I love my 3 year old CL, but honestly I am getting kinda tired of it. I've seen some specs on the new Altima - and it's really starting to grow on me. Anyone out there like it/tested it, or know anyone who has recently purchased one? I am drawn to them b/c I'm a big fan of Japanese reliabilty. Love the Beams and Veedubs but just don't trust em.
Aah, I'll prob. end up buying another CL - - but I thought I would at least look around and ask anyone to weigh in with their thoughts. Thx

 

Here is the link from Maxima.org forums. Read it, you might find it interesting, it will also answer some of your questions.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=new+altima

 

I read somewhere that the new altima Auto will do the 0-60 in 7.3 sec, still slower than a CL-P not even close to CL-S, so how conme the stick version will do 0-60 in less then 6.2s and 1/4 miles in 14s@100 MPH?!!!

 

I haven't had a chance to test drive 02 Alti yet, but people who drove 3.5L 5-speed say it's very fast. Some even claim that it's faster than a 02 6-speed Maxima.

 

3.5 VQ engine with 246 lbs of torque... man, isn't there a saying, horsepower is what you read and torque is what you feel!!! I hightly recommand getting the new Altima manual, then change the shocks and suspension.... i heard the stock Altima has really soft suspension, heavy body rolls.

Nissan finally is doing the right thing.

 

I drove the V6 altima, a friend got one. It feels faster than my cl-p, maybe it is?? But the quaility,looks,style is not as good as a cl. Plus is a nissan, its kinda a grade lower than acura.

 

yummy.



sweet car. not quite as luxurious as a CL tho.

 

I think it looks sweet. Many people I know do not agree though.

 

It's a relatively light car with a big motor. Period. AKA Muscle cars...that's what it is. Don't look to it to handle because it won't...the shape alone denotes that it's a boat...the live rear beam axle says it all...the interior is not up to par with accords or camrys....but if it's a motor and a 5 spd that you want, without a turbo..it's a hard one to beat. Just figure out what you want, a car for performance...or a combination...btw, don't believe the hype..in general, most people will not do 0-60 in 6.28 with the stick...think more along the lines of 0-60 in 6.4~6.6, which is still quick.

 

I knew that mofo (Steve Millen) was up to no good with the Altima =)

 

Speed wise the Altima V6 is as fast or faster then the CL.

Luxury wise, not even close. The interior of the Altima is very plasticy (is that a word?). Lots of plastic and just not refined looking at all. Plus, the list of features compared side by side with the CL would favor the CL pretty heavily too....

 

no i will not go with altima.as u can see..it is about $25000 for v6 engine and all leather interior..u can imgaine the poor or low quality assembly..otherwise there is no such good things..powerful engine and good and nice interior at $25000 or so for japanese cars?

 

Why?

I think Nissan builds good quality cars too. My 96 Maxima, which has 140000 miles on it, has less rattles than my 20000 miles CLS!!

 

I test drove the Altima SE auto w/o leather or the Bose option (or whatever they have as high end stereo system).
I think it is quite fast and you feel the torque as it launches. I guess I can list the pro's cons that I saw:
Pros:
- Good power
- cool/ new looks
- Cheaper sticker price (only 2-3K lower than CL-P though!)
- Less wind noise

Cons:
- When you try to accelerate when u turn it locks the front wheels (I cant remember the term for that..)
- It is 4 spd auto so when u want to accelerate at 60 mph it is much slower that CL-S because 3nd gear goes about 3K rpm which does not deliver as much power..
- Interior looks still like a Nissan not an Infinity or Acura..
- No SS mode
- Traction control is optional in auto!!

And the list goes on like that..
If I were to buy an altima I would be buying the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine w/ 180 hp. 5 spd tranny. Maybe leather.. So I would be able to keep it around 20 K.
If you r gonna get a fully loaded one which would take you over 25K I would buy the CL-S 6 spd in a heart beat..

BTW I believe build quality of a nissan is pretty good and you would not have any problem with that but you would be in Nissan, Honda, Toyota class, not in Infinity, Lexus, Acura class and the service you'll get from the dealer would be the same way!!
Just my 2 cents..

NS

 

I'll have to agree with NS on this one. While I have never driven one, I have sat in and closley looked at many, at auto shows and what have you. Frankly, the interior is pretty cheap, the leather sux, and the car feels a little to "loose" (in terms of general quality) for my tastes. I would so much rather get the CLP, though slower, more than makes up for that in terms of quality and luxury. And if you can, definately get the six speed Type S when it comes out. It will beat the Nissan in terms of luxury, performance, and class. And anyway, what would you rather drive, a Nissan (aka Datsun)* or an Acura?


*This remark is a joke, so anybody on here with a Nissan or who likes Nissans, stay out of my throat and off my back!

 

Look in my sig

Anyway, I think you can't really compare an Altima to a CL, they are two different cars. Plus, Altima is not a Nissan flagship, it's a class lower than a Maxima.
When I get my CL-S it will probably be a 6-speed.

 

No, the two definately cannot be compared, you're right. But the starter of this thread was thinking about getting an Altima and I wanted to steer him in the right direction, away from the Altima.

 

huh???? The car hits the skid pad with a .81g and doesnt have a rear beam like a max. It has a independant suspension based on the skylines....

Adam