trigun7469
trigun7469 SuperDork
12/23/21 10:06 a.m.

2000's Altima vs Sentra Spec V, vs Maxima All of them came with manual transmissions, the Altima and Maxima have the 3.5 engine 250-270HP, Altima can be a lighter than the Maxima. Spec V is the lightest, with the better suspension and Brembo brakes. The Spec V has the lowest HP. 

Fun Factor (assuming the little things that make them go-bang are fixed):

  • Spec V is probably more of the race or autocross ready fun with precise turning and less turning like a pig.
  • Altima has horsepower 200lbs lighter then he Maxima drives like a pig but not a Buick very Vanill.
  • Maxima has horsepower but is heavy, it drives like a Buick but that is kind of fun in a weird way.

Autocross course

  • Spec V is the clear winner, short courses has advantage
  • Altima comes in second
  • Maxima is last but closer than you though to the Altima

Road course Pittrace

  • Spec V handles great but can't overcome the HP and long straights and is beat by .002 by the Altima
  • Altima as vanilla as can be squeaks out the win
  • Maxima runs out of brakes and tires and finishes .5 seconds behind, because you driving a Buick like it's a Porsche lolz Burn out city
Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter)
Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
12/23/21 10:20 a.m.

In reply to trigun7469 :

Wasn't there an Altima SE-R for a year or two also?

ProDarwin
ProDarwin MegaDork
12/23/21 10:24 a.m.

Altima is the only one with IRS, and the only one without a Torsen

 

trigun7469
trigun7469 SuperDork
12/23/21 10:25 a.m.

In reply to Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) :

Yes, https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18202526/nissan-altima-se-r-short-take-road-test/

Run_Away
Run_Away Dork
12/23/21 10:46 a.m.

In reply to ProDarwin :

04+ maxima has IRS, not sure which generation OP is referring to as both fit his descriptions.

 

 

Personally, I put the 3.5 V6 into my Spec V. Best of everything.

trigun7469
trigun7469 SuperDork
12/23/21 11:00 a.m.

In reply to Run_Away :

I am surprised its not a more common swap.

SkinnyG (Forum Supporter)
SkinnyG (Forum Supporter) PowerDork
12/23/21 12:07 p.m.

Came here for road race Hardbody, and will not leave disappointed.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/23/21 1:31 p.m.

I'm voting for the Spec V since it feels the lightest on its feet. 

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