SE-R V-spec

[ldpan]

Had a chance to test drive a 2002 SE-R V-spec last week and thought I would share. First of all, I think the car lacks quality, in and out. The car looks kinda fat and ugly as well. Driving impression, hm...... ok.... nothing spectacular. Engine has nice low end torque, and revs up to redline pretty quick. Kinda underpowered for a 2.5L. The suspension still feels soft despite it's sports tuned.

The only cool thing is those 17" stock wheels w/ Continental 215/45/17. Price is around $17,000.

[Blk00SS]

Originally posted by ldpan
Had a chance to test drive a 2002 SE-R V-spec last week and thought I would share. First of all, I think the car lacks quality, in and out. The car looks kinda fat and ugly as well. Driving impression, hm...... ok.... nothing spectacular. Engine has nice low end torque, and revs up to redline pretty quick. Kinda underpowered for a 2.5L. The suspension still feels soft despite it's sports tuned.

The only cool thing is those 17" stock wheels w/ Continental 215/45/17. Price is around $17,000.

I like them. There's one advertised for 17,300 fully loaded in the paper. I'm gonna check it out tomorrow

[Bryan H]

everyones entitled to their own opinion

besides. that shift knob rules

[ldpan]

Originally posted by Bryan H
everyones entitled to their own opinion

besides. that shift knob rules

Ohh yeah abt that shift knob, looks like titanium/aluminium kind..... I liked it too until I found out it was PLASTIC! :(

[FriedRice]

i've read a few reviews..... they seemed not to like it, except for its horsepower and torque. its a sentra after all..... and nissan's engines are NOT exactly high-tech like toyotas and hondas (yes... i-Vtec is pretty impressive)....... i didnt really like nissans before, and i thot se-r would be decent, but after reading some reviews, im thinking my old feelings will stay... anyone drive one?

fyi, there is a post in racing discussion about this as well..

[Dave B]

Originally posted by FriedRice
i've read a few reviews..... they seemed not to like it, except for its horsepower and torque. its a sentra after all..... and nissan's engines are NOT exactly high-tech like toyotas and hondas (yes... i-Vtec is pretty impressive)....... i didnt really like nissans before, and i thot se-r would be decent, but after reading some reviews, im thinking my old feelings will stay... anyone drive one?

Just shows how little you know about Nissans. Ever hear of Varible Timing Control (VTC)? Probably not. It's a device that was used in a Maxima LONG before Honda was using VTEC. Nissan employs VTC and variable intake manifolds on both the SE-R and Maxima. Sure, these cars don't wind up 8000rpms, but what's the point when you're making a lot of torque? Pretty much the only thing the GT-S has over the SE-R is VVTLi. The SE-R has far more torque and useable power on and off the track. It's not a faster car than the GT-S (not much slower though 15.4s@90mph), but it is far more liveable and cheaper ($17K). Once JWT issues a chip to remove the 6100rpm rev limiter, these cars will be screamers. If the SE-R was able to rev to 6500-6600 in 1st and 2nd, it would easily lower et by .3-.4.



Dave

[Kenshi]

Doesn't the Sentra platform (including the SE-R) still use a modified beam rear suspension? If so, that would be reason enough for me to pass on it. (no offense, but my first car was a beam rear suspension...never again.)

[Backroads]

Have you noticed Nissan lowered the advertised hp figures from 180 to 175? They are attempting to cover their ass here, but the fact of the matter is the car puts out only 141 wheel hp. This is worse than the '97 Boxster debacle. If you have any interest in the car, PLEASE READ the Dec. 01 SCC (Sport Compact Car) review on pg. 120. After several cars tested, SCC can't get more than 141 wheel hp out of that car. For comparison, Rod Millen motorsports is getting 169+ hp out of a GTS Celica with an Injen intake and RM pipe on a dynojet dyno (Rodmillenstore.com). My personal opinion? As a former owner of a '97 Maxima ( the last of the made-in Japan cars), and a '93 SE-R, I think Nissan's entire line-up has gone downhill in the last four or so years, particularly in terms of structural integrity and stiffness, in the cars and trucks. The last SE-R was simlilar in weight to the Celica, but is now a porky 2743 lbs... near-Maxima zone. The Altima is a better and faster car, as is the older Maxima, SCC on a "production-ready" '02 SE-R only got 7.8 sec 0-60 and 15.7 quarter. Any Celica GT 5 sp. will be glad to serve it it's own ass.

