We rented an '02 SE auto for the weekend, and really fell in love with the car. I cannot budget a brand spankin' new one though, so I'm seaching for a '95 and up SE with a stick. My question to all the Maxima devotees is, how do the older stick models match up to the newer autos? This '02 seemed to really get with the program, and got great mileage while doing it. Can the same be said for the '95-'98? I'm strictly wondering about the 5spd models. Thanks for any input!

 

The 95+ Maximas will get owned Stock for Stock they are low-mid 15 second cars, and the 2k2 is a low-mid 14 second car.

 

A 5 speed 95-99 (or 2000-2001) will get up and move too, though not as well as a 2002. They are quite a bit lighter than aa 2002, but down on power as well. While I have not been in a 2002, the 95-99 interior is nicer and feels more solid in my opinion. The 4th generation max was updated with a new front fascia, rear end, and some interior and design appointments in 97, which most people feel look a little better than 95-96 models. Both GXE and SE are available in a 5 speed, with the SE being the sportier model with foglights, spoiler, black window trim and door handles rather than chrome, and often leather and climate control (though not always. GXE being the entry level model, cheaper, and not as lavishly appointed.

 

Que?

 

Go ahead I have seen a 2k2 6 speed run behind a S/C'd 97 SE 5 speed, and it was not going away that easy.

 

Ok, so an '02 auto will or will not be quicker than, say, a '97 5spd? Lighter but less power, check. Better on the auto cross course too perhaps?

 

Well stock for stock, the auto will still be a bit quicker, maybe not on the launch, but it will climb into it. I would say yes to the autocross. I heard they stiffened up the rear beam. Dennis had a 2k and he now has a 2k2, and he said he notices a diff in the handling.

 

Well most guys are averaging high 14's to very low 15's in the 2k2 auto's and low 90's trap speeds so it will be a good race with a 4th or early 5th gen 5spd. I am one of the mid 14 guys with the 2k2 autos.

 

for a lot less money than a 2002 you can but a 95-99 maxima and put a turbo on it that will give you more power than the 2002.

 

To answer your question the fourth gen sticks match up well against the fifth gen autos and are great cars. Either way the fourth gens will eat up 75% of all the cars out there, and the manual is a blast to drive, it has a nice wide torque range. I suggest you do your homework on the fourth gen section of this org before you buy one.