the best of the 5th gen vs the best of the 3rd gen...
11-11-2002, 10:49 PM
#1
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the best of the 5th gen vs the best of the 3rd gen...
best of the 5th gen: 2002-2003 - my moms 2003 SE auto
best of the 3rd gen: 1992-1994 (SE) - my 92 SE auto
since mine was getting the left side drive axle boot repaired today i had the 2003 SE to go to/from school and whatnot.
Analysis:
First off, what a mothrfukr of an engine! it was drizzling today and the roads were obviously wet, so i could not stop spinning the tires from a stop even at light throttle.
cornering is superb, i felt more comfortable taking turns here than in my 92 even despite the IRS; i need springs 
The 2k3 ride felt like a more luxury-type ride while the 92 has a more sporty ride. (2k3 is all stock suspension, 92 just has fstb)
The interior design is great on the 03 (and all 5th gens), but the interior build quality is way better in the 3rds. It had a fairly quiet ride although you can hear some road noise at higher speeds...i hope to have my 92 even quieter after im done sound deadening. Poking around the interior and dash it just "feels" like the 3rd gen interior is more solid. The 2k3 has the non-bose stereo it sounded kinda crummy to me...but i think all factory systems sound crummy after living with my custom stereo setup
Similar with the exterior, opening/closing the trunk hood and doors, they feel too light on the 5th...the 3rd gen exterior feels like it was built with more "ummph" quality. Even by just knocking on say the fender of the 5th then knock on the fender of the 3rd, which feels "stronger"? Also, in the 5th gens you appear to sit up higher from the driver seat looking over the "puffy" front end as opposed to the slim low front of the 3rds. The HIDs...ah yes...god of headlights.
Conclusion:
yes the VQ35, HIDs, and all other features are truly amazing but when it comes down to overall build quality and solidity, 3rd gens still own
best of the 3rd gen: 1992-1994 (SE) - my 92 SE auto
since mine was getting the left side drive axle boot repaired today i had the 2003 SE to go to/from school and whatnot.
Analysis:
First off, what a mothrfukr of an engine! it was drizzling today and the roads were obviously wet, so i could not stop spinning the tires from a stop even at light throttle.
cornering is superb, i felt more comfortable taking turns here than in my 92 even despite the IRS; i need springs The 2k3 ride felt like a more luxury-type ride while the 92 has a more sporty ride. (2k3 is all stock suspension, 92 just has fstb) The interior design is great on the 03 (and all 5th gens), but the interior build quality is way better in the 3rds. It had a fairly quiet ride although you can hear some road noise at higher speeds...i hope to have my 92 even quieter after im done sound deadening. Poking around the interior and dash it just "feels" like the 3rd gen interior is more solid. The 2k3 has the non-bose stereo it sounded kinda crummy to me...but i think all factory systems sound crummy after living with my custom stereo setup
Similar with the exterior, opening/closing the trunk hood and doors, they feel too light on the 5th...the 3rd gen exterior feels like it was built with more "ummph" quality. Even by just knocking on say the fender of the 5th then knock on the fender of the 3rd, which feels "stronger"? Also, in the 5th gens you appear to sit up higher from the driver seat looking over the "puffy" front end as opposed to the slim low front of the 3rds. The HIDs...ah yes...god of headlights.
Conclusion:
yes the VQ35, HIDs, and all other features are truly amazing but when it comes down to overall build quality and solidity, 3rd gens still own
11-11-2002, 11:03 PM
#2
I tried to catch it but you were gone by around 12:30 
i'm kind of glad it rained, rather have rain on the car than bird crap...
I've driven 5th gens before and I must say that interior quality wise it's 3rd gen ---> 5th gen ---> 4th gen... well, 2nd and 1st gens probably in there somewhere too..
For the exterior or the "stronger" feel of the fenders, I'd still rather be in a 97-2003 in a car accident rather than a 3rd gen
i'm kind of glad it rained, rather have rain on the car than bird crap...
I've driven 5th gens before and I must say that interior quality wise it's 3rd gen ---> 5th gen ---> 4th gen... well, 2nd and 1st gens probably in there somewhere too..
For the exterior or the "stronger" feel of the fenders, I'd still rather be in a 97-2003 in a car accident rather than a 3rd gen
11-11-2002, 11:24 PM
#3
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Originally posted by NYCe MaXiMa
i'm kind of glad it rained, rather have rain on the car than bird crap...
I've driven 5th gens before and I must say that interior quality wise it's 3rd gen ---> 5th gen ---> 4th gen... well, 2nd and 1st gens probably in there somewhere too..
For the exterior or the "stronger" feel of the fenders, I'd still rather be in a 97-2003 in a car accident rather than a 3rd gen
i'm kind of glad it rained, rather have rain on the car than bird crap...
