You can kinda see it, but, there's a stick shift in there.


What I'm looking for is a nice, well-behaved, comfortable car...but a quick one.

I guess I'm leaning towards the auto cause:
- traffic. Manipulating the clutch and gas for 40 minutes+ everyday in stop and go traffic isn't considered fun in my eyes.

- I already have a fun/sem-quick car.

- I've heard horror stories about the 6spds

- when i had my 00' 5spd... i hated the clutch, but the power and the ability to have control was the selling point. Two years later, a bit older and more mature... I'm looking for something simplier?

I guess my main problem was, I don't want to buy the auto if it's a mid 15sec car when the 6spd is a mid 14sec car. I want the car to be as quick as my track car.

Plus, aren't there standard equipment that comes with the autos that are optional on the 6spds?

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

Its up to the driver. Personally I ran a 14.66 stock and it was my first trip ever to any track racing. I wish I could run it again stock in the cooler weather 14.4's would be lurking around.

 

I raced Auto 2002 Maxima and had no problems pulling on him. Same thing happend to an Altima V6 (I think he was Auto too). I think 6-speed is noticably faster than 2002 Auto.

 

I know it is noticably faster especially on the hwy. But once again its all in the driver of the car. I have raced a fellow org member countless times and he is unable to walk away from me like most mention. Some say my cars a freak though according to my 1/4 times. Matt

 

Well, this is obviously a personal preference. The clutch in the Max is pretty soft (well, not heave at least), so manipulating it even for 40 mins non-stop would not kill you, or tire you out.

Quote:

- I already have a fun/sem-quick car.

Why not have a fun and really quick far that has the capability to haul you and your 4 friends while still ripping 90% of the cars on the road (that percentage goes up to 97% if you're by yourself )

Quote:

- I've heard horror stories about the 6spds

You must have NOT heard much worse stories about the automatic!

Quote:

- when i had my 00' 5spd... i hated the clutch, but the power and the ability to have control was the selling point. Two years later, a bit older and more mature... I'm looking for something simplier?

Test drive the Max 6 speed to feel out the clutch--it's not bad at all

Quote:

I guess my main problem was, I don't want to buy the auto if it's a mid 15sec car when the 6spd is a mid 14sec car. I want the car to be as quick as my track car.

Well, it looks like the auto is a mid 15 sec car (on avg) and the 6 speed is mid 14's on avg!

Quote:

Plus, aren't there standard equipment that comes with the autos that are optional on the 6spds?

That's not true. The 6 speed and the auto on the Max are the same price (since it's a 6 speed, they decided us to charge a premium on it). The equipment level is the same regardless of transmission.

Quote:

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

Well, it looks like the auto is a mid 15 sec car (on avg) and the 6 speed is mid 14's on avg!


Just curious to were these numbers come from. I have never seen a 2k2 auto below a 15.2 and thats with a horrible 60'. Also what horror stories have you heard from the auto?? Matt

 

Well, I know a couple of weeks ago at the track, a guy in a 2k2 Altima auto ran a 14.5 at about 98? with something like a 1.8 60. He had very little track experience.

The same day I was running 14.7s @96 all day because I couldn't get a decent 60'. I think the best was 2.3.

I imagine that the auto max runs comparable times (even if it doesn't have 15 more hp! ()

No way the 2k2 auto I drove was a mid 15 sec car. It felt about the same as mine but with more torque down low.

 

Matt, I meant to say low 15's, my mistake. That's a number for a stock 2k2/2k3 auto, no mods. This is for an avg joe, not somebody who goes to the track every weekend. We've, I think, established that an auto is about .3 secs slower than stick ,and since bone stock 6 sp runs about 14.7/14.8, that equates to the auto running about 15.1 or 15.2. These are basically the numbers that I've heard based on reading this board. Of course, you can say that some people exaggerate and lie on here, but those numbers seem to be reasonable. Perhaps I'm wrong, so if somebody wants to correct me, feel free.

