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5th gen vs 5.5 gen

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Old 08-26-2004, 06:44 PM
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5th gen vs 5.5 gen

what is the difference between a 5th gen max and a 5.5 gen max?
yes im a noob... dont sigh too hard
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Old 08-26-2004, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by sleotta
what is the difference between a 5th gen max and a 5.5 gen max?
yes im a noob... dont sigh too hard
5.5 Gen includes these extra options. - 3.5 L engine, HID headlights, different front bumper, chrome tails, different shifter, and some extra cool gadgets inside the car.
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:08 PM
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how do i know which i have? its a 2002 SE
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by sleotta
how do i know which i have? its a 2002 SE


you gotta 5.5 gen
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by sleotta
how do i know which i have? its a 2002 SE
sleep in the car for a few nights.....you will know what is she capable offffffff
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Ryans Maxima
you gotta 5.5 gen

ok... when did it become a 5.5?
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by sleotta
ok... when did it become a 5.5?
2k2...
didn't you read up about anything before you bought your car...
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by sleotta
ok... when did it become a 5.5?
2k2++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++read the manual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by sleotta
ok... when did it become a 5.5?
4th gen = old body style
5th gen = new body style, VQ30 3.0 liter engine
5.5th gen = same body style as 5th gen, VQ35 3.5 liter engine
6th gen = new body style

4th gen - up to 1999
5th gen - 2000-2001
5.5th gen - 2002-2003
6th gen 2004+

main differences 5th gen vs. 5.5th gen:

Engine: 225hp 3.0 liter vs. 255-265 hp 3.5 liter
manual Tranny: 5-speed stick vs. 6 speed stick
Throttle: standard (cable) vs. drive-by wire
Appearance: different grille, front bumpers
Headlights: standard halogen vs. HID
Taillights: black carbon (or all-red) vs.. Chrome/"alteeza-style"
Interior features: 5.5th gen adds optional heated steering wheel, different seats, different shift console, some other things.....

in terms of brakes, suspension, general interior layout - they are all essentially the same....

the real notable differences are the engine and the HIDs......

both are great cars. The 5.5th gens are faster, but the 5th gen is by no means a slouch on power...
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:40 PM
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you get an extra gear in the 2k2
6-SPEED oh yeah
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by irish44j
Engine: 225hp 3.0 liter vs. 255-265 hp 3.5 liter
.
222HP, actually. Then there is the AE SE which is 227HP.
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Arnold K.
222HP, actually. Then there is the AE SE which is 227HP.
yeah, I know - I was just splitting the difference for simplicity's sake. my buddy has a practically identical 2k1 (even has the roof rack) and I feel absolutely no difference in power...I mean it's only like a 2% increase...
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:54 PM
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eh, couple of interior things off the top of my head: (oh, and remember some are options)

1. slightly different style leather seats
2. seat memory
3. heated steering wheel
4. in-dash 6cd player bose
5. gauges
6. 6spd shift **** or gated auto shifter
7. shifter console and shift boot (manual)
8. trip computer option

other:
1. 5.5gen stock rim selection (3 types)
2. chrome/special exhaust tips
3. 2k2-2k3 sideskirts
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:55 PM
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Hehe, yeah...they aren't very much different at all.
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Old 08-26-2004, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Larrio
eh, couple of interior things off the top of my head: (oh, and remember some are options)

1. slightly different style leather seats
2. seat memory
3. heated steering wheel
4. in-dash 6cd player bose
5. gauges
6. 6spd shift **** or gated auto shifter
7. shifter console and shift boot (manual)
8. trip computer option

other:
1. 5.5gen stock rim selection (3 types)
2. chrome/special exhaust tips
3. 2k2-2k3 sideskirts
No one mentioned that the 5.5s also have side skirts which make the car look like it's sitting lower.
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Old 08-26-2004, 08:37 PM
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[QUOTE=Arnold K.]
other:
1. 5.5gen stock rim selection (3 types)
2. chrome/special exhaust tips
3. 2k2-2k3 sideskirts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No one mentioned that the 5.5s also have side skirts which make the car look like it's sitting lower.
That's actually the last thing he said....

Here I will have to disagree with the common opinion about the 3.5 being the better of the two in each and every aspect. I'm only talking about the GLE, since this is what I know. I drove today an '03 and was far from impressed. The whopping 33hp difference between the two doesn't really make one feel like the 3.5 has one cylinder more (unlike what a lot of people will tell you here). The car was on stock Potenzas, so that might have made matters worse. But the 03 GLE had nowhere near the soft 'luxurious' ride my GLE has. It did not even have the chrome door handles inside that I have, which IMO look a ton better.