:D GTS 157 wheel hp stock 6 sp Carbon Blue

[Blk00SS]

I don't care what anyone days. 180lbs of torque is 180lbs of torque. **** i prefer to have more torque then Hp.
A set of DR's is gonna get the V Spec into the low 14's... Mark my words

EDIT -

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/images/1201/sentraspecv_04.jpg

Look at the Curve towards the Top end. It looks like the engine is choked. I'm really dying to see what kind of pup cats and **** the exhaust has.
I'm really considering buying this car.. The big engine really draw's me to it

[Backroads]

Well, blkooss,
Thank you for illustrating my point better than I could. The dynojet dyno figures you posted are from the article I quoted above. As everyone car see, SCC cannot get more than 141 w hp from any of the cars provided them, including the recent production-ready '02 model. And as you can see, there are only 150 ft.-lbs or torque avail. SCC says, quote, " it seems unlikely that any front-drive transaxle could make 34 hp evaporate into thin air". The Ford Mustang and the Miata were recently sold to the public with way fewer hp than claimed and Mazda, for one, had to make a cash consession to the owners as a result( owners put 'em on a dynojet and found out the lie).
I miss my SE-R.., and I mourn that Nissan messed this one up. This new car is porky, 4 door, flexy and slow. Even the Altima is faster! And a lie=a rip off no matter what the price. I have, sad to say, Nissan in my blood like you do, so I for one feel betrayed. Celica owners like windin'em out for the fun. Revs are a different approach to making hp, and Celica gts owners are of that ilk. I have a '70 340 6 pak T/A Challenger for when I want "torque". By the way, horspower is a measure of "torque" combined with time. And by the way, just get a WRX or the 240hp Altima if you want a torquey, heavy 4 door, or just keep your Maxima. I miss my '97. One more thing... even a Saturn can be made fast.

[Bryan H]

nissan didn't mess up in any way shape or form with this car.

if you read more indepth about it. that still was a pre-production car

[Blk00SS]

I don't care if it's messed up or not. I'm sure a Turbo or Eaton blower would make it better :)
I like the car and i'm probably gonna buy it..... ****ed or not

[Backroads]

These articles are important because you can't exract max performance from a new Spec V yourself: the pipes aren't broken in and neither are the motors. Read the review yourself, no it is not a prototype. In fact, the article is called "round two:ding" because as I said they had already tested the pre-production car and Nissan sent SCC a "production-ready" car. Look, I mentioned the Boxster, Mustang and Miata because this recent BS has really spoiled a lot of big investments. The purpose of this forum is to get tho word out on a grassroots level. So I am just saying buyer beware. I suggest trying out a broken-in car, and bring a stopwatch. Yes, SCC in the end of the article "hopes" the cars are better when they hit the lots. but if you wanna buy one, you're gonna have 'ta disregard one of our best Japaneese performance mags, and wait for Road&Track to test it. I am just gonna say one last thing: it's easy to build power into a car these days. What is hard, really hard, for the makers to accomplish, is a lightweight perfomance car... like the 2560 lb Celica(100 lbs less than the 6th gen) Vehicle weight affects every aspect of a car's dynamics.

[Bryan H]

if i wanted max power of out of a car i would keep my eclipse

but since im going from 400 hp to 175. i really don't give a ****. thats not what im buying the car for

[Blk00SS]

Originally posted by Bryan H
if i wanted max power of out of a car i would keep my eclipse

but since im going from 400 hp to 175. i really don't give a ****. thats not what im buying the car for

I'm with Bryan on this. Do i give a **** if it's not making the advertised Hp? Nah
I like the way this car looks, It's 2.7L's and it's 6spd. So what if its making less HP.. i can change that with mods and $$$.