As far as the auto problems, just do a search in the 5th gen forum (or 4th gen) and see what you come up with. Some people had clutches that slip, leaving them revving the engine but no transfer of power to the wheels (this, in my book, could cause a serious accident if the "right" circumstances are in place). That's just one example that I can recall off the top of my head. Overall, I just heard and formed an opinion based on the threads that I've seen that the auto is not that reliable, and can get some serious problems. Now, this is not to say that all autos are like that, but I've heard a number of cases on this board where there were issues. I've also heard about people who had their 6 sp replaced 3 times by 10k miles, so I'm not saying that the 6 speed is not prone to problems. I'm just saying that they both have horror stories, and some of the auto stories are just as bad, if not worse, than the 6 speed.

Also, 2002 was the first year the 6 speed was introduced. Thus far, I have not heard of any serious problems with the 2003 6 speed, so perhaps Nissan fixed all the bugs. Correct me if I'm wrong...

 

I have had 2 Automagic maximas and regret every single minute that I didnt get the manual. It is alot faster, and better fuel economy, not to mention SH!TLOADS more fun.

 

It's too bad Nissan didn't use a 5-speed auto in the Maxima because the car would be much stronger. I'd bet this tranny would close to the gap to within .1-.2 seconds and 1-2mph in the 1/4. The new Maxima will have the 5 speed auto and I'd bet the 04 Altima will get the same 5 speed auto to compete with the new Accord.


Dave

 

the only thing that comes with the auto and not the 6 speed is the Entry/Exit seat thing. the seat moves back when you're getting in and out of the car.

 

well, we do have to mention the drivetrain diff's...like optional HLSD on the 6 speed or optional traction control on the auto...

 

true.

 

I think he was talking about standard equip. though, in which case there's no difference.

 

do we need air to breathe?

it's all up to you. if you live in an area where traffic is really congested and you don't race(track, strip or autocross) alot(which i know you do Kam), get an auto.

but i don't know how you'd resist the temptation of not buying a 6speed car when you live minutes away from Las Vegas Speedway

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vito1281
Well, this is obviously a personal preference. The clutch in the Max is pretty soft (well, not heave at least), so manipulating it even for 40 mins non-stop would not kill you, or tire you out.
I don't think that's the problem. It's just dealing with it... more on this...

Why not have a fun and really quick car
1. Street racing is gay.
2. I wouldn't use it to race people, just to be able to merge on the freeway, pass people, be able to leap in front of people wouldn't difficulty.


You must have NOT heard much worse stories about the automatic!
I haven't. I've looked but haven't found anything other then uber-specifics.

Test drive the Max 6 speed to feel out the clutch--it's not bad at all
When I was first deciding between the altima v6 and the maxima v6, we took out an auto altima, and a stick maxima.

the car salesman launched it pretty hard, spinning it completely thru first. kinda interesting.

it's all up to you. if you live in an area where traffic is really congested and you don't race(track, strip or autocross) alot(which i know you do Kam), get an auto.
Regardless of what I got, I'd race it once or twice, both autocross/track and strip. just to see what it can do.

but i don't know how you'd resist the temptation of not buying a 6speed car when you live minutes away from Las Vegas Speedway
hehehe, I dunno... that's the tough decision.

It's either:
- dealing with the clutch EVERYDAY and having sporatic spurts of fun with the 6spd.
or
- never having to worry about the clutch, but never having the ability to slam thru the gears in the daily driver...

If i didn't have a second car, i'd jump on the 6spd immediately. But, i do and it's a blast to drive (everyone who has driven it has come back with a happy meal grin...that's how much fun it is).

I guess i'm leaning towards the auto and looking for a good reason to change my mind to get a 6spd other than "it's fun" or "it's 3 tenths faster". If there's chronic issues about the autos, I'd opt for the 6spd.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Driven EF9
[B]they're chronically three tenths slower and chronically automotic.

 

Well, if you've driven stick, and still leaning towards an autoboring, then I guess there's not much we can say.

If you were a newbie to an automagic and weren't sure if'd be good, it'd be a different story, but if you drive stick and find it bothersome, then just get the auto. Regardless, it's a gem of a car!

 

I got the auto, but I am somewhat longing for the stick. I made the mistake of test driving the stick after I got my auto. No biggie though, the auto has its pros. We do alot of highway driving, which would be perfect for the stick, but my girlfriend can't drive a manual. The car feels just as peppy as the stick, but as other's have said it's the fun factor.

I figure, down the road, if I don't like it and the auto one day has to be replaced (they all do) I may spring to have a manual put in instead.

