The 2.5-liter engine that comes
in the 2.5 S, SE-R, and Spec V delivers lots of power. Throttle
response is immediate, and strong torque makes for strong
acceleration performance. Based on the architecture of Nissan's
V6 engines, the SE-R's 2.5-liter inline-4 features variable
valve timing, silent-chain cam drive and 
a
compact balance system to reduce vibration. The power band
is very linear. The automatic transmission in the 2.5 S and
SE-R works well with the 2.5-liter engine.
The Spec V adds to the fun with even more power and
it sounds really cool with the low-restriction exhaust. Weighing
in at 2,708 pounds, the Spec V weighs only 15.5 pounds per
horsepower, compared to 16.4 for the standard SE-R. Nissan
claims the Spec V will squirt from 0 to 60 mph in less than
7 seconds. The Spec V's six-speed manual shifter tends to
be notchy. Fifth gear can be almost hard to find. Fortunately,
the gearbox isn't nearly as balky in second, third, and fourth,
which is where this car is the most fun to drive.
Handling is even more impressive with the sports suspensions
found on the SE-R and Spec V. We instantly felt comfortable
in them, feeling like we could drive them right to the limit
the first time we climbed in. It's easy to rotate the SE-R
in corners using the throttle, making it a lot of fun to
drive. Tossable is the word that
comes to mind. The rack-and-pinion steering provides quick
and direct control. Handling is aided by larger front and
rear stabilizer bars and front suspension tower bracing.
The high-performance tires offer good grip in the dry. We've
noticed inconsistent grip in the wet, however, requiring
care when driving aggressively in the rain. Overall, the
Sentra feels a little bigger than some of the other compacts,
including the
Mazda Protege.
Spec V builds upon the SE-R's handling capabilities, with
tighter shock tuning and spring rates 15 percent stiffer
in front, 16 percent stiffer in back. High-performance 215/45ZR17
tires on special 17-inch wheels complete the suspension
package and give Sentra a tough, sport-compact look.
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Big disc brakes slow the SE-R quickly. Whether we were
lapping Laguna Seca Raceway or blasting along the cliffs
on Pacific Coast Highway, we found the
brakes easy to modulate. The SE-R's front rotors measure
a full 11 inches, larger than in many so-called sporting
machines. A four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock braking
system is also available. For 2004, a high-performance Brembo
Brake Package is offered on the SE-R Spec V model. The exclusive
package includes gold-painted Brembo four-piston front calipers,
12-inch Brembo vented front discs, and 10.9-inch rear discs.
Thanks to its torque-sensitive limited-slip differential,
the Spec V is much more fun on an autocross course or a
twisting mountain road than it is in a straight quarter-mile.
This special differential allows the front wheels to rotate
at different rates without slipping, greatly reducing understeer
in hard cornering. This lets the driver get back on the
power much sooner, and improves the Spec V's balance when
accelerating out corners.
