2.5S or 3.5SE

[Oreo2008]

Currently have a 2005 Xtrail, and thinking on switching over to the A/C. Can anyone tell me how the 3.5SE handles the Canadian winters?

I drive a lot (~5000km per month), so I am considering the 2.5S for the fuel economoy, but will have to get the CVT if I want the premium package (want the bluetooth and dual climate ac). However, I enjoy a V6 ever since I had a Maxima, also prefer a standard transmission. I am thinking the SE might be better in the winter since it has traction control and VDC (will get the premium package for SE as well).

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Greg

[mcheddadi]

My A/C just survived and conquered a Quebec winter

I changed the tires though since the original ones were crap. I bought Michelin pilot alpin PA3 in stock size (215/55/17)

oh, and get VDC, it's A MUST for the snow

[nogears909]

my 2.5 was great through its first winnipeg winter, good ol -53C. put on some Blizzak Revo 1's and she was good to go

[Rolling Estonian]

I had no problems with my 2.5 this winter, except for hitting a ball of ice and getting a nasty crack half the way up the side of my stock front fascia (that plastic gets brittle).

Now the Trail Blazer (4wd, traction control) I rented... Different Story, lost contol on some ice at 65-75 Km/h, head on into a delivery truck.

[Canadian Coupe]

You guys are crazy. I would never subject my Altima Coupe to Canadian Winters. Especially with all the salt and crap we throw on our roads.

Mine will be sitting in the garage nice and comfy from November - April.

In your case, I'd go with the 3.5.

[spockrock]

I find the manual transmission better for winter, my coupe got through the snow and ice my camry couldn't, its all about playing with the clutch to get traction.

[Rolling Estonian]

I wish I could afford a beater to drive in the winter.... an 07 altima sedan or something

[Oreo2008]

Thanks for the input. I am being swayed towards the 2.5 by the fuel cost. The 2.5 would be an easy $140 a month cheaper for me if gas price stay where they are now. I know I will regret not getting a standard transmission, have always had them. Although the traction control and VDC would be an asset. Wish Nissan would offer these on the 2.5.

Greg

[headhunt3r]

Amen on the Blizzaks, I had them on my Sentra, and convinced my dad to get them for his Camry. They are an amazing set of winters. The 2.5 should be fine with a set of *four* winter tires.

I never understand those who buy only two winter tires for their car when there's clearly *four* contact points between the car and the ground. Just because our cars are FWD doesn't justify buying only two proper tires...

[prlwhitecoupe]

I have a 2.5 and with gas at $1.27/L i know what u mean....****ing ridiculous! Although my car stayed in the garage as much as possible during the endless storms this past winter I drove her to hamilton and back (brampton) a few times and i dont have winter tires or vdc, unfortunately, but she was great, handling was pretty good. My next car will be a z370 .