Nissan SE-R

The SE-R is Nissan's performance oriented trim for such vehicles as the Sentra, Altima, and 200SX. SE-R's are mostly known for their handling prowess and added horsepower. Such things as more stylish rims, bodykits, and interior were also added to its SE-R line.

SE-R through the years

Nissan Sentra SE-R

The first SE-R Nissan released was the cult classic Nissan Sentra SE-R. It was produced between 1991-1994. It had 140 horsepower and 132 ft/lbs of torque, 14 more horsepower than the regular sentra, and stiffer springs for better handling. The Sentra SE-R is known to this day as the vehicle that started the import racer craze. Under its hood, it had the immensely popular SR20DE engine. The SR20DE has and will always be known as one of the most modification friendly motors on the market. The engine is known to handle over 400 horsepower safely. With a 1/4 mile of 15.8 and a 0-60 time of 7.6 with the manual transmission, it was known as one of the quickest 4 cylinders of its time.

The Sentra SE-R had a revival in 2002 and still is going strong as of this point. This time there were two different types. A regular SE-R and a SE-R spec V. The spec V added 10 more horsepower and ten more pounds of torque. The addition of a 6 speed manual transmission was also standard in spec V. The regular SE-R only came with an automatic transmission or a 5 speed manual transmission. The power output of a 2000-2005 SE-R was 165 horsepower and 170lb of torque. The Spec V came in at 175 horsepower and 180lb of torque. Just like with the earlier version of SE-R, this trim of Sentra came with more stylish rims, interior, and suspension.

The current model of SE-R (2006 to present) sports an impressive 200 horsepower and 180ft/lbs of torque. One of the main problems people have with this vehicle is that the Scott Russell linkage rear end has a high roll center, which makes it roll a little too much in the corners. There have also been numerous problems reported with catalytic converter deterioration and ingestion, and loose intake plenum valve screws Ingested by the engine.

Nissan 200SX SE-R

In 1995, the SE-R trim could only be found on the 200SX. The 200SX had the same performance figures as the 1991 to 1994 except that it was limited to a 7100 rpm redline, while the earlier SE-R was limited at 7400. Even though, the 200SX has the same cult following as the Sentra. Known for sporting the popular SR20DE and its tighter suspension.

Nissan Altima SE-R

The Nissan Altima SE-R was produced between 2005 and 2006. It produced 260 horsepower and 250ft/lbs of torque. This was 10 more of each than the 3.5 Altima. The Altima SE-R could be found with both a 5 speed automatic transmission and six speed manual. The vehicle's 0-60 has been known to be 5.9-6.1 with the manual and 6.3-6.5 with the automatic. Keeping with the SE-R tradition, the car came with the same kind of upgraded goodies that the previous SE-R's had (rims, kit, suspension).

Sources

• Jordan, M. (2001). http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/sedans/0110_nissan_sentra_se_r_spec_v/index.html
• SE-R.net. http://www.se-r.net/about/sentra_se-r/specs.html
• SE-R.net. http://www.se-r.net/about/200sx/95-97_200sx_stats.html
• Gold, A. (2005). Test Drive: 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R. http://cars.about.com/od/nissan/fr/ag_05altser.htm