For fun my wife and I went to Nissan last night to check out the Murano. She can't afford it, but it's fun to shop. We got to talking with the salesman, and he offered up the Spec-V. There wasn't one there, so I was wondering if anyone has driven/ridden in one and what you thought. Sport Compact Car dynoed it at 146 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. I didn't think that was too bad, and it beat the Si (as did all of the cars in the comparison). We have driven the Si, and it wasn't too bad. The wife thinks the Si is more "fun", but she hasn't seen the Spec-V. She drives a 2002 Civic Ex, which we are leasing. Anybody with some words of wisdom?

 

A friend of mine was looking at buying a Spec V (ended up with an RSX-S), so I had a pretty close look with him.

It has an impressive spec list with an LSD and other standard goodies. But if you and your wife are used to Honda quality vehicles, you may find Nissan's cost cutting in the Sentra quite apparent.

For one, the first thing I noticed when I popped the hood was that (similar to the WRX) the car is only clear coated on the external body panels. The interior also felt very cheap. Though I'm sure if you were just after the performance, it will provide/deliver.

NS2000X

 

it's very quick. faster than a type S RSX. has a kick butt sound system by rockford fosgate. nice contoured seats......handles nicely but if you've driven a roadster, it's all relative. I love the front end. all round nice car..... a good friend of mine has a black one that he lowered and put bronze 17' volks on. (15 lbs each)

 

on paper that seems like an awesome little car. 180hp, 6 speeds, 17" wheels, decent looking, etc......

For some reason the damned things run 15.7 or worse in the

 

I'm not sure about it being as quick as an RSX.

A friend has one as a primary car for his wife. It's a fun, capable 4 door car with enough room in the back for 6 footers.

The seats and ergonomics are decent.

The power is good, lot's of grunt down low. Handling is very good, similar to a heavier softer sprung ITR. Brakes are strong. The only issue I have with the car, and it's a minor one, is the cable actuated shifter. It's not that it is terrible, but it could be more direct.

Overall for the money Nissan wants for the car I think they are a steal for anyone looking for a fun commuter or daily car.

 

I've driven them 3 or four times and found them to be a nice, fun car. I did pretty much back to back test drives in the Spec V, SVT Focus, Civic si, Cooper and Cooper S. I was surprised that my favorites weren't the fastest but they were the most fun.

I liked the Cooper S and slower Cooper by far the best. Followed by the SVT, Spec V, and Civic si.

 

2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V ($16,999 BASE) - 175HP@6000 RPM/180LBS@4000LBS while weighing 2.708LBS
0-60 - 7.2SECS and 1/4 mile @ 15.6 w/ 92MPH trap

2003 Acura RSX Type S - 200HP @ 7400RPM/142LBS-ft @6000 RPM (NO Torque) while weighing 2,769
0-60 - 6.7SECS and 1/4MILE @ 15.2SECS w/ 92.7 trap

The Acura has more HP but has crappy torque and similiar weight. This is a perfect example of how one car with about 25HP more than another car is only like .4 faster in the 1/4 mile because of lack of torque. Both cars could be called quick but the Sentra is hardly faster than the RSX Type S. I can't believe I just stuck up for that car

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DJAuggie
[B]
Both cars could be called quick but the Sentra is hardly faster than the RSX Type S. I can't believe I just stuck up for that car

 

Haha. I am not trying to be mean. I just can't call 15s car quick. The RSX Type S is "quicker" tho

 

All in all you guys thinks it's an ok buy then? I guess it will come down to payments and , of course, if the wife really likes it. She hates when I drive like I'm supposed to in the S, but she's always complaining how's she's got no torque, and how she got pulled on this car... She also thinks the Civic is a POS! I think she's strange b/c I would love to have her car as a daily driver. I guess we'll have to wait for the test drive. Thanks guys!