I have a 03 nissan altima 2.5 right now but I am not satisfied with its performance. The altima 3.5 is suppose to have 265hp and be a fast car. HOW does the 1998 and older sc400 and ls400 compare in performance?

Also what is the big difference in the sc400 and ls400?

Thanks.

 

1998 LS's got a big upgrade, such as the VVT-i engine, 5speed Auto, and many others i cannot remember right now, giving it 290HP and 300Tq. Not sure about the SC, but they are two very differnt cars, so you cannot really compare the two. Im pretty sure my LS can take on an Auto Altima, never tried racing a 6-speed yet. Plus, i wouldnt even come close to comparing the interior, etc.

 

Its gonna be a 92-96 ls400 or sc400.. What I am looking for is performance..A good platform for an aftermaket stereo system... and luxury..

 

i've beaten a newer altime, im not sure if it was a 3.5 one, i have a 93sc400.....

 

First off - the Altima 3.5SE/SL has 250 horsepower. The new SE-R has 260 horsepower.

The 3.5 mated to the 4-speed auto probably runs to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. The 5-speed auto might get it there a half second quicker. A decent driver using one of the available manual transmissions could probably get the car to 60 in the very low 6 second range.

I imagine that a pre 1998 LS (4 liter + 4 speed auto) would run 0-60 in about 7 seconds.

The SC400 can probably run to 60 in around 6 seconds. While the SC300 is probably about a second slower.

M.

 

no offense 0-60 means jack, an Altima with 3.5 will smoke LS400/SC400 stock to stock in the 1/4, I've seen 14.4 with just intake and it was an auto, those things MOVE, the SE-R is even worse, they'll smoke 'em like no tomorrow, but I hate torque steer.

 

None taken, and I agree with you.

M.

 

Are you serious?!?

One is a top of the line large sedan and the other was a luxury mid size coupe! Both would be slightly slower then the Altima SE-R (which has 260 hp btw) Were talking maybe half a second difference between a low mid 14 second 1/4th to a high 14 second to low 15 1/4th, both the SC400 and LS400 got a 5 speed automatic with a 4 liter V8 rated at 290 hp. So on top end wise it should be just as fast as the altima SER. But not from a stop.

Do you have any particular goals in mind you are really looking and comparing 3 very different cars which makes me wonder if you know what youre looking for? Things seem ambigous right now.

After reading above, looks like youre not really interested in... performance but rather building an audio car and having more passing power? The LS400 will do just fine and is definitively much more luxorious then the altima.

 

I think the ls is the way to go... Due to the luxury factor, performance, 4 door , cheaper insurance then the sc400. The only problem I have is the mileage of these cars. 60k-200k in the autotrader.

 

Just look for proper documentation that maintenace was has been done, have the car looked at before you buy, and do a major tune up change all the fluids after you do buy. Other then that the LS should be extremely reliable. Just so you know earlier LS were considerably slower then the 1998 and up ones rated at 250 hp, this things are about as fast as an auto sc300.

 

I think I decided to go for a 2002+ Maxima. I can get one for about 16000 with 40k on it.

There is some aftermarket for performance. Xeons and full leather.

But I do appreciate you opinions and time. Thank You