eicca

So I'm in my GS4 and running behind. I stop at a light, second in line behind a Nissan Altima 3.5 circa 2008. Light turns green. I pass him on the left as soon as I can. I wanted to change back to the right lane but he kept right next to me. So I floored it and looked back and he was STILL right next to me. The road was wide open and he started to barely pull ahead at 100mph. We quit at 110mph. He gave me a thumbs-up when I made my right turn at the next red light.

Analysis:
GS4, ~3700lbs, 300hp, ~.0811hp/lb
Altima 3.5, ~3300lbs, 270hp ~.0818hp/lb

Given a ten-year wear-and-tear gap, plus the change in the horsepower rating system around 2005 (which may skew the comparison and put the GS4 at 280-290 by the Altima's standard, I don't know), I am reassured that my GS is running quite well, even on old spark plugs.

Hopefully the other guy was actually floored too and I wasn't actually in for a whooping if he had another 25% to give it!

I was also impressed how well the GS handled at 110. It was just as easy as driving at 80. Minor vibration from the front. Smart? No. Safe? Could've been worse. Definitely try not to do that at home, kids. But it's good to know the GS is in such good shape.

KyleH

iTrader: (1)

I'm sure he was giving it every thing it had. You gave him a good run. In addition to your numbers calculated, also recognize you have more drivetrain loss than an altima, so you need a little more HP at the engine just to keep up, all other things being equal. It's worth it for rwd.

mate01

400 or 430?

MattyG

Eicca has a 400, as listed on his profile.

The Altima's no slouch, even in the handling department. I think its 0-60 and quarter mile times are pretty much match the GS4's. The GS should really come out in terms of ride comfort though, and of course if you really want to up it, a RWD car with its traction control off will handle better than a FWD trying to deal with a lot of hp, and turn at the same time. It's apples and oranges because your talking about cars from two different era's.

Interesting "event" because I usually don't have Altimas of any stripe messing with me. It's usually country bumpkin hicks and hayseeds with their compact Chevy Blazers or kids with their 1990's diesel Jettas.

eicca

I'll chalk it up as a good excuse to do a manual swap and headers

I too was surprised that an Altima guy took me on but I guess he fully intended to use all his horses when he bought the V6. I can't blame him, I mean, there were plenty of Corollas I could've bought instead of the GS...