Otherwise, I loved the '03. I wanted to drive it with the intention of buying it, but sorry, it didn't turn out all that worth the extra $$$.
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Old 08-26-2004, 09:02 PM
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I'm blind...and sleepy.
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Old 08-27-2004, 12:28 AM
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Somehow, I feel that this thread is going to turn into a 3.0 vs 3.5 thread.
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Old 08-27-2004, 01:10 AM
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It was suggested a long time ago that each have their own subforum. I don't think Nissan was able to foresee the turmoil a mid-generation increase of
engine size has created among the 5th gen strata.. what were they thinking??

A 5th generation Maxima is a 5th generation Maxima, it's not a Benz, it's not a Bimmer, it's not even the latest generation Maxima anymore. ..so frankly, I think we're the only ones that believe the differences between our cars are a big deal.
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Old 08-27-2004, 04:08 AM
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one thing about the 5.5 Gen that I like (which is rarely mentioned as a difference between the two) is the leather seats..I prefer the pattern of the stitching in the 5.5 Gen..in fact, when I was looking to trade in my 1998 Sentra SE (w/sr20de) for a new car back in 2000, I test drove a 2000 5 speed and bought a 1998 SE Maxima instead...why? well, one reason was price, but the ugly seats in the y2k and 2k1 kept me from ponying up the extra cash that I could have ponyed up...

thanks for the ugly seats nissan, you saved me an assload of money.

-vq
 
Old 08-27-2004, 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Maximadmoiselle
It was suggested a long time ago that each have their own subforum. I don't think Nissan was able to foresee the turmoil a mid-generation increase of
engine size has created among the 5th gen strata.. what were they thinking??

A 5th generation Maxima is a 5th generation Maxima, it's not a Benz, it's not a Bimmer, it's not even the latest generation Maxima anymore. ..so frankly, I think we're the only ones that believe the differences between our cars are a big deal.

I agree. Besides there are only 4 "major" differences between the two that really matter: 3.5L motor, 6MT, Navi and HIDs. (6MT & Navi seem to be somewhat rare so, mainly only two differences.) Everthing else is just fluff.

A coworker of mine is looking to buy a 5G Maxima and I recommended the AE model for several reasons: no-HID theft problem (he lives in Brooklyn), best looking body pkg, cool AE trim and its about $1,500 cheaper than a similarly equipped 02. As far as power goes, unless you have some open road, the 5G should hold its own with the 5.5G.

Peace.
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Old 08-27-2004, 06:44 AM
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haha.. that was funny. Yea, i did mention the seats further up on my previous post.

i firmly believe nissan was planning on the 5.5 gen when the made the 5th gens. This is partially due to the reason that i drive a AE/SE, which is fully loaded and I still have empty buttons on the panels in the car where other "options" would go. Also, that whole idea of 4th gen metal IM to 5th gen plastic IM and back to 5.5 gen metal IM makes me very fishy why they pulled it off the market in two years and now we have all those VIAS failures
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Old 08-27-2004, 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Larrio
Also, that whole idea of 4th gen metal IM to 5th gen plastic IM and back to 5.5 gen metal IM makes me very fishy why they pulled it off the market in two years and now we have all those VIAS failures
What is this?

What is IM and VIAS?

Sorry if this is common knowledge...
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Old 08-27-2004, 08:53 AM
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Intake Manifold and Variable Intake, I would believe.
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Old 08-27-2004, 11:00 AM
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Someone make a FAQ about 5th generation color, options, standard ect... and STICKY it so this question doesn't come up every week

And according to my 2000 GLE Window sticker (build date 11/99) Its NVIS (Nissan Variable Induction System) which is also known as VI or VIAS here on the boards.
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Old 08-27-2004, 11:30 AM
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ANOTHER ONE?????
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Old 08-27-2004, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
I agree. Besides there are only 4 "major" differences between the two that really matter: 3.5L motor, 6MT, Navi and HIDs. (6MT & Navi seem to be somewhat rare so, mainly only two differences.) Everthing else is just fluff.

A coworker of mine is looking to buy a 5G Maxima and I recommended the AE model for several reasons: no-HID theft problem (he lives in Brooklyn), best looking body pkg, cool AE trim and its about $1,500 cheaper than a similarly equipped 02. As far as power goes, unless you have some open road, the 5G should hold its own with the 5.5G.

