Can anyone tell me what the difference in these engines are? Is the HR much more powerful than the DE? I'm surprised that Nissan couldn't go with the HR for the SR model at least. I mean it would make much more sense to make the SR an auto transmission but if the HR is more powerful they should've at least put that into SR models. What do you guys think?

 

A CVT will accelerate faster than an automatic with the same engine.

 

both engines seem to have quite a bit of variables and can modified slightly for different applications. It seems Nissan likes to use the HR engines in RWD applications.

Some other possible factors I can think of

1. Weight, the latest Maxima engine was '60% redesigned' . I think some of that was to make the engine lighter. Sometimes having less weight is a good alternative to more power since it accomplishes the same thing. That's why those little ricer racers with 2 liter engines can still beat you in a 0-60 run

2. There's probably limits to can do with front wheel drive, before there's just too much torque steer to handle

 

Of course you have a link to validate your speculative hypothesis...or was this just a wild guess?

 

Special thanks to AlGore's amazing Internet for this information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_VQ_engine#VQ35HR

 

Here is information from Nissan about the 2016 and up VQ engine in the Maxima.

"The 3.5-liter VQ-series V6's 61 percent new parts, reduced friction and weight, and new intake manifold (versus the previous generation design) among key factors in the Maxima's inclusion on this year's Ward's Ten Best Engines list. The engine applies lessons learned from the legendary GT-R, such as sodium-filled valves, to meet the needs of the higher compression ratio and combustion temperatures".

"The VQ, in displacements ranging from 3.0L to 3.7L, won 14 straight trophies between 1995 and 2008. This year, it returns with a significant overhaul, "said Tom Murphy, senior editor, WardsAuto.com. "Like the 3.0L that dazzled us in the Maxima in 1995, the improved VQ makes for light, lively and refined power delivery, and the sterling midrange torque is still there. And we can't recall ever getting 30 mpg from this engine long ago.”


http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/u...-list-for-2016

I cant imagine that Nissan was able save a major amount of weight as the block and cylinder heads are the same as in past years. A few pounds maybe, but not enough to really help acceleration by claims of "less weight."

 

Ahhh okay thanks guys!