Mazdaspeed3 vs. Altima

[Young Roids]

(boom04) Could the 270hp altima really be better than the Mazdaspeed3? Some quick stats the Altima does 0-60 in 6.0 it gets 21/29mpg and it is naturally aspirated. It costs $24000 wich is right about what a MS3gt costs.
(cryhard) (nervous) please tell me some reasons why the MS3 is better.

[Rotary_Powered]

The MS3 is faster, has LSD, a track tuned suspension. The Altima suspension isn't very dialed in and no LSD :( Plus they are in different classes the Altima is the class of the MS6.

[CTGrey02]

I wish we had a package with all the hi-tech gadgets the Altima coupe has. That things gonna give the new Accord a run for it's money.

[Karma_hunden]

The altima coupe is in the MS6 class? isnt it FWD?

Either way, I read somewhere it did a weak 6.4-6.5sec 0-60mph; cant be that powerful. Probably another overratted car by Nissan, just like the 350Z (with the exception of the 07 models which are actually fast). I like the start up button system though. That's cool!

[Young Roids]

The MS3 is faster, has LSD, a track tuned suspension. The Altima suspension isn't very dialed in and no LSD :( Plus they are in different classes the Altima is the class of the MS6.

Road and track reports a 5.7 second 0-60 with the altima and they report a 6 second time with the MS3. While it is in another class than the MS3 it can be had for roughly the same price as the MS3gt so it is comparable that way. But I suppose you are right about the MS3 handling better, that seems to be the saving grace of the ms3 in this comparo.

[Kosh]

0-60 times isn't really all that big of a deal. NA engines are naturally better at this sort of acceleration because they don't have to build boost. I bet our cars will smoke this altima on highway or from any gear above third. Our cars aren't made to be killer from a dig so it isn't really a concern for me.

[zoom-zoomhatch]

And altima's aren't turbo... I strictly enjoy driving a turbo car over one that is n/a, just a personal preference.

[Kosh]

And altima's aren't turbo... I strictly enjoy driving a turbo car over one that is n/a, just a personal preference.

(mswerd)

[Rotary_Powered]

Road and track reports a 5.7 second 0-60 with the altima and they report a 6 second time with the MS3. While it is in another class than the MS3 it can be had for roughly the same price as the MS3gt so it is comparable that way. But I suppose you are right about the MS3 handling better, that seems to be the saving grace of the ms3 in this comparo.
0-60 is driver dependent. The Max MS3 time seems to be about 5.5 seconds the max Altima time seems to be 5.9 seconds.

I know the prices are comparable but the cars are still in different classes (the compact and midsize class). The MS3 technical direct competitor is the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (with does have serious suspension tuning) which is another compact.

The Altima will be picked up by a lot of people who just want a quick car, or who can't drive manual. (Or who love the build/look of the car) It's a nice quick car, but I the MS3 and even Sentra SE-R V are much more hard core handle better and are quicker around a track, and should be much more appealing to the enthusiast.

[mistermatt]

car and driver did a test on the new altima coupe se and it ran a 5.8 0-60 with a 14.6 1/4 mile. i think .82g and the actual price of the car was 31k.

i dont think its in our league.

[civic si hb]

It's going to vary by driver, i just went to barnes and nobles a few days ago and picked up motor trend and they got the new altima coupe to do a 14.2 @101mph. So it seems like with the right driver it'll go pretty go. Is it a threat to the MS3.......... I'd say NO!!!

[Hypnotized]

The MS3 can be tuned, its turbo, its faster and the suspension setup is tight. You can always make the MS3 faster, the Altima you cannot at least without allot of money.

[94jedi]

Ok, here's the deal. I just test drove the MS3 and the Altima back to back. there is no comparison. I'm an enthusiast and the difference was night and day for me. the altima felt like a boat. I felt like I was half asleep while driving...I couldn't feel the road, steering was terribly uncommunicative...and it "felt" slow. I don't know where they got 270 hp from but it has to be an inflated figure. the MS3 is a true drivers car. Mazda has somehow taken "german engineering" and packaged in into their cars. I don't know how but the MS3 is better in every category except maybe the gadgets. Even the plain mazda 6 manual felt so much better to me than the Altima. The Altima might be a great car but not if you love driving and actually being one with your vehichle (as cliche as it sounds). Coming from a background of an Audi A4 Quattro (Big Turbo 1.8T, all the supporting mods and about 300 awhp), numerous MK2 VW GTi's, and even the raw power of 2 highly modified Fox Body Mustang 5.0's(1 with a built motor and nitrous), I am thoroughly impressed with Mazda vehicles....especially the MS3.

