3417lbs = 3.5 altima
258 lb-ft of torque

3,174 pounds (auto) = crossfire

229 lb·ft = torque

300lbs. is a big deal. Add gas, kids, etc. it all adds up.
aerodynamcis, tire width, rear wheel drive vs. front wheel (sux), how efficient is the drivetrain (get the altima on a dyno), weight distribution, and so on, and so on.
all of these create the experience you can NOT get with a altima.
-Steve
P.S. my friend has a 2009 altima 3.5, paid way too much for a slow family car. Interior is gorgeous though.