Spec -V or 2000 G20?? help!

[Luke 96 T/A]

Looking for a car for my gf...
Originally we were looking at a nice 2000 G20 (automatic, mint condition, heated leather seats, auto-climate control.. you name it...)
Took it for a test drive, but felt is as being far too sluggish....
Ended up trying the Spec-V and the SE-R (in an automatic) and were blown away by the performance!!!

What would it take to make the G20 perform like the SE-R... there's only a 20hp difference, and 200 pounds.... but it feels much SLOWER!!!!
Are they also using the same engine???

I'd like to run a 15 second quartermile with the G20, while maintaining stock comfort.. I don't want it sounding like a bumble bee or breaking down on long road trips...

If any of you have tips, I'd appreciate it (and the manual G20 is out of the question ;-))...


Thanks!

[primera man]

I'd start of with looking at some good cams for it, along with a K&N pod filter or something similar and a good free flowing exhaust system

[northwestrally]

Easy answer....go with the '99 G20 !!!

The Spec V's motor, although also a Nissan transverse inline DOHC 4, is actually 2.5 litres, and has (if I recall) a variable valve head.

Yes, the Spec is faster, but it has too many drawbacks:

The driving position in the Sentra inhales! Take one for an extended drive, you'll see. The G20 has great seats and ergonomics, even for large & tall folk.

The "styling" of the Spec V has soon-to-be-dead, quasi-ricey-racey-hey-look-at-me-styling on an entry-level car.

The G20 is rare (in the US), understated, and won't be embarassing in a few years the way the Sentra will.

The SR20DE is very tuneable engine if the power seems too low now.

The '99 G20 has already experienced much of its depreciation, and will hold a better part of its value over time.

About the Automatic....... my fiance is 32, and I'm just now teaching her to drive a manual right now (it's never too late) so the cars we buy when we're married won't be saddled with a slushbox. I can't imagine caving on this issue!!

Good luck, buddy !!!! Do what ya want!!!

-Don

[2002G20Racer]

Whats more imprtant to you style and class or a ugly, cheap, rice rocket. I would pick a G20 over a Spec V any day. If you want a fast car get a domestic.

[G20TurboVisionCrew]

Screw the rice rocket, keep the style, comfort, reliability, and class...TEACH YOUR WOMAN TO DRIVE STICK! :hehe: :hehe: :hehe: Then throw in that DET, take the car from your gyrl, and Fly!!! j/p -go with the obvious, you'll be alot more happier.
LUXURY or CHEAP RICE ROCKET, LUXURY or CHEAP RICE ROCKET, LUXURY or CHEAP RICE ROCKET, LUXURY or CHEAP RICE ROCKET, Hmmmm... that was simple
And if you want a fast car screw everything and go for the 6-speed g35 or the new skyline!

[killick]

Get the G20!

I've got a 2001 Sentra SE (I hang out here partly because of all the great SR20 info that's available). But I'm really lookin' forward to picking up a G20 sometime in the next couple of months.

The Sentra is a great little car... but it's just a bit too small, and just a bit too cheap (interior) and a bit to "economy car". No matter how much fun it is to drive I can't help feeling a little envious when I pull in to fill the tank and there's something more upscale parked beside me (and almost everything has a more upscale image than Nissan's entry-level car).

Get the G. You'll have the style, the room, the ride, the handling, and ...if you want to put a couple of bucks into it ... the power you want.

Cheers.