Quote:
Originally Posted by SentraSE-R
RH77,
My B14 (1996) SE-R v. my B15 (2002) SE-R shows a 140 lb weight difference - 2600 v. 2743 lbs. Both were similarly equipped, with AC, powered sunroof, MT, power door locks, etc. The main differences were the larger and heavier QR25DE engine v. the SR20DE, the 2 door B14 v. the 4 door body style of the B15, and 7" more length in the newer car. In fact, the '02 is only 3" shorter than the 1996 Nissan Altima was.
Most of the added weight likely came from the larger engine and larger body size. There were lots of other weight-adding changes in the newer version , from two extra power door locks and the 300 W Fosgate audio amp and speakers, to the 17" wheels and 6 speed transmission.
The big weight differences came before the mid 90s. My previous car was a 1987 Renault (AMC) GTA. It didn't have airbags or A/C, had a manual sunroof, and its 2 liter engine only made 95 hp. But it only weighed 2000 lbs, was 6" shorter than the '96 Nissan, and cornered on rails compared to the SE-Rs. Renault kept the weight down with extremely thin metal. I could push in the roof's sheet metal with my pinkie finger, it was so thin.
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Back on topic...
I used to Autocross a '99 Civic Si in the same class as an SE-R with the SR20DE. It was no contest. Between the skills of the veteran driver in the Nissan and its lethal combination of cornering and optimal power band, I was left at the bottom of second gear out of VTEC and foundering. I learned to respect that combination even after it had disappeared from the market.
Speaking of Autocross (Gymkhana)-- a show of hands: How many people have lost control of a vehicle (either in a controlled environment or by accident)? Now, how many have lost it with stability control? Yes, it's still possible. I think that as part of Drivers' Ed, you should have to lose control of a vehicle on a closed course to realize how powerless you are in that situation (with or without the safety aids) -- and what measures can be taken to 1) prevent the incident; and 2) make an educated attempt at regaining control. For those that haven't experience the added safety features, they are dramatic and (IMHO) are very much "worth it".
ABS, Stability and Traction Control doesn't always work, but it does aid in keeping inexperienced (or just plain crummy drivers) in somewhat of control. I find it helpful in snowy conditions that I have to drive in for work as a routine new drug research auditor. The job has to be done in a certain amount of time to ensure patient safety, regulatory compliance and accurate data. It's why I rack up road miles in rentals. With a blizzard in Iowa last year, I found the added features to be very handy and allowed a more focused driving experience. I have driven in worse conditions with a lot more stress and perhaps an air of edgy distraction without the tech.
Further, 15-passenger vans are mandated to have stability control. Why? Too many inexperienced drivers were rolling the vans on high school or college excursions, often killing young passengers. Usually a team member or coach was behind the wheel. I used to regularly drive a similar, "Type-III" Ambulance Conversion, Ford E-350 Diesel as a medic. The suspension was often overloaded and was top-heavy. Unfortunately, no RSC or ABS was available then. Somehow I never wrecked, but will admit to having gotten stuck in the snow and slid sideways a few times on emergency calls. Despite the clean record, ABS or RSC would have been an added level of precision that could easily add piece of mind.
What if you have to react to the "other guy"? This technology helps prevent an undesirable outcome, and I am in agreement of having them. We have seen that the weight is negligible compared to engine size, options, and auto trans in model refreshes/re-designs. There is a button to turn it off -- just press it to live life in "full control".
That GTA had to be a blast, by the way!
RH77