Just spent the whole afternoon driving the '*****' off a new Altima. (It pays to have a contact at a Nissan dealership that admires your ride.)

First, I matched the Alt against the '02 Max (side by side). Much to my surprise, the Alt looks BIGGER!?! After getting inside, I realized it IS BIGGER! Especially in the rear seat. (This may not matter to a few of you, but it IS a factor for me since I need at least one family car that can fit 5 real people. Oh yeah, trunk is huge, too.)

The driving results...
I drove the 3.5 SE with 5-speed. He drove the Max SE 6-speed. From a standing start, I took him by a little over a car length on one strip between lights on HWY 31. 2 more tries, same result. Then, I thought, this guy may be holding back purposely to sell me on the Alt. So, we switched cars...he's in the Alt, I'm in the Max.

1st run...HE GOT ME!! (Maybe he wasn't holding back after all.)
2nd run...same result.
3rd run...I was able to stay door-to-door with him. This run was uphill. Maybe that was the difference??? Or, maybe he had a bad launch???

Then, I wanted some "quality" time with the Alt. I took it out on the highway, stretched it's legs and flogged it a bit. Just like the Max, torque is everywhere from 3200 rpm and up (duh, same engine). Too much body roll, vague steering input and torque steer for me, but of course, this is a 'stock' car. Also needs better tires. Not a problem that can't be fixed once the aftermarket products catch up.

Then, a brainstorm (or brainfart, depending on how well you know me...shuttup, Don, Eli, Dex and Mike!!). Went to see my buddy, 'Big Mike' at Acura. Time to go up against the CL-S.
Got him every time! Didn't matter what the circumstance until speeds were almost triple digit, then he was right there. I was shocked again. Maybe it was due to the fact he used to play for the N.E. Patriots (260 lbs!!). Naaaaaa.

I know it would be different if these cars were not stock, but modded. A buddy of mine has a modded CL-S...a world of difference from a stock one. I can take a stock CL-S in MY Max. But against his, with his mods, I get him off the line, but he soon walks me down.

I just wonder what could be done with the right products on the new Alt?? It's lighter. Did I mention that the rear is SICK!!! Especially with the dual exhaust outlets.

Maybe once Nissan refines the car with say, non-plasticky interior pieces, ditch the ugly orange dash guages (real need for white gauges) and some other details here and there, I'll be having an "Everything-Must-Go" sale on my all my Max mods to reap back some investment before changing cars.

 

No way...the altima can't beat the maxima. Its just doesn't seem right. I don't want to believe it

 

I didn't think the 6-speed Max was going to be out until early November????

 

I say take the cars, all three of them, run them at the track...
clocks and timers are unemotional and tell the truth when it comes down to how quick a car is....trick is, same one person has to make the runs down the 1/4. Hey, I volunteer!!

On a side note, I was wondering how the acceleration was on the new Alty compared to your Max...which car was quicker off the line and picked up speed faster? Just curious cuz my Max is modded similiar to yours...

 

A 5spd Alty 3.5 will most likely be faster than a 4spd auto Max 3.5, which is probably what the salesman was driving since the 6spd isn't out yet...unless there are some demo pre-production cars floating around...

 

Well I thought the 6 speed was out already, but the one with the HLSD wouldn't be out for another couple of months. I don't know as I have yet to see a 5 speed alt or a '02 max period in my hometown.

As for you doing that to the cars ... I don't want to buy one that you have test drove! No break in period for those cars, and honestly I feel sorry for the poor sap that buys them.

 

Its not out yet its on the boat on its way over!

 

Its not out yet its on the boat on its way over!

 

Its not out yet its on the boat on its way over!

 

what is this guy talking about? i dont think that me Maxima 6 speed is out yet, and if the altima 5 speed can beat a maxima 6 speed then that is a disgrace. hopefully this isnt the case, i will pray to god that it isnt.

 

Shouldn't be a disgrace if the Max is slower. There are other flagships cars that is slower than the lower lines.

I would think the two will be close. Not quite sure what factor the extra gear will play. Living in CANADA we can't drive too fast in the winter, and half the time it will be covered in snow. Knowing that, the Maxima would be a better choice :-) Besides, I like the interior and rear end of the Max better. If you feel the same, say 'I'.