2.5 or 3.5?

[joypunk]

I'm in the market to buy a new car around the end of this year and I've pretty much settled on the Altima Coupe. I was looking at the Accord Coupe earlier, but that was before I saw the Altima! Definitely like the styling on the Altima better.

But now I'm trying to decide between the 2.5 and the 3.5. Whichever one I get I will be getting a CVT with the Premium package.

Now, my main reason for getting a new car is that I currently have a truck that gets about 19 mpg with my daily driving (mostly highway, I live 45 miles from where I work). I have to drive it very conservatively to even get that mileage (keeping RPM's below 2,000).

So the questions I have for people that already own the car (either 2.5 or 3.5, I'd like opinions/answers from both):

1) What kind of gas mileage do you get? Is that driving conservatively, or do you get to "have fun" while getting that mileage? Seeing the 3.5 listed as 19/26 worries me a bit, since I'm getting 19 right now. No point in buying the 3.5 if my main reason for buying a new car isn't resolved. Granted, that is for city driving and I'll be doing 90% highway.

2) The only other difference between the vehicles, besides the engine, seems to be the sport-tuned suspension and traction control system. How big a difference does this make in the drive of the car? A lot of reviews I've read say the 2.5 drives like a sedan and isn't really sporty at all.

That's it, really. I'll be going for a test drive of a 2.5 soon, but won't have the chance to drive a 3.5. I don't exactly live in a metropolitan area, and there's only one Altima Coupe on a dealer lot within 100 miles of me, and that's the 2.5.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[generic808]

I have the 3.5 and I get about 22.5-23.5 driving a bit of both ways. The suspension is much more taut than that of the 2.5. To me, it's personal preference, but I love the 3.5 suspension. I think it gives the car a more "sporty" feel. And with the 3.5, you get the better wheels/tires, blinking side view mirrors and a few other minor things. I believe the difference in price is well worth it, but that's me. If gas mileage is your main concern, definitely go with the 2.5.

[bembol]

We both have the 2.5S (sister's) and 3.5 SE.

generic808, pretty much said it. The VQ/Suspension is so much fun to drive, don't get me wrong the 2.5S is alright but if you can afford it/the gas I would go for it.

When I took the 3.5 SE for a spin, it didn't have the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)/Premium Package and I thought it was amazing/really surprised me.

I'm still on break-in period and this new law (50km+/Stunt Driving) was just passed so I'm not even going to take any chances...I'll let it calm down before I push her.

[rjdmmfl1]

I agree with bembol... my wife has the 2.5 sedan and I have the 3.5 coupe w/ VDC. I'm getting about 19.6 city and 26 highway.. but I drive conservatively. I only let her rip when I'm passing someone on the highway. I love the 3.5 and def enjoy driving it alot more than my wife's sedan. Gas milage for the 3.5 vs 2.5 would probably eual what ~ an extra 50/month...give or take. If that and car price is not a problem, then I'd go with the 3.5!! Trust me, you won't regret it!..at least I didn't!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I vote for the 2.5S. Great gas mileage, plenty of power, very smooth suspension.

[mikemart]

I agree with SHIFT_2.5S

I test drove a 3.5S A/C CVT and it was pretty awesome. I then test drove a 4 cyl Altima Sedan because they had no 4 cyl coupes. I was very impressed with the get-up-and-go of the 4 banger 4 door. I figured if the 4 door was quick enough for my needs, than surely the 2 door would be just as (if not more) satisfying.

rjdmmfl1 is right: I think the 2.5 is averaging about 50 miles more per tank than the 3.5

There are also people like my father that say that smaller engines = less maintenance = longer engine life. Don't know if that's true, but there are less moving parts, cylinder's, etc.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

There are also people like my father that say that smaller engines = less maintenance = longer engine life. Don't know if that's true, but there are less moving parts, cylinder's, etc.

I don't know. I've always heard the opposite - a bigger engine can withstand more 'wear and tear' and therefore lives longer. Don't know which is true, exactly, but I do know that if a car is maintained properly, it should live for a long time, regardless of the engine.

[mikemart]

thats a good point. I guess I never thought of it that way.

I guess there 4 bangers, V6's, V8's that are still chugging along with hundreds of thousands of miles on them.

Good maintenance. I've got that covered. If there's one thing my dad taught me, its taking car of your vehicles. (its killing him that I want to start taking my new car apart as soon as I get it!)

