NitDawg

I am entertaining the idea of trading in my 01 SE for a new nissan. At first, I thought I wanted the 6th generation Max, but after roaming the dealership and looking at the 3.5 Altima's I started to reconsider. From what I've heard, the altimas and maximas are built on the same chassie and comparing the 3.5 altima to the maxima there doesn't seem to be that much of a performance difference. I'm just trying to see if the additional 5-7K for a loaded maxima over a loaded altima is worth the cash. Any opinions would be great!

Thanks
-NitDawg

jessemcd

Wait a little and get the altima se-r! It looks sweet!

mjk

iTrader: (1)

I agree, and it is coming with the 6-speed tranny. 04 max is just too heavy...

MaxxAddict

Altima SE-R will be tight!

NitDawg

I agree about the Altima-SE-R, but I need to get an automatic and from what I've read about I've only heard 6 speed-M/T. So if that's off the table, does the Altima choice still make sense?

Pri63

YEAHH!!! The SE-R is pretty sweet looking. I saw it in person at the New York Auto Show...I almost lost it, it looked to good...hah

Chinkzilla

hmmm



and...




hmmmm so ironic it was on the same website right next to each other too
http://www.autosite.com/Previews/200...ltima-se-r.asp

CoolMax

iTrader: (7)

~171lbs diffrence in weight betweent he '05 Altima SL and '04 Maxima SL.

The only thing the '04 Max has going for it is: flagship status, better quality interior materials, 6-speed tranny in SE, Skyview, and 4-place seating (Elite package)

I prefer the lines of the '05 Altima much better: the front is perfect, the new dash layout is better than the Maxima's).
I still can't handle the rear lights, they really should have refreshed those as well (I don't consider a color change a refresh) or offer them smoked in the SE; at least the shape of the rear lights flow with the trunk ...a flaw in the '04 Max.

Good luck!

2k3TitaniumSe

iTrader: (3)

Get the Altima SER. It's really sport tuned, and I bet you'll love it.

Prodigy

Even if you can't get the Altima SE-R I think the looks of the 3.5 SE are nicer than a 6th gen max, and the performance should be about the same. Either way I'm sure you'll be pleased. Good luck!

mjg

what about a g35 6 speed sedan?

I think i'd take the altima over the 6th gen maxima. It also seems they have more mods at the momment then us 5.5 genners have. They are lighter, and less ugly too ; )


And my question a gain, why not a g35?!!? : ]

kklier

according to these specs the altima se-r willl have an option for 4speed AT

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/200...-r/specs.shtml

scopium

it all depends.. if u want to keep having a 4 door..
definately wait for the SE-R
but for the price you're gonna pay for a loaded one.. might as well just get a 350z...

Maximum Performance

if you are going for the automatic, i read somewhere that the altima ser will be using the 5 speed auto, that is used on the maxima SE

NYPD-Arnold

iTrader: (8)

SE-R. No content, just wait a little.

Wills98MaxSE

if you're looking into an Altima w/ auto., how about a 3.5SE w/ 5-speed auto, or if you wanna wait, the Altima SE-R

F23A4

Yeah, it was my understanding that the SE-R would have the same powertrain as the 04 Maxima SE (i.e.: 265hp/255lb-ft, 6MT/5AT). I could be wrong though.

Peace.

NitDawg

Just wondering how marked-up the Altima SE-R will be and whether than money could be used to mod the altima 3.5. I know about the 18" wheels and the extra horses, but you could probably land a loaded G35 for the price.

mjg

Hey,

altimas.net has a forum just for the SE-R now.

I wouldn't get one, it's more fun to mod yourself. The one option that is tempting is the 6 speed, the new guage cluster is cool and all, but i don't care so much about that.


If you can get the 6 spd in the regular 3.5SE, then that option sounds better. You will pay probably a whole lot for the SE-R spec altima. Most of the mods are asthetical, it's not really a huge difference in performance. I think i read along the lines of optimized for performance ECU, sportier rims tires, trim, and a better intake/tranny etc.


Nothing like boost or anything.


I think a 350Z if u can handle the insurance, would be awesome. Possibly cheaper then the loaded 05 max.

I love the g35, what do you have against it (or reasons why not considering it?)

Gsilk

any ideas on how much this will cost for a loaded SE-R?

Driver72

iTrader: (1)

Well, since you indicated you aren't interested in the 6 speed manual, I'm not sure waiting for (and paying more for) the Altima SE-R would be worth it for you.