[EuGeNiLe GTS]

he was just informing everyone.. and yes i read that article and was pretty dissapointed after i read the article.. because i was really hoping the SE-R Spec V was better than wat SCC described it to be.. and yes it was a production ready vehicle that they tested.. actually they tested a couple.. and same results.. oh well.. no more fwd/n/a for me anyways.. looking towards a wrx still :)

[static]

Originally posted by Backroads
The last SE-R was simlilar in weight to the Celica, but is now a porky 2743 lbs... near-Maxima zone. The Altima is a better and faster car, as is the older Maxima, SCC on a "production-ready" '02 SE-R only got 7.8 sec 0-60 and 15.7 quarter. Any Celica GT 5 sp. will be glad to serve it it's own ass.

:D GTS 157 wheel hp stock 6 sp Carbon Blue

Not that I totally like this car, but I can't agree with you on the weight thing.. 2,743 lbs is no where near porky! And it's definitely nowhere near "maxima zone.".... the maxima is over 3200 lbs!! I think 2,743 is much closer to a celica than a maxima.. the car isn't "that heavy"..

[Blk00SS]

Sentra Update. Car is comming in Today.. It's advertised in the Paper but it's not at the dealership yet.. jackasses.
Red and the guy said it'll be around 19K.. I swear if those ****ers mark it up i'm gonna let them know what i think.

[gts24]

Originally posted by Kenshi
Doesn't the Sentra platform (including the SE-R) still use a modified beam rear suspension? If so, that would be reason enough for me to pass on it. (no offense, but my first car was a beam rear suspension...never again.)
YES
it is. I test drove one the other day. we made that car into a jungle gym. We took a peak in the back and boom, there it was a big fat beam across the bottom.
I did like the car, but when I shifted I thought I was gunna rip the shifter off, it's plastic. (just made that comment cuz someone made a comment about it)

[SpectraBlueGTS]

ok, I don't reply all that much but always read these threads. first off the SE-R SCC tested was a prodution ready car still NOT a production car. NISSAN also delayed the shipping of these cars almost a month to fix the problems that SCC encountered. The car was going to ship and be at dealers on 10-16 but none of the cars even started to arive at dealers until almost 11-16. ALSO if you look at SCC's artical they have an impromtu race up their "Favorite mountain road" with an RSX type S and the SE-R beat it in that race by a sizable margin. And that car was STILL the "production ready" model that wasn't putting down the correct HP. that says a lot about the potenical OF the SE-R.

I am seriously considering trading in my Celica GT-S on one for one to reduce my payments for two having the extra doors would be nice.. if the car is fun to drive and you don't have to drive it to the limits just to get it to perform that would be GREAT. as an example of that, I was coasting up to a lite in second in the celica and it turned green and a Tacoma ROASTED the car cause I couldn't put it down to first and it was to low of an RPM in second to keep up with the Tacoma. as I got into the power band and caught them VERY quickly they were just pointing and laughing.. that totally SUCKED. off the line I would have killed them. but from that roll and not being quite low enough to be in first I was killed.. an SE-R with its torque would have had NO such problem.

Also remember when the Celica first came out EVERYONE slammed on it saying it was NO where NEAR the performance it was on paper. they were also testing pre production models. Give the SE-R a break for the price I doubt it can be beat. And since it is a big displacment engine (compaired to the GT-S) and low compresion compaired also to the gt-s I am betting it will take better to after market mods. and a turbo will be out for it faster than our still waiting celicas. Plus you can't go wrong with already having a limited slip diff.

Just my 02 worth

Sean
Spectra Blue GT-S 6 spd

PS Larry D you do an Awesome job with this site keep up the good work.. :)

[afghan]

If you get upset about a Tacoma beating you on public roads, You have a personal problem your car can't help you with.

[SpectraBlueGTS]

So do you just get on to slam people?? I would call that a personal problem that nothing can help you with. You must have a problem with yourself to do that. YOU (or people like you)are a big reason why I wouldn't post that much in these forums because you love to just attack people for giving thier views and experiences. I was using it as an example of usealbe torque which the celica doesn't have alot of. I could use it as someone might have been coming the other way and running a red light and about to hit the car. And if the car had useable torque it MIGHT have gotten out of the way. I wasn't racing them but they thought I was . What I was more or less trying to get across was the useable power in the car. Thanks for sharing your opinion of someone you don't know anything about.

Sean
Spectra Blue GT-S 6spd.

