[nissanjohn]

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

I bought my daughter a Camry(I bought it for its size and safety features). It is a Slug, Slow and it handles like crap. Absolutely no comparison to the Altima!

John