[MX6toMS3]

I wish we had a package with all the hi-tech gadgets the Altima coupe has. That things gonna give the new Accord a run for it's money.

Yup. That commercial where it talked about the push-button ignition and the bluetooth set up makes me jealous. Seems like some easy things they could have put in the MS3.

My boyfriend works at Nissan and drives them everyday so I'll find out what he thinks.

[Donas64]

I'd be hard pressed to take the MS3 over an Altima SE-R especially if I can find one for similar price. In the end, I'm more partial to the MS3 but the Altima SE-R is not a bad piece of it.

Build quality : MS3 has the edge
Handling: MS3 has the Edge
Looks: Altima SE-R has the edge for me
Engines: While the 2.3 DISI is VERY nice, the VQ35DE is a GREAT motor as well and I like power delivery and reliability of NA motors over turbo motors.

Both cars are relatively rare and very roomy. At the end of the day I might end up buying the MS3 but just barely. But don't get me wrong, the MS3 is the higher quality more fun car. But the Altima SE-R is not a bad product.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/08/04/139458.2-lg.jpg

http://www.altima-nissan-place.com/altima_se_r_rear.jpg

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/2005/Altima%20SE-R/02_2005_altima_se-r.jpg

[Donas64]

Ok, here's the deal. I just test drove the MS3 and the Altima back to back. there is no comparison. I'm an enthusiast and the difference was night and day for me. the altima felt like a boat. I felt like I was half asleep while driving...I couldn't feel the road, steering was terribly uncommunicative...and it "felt" slow. I don't know where they got 270 hp from but it has to be an inflated figure. the MS3 is a true drivers car. Mazda has somehow taken "german engineering" and packaged in into their cars. I don't know how but the MS3 is better in every category except maybe the gadgets. Even the plain mazda 6 manual felt so much better to me than the Altima. The Altima might be a great car but not if you love driving and actually being one with your vehichle (as cliche as it sounds). Coming from a background of an Audi A4 Quattro (Big Turbo 1.8T, all the supporting mods and about 300 awhp), numerous MK2 VW GTi's, and even the raw power of 2 highly modified Fox Body Mustang 5.0's(1 with a built motor and nitrous), I am thoroughly impressed with Mazda vehicles....especially the MS3.

I have to agree with you. Mazdas have FAR superior driving and tactile feel than Nissans.

[nvmsp]

You guys are really sleeping on the altima. Atleast you don't have to worry about the engine falling.(sssh)

[Hypnotized]

The price of the that Altima is over 24K. It looks to sell for near 28K. This car is no contest for the MS3.

[94jedi]

The price of the that Altima is over 24K. It looks to sell for near 28K. This car is no contest for the MS3.

that's another key point. I couldn't get the Altima spec'd out like the GT (non-nav) MS3 for less than 27k or so. 3k doesn't sound like alot but if I can find a better value then, I'm going to take it.

The Altima had some really soft sidewall 16" tires and ugly wheels too.

[Donas64]

You guys are really sleeping on the altima. Atleast you don't have to worry about the engine falling.(sssh)

I'm not sleeping on it. I've driven and ridden in Several Altima SE-Rs and I love them. The way depreciation hit them though, you should be able to get a fine example for MS3 money.

[nvmsp]

New altima coupe starts at 20-21K, 3.5 litre If I read the fine print right on the commercial.

Their both badass cars rated at about the same power, the Altima defines the word sleeper. The altima is the best of both worlds, luxury and fast.

Toyed with a GTO the other day, gave him a very hard time and his was stick the altima wasn't, just for some real-world comparisons, not spec sheets. Neck and neck... then I let off and he continued to race himself until he saw the red light lol, priceless, he had to slam on his brakes.