[afghan]

My intention wasn't to affend you. You provided the Tacoma example which was pretty stupid.

While driving on the road I do not put my self in dangerous positions or situations where I need torque to bail me out. I know you can't predict what other people will do. You have to give them room for their error.

If you do any racing(autox or road course) you will learn to apply everything you learn at the track on the road safely. City streets is not the place to learn(I'm not saying you were). You will also find how much higher your driving limits are especially in your GTS.

Screw the torque. I know! I used to have a 6sp LT1 Z28 before the celica, and haven't looked back. Your limits are so much greater and safer in you current car, unless you do need the 4 doors. Then go the Nissan. I would buy one.
:D :cool:

Don't be afraid to interject. We are all here to learn from each other.

[Blk00SS]

Originally posted by afghan
Screw the torque. I know! I used to have a 6sp LT1 Z28 before the celica, and haven't looked back. Your limits are so much greater and safer in you current car, unless you do need the 4 doors. Then go the Nissan. I would buy one.
:D :cool:

Screw the Torque? What the hell is wrong with you? Do you actually enjoy no low end torque?
Only problem with the LT1 Camaro is the weak Rear end... 7.5" doesn't do very well with slicks. Screw the torque... i should slap you Traitor:D

[Blk00SS]

Wait a minute. Isn't the new Maxima a 2.5L V6 also lik ethe Sentra? Can someone say Heads swap?

[Darius Rucker]

Originally posted by Blk00SS
Wait a minute. Isn't the new Maxima a 2.5L V6 also lik ethe Sentra? Can someone say Heads swap?

I think the new Maxima is a 3.5L V6 so I'm not sure that would work...

[SpectraBlueGTS]

Actually there are several reasons I am considering the SE-R spec V, one is monthly payments, as in lowering them. Two is I have had quite a few problems with the tranny in the Celica and they are starting to come back, and toyota treats you like **** and tells you you abuse the car if you shift above 6000 rpm. (WHY buy a GT-S if it is abuse to shift above 6000?) I had all sorts of problems getting them to replace the second gear syncro (this was caused by poor clutch engagement which I complained about several times before they had to replace the syncro ) my clutch wouldn't totaly disengage/engage correctly. I complained about it to 2 different dealers in my area also. Finally the syncro went out, they fought me to replace it (had to call toyota of america), and I had to pay for a clutch. now 3rd gear syncro is going out. And frankly I don't know if I want to fight them about it. I THINK 3rd gear was caused by the problems from the clutch and should have been replace when the second gear syncro was.

Don't get me wrong.. the Celica is one of the funnest cars I have ever owned I love to drive it. It is also one of the best looking cars I have ever owned. (ok it is the best looking) But the tranny problems are a little to much. And having to drive it like I stold it to get potential out of it (which is a blast most of the time) is a little wearing at other times. This is where the extra Torque of the SE-R spec V would be of great advantage. Also it seems to be a target for Vandals, I have been keyed 3 times in it a windshield has been busted out. (no it is not enimies this has happened in 3 different states). My insurance company has the 2000+ Celica as the most vanalized car in america right now. And since the SE-R is a sentra and a 4 door I am thinking it will not be a target like the Celica is. (Hopeing) plus even if it is only 8:10ths of the Celica in fun to drive that still gives it a VERY high ranking.

I do not race, auto x, or street race or much else. I like to drive hard sometimes.. and I like to be able to merge with traffic when needed and keep up with traffic when needed. the case with the tacoma is an example of not being able to keep up with traffic. and I have had the car for 33000 miles so I do know how to drive it.

