Chris Alexander

What do yall think about the ride quality for this generation, do you think its a big difference between the SE and SL. So you think the ride quality changed or remained the same for 07-08. I have an 06 SL it's very smooth even with the addition of 22 inch rims the ride quality became better than the stock 17s i had prior and those had new Michelins. How would you rate the ride compared to newer and older generation Maximas,

6.5affiliate

I can only speak of the ride quality for the 07. The SE has a stiffer ride compared to the SL. With the SE I can pretty much feel every bump in the road in which I like compared to the other.

Also can't comment on older models since this is my first and only maxima.

Chris Alexander

6.5affiliate you can barely feel any bumps in the SL but then on the highway flying around the curves the car says hey hey hey slow down you cant push me very far.

hero782

iTrader: (2)

Getting a Progress rear sway bar would help with that, SE and SL share the same shocks/struts and spring. They only differ in the RSB

HMAX08

I AM ON A BOAT!!!!!!!!!!!

6.5affiliate

LOL, yeah the maxima doesn't really take turns all that well. Pretty much have to work it since I basically drive it like I did when I had a Buick Regal.

Anyways like Hero said, if you were to get the Progress RSB and Racingline FTSB than it will make a HUGE improvement in ride quality.

Chris Alexander

I actually was suprised at the ride quality of my 06 SL its has a smooth glide, large bumps make the ride pitchy the car hops up and down like a old school Cadi, but the shocks are good some of the Altima SL's do that too.

NismoMax80

iTrader: (6)

the difference in ride quality is in the tire size difference. The SE and SL share exactly the same suspension parts. But the 1/2" of tire profile makes the difference.

Personally from my 18 stock to 20 summer tires I notice small differences. Sure though with a 17 tire it would be even more noticeable.

6.5affiliate

Yeah, I did notice how well the Altima ride quality was when I got one as a rental. It's really smooth even on startup but, I can't deal with how small the interior was.

Honestly, the design of the 07 + is not really my style.

Chris Alexander

When I had the stock 17s I was annoyed with the handling of the SL and the ride quality, but once I got those 22s its like the ride and the handling changed like night and day. The car seems happier with those bigger wheels on it.

Robsfor25

Hi guys I'm new here. I have a 08 Maxima both control arms and struts need to change. on several parts website they list the arms for 07-08 but the salvage yards have from 04-08 as same suspension. Is there a site where I can see the part number?

Costee

Try http://www.nissanpartszone.com/

dallasphotog79

I did a test drive on 2 08s about 4 months ago. The SL was smoother but did not feel as quick on response. The SE felt more rigid and you do feel every bump but you get used to it. I went with the 08 SE for the sport ride and I think it looks better coming default with a rear spoiler.

Chris Alexander

dallasphotog79 My parent's have an 06 SE I went and bought an 06 SL after dealing with the harsh ride of a ford Contour for 8 years I wanted something different, but I loved the 93 Maxima we had so much I wanted to go back to a Maxima. With the addition of the 22s on the SL I get the SE handling with the SL ride quality. The handling is not as bad as it was with the stock 17s its not tight but its more tolerable.

chris350

the SE and SL use the same struts/shocks... whats the difference? just rim size.. tire..?

Chris Alexander

chris350 The SL comes standard with 17 inch wheels and the SE is 18.

Robsfor25

Thanks.

BadBlackMaxSL

iTrader: (1)

I believe that anyone that says they can feel a substantial "ride and handling" difference between the stock SL and stock SE is on crack. It is the exact same care, different wheels and rims, that's all. Its all in your head.

jcalabria

I agree... only the slightest of difference in impact harshness from slightly shorter sidewalls on the SE. In my mind... that is NOT a good thing. Actually, this has been my biggest disappointment with my SE... prior to the 6.0/6.5 Gen, SE's DID have a unique suspension setup. My '07 is a major disappointment because it's so freaking soft and (especially) underdamped. It's not an "SE" like previous gens were...the 7G SVs with Sport package once again pick up the torch, but the 6Gs missed the mark entirely.

It's not solely a function of 6G size/weight, either, as my same size/weight 2007 Altima 3.5 SE has a remarkably more competent suspension setup than my 2007 Max SE.

SavageSavant

I have an 06 SL. I did test drive maybe 2 SE's before buying the SL. I don't remember noticing any specific difference in ride quality during the test drive. My SL has a pretty smooth highway cruise. I do notice a good bit of body roll in turns though. From my understanding the SE was supposed to have a stiffer suspension but not by much.

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

I drove all the Altima trims available and the SE and SL before going with my SE. Went with it for the 18in wheels and the spoiler and the sky view. Ride was smooth (a little bit) enough but the body roll was still too much so I bought some springs.

Chris Alexander

I know we bought our 06SE brand new and our 06SL preowned when I drive the SE I feel a slightly stiffer ride where as the SL I feel like im in a Cadillac DTS, I can definetly see how they are different far as ride quality goes the SL feels much more smoother but for some reason the SE feels more connected to the road but then a slightly harsher ride. One thing that I wish this generation of Maxima had was a button with adjustable suspension like you find in higher end vehicles where you can switch between comfort and sport ride. I know we had an isuzu Axiom that has this feature.

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

I think the suspensions are exactly the same, the difference is 18in wheels vs 17in wheels.
I know my ride smooths out when I switch to my 17in wheels for the winter.

I suspect if you where to buy OEM suspension parts, for an 05SE and an 05SL, the struts, the shocks, the springs would all be the same part number. I haven't tried so it's just guess right now.

Costee

Damn right!