2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V

Spec V
But wait, there's more: After a seven-year hiatus from the SE-R, Nissan also offers a limited-production SE-R Spec V version that's rated at 180 hp (thanks to its variable-flow exhaust) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. While the regular SE-R is available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Spec V comes with a six-speed manual that sends its power to 17-inch wheels through a helical limited-slip differential (LSD).

SE-R Spec V boasts two-tone "Lava" upholstery scheme and attention-grabbing titanium-and-red gauges.

Other Spec V features include a suspension that has significantly increased front and rear spring rates (15 percent stiffer in front and 16 percent more in back compared to the SE-R) and 17-inch wheels with 215/45 Z-rated tires. Inside is a special Lava interior package that includes black and red accents, Skyline-style sport seats and a sport steering wheel. Optional equipment on either SE-R includes front-seat side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes, a sunroof, and a 300-watt, nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer.


Weighing in at 2,743 pounds, the Spec V has a 15.2:1 power-to-weight ratio (compared to 16.0:1 for the standard SE-R), and our experience behind the wheel does not belie Nissan's claim of a sub-seven-second time for the 0-60 mph sprint for the Spec V.

Spec V SE-Rs are shod in high-performance 215/45 Z-rated rubber on 17x7-inch alloys.

But thanks to the helical limited-slip differential, the Spec V is much more fun on an autocross route or a twisting mountain road than it is in a straight quarter-mile. This special LSD allows the front wheels to rotate at different rates, greatly reducing understeer in corners. The car remains nicely balanced so the driver can get the power back into those Z-rated tires much sooner through the turns.


Although the Nissan six-speed manual tends to be notchy and Fifth gear can be hard to find, the gearbox isn't nearly as balky in the Second/Third/Fourth up- and downshifts. This is good: The car is the most fun to drive in these gear ranges.