Sean
Spectra Blue GT-S 6spd

[Blk00SS]

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/013/8B/jd/sK/Ga70653.jpg

Taken from the New Sentra book.. Look at that ****ing cat.. You remove that and watch out

[Bryan H]

spectra is right, and within a couple weeks or so im having a dealer locate a molten silver for me.

nissan always bottles the exhaust on their cars. there is more Hp to be had out of that motor. im thinking of a procharger slapped on the side of it, what ya think?


and to the guy who said the interior felt cheap. THE GOT DAMN CELICA IS COVERED IN PLASTIC on the got damn inside.

oh and the shifter is plastc on the celica too. just wrapped in leather so you people don't complain about it

sheesh go buy a new shift knob for the car

stop nit picking the littlest things

[Backroads]

Don't be so down about a Tacoma catching you off guard. If one orders the high-ratio rear end in a regular cab and the 24v V-6 5speed those things can be seriously quick, especially in city traffic. And make no mistake, like other sleeper-owners, those Tacoma owners prowl for sports cars. And think back... did you really expect that guy to nail it when he did? I used to own one and I embarassed many camaros, only because I was sneeky, the best time to patrol was if I had a kid in the seat!!!! "300 horse" Sliverados are fair game but slower.
Well, I told you about my 1970 T/A. I really hope that discussions like this will weed out the real vvtli owners: those who enjoy working for speed. Hey, there is a nice tipronic in the '02 911 Turbo, and no real need for a 6 speed, but it's just somethin' people enjoy. 70 mph is slow but it still gets 'ya a ticket... might as well work for it!! I have to agree about the Toyota dealers. The demographics are perfect for them as the Toyota-buying '80s kids grow up. They don't have to be nice. And they suck.
The '96 Maxima was just over 3000 lbs. Still a benchmark for a big 4 door. But for me this time, it came down to the new Mini Cooper or the GTS.

Carbon Blue GTS. Escort radar and MTV Jackass sticker

[Bryan H]

how can you compare the sentra to the maxima?
two different catagories
two different engines
two different suspension set ups

2700 vs 3300
175 vs 255

both 6 spds

the sentra is the equivelant of a maxima with 235 hp
going by the 100 lbs = 10 hp

[Backroads]

Sorry for the confusion. Blk00ss has a '96, I had a '97. Maxima owners have a bit of a bond... for example most miss the stock LSD from the 95's. The new model is a different car. The '97 achieved 0-60 in 6.8 sec and had 190 hp. Nissan can say this or that, but the motor is an updated version of the normally aspirated Z motor. This caused a bond immediately! At the largest Nissan dealership in my state, the manger told me that the new Altima is, essentially the old Maxima,(actually, it's a bigger car), and the Maxima has moved "upmarket". This may explain what is happening here. Perhaps if I compared the Altima to the SE-R it would have been better taken. I don't even talk about the American I30, I mean, Maxima, any more. No point. I did drive that Altima and it's a nice car. My whining about the 4 doors and extra weight of the SE-R comes from the fact that I did in fact own a nice red '93 SE-R, which as you know was a 2300 lb 2 door with a factory LSD. That legenday car has less in common with the new car than a '97 Maxima does. It's just sad Blkooss had such a bad time with his car and dealer. It will be sad to see him leave our ranks. But to me, he is justified. :sad

[gts24]

Originally posted by Bryan H
spectra is right, and within a couple weeks or so im having a dealer locate a molten silver for me.

nissan always bottles the exhaust on their cars. there is more Hp to be had out of that motor. im thinking of a procharger slapped on the side of it, what ya think?


and to the guy who said the interior felt cheap. THE GOT DAMN CELICA IS COVERED IN PLASTIC on the got damn inside.

oh and the shifter is plastc on the celica too. just wrapped in leather so you people don't complain about it

sheesh go buy a new shift knob for the car

stop nit picking the littlest things
woah dude, I made the comment about the shifter just cuz I figured i would back someone else up. There have been numerous people on here sayin how awesome the shifter looks... that is not a reason to buy a car either.
I LIKE THIS CAR....... ALOT, I'VE DRIVEN ONE AND MY FRIEND IS GUNNA GET ONE.... I HAVE ENCOURAGED HIM TO DO SO!!!!!
NO offense was intended by any of my posts. This type of stuff happens EVERY time a new car comes out. I just wanna sit back and see if this is a dud or a an all out stud horse of a car. :)
I agree right now, it looks like it has loads and loads of potential...
we will just wait and see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Competition is a good thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[SpectraBlueGTS]

BACKROADS: yeah I know the Tacoma can be quick but the Celica should still be able to keep up.. it can once it hits lift..(actually it will beat the tacoma by a good margin at that point) it is just sometimes it takes FOREVER to get to lift.. oh well usable torque and an LSD should make up for that on the roll. Also about toyota treating their newer customers poorly THAT Is Really dumb on thier part.. the Celica was designed to bring in the NEW GEN of buyers for the future.. if the Dealers are going to treat them like garbage and only treat the older customers right then they will die out because the newer Gen are the ones that will be buying cars in the future from them. the Celica, the Matrix and cars like that are aimed at our younger gen. then they should treat us right or loose us to companies that will.

