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The first thing you notice driving the Nissan Altima SE is its power. The SE's powerful V6 will impress mightily, whether you slam the throttle at a stop light or at 40 mph. Either way, the Altima takes off like a rocket. There's so much power that you'll notice torque steer, even with the automatic. Torque steer is a phenomenon of some front-wheel-drive cars with a high power-to-weight ratio, in which brute force traveling through the axles to the front wheels will pull the steering-wheel slightly from side to side.
The V6 turns the Altima into a true sports sedan, especially when paired with the five-speed manual transmission, and the suspension and brakes are tuned appropriately for the job. The Nissan Altima 3.5 SE is arguably the best performer among mid-sized sedans, and among the most fun to drive. The Altima 3.5 SE uses essentially the same 3.5-liter V6 used in the Nissan 350Z and Maxima. It features the latest in high-output technology, producing 245 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 246 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
The standard four-cylinder engine is strong, too. It delivers considerably more grunt than the four-cylinder engines in the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, and it works well with the four-speed automatic transmission. With the automatic, the four-cylinder Altima still pulls strongly from a standing start, and the transmission shifts promptly between 40 and 60 mph for quick passing maneuvers. Four-cylinder engines of this heft tend to run on the rough side, and Nissan has addressed this inherent vibration with a compact balance system and silent-chain cam drive that smoothes operation nicely. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine features 16 valves, dual overhead camshafts, and fully variable valve timing. It produces 175 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 180 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm (The PZEV engine produces 170 horsepower and 175 pounds-feet). The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is also more economical than the 3.5-liter V6, particularly with the manual transmission. The four-cylinder rates 23/29 mpg City/Highway compared to 21/26 for the V6, according to the EPA. The 20-gallon fuel tank, considerably larger than most in this class, means Altima can travel a long way between fill-ups.
Once again, however, there is no perfect car. Nissan's engineers have done an excellent job of managing the Altima's rough streak, but the big four-cylinder engine is still a bit louder, more raucous, than those in Accord or Camry. The Altima's V6 powertrain isn't quite as smooth as those in the primary competition, either. That said, depending on your tastes, you may have so much fun driving the Altima that you'll neither notice nor care.
The Nissan Altima feels secure at 80 mph in a torrent of rain. It feels larger than the Honda Accord and other mid-size sedans. The four-wheel disc brakes are easy to modulate, even without the ABS, and deliver plenty of stopping power. Power rack-and-pinion steering gives precise directional control, with good feedback. Overall handling is exemplary, thanks partly to a newly designed multi-link rear suspension, which uses aluminum components to reduce weight. This is a sophisticated design, and it enhances the stability of the rear end, even on bumpy roads. When it comes to chassis dynamics, the Nissan Altima is again a class-leading performer. Enthusiasist drivers will love it, but it may not be for everyone.
While it rides well in most circumstances, the Altima 3.5 SE can feel stiffer than some of its competitors, particularly when it's crossing a rhythmic series of bumps or pavement joints. It's not quite as smooth as the Camry or Accord, and the driver and passengers might feel a bit more vibration through the pedals, steering-wheel or armrests. Overall NVH (or noise, vibration and harshness control) doesn't quite match the best in class, due in part to the Altima's emphasis on exhilarating performance. With every car, designers (and buyers) have to make choices. Nissan emphasized performance and handling over smoothness.
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