And unless they add at least 10 hp and 10 ft-lbs of torque, I doubt very much the SE-R version will be ANY faster. It might be slower. Here's why:

Added weight!!
As spoke about in another thread, they are adding 18 inch wheels and bigger stickier tires. Great for handling, bad for acceleration. I believe they are also adding larger brakes. Again, GREAT for stopping power, bad for acceleration.
Then there is the body add ons. They add the lower spoilers on the front and side of the car. This does one thing for sure...adds weight. And it may also cut into the aerodynamics of the car...slowing it down.
There's also heated seats and such. All nice, but adds weight.

Where some manufacturers get the idea that ADDING things adds up to an "R" or "racing" version is beyond me. Mitsu got it right with the EVO RS. It's stripped, therefore it goes faster.

Nissan should have just given the car more power, different (lighter) 17" wheels and added on "W" or "Z" rated high performance rubber instead of the SE's "V" rated rubber. Dropped in the 6 speed manual as an option. Stiffened up the suspension by 10% and then tried to drop a few pounds by using a few lighter parts in place of the standard SE's. That would make a faster, better handling car that weighs a bit less. Then add a grand or so to the price.

As it stands, the SE-R seems to be just a visual car. The added power is necessary to counter the added weight and potentially less aerodynamic car. Then they charge you more for it.

Get the 2005 SE, it'll surely be discounted more too, potentially saving you $3-4 THOUSAND. With the money you saved, you can buy lighter 17" wheels than what the car comes with, a bit stickier rubber for added handling, and better brake pads for improved stopping power. And you'll have a car that's just as fast, and probably cheaper to insure as well.

Skip the overpriced, overweight, slower 6th gen Maxima.

NYPD-Arnold

iTrader: (8)

Even though they added a lot of extras into the SE-R, I'm pretty sure they designed the car to work around all of that. Even though it's on the 05 Max/Altima Chassis, Nissan tweaked the SE-R so that it runs faster than a 05 3.5 Altima. I think Automobile magazine said that the SE-R is expected to clock in the high 5s w/ 6spd. The 6spd 05 clocks in around low 6.

But yeah, whatever the thread starter does, he needs to skip the 6th gen. It's a terrible car, not worthy of the Maxima namesake.

Oh and, to whoever asked: the SE-R will likely cost ~30k loaded.

Driver72

iTrader: (1)

Oh, another thing, unless they change the gear ratios, having the 6 speed over the 5 speed manual doesn't seem to do one bit of good for these cars. The 5 speed in the Altima performs just as good as the 6 speed in the 02/03 Max. Sure the Altima has a bit less power, but it's also a bit lighter and a bit more aerodynamic as well.
I don't quite get the idea by so many people that more gears equals a better performing car. This is NOT always the case. Many times it just means you have to shift more.

Driver72

iTrader: (1)

Well, keep in mind that two different car magazines got the 2003 Altima with 245hp and 246 ft-lbs of torque to do 0-60 in the 5.9 second range.
If Nissan TRUELY did tweak the car for 2005 to have 250 hp and 249 ft-lbs of torque, it's very possible for the 2005 Altima with 5 speed manual to run 0-60 in the 5.8's
So, again, the SE-R with the 6 speed and possibly 5-10 extra hp isn't going to be any faster. And I doubt whether they'll give the SE-R 260 hp. It would definitely invade the power rating of the Maxima then. I predict 255-257 hp and 255 tq.

Mr. Peabody

Actually the links show that the auto trans option with the SE-R will be a 5 speed auto not a 4.

BlackBIRDVQ

iTrader: (15)

I would buy the new Legacy Turbo Sorry Altima SE-R just don't do it for me. They betray the SE-R badge- SE-R was a 2 door light weight sleeper Sentra.... Next thing U know we gonna see a Pathfinder SE-R.... or Maybe a Frontier GT-R ? Nissan should leave their designation simple, XE, SE, LE. U can now get the SL Altima with a 3.5L too. Make the SE the SE-R and leave the SE-R badge alone. I've owned alot of real SE-Rs, and worked on alot of em... and I love 00-lower Nissans Anything past that just don't do anything for me. Subaru Legacy Turbo should be alot nicer.

2k3TitaniumSe

iTrader: (3)

The Altima SER is nice but I just hate the SER.

DamNScuM

iTrader: (1)

For a $30,000 budget you should definitly think about the G35/G35X/G35C. If you're concerned about power, the 2005 G35 sedan will have 277 hp/270 lb-ft of torque and the coupe hp will be somewhere in the 295 range. This, with far superior driving dynamics compared to either the 2005 Altima or Maxima, and a better Infiniti warranty with top quality service, should all be factors in considering a G35.

