3rd or 4th gen? winter car

[EnzoRWD]

Besides prices, is there much difference b/w the two generations? they both make the same power, im assuming same motor? id be looking for a 5spd SE, under $5000 closer to $3K.-Enzo

[maxhopper]

Some differences between 3rd and 4th gens are:3rd gentiming beltindependent rear suspension

4th gentiming chaintwist beam rear suspension

Obviously the 3rd gen will be cheaper $. Both are well built and durable, it just depends on the condition of the car, and how it was maintained.

[EnzoRWD]

ahh maxima.org hath answered my questions:90-91 SE : VG30E92-94 SE : VE30DE VTC95-98 SE : VQ30DE

guess ill look around for a nice 92-94

[MinisterofDOOM]

The VG in the 90-94 GXE and 90-91 SE isn't bad....that's what I've got. But I think the SE might actually be easier to come by. I was looking for a parts car so I'd have basic engine and transmission parts if my car started to die, but it's hard to find a GXE third gen.

I think no matter which way you go, VG, VE, or VQ, you should be safe. Obviously the VQ is a far better engine than either of the others, but there's nothing wrong with the VG or VE.

What I can say is that even my GXE third gen has impressive roadholding with just H-rated tires. So you should be more than happy with the performance of the SE, especially with the 50 hp upgrade from the GXE. You'll still want studded snow tires on the front, I think. Even on dry pavement in the GXE (with an automatic) its not difficult to spin the tires. Of course, you have to be careful where you go for studded tires anymore, since a lot of places MAKE you buy four, even for a front wheel drive car...

[EnzoRWD]

is the VQ that much better? i dont see need to spend more for a 4th gen if a VE is a reliable motor. i mean, if a base model 95 is far superior to a 94 SE, maybe id consider one, but i already have a fun car, this needs to be mostly just gas-n-go, reliable and fun out of the box. thats why i think a 92-94 SE 5 spd will be fun and practical enough while being less expensive than any 4th gen cars..-enzo

[MinisterofDOOM]

Remember, the VQ has won Best Engine for 11 years running from Ward's auto world...I think its them. It is quite an incredible engine. There is a reason it's used in the Z, G35, Maxima, and just about every other Nissan aside from the Sentra and...big trucks. It's very versatile, torquey as hell, and has enormous tuning potential. It'd be no problem to push a 3.5 liter above 400 hp with little more than forced induction. I'll be putting one in my '93 GXE within the next year or so--depending on price, I actually may go with a VE), partly for performance, partly because I want a low-milage engine. While the VE is still a great engine, and very reliable, the VQ is even better. Although, the first VQs didn't make any more power than the VE, so if that's your concern, I wouldn't worry. It wasn't until the latter fifth gens that the VQ broke the 250 hp barrier. Power, however, is not everything. I'm not sure if the VE was aluminum. The VQ is. I know that the VQ35 in my dad's Max, DOHC Hemi heads and all, is far lighter than my SOHC VG. But as for reliability, both are good choices. Hell, even the VG is a good reliable engine, mine's got 180k miles on it and shows no sign of slowing down.

If you are just looking for a good winter car, I don't think the differences between the VQ and VE will matter much. You should be very happy with the 92-94 SE. That's the best looking Max of all, anyway. All I have to say about that is: Good luck finding one. I hope you can. The list price may be at around $2500, but one in good shape will take more like $4000 to pry it from its owner's hands, at least, if your area is anything like mine. Join the third gen rank...there aren't enough of us. And definitely go with the 5 speed. I just found out the hard way about the strange 180k mile transmission implosion that nearly all third gen automatics experience. $2400.

I just noticed the post above that says the third gen has a timing belt. Only the VG had a blet. The VE had a chain. So a 92-94 SE would have a chain, not a belt.

I'm probably confusing you more than helping...

[574-240sx]

VE is much harder to find replacements for. Good luch finding one in the junkyard. I like the VQ but they are all basically the same engine. If ou can find a low mileage 92-94 SE 5-speed that was well maintained I would jump on it.