Thats one of the main differences, the tighter more responsive suspension.

Also on the SL a 6-speed Manual is not an option
You also get a slower max speed (115mph) and 16" alloy wheels

 

slower max speed? What is the max speed of the SE? Which one rides better? Also, which one is better to get?

 

finally found a thread containing some info that I was looking for http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/new-2007-2008-nissan-altima-discussion/257199-3-5se-vs-3-5sl.html

I did a search before this thread but i couldn't find anything good until now.

 

Test drive both, decide on the ride you like, decide what goodies you want, buy it!

 

Yeah, I test drove both of them already and like both of them but couldn't decide which one was better since it was just a short test drive. The main questions I have are:
1. Does everyone like the splash guards on there?
2. If I can, should I get the dealer to switch the 16" rims for the 17" rims that come with the SE? Will this make a big difference on the SL? Would you recommend doing it if I can?
3. Does the SL have a slower 0-60 mph time than the SE? Both of them being CVT's.

I searched the forums already and answered some of my questions.

 

a few more questions:

4. Gas stations, I heard some people prefer different gas stations because of the quality of the gas. Does it matter which gas station to go to, which one is good? 3.5 takes premium gas, I know how I am about to say this sounds stupid but premium is the button all the way to the right of the pump right, the highest and most expensive one? or is it the center button?
5. Wax. I am a newbie when it comes to waxing a car, I am very interested in detail with this car but don't know where to start with waxing and everything. Any advice on where to start would be great.
6. Interior, what should I use to clean the charcoal leather and the rest of the interior. How often should this be done? (so I don't be a clean freak and clean it every time I get out of the car.)

 

If you're looking for a nice stock car and wouldn't mind the 2.5 rims, go for the SL.

If you're looking to modify the car, get the SE, then you'd get the 17's plus you can always change the suspension.

It's pointless (to me at least) to get the SL if you're going to modify the car anyway, get the SE and save a little so you can spend it on mods.

but i guess it's up to your taste

 

I won't be doing any heavy mods, I am more into comfort and looks. Although, it does bug me a little that the SL can't go as fast as the SE.

 

yah, the SL tops out at 115 EXACTLY. I know from experience

I got the SL since Maryland roads are rough. I drove both the SL and SE and the SE suspension would of drove me nuts since my car is my daily driver. make sure to drive both on backroads and highways, especially bumpy stuff. if you have to, make multiple test drives spread across several dealers.

If you do get a 3.5, YES you should be using 93 octane, and YES, its the more expensive one by 20-35 cents then regular 89 octane. you pay to play. and not all gas stations have it the furtherest to the right...like Hess. but all are required to have the octane number for your selection

 

I also live in MD and know how the roads are. Is wawa or royal farms a good place to go to for gas?


I am also researching car products. I can't figure out what brand to go with when it comes to cleaning. I heard a lot about zaino and a lot about meguiars but not sure what to go with. I would like to stick to one product. I also heard that turtle wax should be avoided.

 

I also live in MD and know how the roads are. Is wawa or royal farms a good place to go to for gas?

I stick with Shell and Exxon. Wawa and royal farms are cheap gases that can have major inconsistencies depending on who they are buying it from that year. you want to be as consistent as possible with your gas.

I am also researching car products. I can't figure out what brand to go with when it comes to cleaning. I heard a lot about zaino and a lot about meguiars but not sure what to go with. I would like to stick to one product. I also heard that turtle wax should be avoided.

Armor All products should be avoided. Their cleaning stuff for the interior are known to deterioate leather and some plastics.

I am totally a Meguiars product user: leather wipes, cleaning wipes, washing liquid, and wax products.

 

well there are dozens, probably, of threads discussing cleaning products. search it and you will find more than you wanted to.

 

I am pretty new to this forum and still am getting used it. 2 seconds ago I just found out that there is a section specifically for car detailing. I end up answering most of my questions. I don't really need to ask all of these questions but my car is arriving tomorrow and I am really excited for it. By the way it is a 3.5 SL. I am really excited and can't help it but talk about it and look at what people say.

 

You will REALLY enjoy your 3.5SL. I got the SE because I just prefer a stiffer ride (although the SE suspension is REAL uncomfortable on rough roads sometimes), and I HAVE to have the 6MT. No auto for me.

But I would definitely have been pretty happy with a 3.5SL. You'll love it, I'm sure! Hopefully it'll be a while before you're testing out that 115mph speed limiter, though...