Peace.
Not automatic to automatic even a short 600 ft run you would see a major difference in the power/torque. difference between a 5 gen and a 5.5 gen. 5.5 gens torque shows its adavantage down low.
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Old 08-27-2004, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
Not automatic to automatic even a short 600 ft run you would see a major difference in the power/torque. difference between a 5 gen and a 5.5 gen. 5.5 gens torque shows its adavantage down low.
3 days ago I would have totally agreed with you, before a SE auto decided he wanted to race me. From a traffic light stop to like 45-50 I kept up with him pretty well only with my A/C off. Now, there were other factors like me being pretty light and my rims being a size smaller. But again, that happened on the street, not on a track. He would have pulled on me eventually, no doubt about that. Just look at the numbers, the 3.5 auto is a high 14s car, a 3.0 is high 15s.
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Old 08-27-2004, 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Larrio
haha.. that was funny. Yea, i did mention the seats further up on my previous post.

i firmly believe nissan was planning on the 5.5 gen when the made the 5th gens. This is partially due to the reason that i drive a AE/SE, which is fully loaded and I still have empty buttons on the panels in the car where other "options" would go. Also, that whole idea of 4th gen metal IM to 5th gen plastic IM and back to 5.5 gen metal IM makes me very fishy why they pulled it off the market in two years and now we have all those VIAS failures
I just have to mention - I actually like my leather seats in my 2000 max. Yeah, the seats in the 5.5th gen are a little prettier, but the 2k seats are comfortable, just as adjustable, and look fine.

but then again, I don't stand around outside the car looking at my seats. Usually my A S S is sitting in them, so I'm not looking at the seat.

but I guess you 5.5th gen guys are just so much cooler.....oh well.
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Old 08-27-2004, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by irish44j
I just have to mention - I actually like my leather seats in my 2000 max. Yeah, the seats in the 5.5th gen are a little prettier, but the 2k seats are comfortable, just as adjustable, and look fine.

but then again, I don't stand around outside the car looking at my seats. Usually my A S S is sitting in them, so I'm not looking at the seat.

but I guess you 5.5th gen guys are just so much cooler.....oh well.
Nissan actually kept a similar stitch pattern on the I35 and the Altima, they only changed it on the 2k2 Max. So I guess we're still cooler
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Old 08-27-2004, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by irish44j
I just have to mention - I actually like my leather seats in my 2000 max. Yeah, the seats in the 5.5th gen are a little prettier, but the 2k seats are comfortable, just as adjustable, and look fine.

but then again, I don't stand around outside the car looking at my seats. Usually my A S S is sitting in them, so I'm not looking at the seat.

but I guess you 5.5th gen guys are just so much cooler.....oh well.
i'm in between you and the 5.5th gen guys since my AE leather seats are slightly different also.
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Old 08-27-2004, 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by irish44j

but I guess you 5.5th gen guys are just so much cooler.....oh well.

The 5.5 is second only (all-around FWD Sport Sedan) to the 3rd Gen Maxima...

EDIT: and I like the leather seats in my '93 SE-R better than my 5.5 Gen Max



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Old 08-28-2004, 02:01 AM
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Originally Posted by VQMAN

EDIT: and I like the leather seats in my '93 SE-R better than my 5.5 Gen Max



-vq
Yeah but I'm thinkin those are aftermarket, in which case all sorts of possibilities open up...my neighbor just picked up a nice pearl white 02 SE with 2-tone Katzkin leather and it's the absolute NICEST leather I've ever seen in a Max. Looks great (gathered just right), holds you in place way better than stock cow, even smells great. I think it has a lifetime warranty, too
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Old 08-28-2004, 02:51 AM
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Originally Posted by 02SEinStL
Yeah but I'm thinkin those are aftermarket, in which case all sorts of possibilities open up...my neighbor just picked up a nice pearl white 02 SE with 2-tone Katzkin leather and it's the absolute NICEST leather I've ever seen in a Max. Looks great (gathered just right), holds you in place way better than stock cow, even smells great. I think it has a lifetime warranty, too
these are also Katzkin

but the cushions are stock

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Old 08-28-2004, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Larrio
i firmly believe nissan was planning on the 5.5 gen when the made the 5th gens. This is partially due to the reason that i drive a AE/SE, which is fully loaded and I still have empty buttons on the panels in the car where other "options" would go.
I actually think those blank panels are for the Cefiro and other international cars that had more options then ours.
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Old 08-30-2004, 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by xtantmaxima
I actually think those blank panels are for the Cefiro and other international cars that had more options then ours.
You could be right. Does the I30 have toggles/switched in those blanks? My 02 is pretty much base (exc sunroof) so I have a number of blanks.
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