what are the differences between the 01 & 02 Maxima SE? Are there cosmetic differences? different options available?

thanks in advance.

 

Major difference? 3.0 compared to 3.5 (30+ hp increase)

 

HID..change of shift booth... better suspension...

 

02 has 3.5L engine. 30 more HP. HID headlights. Euro style clear taillights. Better suspension. Different shift **** and booth. GPS Navigation. And enjoys being one of the most hit up cars among thieves. :P

 

electronic drive-by-wire throttle, different gauges, different seats, etc

 

what about exterior cosmetics, besides the lights?

 

Different color and rim choices. Otherwise, identical on the outside.

 

not true.....

 

so what is the truth?

 

What else am I missing besides the grill?

 

the font in which "maxima" is written in is different....not that anybody is going to care

 

The logo gem is larger, and the grill is different.

 

Front brakes about 1" larger diameter, cable shifter rather than rod on manual, softer rear shocks, clear surrounds on taillights, completely different headlight assemblies, different grill, lower valence, badges.

 

Front rotors are 1/2" larger in diameter but also a little thicker. The whole front bumper is different on the 02.

The seats are different in the 02 as well. Some say the 00/01 was more comfortable yet some disagree. I have owned both and didn't notice that much of a difference.

 

If the 00-01 seats are more comfortable, they are also a lot uglier...

In fact, I didn't buy an 00-01 Maxima because I thought they were so frumpy looking.

I really like my 03 seats..

-vq

 

Major differences:

VQ35DE (255hp) versus VQ30 (222-227hp)
HID headlamps (theft prone) versus Halogens
Throttle-by-wire versus cable throttle
CDROM GPS Navigation versus Rand McNally Atlas (which you provide)

 

The 6sp max is a ROD linkage. Sentra Se-r Spec V is a cable shifter.

 

I don't think 2002 Maxima has better suspension. I actually feel it is worse compared
to 2000-2001.
I used to have 2000 SE before I got 2002 SE and 2000 drove better, shocks felt firmer.
2002 has more play and feels a little loose on the road.
I am not sure why they changed shocks between 2000 and 2002.

 

Wow.. I cheated.... I got neither

 

Well, I have both cars the 2k Max and the 2k3 Max and both are pretty damn good cars, they both ride well and are pretty quiet, however I disagree with my compadre here on the 2k2/2k3 feeling loose on the road because the 2k3 is much better on the road and quieter.

The 2k has less sound deadening as well, just take a look at both vehicles trunks, the 2k isn't lined at the top of the trunk, whereas the 2k3 is. The suspension is much more taut than the 2k but on the highway they both seem to be about equal.

When you hit a bump with the 2k you tend to feel it moreso than in the 2k3 but overall you get an all around good car whichever way you go.

 

Everything changed except the body shape.

 

No one mentioned that along with new grille and new bumper up front, that the car got new fogs that are glass. And side sill extentions.

Stereo faceplates changed a bit too (new buttons, *****, and a bit of attractive bling bling silver trim). Bose has 6-disc changer in dash and RDS (radio data system).

Important part of the seat changes are thicker cushioning and active head restraints. Unimportant part is they are more attractive.

Now, in 03 the interior looses it's attractive two tone door panels (looks alot plainer inside) and recieves new control switches on the doors that are now used in the 04 max.

I always thought my '02 was quieter than my buddies 00. Now I know why.

 

details of better suspension?

 

The bumper is also different. The 02s is sharper, as opposed to the 00's curve.

Here are two pics you can use to compare the fronts:

02 Max:
http://www.carlockofjackson.com/USED...AN%20P-785.jpg

00 Max:
http://www.carlockofjackson.com/USED...AN%20P-653.jpg

 

my 2k is lined at the top of the trunk. i believe it is part of
the meridian package.

 

The 02 GLE models have MUCH better looking wheels than the 00 and 01 GLEs while also upping to 17" as opposed to 16" on the earlier.

 

I was under the impression that the struts & shocks are identical amongst all 5th gens, however do the 2k2+ have anything different (such as a differing lateral link on the rear axlebeam, maybe a bigger front anti-sway bar, etc?)

Maybe Nissan used updated suspension components on the 2k2+ (e.g. struts), but that point becomes moot once you start replacing suspension components on the 2k...

 

I'm in the market for a 5th Gen and still debating on a 00-01 or a 02-03.. Doesn't the 01's have the AE (Anniversary Edition)? Also does anyone know if the AE came in 5spd? Doesn't 02-03's have LSD on 5spds?

 

So true. They look pretty kick ***.

 

careful, guys. trick question.

 

the 02-03 manuals have six speeds and you can get them with HSLD

 

.....about a full second off the quarter mile

 

WRONG.

6speed maxima = CABLE SHIFTER


6 speed maxima = 6 speed SENTRA SE-R = Hyundai Tiboruon 6 speed

THEY ALL USE THE SAME TRANNY, and the first 3 gear ratios are the same in all 3 cars.

Not sure about final drive thoguh.

ED

 

Does anyone know what year the oil cooler started?

Just noticed today when I was modifying my thermostat that a cooling line comes off that housing to the oil filter to cool it. That is sure not on my 4th Gen.