I'm in Love! 2002 Maxima SE

[technogeeky]

I went to test drive an Altima at my local dealership today by my father's reccomendation as a good college car.

I did so, and chose the 3.5 SE model (Altima) and it was pretty sweet.

Then he told me that he could get me in a brand new 2002 Maxima SE loaded for 25,000.

My eyes fluttered. We hopped in a 6-speed black maxima with tan (yuck!) interior leather and I fell in love with that car.


I wanted the performance of a Trans Am (WS6) or whatnot, but my god that Maxima was exhilirating. It was so sporty, punchy, smooth, and sleek at the same time. Very appealing interior. Very sexy car.


I think I've fallen in love with it. Now I just have to make it happen.

BTW - Can ANYONE give me an accurate 0-60 time for that car? Skidpad g's?


If you don't like the car, I understand your opinion, but don't tell me about it. Don't ruin my little dreamy state here!!!!

 

[Legendary]

Maxima 2002 info (don't know if it's SE)

 

[technogeeky]

0-60 mph in 7.1 sec

That number is *total* BS.

There is no way the car is that slow. Absolutely no way. The altima which is heavier and has less HP has 0-60 in 6.2
WTF!?!

 

[StageLeft]

<< 0-60 mph in 7.1 sec

That number is *total* BS.

There is no way the car is that slow. Absolutely no way. The altima which is heavier and has less HP has 0-60 in 6.2
WTF!?! >>

Agreed. Two versions ago with 190 HP they were doing 7.1 for the SE. The 255 version is in mid 6's at most.

 

[StageLeft]

Also unless they are now speed governing the latest maxima se's (I know they do in the GXe and maybe GLE) its top speed is closer to the high 140's range as opposed to a sad 130.

 

[Legendary]

Well that's just one test drivers opinion...maybe he's not that good with the stick.
However the Altima is
2.5 2.5 S 2.5 SL 3.5 SE
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 3048 3095 3102 3273
Curb Weight - Manual (lb.) 2999 3046 3052 3225

and the Maxima is
GLE GXE SE
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 3275 3218 3261
Curb Weight - Manual (lb.) No Data No Data 3224

so it's not THAT much heavier...

 

[Alienwho]

Most people seem to like the Altima more then the maxima. I'm with you though, I like the maxima a lot more. It's a great ride.

 

[fitzhue]

I remember reading about a guy testing his maxima at about 5.8-5.9 seconds (0-60) for the 6 speed and 255hp V6. Are you thinking about the trams am also? Seems like two very different classes there, as the TA is a pretty hardcore sports car.

 

[geno]

<< I wanted the performance of a Trans Am >>


So what were you doing in a Nissan?

 

[Legendary]

Another review I read said 7 seconds for the Manual Maxima so...I don't know...why don't you ask the dealer if you can try it for them...

 

[technogeeky]

Haha. Here's the deal. My dad agreed (a long time ago, he made this deal with both me and my brother) that he would pay insurance until we got in an accident.

Well, I haven't even gotten a ticket.


But he can't afford insurance on the Trans Am AND send me through college.
I can live without a T/A - I want to go to Georgia Tech.


So, he comprimised with me and said that I should investigate cars like the Altima (and the Maxima) because:

They are decently-priced, valuable cars that I can pay off through college.
They get good gas mileage.
They have warantees (good ones, too.)
They can carry my stuff around reliably.



And he has some fetish for the Altima. I like the Altima and the Maxima.

And I told him that I wouldn't want a car that was slow and pokey - I want something that's quick.

But the Maxima is SO much better inside. And it's cheaper in my situation. Why the hell not?

 

[fitzhue]

<< Haha. Here's the deal. My dad agreed (a long time ago, he made this deal with both me and my brother) that he would pay insurance until we got in an accident.

Well, I haven't even gotten a ticket.


But he can't afford insurance on the Trans Am AND send me through college.
I can live without a T/A - I want to go to Georgia Tech.


So, he comprimised with me and said that I should investigate cars like the Altima (and the Maxima) because:

They are decently-priced, valuable cars that I can pay off through college.
They get good gas mileage.
They have warantees (good ones, too.)
They can carry my stuff around reliably.



And he has some fetish for the Altima. I like the Altima and the Maxima.

And I told him that I wouldn't want a car that was slow and pokey - I want something that's quick.

But the Maxima is SO much better inside. And it's cheaper in my situation. Why the hell not? >>



Hell yeah dude, but don't expect TA performance...