Also toyed with a new is350 or whatever, he was punching it from way behind me and I punched it as he was approaching and we were side by side. He punched it long before I did. After that, he didnt punch it anymore. Don't rely on those spec sheets people.
I read one post where someone said they were having trouble with a new
is350, but they had a MS6, for some more real-world comparisons.

Altima is a car you can mod and not worry about, when you start modding a turbo car... well you know the drill.

[redspeed]

when you start modding a turbo car... well you know the drill.

Yes.............you get a lot of Horsepower! (breakn) (breakn) (breakn) (lick)

[clos561]

toss a turbo on the v6? pretty crazy only if u can get traction, i saw a commercial with a altima 2 door..maybe i was seeing shit ill post link if i find it

[clos561]

VQ35DE — 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Horsepower — 270 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque — 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Emissions — Tier 2, Bin 5
Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS)
Variable intake system
**Nissan Direct Ignition System with iridium—tipped spark plugs**
Electronic drive-by-wire throttle
Engine balancer system

Drivetrain
Front engine/front-wheel drive
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with dual-mass flywheel
Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode

Brakes
11.7" Vented front disc/11.5" rear disc brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

Suspension and Steering
Front: Independent strut suspension
Rear: Multi-link independent
Front and rear stabilizer bars
Sport-tuned suspension — retuned front stuts and thicker front (24.2 mm) stabilizer bar
Vehicle speed-sensitive variable-assist power-rack-and-pinion steering

this car is definitely a competitor and with mods can easily get some big time numbers out of that 3.5 liter v6

[Chief7925]

replacement, displacement, ect.

[Karma_hunden]

su su sup sup super supercharge it!

[Kosh]

Saw the new altima coupe commercial. Looks a little like the new eclipse.

http://www.houstoncars.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/WindowsLiveWriter/2008NissanAltimaCoupeItscoming_F2EE/2008-nissan-altima-coupe-1%5B3%5D.jpg

[Donas64]

Yes.............you get a lot of Horsepower! (breakn) (breakn) (breakn) (lick)

Followed by the horrible sound of detonation. :)

[Not Jo3L]

This morning the towing company I work for towed in a brand new SE-R with 270 miles on it. The guy hit a freaking light pole in the middle of the night.

What a great way to start off the first week of owning a car.

[Donas64]

This morning the towing company I work for towed in a brand new SE-R with 270 miles on it. The guy hit a freaking light pole in the middle of the night.

What a great way to start off the first week of owning a car.

Ya, that would suck!

[redspeed]

Followed by the horrible sound of detonation. :)

Hmmmm..... I thinks he was referring to moding a N/A car vs a factory turbo car. It is easier to mod a turbo car than a N/A car, but if you are talking about converting N/A to turbo, then yeah you're right about detonation.

[Donas64]

Hmmmm..... I thinks he was referring to moding a N/A car vs a factory turbo car. It is easier to mod a turbo car than a N/A car, but if you are talking about converting N/A to turbo, then yeah you're right about detonation.

I understand what you're saying but even cats that come stock with turbos are susceptible to detonation when turning up the boost. Just as some of our fellow forum members.

[clos561]

i dont think the car look like a eclipse at all..more like a g35...it will be nice to see them

[Karma_hunden]

The altima coupe has one of the biggest rear out there lol...it comes with skinny tires...definately not a good combination.

I'm really curious to see how this car stacks up modding-wise and with other competitors besides the MS3. I'm pretty sure the MS3 can edge it. The only thing I see this car has over the MS3, is the cool start up button...thats pretty much it.

[clos561]

weighs only 3050...fwd small rear end doesnt matter tires spin in the front..defintely like my ms3 better but that gona be good competition in a str8 line after mod for mod

[redspeed]

I understand what you're saying but even cats that come stock with turbos are susceptible to detonation when turning up the boost. Just as some of our fellow forum members.

Yes your are right about that!

[MS3Chik]

the ass end of the car looks huge! it just looks like they replaced a 350z with altima badges..its pretty weak

[Raymo853]

If the Altima was offered as a five door, I would be at the dealer tomorrow.

[Karma_hunden]

if the altima has the mod response of a 350Z, it aint going anywhere.

[nvmsp]

Some of you guys obviously no nothing about that motor. It is so easy to whoop ass with the altima even if it's automatic. Been proven by myself many times. Bone stock BTW.

