Now I realize I'm working with limited specs... key items like curb weight are not available yet (at least that I have found). But I'm beginning to think that I'll be turning my '99 leaser in for an Altima in 10 months.

-They have the same engine. 240hp in the Altima vs. 260hp in the (heavier?) Maxima. Same torque figures lead me to believe that they've restrained the Altima motor somehow. Nothing a little tweaking here and exhaust catalytic convertor swapping there won't help.

-5spd available in the Altima, 6spd in the Maxima. Damn it would be nice to have the 6spd and limited slip in the Max, but I've done without it so far, so maybe I can live without it on the next ride as well.

-INDEPENDENT rear suspension on the Altima! Hallelujah! I'm disgusted with the way the Maxima's buck-saver rear contraption of a suspension handles mid-corner irregularities despite enormously sticky tires and nice shocks. I expect better handling out of the Japanese engineers' flagship car than what one would expect from a live-axle Mustang.

-El Cheapo! I'd have to imagine that the Altima will come to market healthily (is that a word?) equipped for mid-twenties. That's awesome, especially when considering that the 5th Gen Max's are cruising dangerously close to the mid-thirties range for a well-equipped model. Hell, I paid $29,000 for my '99. If I could actually SAVE money???? Man, my mom would be so proud!

-They're both as ugly as sin. Take your pick, Nissan's design team is from another planet. I can't decide which is more disgusting; the 4th or 5th gen Maxima or the (possibly ugly to a whole new level) '02 Altima.
At least they're fast.

What do you guys think? Think about it a little bit before you flame me for jumpin' ship.

 

The 2002 Maxima weighs roughly 200lbs more than the 2002 altima. The exact specs for both cars are available.

 

Damn. You paid $29,000 for your maxima? If you want a real driver's car, why not consider a 4wd(ie..Subaru WRX) or RWD car(ie.. Is300?)

 

Actually, I was wrong. The 2002 Max w/6spd is only 41lbs heavier than the 2002 altima 5spd w/3.5l engine.

 

Full Altima specs can be found ehre with the exception of the EPA estimates and Prices:

Click me!

 

Damn, why can't they make a V-Spec Max? That would be sweet.

 

You know I have to have the Maxima now if it's only 41 lbs heavier, HAS the 6speed and another 20hp. Crapola. Maybe I'll fall in love with the looks of the (cheaper) Altima. Yeah right.

Regarding the "drivers car" comment and the WRX as an alternative. I agree. The WRX is ALL me but I just can not get over the hideous front end and the econo-box image. It's pretty close to the ugliest, wimpiest looking car on the road if you asked me. I'm hoping the STI version with bigger wheels/tires and slightly different headlights will look a little less homely. As fun as a WRX would be, I'd have a hard time looking at it every day, and that sucks because it's an awesome vehicle.

 

Okay, so what are the chances that big nasty hop-ups like superchargers that are available now will work with or be available for the new 3.5L motors? Pretty good, I hope. I wonder how fun a supercharged Altima would be? Hmmn. If I could come out with the same dollar figure for a supercharged 3.5SE vs. a maxed out Maxima (the only way to go) I'd probably lean towards the econo-ride more readily.
Just an idea. A relatively inexpensive 320hp 4dr would be a hoot, don't you think?

Now for my obligatory mindles banter:

Oh yes, and the rear drive-IS300? I can't drive 'em. I'm an awful rear-drive driver. Although I regularly compete (and win) in autocrosses in the Maxima and my girlfriend's (well, EX-girlfriend now) Civic, I'm a total dork in rear-drivers. For example, I had just completed the fast time of the day for my class in my Max with R1's on it and this guy from SuperStock comes up and asks if I'll drive his car because "he wants to see what kind of times I pull in a real car". Kind of insulted but hey I get the chance to drive SOMEBODY ELSES 335hp Camaro with big sticky tires and tons of suspension work. What do I do? I go out and put it into the worlds biggest powerslide through the fastest sweeper on the track. Thunk thunk thunk thunk thunk, the cones were freaking flying over the rear of the car as I mowed 'em over. Not pretty.
Another example of my idiocy in rear-drivers is the time I went car shopping and found myself at the BMW dealership licking the swollen fender of an M-Coupe. What a bad-*** car. The sales guy throws me the keys and says "have fun". So here I am in what's reportedly one of the hardest cars to drive on the planted, a 240hp Bimmer IN THE RAIN. Sounded like fun to me. For the first 5 minutes I was a hero in that thing. Running deep into corners, getting on the throttle early and piloting it like a champ. Something was wrong. OH yeah, the TRACTION CONTROL! Hahaha. I found the button and turned it off. The next corner I came out of I was all over the place. Rear end was totally lit and totally sideways coming into the power in 2nd gear. I back out of the throttle slightly so the rear doesn't pass the front and it snaps back like a freaking venomous snake. Back in the gas, sideways again. After wrestling with this like a monkey on quaaludes I signed off, hit the brake and deftly avoided a telephone pole that seemed to be drawing me closer. I'm sure after an afternoon and a set of rear tires I'd have it figured out, but as for now, I'm scary bad in rear-drivers. That sucks.

 

Dude, just wait for the 2003 (coming in 2002) Z car or the G35 from infiniti. Both will have the Maxima engine but tuned for better performance. I'm saving my pennies for the G35. Looks are okay but a rear wheel drive, skyline derived, chassis are what really interests me.

 

How much is a G35 going to cost? Probabaly over 40K huh?

 

Actually, Infiniti plans to position it below the I35, which could make the G35 a bargain. I would definitely look at it if it comes with 6 spd tranny.