 

[PsychoAndy]

Dude, get it! The chicks will probably dig a mid-grade luxury car, you can haul people in comfort, and it's pretty fast. Get the max...with the 6-speed

 

[KokomoGST]

Here's some numbers from Sport Compact Car... lemme preface this by saying, the new Maxima is bigger, heavier, and slower than the old Maxima... also, I don't like quoting manufacturer hp numbers since whp is the only thing that really counts.
The numbers are for the Maxima 2002 SE & Altima SE, both with the VQ35 V6 engine. The Maxima was fitted with the optional helical limited slip diff & 6speed manual. Altima with open diff and 5speed manual... both have the same final drive. All cars were running on stock tires... Maxima on Bridgestone Potenzas, Altima on Turanzas
M = Maxima, A = Altima

Curb Weight:
M-3224lb
A-3225lb

Horsepower (measured at the wheels):
M-218hp@5800RPM
A-200hp@6100RPM

Torque (measured at the wheels):
M-230lb-ft@3600
A-211lb-ft@3800

0-60:
M-6.9s
A-6.7s

0-1320ft
M-15.0s @ 95.6mph
A-14.9s @ 95.5mph


Lateral grip (200ft skidpad):
M-.80g
A-.83g

Slalom speed (700ft slalom):
M-67.9mph
A-66.4mph
(2001 MitsuEclipse GT for reference-64.7mpg)

Braking (60-0):
M-135ft
A-133ft

Just in case you were wondering, I almost never quote car manu hp numbers... the 210hp Prelude SH only puts about 160hp to the ground and the 200hp 2001 Eclipse only puts down 150hp. The Sentra SE-R Vspec... just short of 150hp from a quoted 175hp. Hope this helps.

 

[Turkey]

<< They are decently-priced, valuable cars that I can pay off through college.
They get good gas mileage.
They have warantees (good ones, too.)
They can carry my stuff around reliably.
>>



Try out the WRX wagon. I don't think it gets quite as good gas mileage (20/27) but it will carry your stuff around a lot better and it is even more fun to drive . Cheaper too... maybe the insurance will be a little higher than the Maxima. But hey, I can't blame ya... the Max is cool.

 

[Rallispec]

a quick car that isnt slow and pokey, has a nice interior, great warranty, great value, performance and reliability all at a price that is near unbeliveable.... 10 dollars the to the first person who can guess what car i'm thinking of... (*cough* look at sig for a hint )


the maxima is a great car, but a little big for my taste.. The altima is also really really fun to drive.
nissans rock.
good luck getting it.

 

[toph99]

<< Haha. Here's the deal. My dad agreed (a long time ago, he made this deal with both me and my brother) that he would pay insurance until we got in an accident.

Well, I haven't even gotten a ticket.


But he can't afford insurance on the Trans Am AND send me through college.
I can live without a T/A - I want to go to Georgia Tech.


So, he comprimised with me and said that I should investigate cars like the Altima (and the Maxima) because:

They are decently-priced, valuable cars that I can pay off through college.
They get good gas mileage.
They have warantees (good ones, too.)
They can carry my stuff around reliably.



And he has some fetish for the Altima. I like the Altima and the Maxima.

And I told him that I wouldn't want a car that was slow and pokey - I want something that's quick.

But the Maxima is SO much better inside. And it's cheaper in my situation. Why the hell not? >>




can i have our dad?

 

[technogeeky]

<<

<< They are decently-priced, valuable cars that I can pay off through college.
They get good gas mileage.
They have warantees (good ones, too.)
They can carry my stuff around reliably.
>>



Try out the WRX wagon. I don't think it gets quite as good gas mileage (20/27) but it will carry your stuff around a lot better and it is even more fun to drive . Cheaper too... maybe the insurance will be a little higher than the Maxima. But hey, I can't blame ya... the Max is cool. >>




I have a problem with the WRX. Especially the wagon.

It's not my style.


I'm thinkin for the Maxima - that dark grey color they have with black leather.

OoOoOhHHhh

So sweet!


Hmm.


BTW - Put it this way - the Maxima *felt* faster than the Altima. And I don't expect T/A performance. I want a sporty mid-sized car that is comfortable. The Max fits that profile!!!

 

[technogeeky]

<< can i have our dad? >>



Just to note - He's not *buying* the car. That's me. He pays for insurance.

 

[pcmodem]

Howdy,
It's not just the total HP or Torque!

Think of physics: a body at rest will stay at rest, etc. You have to take into account all the details, not just horsepower.

Things to consider on the vehicles compared:
Tires
Altitude at time of test
Humidity
Temperature
Curb Weight
Gear ratios
RPM at which HP and Torque are available
Transmission (auto versus manual)

-PCM

 

[technogeeky]

<< Howdy,
It's not just the total HP or Torque!

Think of physics: a body at rest will stay at rest, etc. You have to take into account all the details, not just horsepower.

Things to consider on the vehicles compared:
Tires
Altitude at time of test
Humidity
Temperature
Curb Weight
Gear ratios
RPM at which HP and Torque are available
Transmission (auto versus manual)

-PCM >>





Attitude at the time of the test?


Extacy!!

 

[Alienwho]

<< Attitude at the time of the test? >>


Altitude, not Attitude.

For example Turbo cars run better at higher alitudes than N/A.

 

[Pocatello]

Nice, I wish my dad bought me a brand new Maxima when I went to college

 

[Legendary]

I'm either blind or that says "altitude"
Higher up = thinner air = less air resistance = maybe .1 seconds faster

 

[pcmodem]

<<

<< Attitude at the time of the test? >>


Altitude, not Attitude.

For example Turbo cars run better at higher alitudes than N/A. >>



Precisely! Normally aspirated engines suffer at altitude, lose power. An estimate I've read in various automotive journals is 10% power loss for every 1000 feet of elevation. That sounds too high a loss, but it does illustrate the effect of thinner air upon combustion.
-PCM