[Karma_hunden]

nvmsp, how does the altima react to mods?

how'bout this upcoming coupe?

[Rotary_Powered]

we all know that the VQ35 is a great engine. My concern is more in line with the suspension/chassis and tires.

[nvmsp]

nvmsp, how does the altima react to mods?

how'bout this upcoming coupe?


How do you think the Altima would respond to mods such as turbo, Supercharger? How does the 350z respond to turbo/ supercharger? Pretty self-explanatory even at very LOW boost. How does the G35 respond to mods? All the same engine. The altima would respond very well to an ECU tune, cai, exhaust, headers. Anything will respond well to mods as long as it's done right you know.
Speaking of the coupe, my friend test drove one yesterday, 3.5L and these are his words " that shit hauls ass ", once again bone stock.

As far as suspension, the handling isnt great, but you don't need handling to race someone in a str8 line. Tires can be changed, I have Falken Ziex's on mine instead on the stock soft tires.

I'm a Mazda fan all the way, but the Altima these days is by no means slow, 3.5L Anyway, I'm not 100% if the new one is a 3.7L with 270 hp but I think it is, so surely it is a competitor if the 3.5L is. Down low the Altima would pull a few car lengths before the MS3 ever caught up, stock vs stock.

[Betelgeuse]

The altima coupe has one of the biggest rear out there lol...it comes with skinny tires...definately not a good combination.

I'm really curious to see how this car stacks up modding-wise and with other competitors besides the MS3. I'm pretty sure the MS3 can edge it. The only thing I see this car has over the MS3, is the cool start up button...thats pretty much it.


Stock for Stock my money is on the ms3 taking it (if driven properly - that is not spinning away for an eternity). I've gone up against a couple 3.5 altimas (they're all over down here) and they're weren't that impressive at all. I'm guessing they were all automatics though.

[MS6S2K]

I had an 06 Maxima as a loaner car (auto), and I tell ya, I don't know about the Speed 3, but I think that car will take out my Speed6 on the highway. It's got some serious rolling power. Imagine that in a lighter new Altima, I think stock vs stock the Altima edges out the Speed 3 in straight line.

Those engines are SO SMOOTH, and very powerful. I totally was wishing my Speed 6 had that engine. You all are underestimating that car, especially the auto. It takes no skill to go fast in it, and likely an auto model will beat you if you don't shift absolutely PERfECTLY. Those cars are just press gas and go, it's not even a challenge.

[Donas64]

I had an 06 Maxima as a loaner car (auto), and I tell ya, I don't know about the Speed 3, but I think that car will take out my Speed6 on the highway. It's got some serious rolling power. Imagine that in a lighter new Altima, I think stock vs stock the Altima edges out the Speed 3 in straight line.

Those engines are SO SMOOTH, and very powerful. I totally was wishing my Speed 6 had that engine. You all are underestimating that car, especially the auto. It takes no skill to go fast in it, and likely an auto model will beat you if you don't shift absolutely PERfECTLY. Those cars are just press gas and go, it's not even a challenge.

VQ35DE is nothing to mess with. So much torque and power stock. They will eat you alive if you underestimate them

A cool link to wards best engines list for the past few years. Nice to see Mazda on there!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward's_10_Best_Engines

[Rotary_Powered]

The Turbo MZR from the MS3/CX7/MS6 also made the same list. :) But good "quick cars" but the Altima is no track car. Nissan needs to make an SE-R version like they've done with the sentra.

[Donas64]

The Turbo MZR from the MS3/CX7/MS6 also made the same list. :) But good "quick cars" but the Altima is no track car. Nissan needs to make an SE-R version like they've done with the sentra.

There is an Altima SE-R.

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/112_0611_07l+2006_nissan_altima_ser+front_view.jpg

http://www.roadfly.com/magazine/galleries/ny_auto_show_2004/photos/photos-05-2004/2005-Nissan-Altima-SE-R-pic-12-6712157.JPG

[Japan8]

That's the old previous gen. They need to make an SE-R of the current gen Altima and Altima coupe.

As the Murano is based on the same platform... Nissan really should look at hooking it up with AWD while they are at it...

