i dont know if this has already been asked, but does anybody know the 0-60 (both for automatic and 6speed) and 1/4 mile times for the 2002 maxima?

 

I'm sure it will be in-line with the previous times from the last two model years so I would be shocked if it's more than three-tenths faster on the 0-60 for auto and stick. Yes!! even with the reported 255hp!!. Nissan always has a way of putting weight on the car to keep it from it's full potential although the '02 has low end torque that you can feel.
It's up to us…to mod it to perform up to potential!!!

 

the weight is the same +/- a few lbs

 

The 2002 I30 did 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, which is .9 better then the 00-01. Now subtract that same .9 for 0-60 on a 6spd 02 and you get to 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds. I personaly think it will do 0-60mph in 5.8-6.1. The Altima did 0-60 in 6.28 & it has 15 less HP, 5spd and no differential but weighs 50 lb's less.

Keep in mind there is now 33 more HP, 29 more torque, a close ratio 6spd & a hellical slip differential. All this and the weight is the same, this equals a signafacantly quicker maxima, hopefully a road test is right around the corner to prove my theory's.

 

I don't know about the max but the 2002 Altima 3.5 SE 6SPD does the 0-60 sprint in 6.2 seconds and the Quarter mile flashes by in 14.7 second's. The max might probably hit 5.9-6 seconds flat out and quarter mile should bea round 14.3-14.7 all this are just guesstimations.

 

2002 Altima doesn't have 6sp....it only comes with 5

 

yup, and imagine the 6

 

Don't forget, the 5 speeds can hit 60 in second gear - the close ratio 6 speed may have to grab third before it can get to 60. If I remember right the F1 automanual in a Ferrari Modena shifts in 2 tenths. How fast do you think you can shift to third the old fashioned way?

Also, as the power gets greater and greater, your acceleration times start to get limited by max adhesion. HLSD will help but I'm sure there is still enough power to break both wheels loose from the pavement. Traction control works against the engine by applying brakes or cutting power (in previous Max case, cutting power, not allowing you to put full power to the ground - and that was with the 222 hp and the automatic).

Where the new engine is really going to flex its power, IMHO, is not in 0-60 but the ability to flex its muscle without the need to do as much shifting to get in the powerband, given its flatter torque curve. I bet 6th will be a bit shorter than 5th on the VQ30, though, making it feel like it only has marginal more power in top gear acceleration - it depends on whether they want equal or better gas mileage on the highway compared to the VQ30.

I predict the Max will be very close to the Altima in 0-60 depending on whether or not you need 3rd to get there. Maybe it'll get to 60 on inertia before you actually even have to engage the clutch in 3rd.

 

I can't wait to see the magazine feature articles on the new Maxima and Altima. I test drove the 2002 automatic and was VERY impressed with the low end torque, while still maintaining the upper range too. The way I was able to break the tires loose on the automatic, I feel that the HLSD will be a big advantage over the Altima.

 

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>The way I was able to break the tires loose on the automatic, I feel that the HLSD will be a big advantage over the Altima.
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Was that "tire" or "tires"? An LSD of any kind only ensures torque just doesn't get wasted by going to the wheel with the least traction like the way it works in open differential cars. It's biggest advantage is coming out of sharp turns - high powered front drivers like to light up the inside front tire on such occasions.

BTW, anyone out there with VLSD 20th AE's ever play around with varying the viscosity of the differential oil? It seems to me mine has been a disappointment - behaves way too much like an open differential IMHO.

Anyone who think they can explain the difference between VLSD and HLSD is welcome. I belive an HLSD might be an improvement since it uses a helical clutch pack rather than a thick fluid to transfer torque from the wheel that's spinning faster. - I may be talking out my a$$ here...

 

Both tires. I thought about that after I submitted that post. The HLSD would not be advantage in a straight line, unless one of the tires is on a slick surface. Around a corner or turn, the HLSD would be awesome.

 

2nd gear will be good for 60mph. They whould be complete idiots if 2nd gear ran out before 60MPH. 0-60MPH is a huge marketing tool and Nissan whould never sacrifice .2-.4 tenths on a 3rd gear shift. BTW I read something that said 2nd whould be good for 60mph.

I recieved my new issue of MT{rather early} and there is no maxima or Altima review in it .

 

Well, page 5-12 of my 2001 owner's manual already says 55 is the max speed in second gear. I know that's conservative; but if that's what it says now, and the 6 speed is supposed to be close ratio, that means 2nd gear will likely be a bit taller than the current 2nd.

Somebody take a look at an owner's manual for a 2002 next time you're at a dealership - or if you're an '02 owner (even with an automatic), your manual will still have a section for driving a manual transmission. Let us know what it is saying for max safe speed in second for comparison.

BTW, I have a '95 Prelude VTEC which redlines in second at something like 58 mph. So it's not necessarily true a car company will prioritize its transmission ratios for 0-60 marketing purposes. If anything the 0-100kph (0-62mph) would be more important to a company marketing its cars internationally. It was interesting to see C&D's or Autoweek's (I forget which) opinion on their first drive of the Maxima was the close ratio transmission didn't seem necessary on a car with such a flat power curve.

 

2001 5 speed
1st 3.290
2nd 1.850
3rd 1.272
4th 0.950
5th 0.800

Looking for 2002 specs right now.

 

I agree with you Maxleaner, and I don't think the 6-speed will see times below 6.0-6.1 without the help of some aftermarket parts. I think Nissan will save the sub-six title for the New-Z.

 

I think the 0-60 will be around 6.2.

About the HLSD... this is what Autoweek said.

"We enjoyed driving each of the transmissions. The automatic shifts more quickly than we would have expected for a midsize, mass-market sedan, and the gated shifter did indeed make for easy, no-look sawing of the lever. The manual was sporty as well, with the six speeds allowing plenty of access to the power. But the engine was so broad in its power delivery, it felt almost as if a five-speed would have done the trick. The cable linkage felt a little numb compared to the more direct-acting rod linkages of old. The clutch pedal itself had too much travel, with engagement coming too high up at the top of that travel. It also felt too springy and the actual engagement could have been a little smoother.

Once engaged, power delivery was excellent. Buyers who can hold off until November can add a helical limited-slip differential, available only on manual-transmission cars. On autocross courses and tight, mountain road turns it made a great difference, eliminating inside wheelspin and forcing torque to the wheel with the grip."

 

2nd gear goes to 67MPH on a 5spd 95-01 maxima right now. A close ratio 6spd will likely go to 62MPH in 2nd gear.

 

I don't know the 6speed ratio's but 1st is taller while 2,3,4 and 5th are shorter than the 5speed. 6th gear is taller than 5th gear of the 5speed unit.

Does anyone know what the final drive is?