Wills98MaxSE

OK Nissan has decided to use 2 Auto. trannies in the '04 Max. One is a 4-speed auto in the "SL" model and the other is a 5-speed auto w/ maunual shift mode in the "SE", while the 6-speed manual has been retained for SE. Doesn't make sense.

Here's a suggestion Nissan should take under advisement before starting production:

1) Ditch the 4-speed auto
2) Make the 5-speed manumatic std. on SL
3) On SE, make the 6-speed manual std. 5-speed manumatic an option

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

I agree and I dont think that the SL is going to be faster/maybe a tad slower than the 02-03 auto with its very marginal gain in power and torque and added weight. I think the 5spd auto is going to margianlly quicker and taht us a maybe depending on its added weight.

Mike S.

but how do you know the 6th gen is going to weigh more. The 2k2 Altima is much larger than the 2k1, and the weight either stayed the same or dropped a couple pounds.

SteVTEC

www.nissannews.com posted the curb weights, 34xx lb depending on model. 200 lb heavier than the Gen5/5.1's, and 400lb heavier than the 4th Gen's. This doesn't take into consideration that the SE's now have 18" wheels, which will add even more drag (unsprung weight) to slow the car down.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

It's all in the transmission. The 5sp Auto may very well be just as fast as the 6sp stick. Also, we don't know if they were more honest with the HP like with the G35.