Bryan H: rock on I am thinking of getting molten silver as well. my color of choice was really the vibrant blue until I saw it with the red interior. hopefully one will be at my dealer this week.

and if you are going to compair the SE-R to an altima make sure its the 2.5 since they are the same engine then the SE-R should be a good deal faster than the Altima. since I live in Utah as well the LSD will be very nice in the winter here as well.

Sean
Spectra Blue GT-S 6spd

[Backroads]

Road and Track has the Tacoma getting to 60 in 8.5 seconds. The GTS they list at a tick over 7. Both those figures are about .4 sec high I think. But anyway... it takes a lot longer for the Toy Taco to get it's momentum going since it has so much more mass. That makes that 8.5 figure impressive. Above 80, air slows it down. It is only fast from 20 to 65 or so. But it really is fast then, with that 3.4 24v motor. I don't, ever, drive in traffic. I drive backroads posted at 55 but the sheriff radars me at 75 and still doesn't even turn around. So for me, the quality of the driving experience is critical in the 40-110mph range, and it's hard to beat the light little gts for driving excitement. I also have a second car, and no family. Now, how many of you guys are really considering the SE-R just for the performance, and not 'cause you really could use those 4 doors? Do 'ya have a kid or pet? Loser roomates w/o their own car? Lotsa friends? Lets be honest, otherwise it's not right to compare a coupe w/ a sedan. :rolleyes:

[ctkrider]

I think the sentra v spec looks cool, but why not get the new altima? My friend test drove the new altima, who happens to be a celica gts owner, and said that the new altima has some good power, and the altima was an Automatic! The only down side of the Altima in my opinion is the look. I dun like the front, but the back is alright. I'm sure if enough car enthusiasts start buying the altima, some bodykits will start coming out to fix the front end, and who knows...maybe some performance parts, but then again, look at the celica- no major performance parts =(

[JohnnyBlaze]

Couple thoughts on this, 1. I drove the se-r non spec v, and was fairly impressed, the suspension needs some work but nice power, it is only 165hp. As far as i have seen, the only differnce between the se-r and se-r spec v in horsepower is the exhaust. Is that true? If that is the case, aside from the lsd wouldn't the plain se-r be a better choice price wise? Plus, those damn spec v's only come with those ugly red seats, it looks terrible with the blue car. That would be enough reason not to buy the car for me. The seats would look good in a red or black car, but that's about it. Just my .02.

[scapamouche]

The spec v adds the LSD and 6 speed. The reg se-r is a 5 spd with open differential.

[SpectraBlueGTS]

The Spec V also adds tighter spring rates upgraded suspension peices including better strut tower braces and bigger anti role bars. plus 17 inch wheels. Another thing it has is the ablility to get the sun roof and the audio package the regular SE-R can't get unless you get the Automatic. (Yeah I know that adds weight) for about a grand more than the SE-R the differences are pretty good. I think it is worth the extra.

Sean
Spectra Blue GT-S 6spd

[Dave B]

I've got to clear up some things:

Motor Trend got a 15.4@91mph out of a V-Spec in their latest issue. The best they ever got out of the GT-S was a 15.2@93mph. Sounds pretty close to me.

The V-Spec is a 2.5 liter inline 4, not a V6.

The SE-R and V-Spec both have traction control devices. The SE-R gets a LSD and the V-Spec gets a HLSD (helical) which is even better than the LSD.

The 95 Maxima doesn't have LSD unless you had a Canadian model (doubtful if you live in the US). The 95-01 Maxima didn't have LSD unless you got the 2001 20th Annv edition. The 02 6 speed comes with a HSLD. The 92-94 SE comes with LSD.

4th gen Maximas (95-99) weigh 2970-3085 pounds . Not exactly porky. The 5th gen (00+) weighs 3210-3250lbs which is still very light compared to the competition.

