The altima's car run mid-low 14s stock. There was one with only an intake and ran a 13.95 or something. There was some controvesy over the timeslip, but they can do better than a 14.9

 

Honestly, I've read 2 mags that put the altima at 14.9. One compares the altima and the 260hp maxima, which ran a 15.0 or 15.1. So, I need something tangible to be convinced the altima runs mid 14s (not sayin it can't happen, I'd just like proof).

Many people assume that becuase the WRX competes in WRC it can handle well but, like Jesse stated, that's not the case (in stock form). The MP3's handling puts the WRX to shame.

 

No offense, but don't be a magazine racer. I used to frequently visit maxima.org, and ocassionally altimas.net. New 2002 Maximas with 6-spd were pulling 14.3s BONE stock, a few people did it, and there is room to improve. The altima guys and the maxima guys are always arguing over who's faster, and the cars ARE very comprable in speed. It's very close. Do some research before you make up your mind about a car, the magazine's don't know it all.

 

Like I said, I'm not saying it's not possible but, it's hard to discount mags when they have professional drivers test the cars. Hell, I've seen people on this board post that their car runs 15s and I'm definitely not buying into that without a time slip.

 

V6

 

Here's one of the faster tests: Motorweek Altima test 0-60 in 5.9, 1/4 in 14.4 @ 100mph. As a comparison, here is theirWRX test. 0-60 in 5.6, 1/4 in 14.3 @ 95mph.

And the 14.9 Altima vs 15.0 Maxima was in Sport Compact Car. The surface they ran at was very slippery (probably 2.8-3.0 60 foot times), and the weather was very hot. Also 1200 ft. above sea level. Not truly representative of what the car can do. Both cars times are launch dependent, but it's far easier to get a good launch in the WRX. Just dump the clutch. Spinning the tires is easy in the Altima. Not spinning too much is the trick.

And in stock form, the WRX is very loose, and the ABS is SOOOO bad, that most people pull the fuse to autocross. Actually, the ABS isn't that bad, it's just calibrated for dirt and gravel. So the lockup threshold is very low and slow. But, there are plenty of suspension parts that make the WRX into a nice handling car. But for me, the back seat was way too small, and the interior felt cheaper than even the Protege (a much less expensive car).

 

I think if the MazdaSpeed 3 really does come in at US $25K, that's too much and there will be a lot of people who will go to the WRX. But if it's US $22K, the handling difference may help compensate for the HP difference and they might do OK. I can't wait to see one of the MS3's...

 

Well, MS Proteges will all sell out guaranteed. Reason is the limited amount. Two major flaws are the power and colour selection. Although Black Mica will be beautiful, Canada only get the Orange one

22k US is a decent price. You get what you pay for, so if you guys want a turbo, you'll have to pay a bit extra for one. Really when you compare the pricing with the other cars, it's about right. WRX is more, and you get a bit more power. Neon is less, but it's ugly, and the reliability rep is lacking among other things...

By the way, at the Vancouver Auto Show, I asked the Mazda guy about it, and they said that they're aiming at at least 180 hp for the Mazdaspeed Protege, and that Canada is getting 250 Orange ones. Little does he know that it's only 170hp