Did you guys read the comparison test in C&D of the new Jetta 1.8T, Impreza 2.5RS, Neon R/T, Protege' MP3, and the Sentra SE-R Spec V. Well, I just got my C&D yesterday and the ITR killer that was rumored doesn't exist in the form of a Sentra SE-R.

0-60 in 7.4, 1/4 mile in 15.7 @90 mph, top speed 130, lateral acceleration .86g <YAWN>

I don't know if it's a sense of relief or a sense of dissapointment that the Sentra is such a mediocre performer, but if I were one of the poor saps lined up thinking this was the next ITR, I'd sure be sad right now.

 

They even downgraded the horsepower output to 175. The only thing going for it now is the limited slip.

BUT have you seen the numbers for the new Altima. Motorweek did a test and it ran a 5.9 0-60 and a 14.4 1/4 mile. Thats damn fast for a family hauler.

(Had to correct the 1/4 mile time Thanks CheezeFrog!!)


[Modified by StageOne, 11:23 AM 10/9/2001]

 

Holy F(*&^'ing Chit! 5.9, 14.1 is smokin'!!!! I knew there was a reason why my girlfriend and I were looking at Altima's

 

yeah, it is not the next ITR... but for a Vspec SE-R. starting at $16,997 it is the best deal out there right now... and it is a really good base to start... Just my opinion.... (I have a 1994 Sentra Se-r also as a project/beater.... that thing changed everything (in 1991) lets see what it does now!

neeraj

 

I still think it's a great performance bargain. But with 175hp & 180 tq. I was expecting slightly better acceleration numbers. At least on par with RSX-S.

 

Actually the Altima ran 14.4@100mph, not 14.1.

 

The ITR is still the fastest car in the world ;-)

 

Hahaha wanst that thing supposed to be 2 seconds faster on the "track" than an ITR? Damn all the hype makes me sick, I'll take a NX2000 please.

 

If the Altima is so fast, then the Maxima should be faster, right? Cause the new Altima has nothing to do with the old one, the new one is a huge boat. And the new Maxima has 255hp as opposed to the Altimas 240.

 

2.5 liters is entirely too large for an inline four cylinder. No thanks.

 

I know some Subaru 2.5 RS owners who would beg to differ. Although that is a very large lump.

 

Torque? What is that? Never heard of it

 

altima 3000lbs 3.5L V6 240hp
maxima 3300lbs 3.5L V6 255hp

not 100% sure tho

 

I said inline four cyilinder.

 

They say the new sentra se-r spec v isn't looking good in the TUNING department, not much to do with it....i hear

 

I checked out the site, it's more like

Altima 3180lbs, manual, 240hp
Maxima 32xxlbs, manual, 255hp.

So whats the difference? I can't even tell why they have both of these cars.

 

I agree with RacerJon. Some people are just too Pro-Honda. Me, I hate hondas. Sure, I drive one, hell I've driven a car from every japanese manufacturer within the past few years (even isuzu) with the exception (ironically) of Nissan.

BTW, my beater has a 2.6L turbo inline-four, and I like that motor just fine. But I also enjoyed the 2.5 liters is too big statement (I love reading ignorant comments, what can I say?).

I will give this car a chance, and if I like it, I will lease one to drive around and autox. Otherwise, I'll keep looking for a 91-94 SE-R in good shape in florida

 

Hey Dave-ROR, where are you from in St. Pete? I used to live right by the Snell Isle area .. now I'm up in Atlanta

 

4th and gandy area currently. used to live out in riverview.

 

No offence taken.

I don't need to drive the car to know it is not for me. I can tell by the specifications that it will have power delivery characteristics that leave me cold, not to mention strut suspension and a rear beam axle (which I can somehow excuse only for GTIs). Maybe it will be a fun car for some, but I seriously doubt it would put a smile on my face.

As for the displacement issue, I am a bit of a purist and believe that no inline four should ever displace more than 2000 cc. Any larger than that and you require balance shafts, which in my eyes are a bandaid fix. Also, the greater displacement results in more rotating mass, which doesn't help responsiveness. So yeah, I do think the 968's engine sucked. You'll notice that the 968 didn't sell very well.

IMO, if you want torque, buy a VR6.

 

Only time will tell now, how well the Spec V holds up against its rivals.

 

In the autocross world, the Spec V should do decently. Definitely not an ITR killer, but it may win against RSX, Neons, Impreza (not WRX), etc. Basically, most cars in the new GS class. (remember ITR is moving to DS next year).

 

I've drivin a new Altima and they are FAST. I didn't know thats the kind of #'s it produced. Neeto But they seem big.

 

also keep in mind that Car and Driver usually post the slowest numbers out of all the rags

Are u sure the Spec V was tested..cuz i heard it had 185 hp and 185 lb-ft

 

The US Spec one is 175hp... I doubt Canada gets a different version but who knows.

Also remember that it all depends on the driver.. look at the 1997 ITR numbers back when people didn't understand how to launch them correctly.

I say just wait until the fuggin car comes out, go drive one, then post opinions. I'll be doing that once they arrive here