The V-Spec only put down 141fwhp. It's rated at 175hp. That equals about a 19% loss to the drivetrain. That's not too bad considering the V-Spec is running with heavy 17s and a HLSD which does sap more power than a open differential.

The V-Spec is choked at both the intake and exhaust manifold. From what I've seen, late model Nissan's take very well to intake systems. Most Nissan incorporate 2-3 intake resonators. With my 96 Max, I've seen a .25 drop in et and a 1.5mph gain with a HKS intake vs a MODIFIED stock intake. The exhaust manifold of the SE-R and V-Spec is choked with a rather large cat that sits right off the exhaust tubes. JWT has already developed a header for these cars which locates a smaller cat further downstream alleviating much of the "choke".

The V-Spec is rated at 175hp and the SE-R at 165hp. The V-Spec uses a slightly more agressive ECU and performance exhaust. Nissan's powerrating are in question, especially when talking about the 240hp Altima vs 255hp Maxima. I don't think there will be much of a performance difference between the V-Spec and SE-R. I almost doubt that the SE-R will have any less power than the V-Spec. Honestly, on a 1/4 track I think the SE-R might be quicker due to the lighter weight wheels and lower power sapping LSD. On a autocross track, the V-Spec would be the winner. I think the SE-R ($16000) is a better choice simply because most guys don't keep the suspension, exhaust, wheels, etc stock even if it's factory "race spec" model (ie Civic Si, ITR, M3). With the $1500+ you'd save buying the SE-R, you could have a better looking, faster, and more custom ride than the V-Spec. After looking after the gearing of the 5 speed vs 6 speed, I hardly see any advantage. The same can be said about the Maxima 6 speed vs Altima 5 speed. The Maxima has 3% deeper overall ratio. That's nothing in terms of performance. I don't even think you could feel it. When going from a 3.08 to a 3.73 gear in a Mustang, the difference is clearly felt and that's a 21% increase in overall ratio. 3% vs 21%, that's a big difference.

The Sentra and Maxima (95+) use a rear beam suspension. Nissan did their homework when developing this setup which incorporates trailing arms, internal large diameter sway bar, and a lateral pivot link that keeps the beam centered in all situations. According to Nissan, the lateral link also "steers" the rear wheels slightly in a turn effectively giving the car a quicker turn in. I've felt this "system" actually work in tight corners and it takes a little while to get use to. The turn is quick and tight. The rear beam also weighs less than a IRS. However, once aftermarket lowering springs and stiffer rate shocks are installed, the rear beam does transmit more harshness. My next car won't be a 2k2 6 speed Max mostly because I want the smoothest ride possible. The beam gives up little in performance. The V-Spec actually outhandles the ITR which says a lot about what a well setup beam can do.

Driving a torquey and well geared car is a God-send in around the town traffic. My 96 Maxima makes 194fwtq (~228tq at the fly), with over 95% of that torque being available from a mere 1800rpms all the way to 5000rpms (according to the dyno). This very flat torque curve (if you can even call it a curve) teamed with a deep factory gearset (3.89 ratio) makes for strong acceleration and wickedly easy 2nd gear starts. This much torque in a 2930lb car is very nice. Is it a ton of torque? No way, my old 94 Z28 was a torque monster. I want that torque back. I will NEVER drive a car with less torque than my Maxima. Driving a low torque car is boring. I would much rather have strong power available from 3500-6500rpms instead of 5500-8000rpms. It's just easier to drive is all aspects.

The new Sentras, Altimas, and Maximas are now using cable actuated shifters which sucks IMO. Without a true rod linkage, shift feel is extremely sloppy. The Maxima's 6 speed shift feel is truely laughable. The Altima's is slightly better.