I've driven 5th gens before and I must say that interior quality wise it's 3rd gen ---> 5th gen ---> 4th gen... well, 2nd and 1st gens probably in there somewhere too..
For the exterior or the "stronger" feel of the fenders, I'd still rather be in a 97-2003 in a car accident rather than a 3rd gen
oh then theres the issue of paint...
btw the 2k3 is leased so it cant get "modded"
11-11-2002, 11:32 PM
#4
For years now I have seen a lot of 3rd geners say the build qiality of there cars is so much better, etc, etc. I for one would like to say I dissagree and think this whole build quality bosting has been blown way out of preportion. I have been in a bunch of 3rd genns and IMO the interior is out dated looking and rough on the edges. I fail to see this better build quality I hear so often. But anyways this is just my opinion 
11-11-2002, 11:49 PM
#5
Its definitely very true and the 3rd gen interior build quality is superior to 4th and 5th gens. This is not something you notice during a few rides in a friends car. This is after you own both for a significant amount of time (Although unfortunately on the 5th gens the cheap plasticky look alone already leaves a bad taste after a testdrive), however the 2K2+ Leather is one of the best stock designs I've ever seen, including even many upscale cars.
11-11-2002, 11:52 PM
#6
Originally posted by NYC GXE
Its definitely very true and the 3rd gen interior build quality is superior to 4th and 5th gens. This is not something you notice during a few rides in a friends car. This is after you own both for a significant amount of time (Although unfortunately on the 5th gens the cheap plasticky look alone already leaves a bad taste after a testdrive), however the 2K2+ Leather is one of the best stock designs I've ever seen, including even many upscale cars.
Its definitely very true and the 3rd gen interior build quality is superior to 4th and 5th gens. This is not something you notice during a few rides in a friends car. This is after you own both for a significant amount of time (Although unfortunately on the 5th gens the cheap plasticky look alone already leaves a bad taste after a testdrive), however the 2K2+ Leather is one of the best stock designs I've ever seen, including even many upscale cars.
VS
11-12-2002, 06:01 AM
#8
In my driveway, I got
2k se 5sp modded
97 gxe 5sp, starting to mod
93 se 5sp, stock
The 3rd gen's fun to drive if you keep it above 4k rpm. It just screams. Can't wait to mod it! The 2k is next, but that's cuz it's got lotsa mods. If we can fix the exhaust leak and vtc, the 93 will be a monster again!
the 97 is blah. there's nothing special about it. it just happens to be a sedan with 4doors, 190hp, and 5sp. The handling's ok, feels a lil lighter than 5th gen, heavier than 3rd gen, but much much much easier to handle than stock 5th gen.
The 5th gen does seem cheasy on the inside. The leather already ripped (replaced under warante). The 3rd gen leather's still there...lil worn, but holding up. Dunno about 4th gen leather cuz ours has cloth.
As for styling, inside and out, the 4th gen body is bland. 3rd is the best. 5th grows on you. Interior, 4th looks/functions the best. 3rd's boring. 5ths is alright.
seating: 3rd offers the best support, but the leather doesn't grip. 4th has no support. 5th has no support (i really go sliding when taking turns!)
Back seats: If it folds, it's good. If it doesn't, why bother with a ski hole?!
Jae
2k se 5sp modded
97 gxe 5sp, starting to mod
93 se 5sp, stock
The 3rd gen's fun to drive if you keep it above 4k rpm. It just screams. Can't wait to mod it! The 2k is next, but that's cuz it's got lotsa mods. If we can fix the exhaust leak and vtc, the 93 will be a monster again!
the 97 is blah. there's nothing special about it. it just happens to be a sedan with 4doors, 190hp, and 5sp. The handling's ok, feels a lil lighter than 5th gen, heavier than 3rd gen, but much much much easier to handle than stock 5th gen.
The 5th gen does seem cheasy on the inside. The leather already ripped (replaced under warante). The 3rd gen leather's still there...lil worn, but holding up. Dunno about 4th gen leather cuz ours has cloth.
As for styling, inside and out, the 4th gen body is bland. 3rd is the best. 5th grows on you. Interior, 4th looks/functions the best. 3rd's boring. 5ths is alright.
seating: 3rd offers the best support, but the leather doesn't grip. 4th has no support. 5th has no support (i really go sliding when taking turns!)
Back seats: If it folds, it's good. If it doesn't, why bother with a ski hole?!
