sudden1

Ummm... Maybe it's me. I just had my 2000 Maxima GLE totalled and picked up a 2002 Maxima SE. LOT of nice upgrades over the 2000. Today... I needed to take a loaner from the dealer as they were working on my ride. It was a 2004 SE. This thing seems MUCH faster than my 2002 and seems to shift a lot more intelligently. Aren't they both 260HP? Is there a new slushbox in the 2004? I know... I know... I know... I'm such a Maxima Noob...

Monotaur

Hmm.. I thought the 2002s were 255 (atleast the 2k3s where?)? Also, the 2004 is 265HP.

As a side note, I'm amazed that your dealer gave you a loaner... other dealers will barely do that for anyone else, even after buying a new car from their lot.

Tek-Niq

iTrader: (3)

2002= 255, 2004= 265

Mike_TX

And yes, the '04 also has a different auto trans ... 5spd instead of the old 4spd. Big difference.

Mike

MaxMus

Agreed.

Previous 2000 Maxima SE owner.

sudden1

AHA... I'd have to attribute the major difference to the tranny as opposed to the 10hp gain... I still can't get over the difference in perceived pickup from a dead stop... and from 30-50 and 50-70. I almost popped the hood looking for a turbo...

sudden1

I was pretty surprised, myself... I also expected a '95 Sentra or something...

SSurfer

I'm sure the dealer will still give you a trade in on a 05

ThunderMaxi

There is a difference on 00 to 02 to 05. My 00 GLE seems heavy in comparison to the jet-ness of the 05.

SilverMax_04

I believe you're feeling the torque more than the HP. The 5-speed auto trans and its ability to make better use of the flatter torque curve for the 6th Gen VQ engine is what makes the difference you are feeling, IMO. Remember, the 6th Gen is heavier, but not so much that the improvements can't be felt.

boone

iTrader: (1)

However you look at it, there is a noticeable difference. I traded from an '02 to an '05 and after a week I still can't believe the improvement in top-gear acceleration. Also the '05 seems to be more isolated from road imperfections and such. For me, all of this adds up to a recipie for a speeding ticket. I agree with SilverMax that its more of an issue of torque than anything else though. Now if only Nissan could tone down that pesky torque steer. This is an issue that has been there since the 5th gens. I like having plenty of power to play with but I don't like having to fight the wheel to hold my line when exiting a turn under power. Is there a good aftermarket solution to this?

aliti19

iTrader: (2)

I've got the HLSD and torque steer is rarely a prob for me. They make one for 6th gens, don't they?

boone

iTrader: (1)

From what I can tell, that option is limited to the 6-speed manual ones. I have an automatic. If there is an aftermarket LSD for the automatics, that is something I'd be interested in.

JiuJitsuThug

iTrader: (1)

aliti19 - Huge props on your ride in your signature. Those clear corners look SICK on your black max. Also dig the grill. Man I wish I could do that to my 6th Gen...

Sorry to hijack the thread

SilverMax_04

Why don't you send him a private message and keep the thread on topic?

aliti19

iTrader: (2)

Thanks jiuJitsu. SilverMax is just jealous.

JiuJitsuThug

iTrader: (1)

LOL @ SilverMax 04 getting his panties all worked up on a thread that aint even his.

LAME especially after I prempted with an apology...

Props again aliti19!