[Donas64]

For some reason, I think the new Altima sedan is ugly. Its proportions are off or something.

[controlo]

if nissan's sports car, fairlady Z isn't any faster than the mazdaspeed3 (excluding the '08) , i don't think the altima will be such a threat. however, i love the body style of the new coupes. i was considering it but i wanted a car sooner than they'd be releasing them. i know that the older maxima's have devistating powerplants. a friend of mine had a 94 maxima with intake, header, exhaust and ran a 14.4 in the quarter. it was an automatic as well. insane.

[controlo]

hmm... i just realized the new altima is only 3050lbs? i wanna see what it can do...

[Rotary_Powered]

Yeah some of today's family cars are faster then some "sports cars" lol.

[trees]

That's the old previous gen. They need to make an SE-R of the current gen Altima and Altima coupe.

As the Murano is based on the same platform... Nissan really should look at hooking it up with AWD while they are at it...

That would be nice.

[94jedi]

That's the old previous gen. They need to make an SE-R of the current gen Altima and Altima coupe.

As the Murano is based on the same platform... Nissan really should look at hooking it up with AWD while they are at it...

forget about it being in the same class as the speed3 then. it would be in the class of the Audi A4. with AWD, you won't be able to touch an Altima for less than 28k. that's even over Speed6's class. don't forget, AWD adds parasitic hp loss too.

[Hyun]

Im confused, the new altima coupe.. v6 version i test drove last week wasnt that fast. Definitely didnt "Haul Ass." The car was silky smooth but wasnt impressive at all. Clutch felt shorter than MS3 and gear box felt miles better. I really liked interior and exterior of the car (This was actually the car i was planning to get before MS3.. but i needed new car asap at that time and next best option was MS3).

I can tell you this much tho.. Overall ms3 felt much more faster (maybe because sudden turbo kick) and especially on highway.. ms3 was def faster hands down.

If you want better performance.. go with MS3
If you want nice interior and exterior with decent power.. ALTIMA Coupe no questions asked.

[controlo]

i think its going to be a nice car. i wanna check it out... i think its going to be on par with the mitsushitty's eclipse GT as far as performance goes...

[Donas64]

Im confused, the new altima coupe.. v6 version i test drove last week wasnt that fast. Definitely didnt "Haul Ass." The car was silky smooth but wasnt impressive at all. Clutch felt shorter than MS3 and gear box felt miles better. I really liked interior and exterior of the car (This was actually the car i was planning to get before MS3.. but i needed new car asap at that time and next best option was MS3).

I can tell you this much tho.. Overall ms3 felt much more faster (maybe because sudden turbo kick) and especially on highway.. ms3 was def faster hands down.

If you want better performance.. go with MS3
If you want nice interior and exterior with decent power.. ALTIMA Coupe no questions asked.

The MS3 is probably lighter and the nature of its turbo delivery and its less isolated nature I imagine would make it feel much faster than the Altima coupe. And truth be told, it probably is faster, but I think it would be a close race. I think the Altima coupe could be classified as "deceptivley fast"

[94jedi]

I think comparing the Alt Coupe to the MS3 is apples to oranges. I needed the utility of the hatch and 4 doors so to me, this comparison (if you really want to make it) is a no-brainer. MS3 FTW!

[Young Roids]

I think comparing the Alt Coupe to the MS3 is apples to oranges. I needed the utility of the hatch and 4 doors so to me, this comparison (if you really want to make it) is a no-brainer. MS3 FTW!

you can get the altima in a four door with a six speed manual and the good engine for 24,000 and it has a curb weight of 3300.

[94jedi]

you can get the altima in a four door with a six speed manual and the good engine for 24,000 and it has a curb weight of 3300.

I don't think so. I tried. to get the 3.5, you had to get some interior package. then to get a decent stereo you have to get the sunroof package. You cannot, in my area, get a nicely equipped V6 Altima for 24k or below. 24k in my area gets you a 4 cyl with cloth and alloy wheels.

[Hyun]

^I believe you. The coupe i test drove had sticker price of 29k.. and every other v6 coupe model was 27k+..I mean it's damn altima.

[Young Roids]

I just used the web site and picked the stripped down version that had the good engine and the six speed.