Jae
11-12-2002, 06:23 AM
#9
Originally posted by emax95
For years now I have seen a lot of 3rd geners say the build qiality of there cars is so much better, etc, etc. I for one would like to say I dissagree and think this whole build quality bosting has been blown way out of preportion. I have been in a bunch of 3rd genns and IMO the interior is out dated looking and rough on the edges. I fail to see this better build quality I hear so often. But anyways this is just my opinion
For years now I have seen a lot of 3rd geners say the build qiality of there cars is so much better, etc, etc. I for one would like to say I dissagree and think this whole build quality bosting has been blown way out of preportion. I have been in a bunch of 3rd genns and IMO the interior is out dated looking and rough on the edges. I fail to see this better build quality I hear so often. But anyways this is just my opinion
I completely disagree. It's not even close. I haven't disassembled a 5th gen interior as I have the 3rd and 4th gens, but I was quite unimpressed with 5th gen quality overall.
I like the fact that the 5th geners get their panties in a wad over a car that was designed over 10 years before it.......it's one of the most functional interiors I have been in. I've driven a 2k1 for a week, and was happy to get back into my 94 and even in my Minima.
3rd gen is still the standard and was a clear intention of Nissan's marketing when the 5th gen came out. They were aiming straight for the 3rd gen and missed by a mile.
Get over it 5th geners.....start talking about your engine, as that's the only thing worth talking about.
11-12-2002, 06:40 AM
#10
Originally posted by bill99gxe
Get over it 5th geners.....start talking about your engine, as that's the only thing worth talking about.
Get over it 5th geners.....start talking about your engine, as that's the only thing worth talking about.
Jae
11-12-2002, 06:51 AM
#13
Originally posted by ThurzNite
bs. Here's a few things 5th gens have over all previous gens (and yes, they're quite important!)
Jae
bs. Here's a few things 5th gens have over all previous gens (and yes, they're quite important!)
Jae
#2 is no biggie as several 3rd gen guys here are using 5th gen mufflers.
#3 is resolved by the Bimmer E36 headlight conversion.
Or, you can get H3 headlights imported but they are around $500 for the pair and are a bit pricey.Airbags aren't needed since we have ind. suspension and can simply get around obstacles.
11-12-2002, 06:59 AM
#15
emax tried to pull a fast one with his aftermarket leather
anywhoo.. who gives a **** about build quality.. i drive it like i stole it anyway .. if i was looking for a car to baby i would have bought a luxury car
anywhoo.. who gives a **** about build quality.. i drive it like i stole it anyway .. if i was looking for a car to baby i would have bought a luxury car
11-12-2002, 07:01 AM
#17
After having owned a 90 SE and now owning an 02 SE there are several differences. First off my 3rd gen was the one with the smaller engine, but it still felt pretty quick(until my VQ). The interior of my 90 was just pretty much awesome.
It had a tone of room (I'm a 6'4" widebody) and I could put the seat so far back I barely reached the wheel.
The interior was amazing for a car built 12 years ago, and still looks better than many newer car interiors. For example, a friend has a Limited 02 4Runner, and the interior looks like crap.
I did hate the automatic seat belts. The Bose was actually pretty good. All i did was add an aftermarket HU and a couple bass tubes and it sounded pretty damn good for about $400.
All that said I wish i still had it to do a lot of modding on. BUT I love my 02. It has the kind of power i've never had, and i just smile every time i lightly touch the gas and blow by a car on the interstate. The interior is OK, I love the gated shifter. Hmm.
Either way they're both maxes, and if i had my choice i would have kept them both.
It had a tone of room (I'm a 6'4" widebody) and I could put the seat so far back I barely reached the wheel.
The interior was amazing for a car built 12 years ago, and still looks better than many newer car interiors. For example, a friend has a Limited 02 4Runner, and the interior looks like crap.
I did hate the automatic seat belts. The Bose was actually pretty good. All i did was add an aftermarket HU and a couple bass tubes and it sounded pretty damn good for about $400.
All that said I wish i still had it to do a lot of modding on. BUT I love my 02. It has the kind of power i've never had, and i just smile every time i lightly touch the gas and blow by a car on the interstate. The interior is OK, I love the gated shifter. Hmm.
Either way they're both maxes, and if i had my choice i would have kept them both.
11-12-2002, 07:02 AM
#18
Originally posted by SprintMax
anywhoo.. who gives a **** about build quality.. i drive it like i stole it anyway .. if i was looking for a car to baby i would have bought a luxury car
anywhoo.. who gives a **** about build quality.. i drive it like i stole it anyway .. if i was looking for a car to baby i would have bought a luxury car
Isn't that why you got the M5?
11-12-2002, 07:03 AM
#19
Originally posted by bill99gxe
What about your M5?
Isn't that why you got the M5?
What about your M5?