[generic808]

One thing I think you may have to consider is ENGINE NOISE. There is a big difference in the in-cabin noise between the two motors. The 2.5 gets pretty loud at times compared to the 3.5. The 3.5 just sounds sooo much smoother and it doesn't struggle at all. The sound never really gets loud in-cabin unless under WOT.

[LinkNuc]

Well, I just got mine (3.5) M/T a little ago, I do al ittle of both gettign about 24-25 but I haven't been on it, but based on my 2003 Z I would say on highway travel (long trip) in 6th around 70 mph you'll get 30, I had CAI and Exhaust on the Z though.

[joypunk]

Anyone with the 2.5 able to say what kind of mileage they're getting?

I did just do the math, and based on averages (I drive about 2,000 miles a month... say the 2.5 gets 30 mpg and the 3.5 gets 24 mpg) it's about a $60/month difference in gas... which is about $700 a year. Not too big a deal overall I guess.

generic: The 2.5 is really louder than the 3.5? I woulda figured it the other way around.

I wish there was a 3.5 around here for me to drive. Once I drive the 2.5 there really won't be anything I can compare it to to help decide.

Also, I asked this question over in the finance forum but it doesn't seem like anyone reads that forum much.... does Nissan typically offer end-of-year incentives (rebates, etc)?

[LinkNuc]

Yes, they do offer year end incentives, but you won't get any on the Coupe unless its dealer specific, not only that, if you are financing there is no special 0.0 or 0.9% apr's on these models. Best bet is go with a Credit Union or just deal with the best rate they offer. I believe new car loans in you area of Springfield, Missou are right around 6.0-6.25% for 60 months...you could probably do a little better than that though. But then again national average is 6.91% for a 60 month new car loan.

[joypunk]

I was thinking more along the lines of rebates... and I also kinda figured that with the Coupes being new and selling so well that they wouldn't offer any incentives on them. I've already got financing lined up through my own bank unless Nissan wants to beat their APR for me.

If there's not gonna be any rebates, no point waiting until December to get the new ride. =D

[LinkNuc]

Yeah as far as I know there won't be any rebates (unless dealer specific) on the Altima Coupe this year. You can get a nice chunk of change for a Titan though. When you go to the dealer for financing they will put your info out to about 8-10 lending institutions including NMAC, and will then offer you the most competetive price, usually a Bank of America or Chase come back with the best rates, from what I've seen, but that depends on your credit as well.

My opinion, if you are ready financially and have found the car you want and don't want to wait, buy it. If you can wait another 8-12 months then get a rebate/cash back, APR deal, etc. But you will not see 2008 Coupes with any special deals until at least May-June 2008. (from what I am told).

[generic808]

generic: The 2.5 is really louder than the 3.5? I woulda figured it the other way around.

I wish there was a 3.5 around here for me to drive. Once I drive the 2.5 there really won't be anything I can compare it to to help decide.

Yes, there is a signifigant difference in in-cabin noise between the two motors. The 2.5 gets a little loud, that's the only way I can describe it. It doesn't have as much power as the 3.5 so it'll have to push a little harder, thus creating more engine noise. Don't get me wrong, it's not unbearable, but there is a very noticeable difference between the two. Maybe the guys on here who have both models can reconfirm what I'm saying.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Yes, there is a signifigant difference in in-cabin noise between the two motors. The 2.5 gets a little loud, that's the only way I can describe it. It doesn't have as much power as the 3.5 so it'll have to push a little harder, thus creating more engine noise. Don't get me wrong, it's not unbearable, but there is a very noticeable difference between the two. Maybe the guys on here who have both models can reconfirm what I'm saying.

Loud above 4k rpms, but not unbearable. If you want a quiet car, go for a hybrid!

[doi]

go with a 3.5 but don't get cvt get a 6mt its a lot more fun to drive plus its cheaper

[joypunk]

I think I'm gonna have to drive up to Kansas City to test drive both of them... and maybe even buy one. I'd rather buy one off the lot so I can bargain closer to Invoice rather than pay MSRP for one I order.

Thanks for the input, folks, but I think all you've made clear is that I need to test drive both of them. =D

[compyelc4]

<<I did just do the math, and based on averages (I drive about 2,000 miles a month... say the 2.5 gets 30 mpg and the 3.5 gets 24 mpg) it's about a $60/month difference in gas... which is about $700 a year. Not too big a deal overall I guess.>>

Don't forget the 20 cents/per gal. difference. Now re-do the math.

