[NC_Altima]

I used to have a 1996 Lexus ES300 with a 6-cylinder and it was approx 170-175 HP, I believe. I would say the 2.5S is comparable. And if not, it's at least close. Although, the very next year Lexus upped the HP and/or torque and it was *significantly* faster/more responsive. I drove one as a loaner and it made mine seem sluggish. So -- yeah, it's like a sluggish V6 of the past, but it's certainly peppy for a 4cyl.

I've read consumer reviews of the new Camry on Edmunds and person after person with the 4-cyl said it drives like a slug. You don't get that with the Altima 2.5S. (The consumer reviews of the Altima are almost all positive regarding performance). Still, if you want performance ... you will still know that the 2.5S just has a 4-cyl. Long story short, you really do need to test drive them to determine whether the few extra miles per gallon lost to the 6-cyl is worth the significant decrease in performance.

Again -- just my opinion, but thanks for listening to me ramble. lol

 

[NC_Altima]

198hp in Lexus es 300... the next gen beginning in 1999 has 210hp.

Actually the HP was somewhere in the middle of what I wrote and what you wrote:

1996 Lexus ES300 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 2,959 cc 3 liters 6 V engine with 87.5 mm bore, 83 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel
- Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.4
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- Main 70 liter fuel tank
- Power: 140 kW , 188 HP @ 5,200 rpm; 203 ft lb @ 4,400 rpm


The next year, 1997, they upped the HP to 198, and there was *significant* difference in the acceleration response (torque as well?).

So yeah, ever so slightly higher than the Altima 2.5. But not much!