I test drove a new Altima 3.5 2door. Even though it has a bigger engine and more hp, I'm sure my XF would pound it into the turf. Could it weight that much more?

btw, this car would be replacing my Focus sedan.

 

Probably weighs 4-500 lbs more than the X-Fire.

 

I don't have the magazine road tests at the moment, (and I hate to say it) but I think they're a few 10's faster than a NA Crossfire. Probably would come down to a "driver's" race if they're both manual trannys.
If I were in the market for that "type" of car, I'd probably take a serious look at the Genesis Coupe. 14 sec. car with the automatic. But it doesn't have front wheel drive, like the Altima. (Which would come in handy where you live).

 

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.

 

I forgot to mention, it has a bizzare auto trans that doesn't shift. It's kinda like a snowmobile trans.
The Saturn Vue had a trans like that for a few years that turned out to be a real pos (pile of krap).
I'll try to find the 0-60 specs on both cars,

btw, I live in Houston now. Need to update the profile.

 

It probably has a variable transmission where it will automatically adjust the ratio depending on speed, load, etc. My sister's Dodge Excalibur has this. It is kind of weird.

 

Nissan gets decent horespower out of that 3.5l engine, but I've never been impressed with CVTs. I like going through the gears, preferably shifting but also automatically, rather than that nice smooth change of ratios. If you race him, make sure he has a couple kids in the rear seat for additional weight.

 

I wonder if that trans is the issue. Too much slippage and not enough going to the front wheels.

 

differnt gearing ratios for sure, i was beside a nissan 350z and for a car that had 70 more hp than my stock xf didnt leave me behind. xf has torque at 2500 where the nissan is up about 6500. same with hp ratings. import lack torque big time lol

 

I was looking at those before buying the XF. Definitely made the right decision, besides, the verts just didn't look right.