Used 2009 Nissan Sentra

Representing the sporting side of the Sentra family, the hot SE-R and hotter SE-R Spec V each boast bigger, more powerful engines, tauter suspensions and lots more attitude than their "normal" Sentra kin. Sharing basic "C" platform front-drive architecture with the core Sentra models, these scintillating sedans each skew towards a slightly different kind of enthusiast. Buyers who demand the convenience of an automatic will find it in the SE-R’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with sport mode, while the Spec V offers its extra adrenaline rush only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Either of these rakish road warriors warrants a comparison drive if you’re considering the Honda Civic Si or even the pricier Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan.

The SE-R Spec V is definitely the star performer here, with 23 more horsepower, a stiffer front anti-roll bar and additional body structure reinforcements. However, the SE-R has plenty of fun in reserve for those who need a somewhat less-intense primary transport module. While the SE-R displays more body roll in cornering than the Spec V, both cars have surprisingly good ride compliance, exhibit very little torque steer and are quite predictable and controllable when pushed near the limit – despite the lack of any traction or stability control systems. With 177 horsepower and six "virtual" gears in the "sport mode" of its paddle-shifted CVT automatic, the SE-R reaches 60 miles per hour in about eight seconds, while 200 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox help the Spec V knock about a second off that time.

Building on the latest Sentra’s bigger, more contemporary cabin design, the SE-R and SE-R Spec V step up their game with a suitably competitive flourish. The angular design motif and normal brushed aluminum accents are complemented by more deeply contoured sport bucket seats covered in black cloth with special red "SE-R" logos, Sport Cloth door trim, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, revised instrumentation and drilled aluminum pedal covers. Unlike lesser Sentras, the rear bench seat is fixed to allow for a supplemental stiffening trunk brace on the Spec V model, which also gets distinctive red seatbelts.

The 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V share numerous aggressive visual enhancements that set them apart from basic Sentras. Heading the list are bolder front and rear fascias, integrated side sills, a tasteful rear decklid spoiler and the requisite "SE-R" and "SE-R Spec V" tail badges. Complementing those bits are subtly revised head and taillamp treatments, a sport grille, reshaped lower air intake, standard fog lights and a chrome exhaust tip. Both SE-R and Spec V are fitted with identical 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels that mount 225/45 tires, but the former gets V-rated all-season rubber while the latter is shod with W-rated summer performance tires.

Tasteful Appearance Tweaks
Both of these hot Sentras forego massive wings, giant fender bulges and other high-profile tack-ons in favor of more understated visual cues to hint at the impressive performance capabilities that lie within.

SE-R Spec V Engine
Comprehensive upgrades to the block, crankshaft, manifolds, key internal components and compression ratio on the High Output version of the QR25DE engine result in a free-revving 200-horsepower jewel that will put a smile on the face of any enthusiast.

Save for sport bucket seats covered in black cloth instead of leather, the SE-R and Spec V share nearly all of the comfort and convenience touches with the Sentra 2.0 SL, including power windows and door locks, a 160-watt sound system with MP3-compatabile CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. Differences include unique exterior trim, more powerful 2.5-liter engines in place of the standard 2.0-liter Sentra four, model-specific CVT automatic (SE-R) and six-speed manual (SE-R Spec V) transmissions, upgraded brakes ( larger front discs and rear discs instead of drums) and suspension upgrades – stiffer springs, shocks and anti-roll bars, plus a bigger front stabilizer and additional body stiffening in the SE-R Spec V.

Loaded with standard features, the extras list on both the SE-R and SE-R Spec V is a short one. Either can be fitted with a 340-watt/eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/MP3 sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, factory-installed XM Satellite Radio and a power sunroof. SE-R buyers can also opt for Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry and start system, while a helical limited-slip differential is available for the Spec V.

Both of these super Sentras use a variant of the all-aluminum 2.5-liter twin-cam engine also used in the Altima. Variable timing on the intake valves helps the SE-R’s 177 horsepower version make its very usable 172 pound-feet of torque at just 2,800 rpm. It’s also tuned to use unleaded regular gasoline and is mated to a modified version of Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that features steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers and six "virtual" gears in its "manual" mode. Bolstered by numerous internal modifications, the more potent Spec V iteration requires premium fuel to make its 200 horses, develops 180 pound-feet of torque at a lofty 5,200 rpm and comes only with a conventional close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox that gets an upgraded short-throw shift linkage.

2.5-liter in-line 4
SE-R:
177 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
172 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30

SE-R Spec V:
200 horsepower @ 6600 rpm
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city-highway fuel economy: 21/29