Dave

[Backroads]

There is a new article in the Forum "SCC was right about the Spec V". The link( to an owner's dyno) was worth going to. The guy got 141 out of his new car.
My facts were straight (above comments) other than yes, the '95 did not have the LSD, it was '94. I didn't call the 4th gen Maxima porky, I was referring to the 02 SE-R. Of course, that is more outrageous to say, but again I was comparing it to the former model, which as I remember was in the 2300-2400 lb range. I'm glad there is some agreement on the solid beam. I liked it on the 4th gen Maximas for handling and weight. But again, it's usually done for cost-savings and the back seat ride is harsh. The 4th gen Maximas were really light, fast, and sweet. And they were smaller than now. My strange sounding comments stem from the fact that the 02 SE-R is closer in weight to a 4th gen Maxima than a Celica, if only by a few pounds... probably a scale is needed. I owned a '97 Maxima SE 5sp leather Black on Black w/ 5 spokes and a huge electronics/radio set up and light show. I had a red '93 SE-R which did great in snow but I was glad to trade it toward the Max. And I drove the new Altima, which makes speed a bit boring but is one super sweet car.

'02 TOYOTA CELICA GTS 6 sp Carbon Blue. MTV JACKASS STICKER

[dodiet]

Originally posted by SpectraBlueGTS
I was coasting up to a lite in second in the celica and it turned green and a Tacoma ROASTED the car cause I couldn't put it down to first and it was to low of an RPM in second to keep up with the Tacoma. as I got into the power band and caught them VERY quickly they were just pointing and laughing.. that totally SUCKED. off the line I would have killed them. but from that roll and not being quite low enough to be in first I was killed.. an SE-R with its torque would have had NO such problem.

Maybe you should of thought of double clutching and would have no problem of going into first. Try it next time, you'll like it. And falling behind like you did was due to driver error, not the Celica's cause you kept it in second.

[SpectraBlueGTS]

Nice of you to tell me to do this. I was doing just about 30 mph when it turned green again. double clutching or not my car won't go into first at that speed, all it will do is grind. And I am not about to grind my car to win a "race" with anything. The car has enough problems with syncros as it is. Since the top speed in first is about 38 it took a while to get there in second.

NOW that that is said and done. I test drove the Spec V last night. I liked the car alot. I was amazed at how tight it was. It is a tighter ride than the Celica. It handles as well as the Celica at least by feel. I loved the clutch uptake in it. The clutch is better than the Celicas in its engage/disengagement. I thought the shifter was good but the Celicas is better. The feel is a bit more rubbery than the Celicas is but it is still really good. The interior is great the seats are very supportive and comfortable. About the same feel driving it as driving the Celica overall with out having to drive it like you stold it. But what did suprise me when taken over bumps and rough road the SE-R was actually more harsh than the Celica. The suspension of the Celica soaks up the bumps better. Of course the Celica looks better but it is suprising how well the SE-R actually does look especially with the 17 inch low profile wheels. Properly drivin I think the SE-R will give the Celica a run for its money but the Celica should still pull out ahead in the straights. ON a track it would be much closer and may go toward the SE-R for better torque and that limitied slip diff. Both cars are great.. but I can get into the SE-R and get my payments down to 350. a 100 bucks less a month for now for me is something I NEED to do. And having a brand new car to boot.
I don't NEED 4 doors but they will be nice in hauling around my friends. NOW they don't need to crawl all over my seats..


anyway
PROS for the SE-R are
fun to drive
good clutch uptake
Wheels
LSD
low end and mid range Torque
Great handling
great stereo
GREAT seats
good road feel
Quite smooth ride (on nice surfaces)
very tight
price
Did I mention Fun to drive? ( and yes the Celica is as fun to drive as this is)

Cons are
doesn't look as good as the Celica (duh) (subjective)
Shifter isn't as good as the Celicas but still good (gates aren't as definned)
interiour sould have different colors beside Lava
Nissan Dealers seem to think this is gods gift to the automotive world.
( don't want to budge much off of MSRP)
Ride can be harsh on broken road. Car doesn't soak up bumps as well as the celica does.
Engines red line and power could be better.

overall the car was very nice. And it looks like for the tranny problems I have had with the Celica that are cropping up again, because they didn't replace the 3rd gear syncro when they replaced the 2nd gear syncro. PLUS it will save me money for the things I need to get done for now.. I WILL miss my Celica. But every good thing must come to an end sooner or later :)

Sean
Spectra Blue GTS 6spd

Soon to be Motlen Silver SE-R spec V

[Auto[BoT]_GTS]

aRg .............................Someone just buy one already...........................and race me lol!