Probable 04 Max's torque steer
 

I test-drove both the Altima 3.5SE and the 03 Max in the past few months, and both were automatic transes. If memory serves (that's a big "if"), torque steer was much less on the Max. I think the 03 Max is FWD. If so, is it then reasonable to assume that the 04 Max's torque steer will be noticeably less than an Altima 3.5's?

Maybe, maybe not. Though i have a hunch that the Torque steer in the 04 may be just as much as that in the Altima judging from the fact that they share the same platform.

2c.

LSD will aid the MAX

I think you are right. I also think that it is very likely that the 04 Max's torque steer will be considerably less than the Altima 3.5's, simply because the Max is going to be targeting a somewhat older group of buyers, most of whom would be terrified of torque steer at the levels known to exist on the Altima 3.5. If someone has driven the 03 Max, that would probably give us a good idea of what the 04's t. steer will be like.

I think the '04 Max will be less "edgier" than the Alty in terms of ride & handling. There have been quite a few complaints that the Altima 3.5 rides too harsh (sporty but stiff). The Max, as you state, is targeting a different market. Hopefully it wouldn't be too sloppy.

Ouch...Motor Trend apparently complained of torque steer on the new Max in it's comparo with the A4 :mad:

Houston, I think we may have a problem...

I wouldn't be surprised, the A4 has so much less horsepower and torque. It would be more of a comparison to the 2k/2k1 Maxima if anything.

It should already be understood that the 2k4 Max will exhibit torque steer. Just look at the current Altima.

Completely different cars. How will driving an '03 give you any idea what an '04 will be like?

Good call and its mag times are almost identical to that of what M/T got with the 00 manual a few years ago.

March issue of Car and Driver has a full review of the 04 Max. They complained about the torque steer and wondered why Nissan didn't address this problem. I'm don't recall if it had HLSD or not but it was a 6spd.