside assistance left what does the Q50 offer?
As a former Holden/GM owner most of my adult life Kia quality & support runs rings around anything I ever experienced with Holden, oh that’s right where do they sit now in OZ with sales.
I trust you enjoy your well engineeried & optimised Datsun if you choose to go that route, good luck