Advantages:
- 277 or 295 horsepower
- RWD or AWD platform
- HUGELY improved driving dynamics
- Warranty/Service
- more modification capable (there's a rapidly growing aftermarket for the G35)
- keep the Altimas/Maximas in your rear view (especially with the 6-speed)

Disadvantages:
- slightly smaller rear seat room
- depending on the exact pricing, possibly a little more expensive
- I really can't think of anything else right now

I'm not saying the G35 is definitly the car for you. What I am saying is that you should not make a decision without test driving the G35 along with the other vehicles you're considering. I love Maximas, including the 6th gen, but there are a number of factors that keep it from being a true sport-sedan. The 2005 Altima is a great car and it's more along the lines of what the Maxima should be. But depending on your preferences the G35 may be the best bet for you.

MaxAtack

I'd definetly go for a G35 (coupe or sedan) over the altima se-r or 04 max and do away with the crappy nissan service! You'll appreciate that decision later on, should you ever need it.

Driver72

iTrader: (1)

I was gonna suggest that too, but being on a Maxima/Nissan board, I thought I'd catch a lot of flack for it. Without a doubt the $27K Legacy GT will whip the snot off the Altima/Maxima's sobbing noses in nearly ANY acceleration/handling/braking contest as long as it's under 100 mph.

I predict a 0-60 of low 5's for the Legacy GT if launched really hard and 1/4 times of 13.6 @ 99 mph. But, from a rolling start at anything above 10 mph and I think an 05 Altima SE might give it a run. The Legacy with it's AWD has the advantage solely from the launch.
A highway jaunt from say 55 to 85 between the two cars would be VERY interesting.
I'm seriously entertaining the idea of getting the Legacy at the end of summer. I want to see if there's any bad feedback first.
And when I do, I think I'll take a friend along and have him drive my 02 Max (automatic) and see how well it does against the Legacy GT (manual) from say 25-50 mph and then a freeway 45-75 mph. Based on how well the Max does, I could gauge how well the new 3.5 liter cars with a manual would do.

But without a doubt, for all around performance and luxury the Legacy GT is THE bang for the buck and luxury for the buck king!

aliti19

iTrader: (2)

Man... seeing this SE-R Altima move in makes me think that time is almost up for our beloved Maxima. Too bad they couldn't get the 6th gen right.

mjk

iTrader: (1)

It's aight, it's still nissan

AKM2k5

get a TL!!

mattattax

V-6 M35 when it comes out!! or G35 right now!! Come one people, the Altima looks amazing but FWD is not the way to go. Did Nissan just decide there wasn't enough torque steer in the current Altima that they felt the need to make it worse? Come on ladies and gents get with the program!

† ErV †

altima unless you just want a maxima and more space... a neighbour bought a brand new alty last week, it is nice

NYPD-Arnold

iTrader: (8)

AND HAVE IT STOLEN A DAY LATER!

AKM2k5

Are they getting stolen? Wow didnt know that.. I was saying that because they are great cars with great resale value.....

NYPD-Arnold

iTrader: (8)

They're getting stolen like cold lemonade from an unwatched stand. Their HIDs are also getting stolen almost as much as the Maxs. My brother contemplated getting it as his second car, but he went with a the Lexus RX330 instead.

Acuras have always been very highly stolen cars, especially here in NYC.

NitDawg

I appreciate all the input. I went to the nissan dealership and took the 3.5 and the new max for a workout (I am still planning to test drive a G35). I'm not the motor junkie I used to be, so I was basically looking for the best ride, not looking for the better mod car. Anyways, I was very disappointed with the 6th gen Max. Although the sizes between the altima and the max are very close, I felt like I was driving a towncar. The visabilty was poor...especially out the rear window. Quiet and still a responsive feel, but I wasn't excited like the time I first got into my 01 max.

The altima 3.5 was much better and felt much more like my 01 max. I'm still not a fan of the telescopic dash, but other than that I felt at home. Tremendous acceleration and a fun ride.

However, at the end of the day, I have decided for now to keep my 01 max. I just don't think I have the love for the new maxima's like I thought I would and for the 3.5's that I was looking at, the prices were up near $28K...not ready to cough up that when I'm still digging my 01 max.

Maybe the trip to the infiniti dealership will make me reconsider, but right now I'm sticking with Maxine.

Thanks for all the input, again...

NitDawg

AKM2k5

damn, and I thought they designed the new TL to where the lights cant get stolen... unless you meant the 2002-2003 tl lights.... And I thought both tl and maximas couldnt be stolen without the keys? Whats up with that?