Isn't that why you got the M5?
i am SprintMax we just both have white 97 5spd Maxima's with T04e turbochargers and white rims but he has an M5 as a speed toy and i have a bike
11-12-2002, 07:07 AM
#21
Originally posted by SprintMax
no thats Turbo97GXE i am SprintMax we just both have white 97 5spd Maxima's with T04e turbochargers and white rims but he has an M5 as a speed toy and i have a bike
no thats Turbo97GXE
i am SprintMax we just both have white 97 5spd Maxima's with T04e turbochargers and white rims but he has an M5 as a speed toy and i have a bike
Damnit....sorry Darren. Had a brain fart there.
11-12-2002, 07:35 AM
#24
Those features are all well and good, but that's not a fair comparison between 3rd and 5th gen. The fact is, HIDs and side airbags didn't even exist in the 3rd gen's time, on any production car. Sheesh, before 1985 or so, airbags didn't even exist in any car. The only real advantage that you can't attribute to evolution, as moderator Bill pointed out, was the folding rear seat and the motor.
DW
DW
Originally posted by ThurzNite
Jae
Jae
11-12-2002, 08:28 AM
#25
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Originally posted by emax95
My case rests
VS
My case rests
VS
like i said...appearancewise, 5th gen interior owns
ergonomically and quality, 3rd owns
Originally posted by bill99gxe
I still can't believe my 94 has fewer chips than my 99.....
I still can't believe my 94 has fewer chips than my 99.....
11-12-2002, 08:43 AM
#27
Originally posted by Y2KevSE
Quick, do an IP check on the two posts.
Quick, do an IP check on the two posts.
Don't you remember Darren saying Turbo worked with him in the same building.....so of course the IP addresses are going to be very similar....that won't tell us anything we didn't already know.
11-12-2002, 08:56 AM
#28
Originally posted by bill99gxe
Don't you remember Darren saying Turbo worked with him in the same building.....so of course the IP addresses are going to be very similar....that won't tell us anything we didn't already know.
Don't you remember Darren saying Turbo worked with him in the same building.....so of course the IP addresses are going to be very similar....that won't tell us anything we didn't already know.
11-12-2002, 09:16 AM
#30
Originally posted by Maximan190
i have stock leather, you have aftermarket leather
like i said...appearancewise, 5th gen interior owns
ergonomically and quality, 3rd owns
amen...my max and my moms former 2000 altima were both equally taken care of, and the altimas paint had more chips on the front bumper/hood than mine
i have stock leather, you have aftermarket leather
like i said...appearancewise, 5th gen interior owns
ergonomically and quality, 3rd owns
amen...my max and my moms former 2000 altima were both equally taken care of, and the altimas paint had more chips on the front bumper/hood than mine
Mr Bill, My panty's are not in a bunch
And I only have 2-3 paint chips with 19.5K miles on my max.Darren you cought me with my custom leather
11-12-2002, 10:05 AM
#34
Originally Posted by Y2KevSE
Quote
Egos/heads getting too big?
It's nice that some people are trying different things on the Maxima, but why be so arrogant and c0cky about it? They talk like their crap don't stink, but do they REALLY know what they're talking about? Go ahead an regurgitate information. That makes you look smart in front of some, but others can see through it.
Yeah, you can throw down money into a car, but does that make you an enthusiast because you got the $bling$ $bling$? Being a snob will not get you anywhere in THIS community... and life. Remember that.
END QUOTE
Ya'll better watch out....dont **** him off again.
Quote
Egos/heads getting too big?
It's nice that some people are trying different things on the Maxima, but why be so arrogant and c0cky about it? They talk like their crap don't stink, but do they REALLY know what they're talking about? Go ahead an regurgitate information. That makes you look smart in front of some, but others can see through it.
Yeah, you can throw down money into a car, but does that make you an enthusiast because you got the $bling$ $bling$? Being a snob will not get you anywhere in THIS community... and life. Remember that.
END QUOTE
Ya'll better watch out....dont **** him off again.
11-12-2002, 10:33 AM
#38
Originally posted by dwapenyi
Those features are all well and good, but that's not a fair comparison between 3rd and 5th gen. The fact is, HIDs and side airbags didn't even exist in the 3rd gen's time, on any production car. Sheesh, before 1985 or so, airbags didn't even exist in any car. The only real advantage that you can't attribute to evolution, as moderator Bill pointed out, was the folding rear seat and the motor.
DW
Those features are all well and good, but that's not a fair comparison between 3rd and 5th gen. The fact is, HIDs and side airbags didn't even exist in the 3rd gen's time, on any production car. Sheesh, before 1985 or so, airbags didn't even exist in any car. The only real advantage that you can't attribute to evolution, as moderator Bill pointed out, was the folding rear seat and the motor.
DW
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