Just to know for information's sake, are all stock 3rd-gens basically the same performance wise?

 

no....89-91 SE and 89-94 GXE =160hp(VG engine, sohc); 92-94 SE= 190hp(VE engine, dohc).

 

ok so 92 was the year on the SE's that really changed it all? (definately goin for the 92 now)

 

each has it's own setbacks as well. It's not all about stock hp output, ya know...
do a SEARCH and with some effort you will find more than you wanted to know. Also, try searching the web.

 

if you go for a '92 SE, the concensus seems to be leaning towards the 5spd model, not counting out the auto, but its not as quick as the 5spd...and plus ITS A 5SPD!!!

5psd VE= mid/low 15's in the 1/4th
auto VE= low 16's in the 1/4th

 

yeah I was definately planning on going with the 5spd (although I am not too good at driving one at the moment, but I can learn) because when I drive, I actually want to feel like I am doing something.

So is a 92 basically the best buy between the third gens?

 

not so much the best buy....as far as reliability issues go, I'd say its a toss up! the VG powered Maximas tend to be VERY reliable, some reaching mialage into the high 200k, while they are slower the VG block was Nissans workhorse engine of the late 80's early 90's and one fo the most reliable!!! The VE engine is very reliable as well, maybe not as much as the VG, but still only major problems seem to be the VTCs "breaking", $$$ to fix. in the performance department..the VE wins hands down , 30+hp over the VG and gobs of top-end make it a great highway and 1/4th mile car....my picks are:

92-94 SE 5spd VE 190hp or 91 SE 5spd VG 160hp

both are good cars....

 

Yeah, what DA-MAX said. Both have their plusses and minuses. VGs tend to have more low-end grunt, but run out of breath at high RPM. VEs are opposite, not that it's a pain to drive at low RPM though (I drive under 2500 all the time).

Check the exhaust studs for all models, working VTCs for VEs, changed timing belt for VGs.

Good luck!