Ok guys to answer that question once and for all.
Let's take any normal car that comes in both a stick and an automatic.
A BMW 328is (~1999) - This car comes in both auto and stick. It compares to the Maxima in performance. The stick shift 328is does 0-60 in 6.6-6.8 seconds. The automatic version does it in 7.1-7.3 seconds. So basically add 1/2 a second on. Automatics have gotten pretty good that it's just about 1/2 a second to the 0-60.
That BMW is the average example of an automatic vs. stick comparison.
Now Ferrari on the 355 F1 created a somewhat hydraulic triptronic padel shifting thing. The numbers are actually the same as the stick, actually a bit faster. Ferrari drivers are plagued with the slotted gate shifting machnism. It's hard to get the shifter into gear, and they cannot do it as fast as normal cars. Thus, this somewhat automatic transmission is better than the stick, but I'd still get the stick cause it's more fun.
The Ferrari is an example of when an automatic might be a better performer. One of a few that is like this.
The Acura NSX is another story. Acura gave the Automatic NSX another engine. Not only does it suffer from the 10-15% drivetrain power loss, it suffers from an engine that makes 20-30 less flywheel horsepower. 0-60 times on an NSX stick are 5.3 seconds, the auto's are doing it in 6.6-6.9 seconds. Pretty depressing for an exotic.
The NSX is the worst comparison between the two.
Where does the Maxima fall. It is perhaps the second worse comparison. Stick Maxima's in 95 were doing 0-60 in 6.6-6.7 seconds (Motortrend), the autos in 7.7-7.9. Ouch that's 1.2 seconds. The reasoning behind this. The Maxima's 5spd tranny is designed purely for performance. The gearing is perfect. Especially our 5th gear. Stock Maxima Sticks have no problem reaching 140+ MPH, and it does it quickly and confidently. The auto is designed for grandma and grandpa. The revs are kept low for a comfortable ride. Thus, 4th gear is a total overdrive where no real useable power is obtainable. Thus, the top speed falls off around 120MPH.
You need to realize that these might as well be two different cars. 530I Automatic vs. 540I Stick, that's almost the comparison here.
So people who are complaining that their automatic Maxima's are getting beat by other cars, and are getting pissed because everyone hails the Maxima as this incredibly quick car. Well they need to realize that the incredibly quick Maxima is the stick, and the nice luxury car that rides so nice, and is bang for the buck is the auto Max.
Any performance enthusiast needs to buy a 5Spd.
Amen
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July 2001 Maxima of the Month
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 5Spd - Sage Mist Green - 5Spd: Leather, Dual Power Seats, Climate Control, Bose, Moonroof
Mods: Stillen 5 Piece Aero Kit / 5Zigen GT8 17" Rims / Nitto NT555 ZR-W 235/45/17 Tires / Suspension Techniques Modified Springs / Tokico Blues / Stillen Front Strut Tower Bar / Stillen Rear Sway Bar / Greddy Catback Exhaust / Cattman Y-Pipe / Random Tech 2.5" Straight Through Cat Converter / PR Cold Air Intake Adapter / Stillen ShortRam Intake with Velocity Stack / GForce 96 ECU (Testing for Maximadriver.com/Cheston) / Stillen Carbon Fiber Dash / Clear'd Amber Out of Taillights / Courtesy Front Clear Corners / SS Brake Lines / Porterfield Pads / Cut Shift Handle / Autolite Titanium Spark Plugs / B&M Carbon Fiber Shift Knob / Razo Carbon Fiber Pedals / JL 12W3 12" / Kenwood 650 Watt Amp / Redline MTF / Mobil 1 5w30 every 2500 miles / Wax every 3 months
180 FWHP - 186 TQ [Before Cat & ECU] (Outside 90F, one small worthless fan) / Estimate Power (w/ Cat & ECU) 190 FWHP - 200 TQ / 14.7 @ 94 [Before Cat & ECU] (Pomona 01/2001 - Cool/Overcast day)
http://www.brianv.net
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