 

At the track, yes you'll see a difference (very dependant on driver though). But in everyday driving, not enough speed difference to worry about, unless you are one of those people that drive around all night friday night looking for people to street race.

If the CRX is manual and hasn't impressed you enough to convince you to never buy an auto again, then I'd say the CRX is a POS. Drive the 6-speed, and you'll see the difference. But in the end, I guess it's just driver pref.

 

Kam,

Get the six speed!

Trust me you'll never regret it. Having driven both an auto max and a manual, lemme tell you there is NO comparison. And worse yet, for you to go from manual to automatic.

Think of it this way. Sometimes in traffic with your stick, you'll be wishing you had an auto, until you hit an open stretch. But EVERY time you floor it in your auto and wait for the tranny to catch up to your foot, you'll be kicking yourself in the A$$ for not getting the six!

The six speed is a fun car on the road course, it's got power coming out of every turn. In my auto i'd experience the dreaded lag at 40 mph.

 

...let us know in a few months if you are happy with the decision. I seldom hear people going from sticks to auto and not regretting it.

 

That's a plus in my book

 

haha, i'm with you on this one!!!

Just get the 6 speed and let's end this thread!!!

 

Quoted Message:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by 2002 Maxima SE
but my girlfriend can't drive a manual.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


My wife can drive a manual but she refuses to drive my Max. (Which is fine by me. )

 

*sigh* So true.........

 

in general, i'd agree with you. but it hasn't been the case with me personally. i went from a stick integra R to an auto 2k2 max (i haven't driven many other manuals, but from one i hear, the teg r has one of teh best gearboxes made). living in boston, i do not miss stick at all.

yeah, there is a delay when you go WOT, but seriously, unless you're constantly street racing, or going to the track, the ease of an auto far outweighs the marginal compromise in performance (i'm 22, so this isn't coming from someone who has no adrenaline left in their system).

 

5 days out of the week you'll be glad you bought the auto
2 days out of the week you'll be mad you bought the auto.

You choose. I opted for the auto, so during the week I'm happy, on the weekends, I wish I had the stick. I don't regret it and I don't get walked by the 6 speed guys.

 

as mentioned by many others, it's always the autotragic guy wishing he'd bought the stick. rarely ever do i see a post about a stick guy wishin he'd gone with the slushbox

 

Some of you guys are really retarded . I owned a real 6 speed, a T56, which was on my WS6. With a Centerforce clutch, and short shifter, none of which is available for a Max. I have driven more than my share of 6 speed Maxes. The cutch is weak, the shi=fter is hideous, and to top it off , most of you guys have no idea how to launch them. If all you are getting is a 14.7 in a 6 speed, go home and practice. You should be in 14.4 - 14.5 range at least. **** me down for my auto all you like. I have a raced a few 6 speeds, and I get beat by 2 cars..... Oh well. I drive in a city that actually has PEOPLE living in it. I drive in traffic all the time. I know what it was like to come home with an aching left leg.....

As far as the Nissan auto tranny, they could have done better. 2K2-3 is better than the 2K1. Nissan should learn from GM. LT1's and LS1's run same times.. Stick or auto !

Believe it or not, I have traction problems with my car. If I turn my TC off.. I spin all through 1st... with my 245's on my 19's..... Slicks or Drag radilas would put me in low 14's for sure...

 

The 6-speed!!!

I can't drive a auto without trying to find the clutch or shifter......the 6 give me more control over the car and much more fun I fall asleep with autos....

 

<== Never falls asleep in my Max...

 

While you've owned quite a few muscle cars with 5 and 6 speeds, the general conception that I'm getting here is that a decent amount of the max owners have either:

A) Never drove stick before, and the 6-speed is their 1st manual
B) Have possibly driven other 5-speeds, but nothing in the class of a real muscle car's stick, so they really can't compare to the max's 6-speed
or
C) both A and B

Much like you Kloog, I have an auto, and sometimes I do regret NOT getting the 6-speed, but I never regret the auto either. When I test drove the 2K3 6-speed, it seemed pretty smooth to me, but then again, the only other manual I've driven was my friend's Toyota Solara, so that doesn't give me much in the realm for comparing. Your experience with 6-speeds tells you that the Max's would suck, but to others, they may think it was the best thing in the world since homemade apple pie.