Has anyone gone from a Maxima/I30 to a SR20-powered vehicle? Impressions?

[phenryiv1]

I have had 2 Maximas and an I30, and am considering a G20 for several reasons. My primary reasons are fuel economy, price, and the availability of more SR20-powered vehicles with the miles/features/price that i am looking for.

I currently drive a 1500 Silverado (for work), but I am selling it and getting a beater truck and driving a car for the commute. My wife still has a 5MT 2000 Maxima SE.

I have it narrowed down to a G20 and a Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. THe Impreza has 165 HP and was fun to drive, even in an auto (I will be getting sa 5MT regardless of vehicle selection).

My fear with a G20 is that 145 HP (down from the 190/222 in my Maxima and I30) is just not going to cut it. Has anyone "downgraded" to a 99-02 G20? I want driving impressions, if possible.

Unfortunately, there are few in the area to drive, so I would have to be ready to drive a good distance to buy one, if the right car came up.

Before I take that step, I would like to hear what people think of the comparison between a VQ-powered car and the SR20 in the G20.

[nametakennow]

I'll leave the real impressions to RED, as he has a G20, but given my knowledge of the G I'll say a little.

If you're doing a commute in this car, the G20 is more than likely going to be more comfortable (more like what you're used to in the Max and I30). Subarus are more spartan.

Personally, I love Subies, especially the 98-99 2.5RS coupe, and I'd love to have one of those.

However, given the goal of this car - a commuter - unless you really want the AWD, there isn't much difference between the two cars in terms of performance.

So, unless we're talking about modifications, I'd have to say G.

By the way, the SR20DE has more grunt than it's given credit for .

[RED_DET]

Well there is obviously going to be a difference in power. I have only test drove the 190 hp maxima, but that was some time ago. The g20 runs nice, very comfortable and has plenty of room for 4 adults. With some simple bolt ons though, the g20 would definately be alot of fun to drive. My stock G20 gets the job done, has 152k on the clock and gets great gas mileage. I like the looks of the p11, which is what you are wanting to get.

[phenryiv1]

Sounds good. I just worried that the less HP would be a hinderance, even at the lighter weight. The one good thing that I have the option of doing is swapping for the Maxima a few days a week, if need be.

Any other impressions?

Where can I find stock performance data for a G20? Looking for Torque specs, 0-60 and 1/4 times, Fuel economy stats, braking distances, etc.

[nametakennow]

G20 Stats

It doesn't give 0-60, but given that my (lighter) Sentra has the same motor and was rated at 8secs flat, I'd say mid 8s.

Those stats are for the Touring model, btw.

136lb/ft @4800rpm

I know the motor pretty well, and I can tell you that the powerband is pretty sweet. Once you hit 2500rpm you're pulling pretty well, and at 3-3.5k on up to 5500-6k it's quite meaty. I love throwing it in 4th at 70mph on a backroad (right around 3500rpm) and tackling the slow, loopy curves and elevation changes. The G is said to have great handling as well, so I'd assume it will do the same.

You shouldn't have any trouble stopping either, they give them pretty nicely sized brakes.

I get upper 20s to 30 around town. Since the G is heavier, I think Edmunds 24/30 is probably right on.

[240sxjeff]

If I can chime in here for a bit, I have had a 2001 impreza rs which i just sold in january. And my brother has a 200sx ser, so I have driven both. And to tell you the truth the impreza was way faster and has a crapload more torque. IT also ran alot smoother and the power band was consistent. the only drawbacks with the impreza is they have alot of transmission problems once you start making power and are more expensive to maintain (part-cost wise)than the sr20 powered vehicles. Therefore if you just want a car to drive around I would probally just get the g20 since replacement parts are cheaper and easier to come by, and not to mention it waste alot less gas (comparing my bro's se-r with my RS2.5)Hope this helped you some

[maxhopper]

Hey Patrick, I own both. While my G is still needing the motor swapped (I have all the parts, just free time for everyone involved is scarce). My ex-girlfriend had an auto 93 G20(P10), and it was fun to drive stock.

The motor (NA and Turbo) upgrades are very plentiful for the FF SR20 platform. Motor swap is available for under $500 (+ additional parts/labor for NA motor), and the dependability of the SR is equal to that of the VQ.

The thing I have found is that the suspension upgrades are scarce for this platform, as it shares little to nothing bushing/strut/spring-wise with it's Nissan cousins. KYB is the only maker of adjustable struts/shocks, unless you want to go coilover.

I personally love the G20. Kinda like the Maxima; slightly overweight luxury performance in an attractive (although smaller) package.

In the end, it all depends on what you want the car to be.

[teksurv]

Great question, I can tell you this:I have had a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation Maxima. I currently own a '95 300ZX NA, and a '95 G20 Auto. I bought the G20 for commuting in San Diego, hence the auto transmission.

Personally, I regret purchasing the G20. It's nice for what it is, and I did not expect a lot of power. In fact, as others have said, in the upper RPM range, it is very decent. BUT, coming from a Maxima, especially a VQ powered Maxima, I very much miss the 205 Tq stock. And that was for a '97. I'm now looking at 2003-2004 G35's.

For me, it really comes down to three things for commuting. Comfort, economy, and reliability. I am giving up some of the economy benefits for the comfort/power. Especially considering the VQ's need for premium.

So, are you willing to accept what IMHO is a dramatic power downgrade? Are you concerned more about the cost of gas, than power? Are you happy with a smaller interior?

I really am not trying to knoch the G20. both the P10 and P11 are great cars for the class in which they belong. I guess I just prefer something a bit bigger and more powerful, not to mention more luxurious. Even for commuting, which I do a lot of. My '97 Maxima got really decent gas mileage, had it not been a 5MT, I'd still have it today.

Just my thoughts....

[Ty SE-R_92B13]

I've got the SR20DE (5MT) in my Sentra SE-R and the VQ35DE (5AT) in my Altima SE. I love them both. The SR20DE is a stout engine. It loves to run, but you have to get up to about 4000 RPM before it will really take off. I guess thats why the downshifts on country backroads are so much fun as nametakennow eluded to. It's really a great daily driver.

The VQ however makes power RIGHT NOW. It's hard not to like that.

[Dusty1960]

Had a 93 G20 for 8 years - sold to a friend with about 130k on it and the Metallic re was nice with dark tint.

He had to put in a new clutch and engine mounts and the Grey leather easily was worn out - seat covers

IS more sporty/fun with a 5 speed - Doesn't need premium either

I got older and had kids so I got a 2000 I30t which "is a good family car" - my son and bought a 98 M roadster for the stick/speed/fun - "midlife?" -Friends.

nice mix

Japanese sell turbos and etc for the SR- engine and