As for quietness, at speed I can detect no difference between my son's G35 and my Alti 2.5. Matter of fact the 2.5 is quieter than any care I have owned at freeway speed. Off the line, with the windows down, the 2.5 DOES make a unique sound all its own. Most of my friends though comment on how quiet this 4-banger is compared with others.

[joypunk]

compy: shoot, thanks for reminding me. I completely forgot about the premium gas the 3.5 needs!

[generic808]

Whatever you do, test drive the 2.5 first. If you go with the 3.5 first, the 2.5 will disappoint. That's what happened to me so I just wanted to give you a heads up.

[tsigoloeg]

compy: shoot, thanks for reminding me. I completely forgot about the premium gas the 3.5 needs!

My 2c:

You don't need to put the premium in the 3.5.

No one was ever sorry they paid for more horsepower.

3.5 mileage, on freeway at 77 using cruise I can get 30 mpg. I work 3.5 miles from my work and it is pure stop-n-go surface streets and I'm lucky if I get 18.5 mpg.

[maxentropy]

I work 3.5 miles from my work and it is pure stop-n-go surface streets and I'm lucky if I get 18.5 mpg.

/Agreed. I sit in stop-n-go traffic myself every morning with my 3.5SE and I get about 18 mpg.

However, highway travel is much better around anywhere from 25-32 mpg.

[joypunk]

Well, I just talked to my local dealer and he says the chances of getting a 3.5 to test drive any time soon are slim to none. The next 3 they have coming in are all already pre-sold. He wants me to just order a 3.5 without driving it first, and I laughed at him there. I don't buy anything without driving that model first.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Drive a 3.5 Sedan. Should give you an idea of the engine.

[heysteve]

i drive a 2.5 but let me tell you. you feel like saving money now but wait until youre over that and want some more speeeeeeeeeed. youre gonna regret choosing the 2.5 over the 3.5. my biggest selling point for the 2.5SL was all the other options i would be getting over getting a 3.5SE. performance wise its lacking when compared with the 3.5 to say the least. however, that is not to say that the 2.5 is not a great car cuz i love my car. give both cars a chance. i was retarded and test drove the 2.5 and fell in love before i got a chance to try the 3.5. for some reason the first time i drove the cvt trans. it felt like the 2.5 was so fast i was like holy crap this is enuff for me. i have no idea what it was but that was it haha. if i test drove the 3.5 when i was still in the market i wouldve decided on the 3.5 for sure, even if it meant i had to get cloth seats. which BTW now i wouldnt even mind because the leather seats i slide around in and its no fun in corners. >_<

[mcheddadi]

i drive a 2.5 but let me tell you. you feel like saving money now but wait until youre over that and want some more speeeeeeeeeed. youre gonna regret choosing the 2.5 over the 3.5. my biggest selling point for the 2.5SL was all the other options i would be getting over getting a 3.5SE. performance wise its lacking when compared with the 3.5 to say the least. however, that is not to say that the 2.5 is not a great car cuz i love my car. give both cars a chance. i was retarded and test drove the 2.5 and fell in love before i got a chance to try the 3.5. for some reason the first time i drove the cvt trans. it felt like the 2.5 was so fast i was like holy crap this is enuff for me. i have no idea what it was but that was it haha. if i test drove the 3.5 when i was still in the market i wouldve decided on the 3.5 for sure, even if it meant i had to get cloth seats. which BTW now i wouldnt even mind because the leather seats i slide around in and its no fun in corners. >_<

I love your honesty

[generic808]

i drive a 2.5 but let me tell you. you feel like saving money now but wait until youre over that and want some more speeeeeeeeeed. youre gonna regret choosing the 2.5 over the 3.5. my biggest selling point for the 2.5SL was all the other options i would be getting over getting a 3.5SE. performance wise its lacking when compared with the 3.5 to say the least. however, that is not to say that the 2.5 is not a great car cuz i love my car. give both cars a chance. i was retarded and test drove the 2.5 and fell in love before i got a chance to try the 3.5. for some reason the first time i drove the cvt trans. it felt like the 2.5 was so fast i was like holy crap this is enuff for me. i have no idea what it was but that was it haha. if i test drove the 3.5 when i was still in the market i wouldve decided on the 3.5 for sure, even if it meant i had to get cloth seats. which BTW now i wouldnt even mind because the leather seats i slide around in and its no fun in corners. >_<

Like I said, test drive the 2.5 first. If you drive the 3.5, you'll never go back! And I can almost guarantee that