Late,
Trav

 

3.5SL wins on turn radius alone imo, since I'd end up putting springs on it anyway. Only ways I'd suggest going SE:

1. You hate very smooth rides and you refuse to go with aftermarket springs
2. You don't like the 16's and really want 17's but won't pay to upgrade them
3. You want a 6-speed

 

3.5SL wins on turn radius alone imo, since I'd end up putting springs on it anyway. QUOTE]

Why decide based on the difference in turn radius? The difference seems to be in the WHEELS, and it's only about a foot. Look here:
2007 Nissan Altima on carlist.com
Note that the linked article uses "radius" when I think it means "circle".
So if you put bigger wheels/tires on the SL, then you will be cutting into the turn radius, and will be right back to where the SE is/was.
For the cars with the 16" wheels, the turn circle is 36.1ft. Going with 17" wheels boosts it to 37.4 ft. Based on turn circle, you would pick a Camry which has 36.1 on 17" wheels.
Maybe by playing with offset, you could get bigger wheels/tires without cutting into turn radius, but you might end up with the outside fender lip rubbing the tires, instead of the inner fender.??? Maybe there is an internal stop in the steering gear for the cars with 17" wheels? In that case, going to the 17" wheels on the other cars would let the stock size tires hit the inner fender.

 

As to your comment on which is faster - they have the same rated engine and CVT and therefore are equally as fast abeit the SE may have an edge per the heavier SL. However, the SE has a higher top speed allowance due to such things as the stiffer suspension and tire speed ratings. Just being a bit more specific on how I interpret 'how fast'.

I have the splash guards and they blend in with the vehicle very well IMHO and I only notice them when specifically looking. So on that basis I like them and hopefully they add some additional protection to the car body.

The manual only 'recommends' premium but I run midrange gas due to the car being mostly a highway runner. I have not noticed any performance or mileage issues but that's specific to my driving style. Therefore why should I spend the extra money.

As to brand of fuel I personnally have not detected any differences in performance or mileage. I also have never used any fuel treatment in the 750,000 miles driven with the six different vehicles I've owned that were equipped with fuel injection. I have never had a problem related to these systems. Note that by law, all on-road motor vehicle gasolines (all grades and brands) are required to have additives for maintaining clean fuel delivery systems. These additives are one way to ensure a clean running engine that meets emission standards.

 

What does everyone think about switching the SL tires for the 17" SE rims? Will it mess up the ride of the vehicle or anything? Would you recommend doing it?

 

it won't mess up your ride, but I can 100% say that the dealership will not do it. Just buy the SL since you're leaning more that way anyways. who cares about the 115 cutoff, how often will you hit that speed - never. from your post, you said luxury and looks - not performance or mods. take the comfort and replace the wheels later.

 

who cares about the 115 cutoff, how often will you hit that speed - never. from your post, you said luxury and looks - not performance or mods. take the comfort and replace the wheels later.

You care when you hit 115 and the other guy is still going Most of the time i only get up to 110, and only once at 115.

I actually kind of wonder if you can flip the ECU's between the SE and SL once getting BETTER tires and rims on the SL. Its not the suspension that is the limitor: its the stock tires. I had confirmed this with my local Nissan service department.

 

Yeah I am more about luxury than speed. Lets not have this thread get out of control like a lot of them do. Anyway, I got the car today at 5pm and it is perfect. Dark slate is so good looking. I love the interior and can't wait to learn how to use everything. I got so many manuals and a dvd to watch on my new car. Some exciting stuff. This was my first new car purchase and I think it has been a great experience so far. I am completely satisfied with the speed, it gets up and goes and I have not even got on it hard at all yet. Very comfortable ride and lots of space in the vehicle. I will post pics eventually but for right now I am too excited about having the car.

 

No, absolutely not. I was just saying between the SE and SL which one I'd go with if the ride isn't important any to you.

And for some reason, I drove a 2.5S with aftermarket 18's on it and it still turned tighther..? :dunno:

 

It has been great having the car so far. I just went up to the dealership to get my second key and I talked him into giving me free floor mats for the vehicle. So now I have altima floor mats which is great to have. I have read many post about your mpg and am blown away that you are getting that much. I don't exactly know what I am getting yet because I only have had it for 2 days but when I was on the hwy going 60mph I got a reading of 34.6 mpg. I can't wait to see what I get to a full tank of gas.

Oh and by the way, the best looking altima is sitting outside of my house.