okay guys, here is what i think of the 08 versa. i got mine a month ago and i've just broken it in last week. i've had the chance to drive it to my favorite winding road and an empty parking lot to do some tests.
my versa is a 6 speed hatchback S model. steering has little feedback. this could either be a good thing or bad. in city driving it is good since you need little effort to steer your car, but in performance driving, i prefer more feedback so i can feel the tire grip.
the engine is smooth at low to mid range but it is buzzy while cruising on the highway. the torque is sweet starting at 2k but becomes flat hence you dont feel it. i think the car is too heavy for the 122hp engine.
this car could really benefit from a lighter flywheel! the heavy flywheel is good for city driving coz the rpm doesnt drop abruptly from the momentum produced by the heavier flywheel. but in reality it really is just dead weight after the first gear. a lighter flywheel will give this car a livelier revving engine better for heel-toe braking and downshifting. the only downside is it will be easier to stall while going from a stop...but you just have to get used to it.
the suspension was not designed for performance. it was designed for comfort. i drove the car on the winding road and there was significant body roll. the rear suspension kinda hopped when i ran over a small bump at 80km/h, which i thought was scary. maybe a lower, stiffer suspension setup will be a good touch. although i find the versa very nimble and fun to drive on the winding road...just dont go over speeding.
all in all, i love this car for city driving. it was designed for it. if you want to use this as a track car, you need some modifications for it to be enjoyable(at least to my standards). maybe in the future i'll set it up as a daily driver/weekend warrior machine. my possible future mods are:
-lighter flywheel(my personal pet peeve)
-16" rims w/ medium-low profile tires(not decided yet)
-lower suspension setup
-maybe wheel spacers for a wider stance
-CAI for sure
-exhaust setup but i dont want it to be loud
-HID
-foglamps
cheers!
my versa is a 6 speed hatchback S model. steering has little feedback. this could either be a good thing or bad. in city driving it is good since you need little effort to steer your car, but in performance driving, i prefer more feedback so i can feel the tire grip.
the engine is smooth at low to mid range but it is buzzy while cruising on the highway. the torque is sweet starting at 2k but becomes flat hence you dont feel it. i think the car is too heavy for the 122hp engine.
this car could really benefit from a lighter flywheel! the heavy flywheel is good for city driving coz the rpm doesnt drop abruptly from the momentum produced by the heavier flywheel. but in reality it really is just dead weight after the first gear. a lighter flywheel will give this car a livelier revving engine better for heel-toe braking and downshifting. the only downside is it will be easier to stall while going from a stop...but you just have to get used to it.
the suspension was not designed for performance. it was designed for comfort. i drove the car on the winding road and there was significant body roll. the rear suspension kinda hopped when i ran over a small bump at 80km/h, which i thought was scary. maybe a lower, stiffer suspension setup will be a good touch. although i find the versa very nimble and fun to drive on the winding road...just dont go over speeding.
all in all, i love this car for city driving. it was designed for it. if you want to use this as a track car, you need some modifications for it to be enjoyable(at least to my standards). maybe in the future i'll set it up as a daily driver/weekend warrior machine. my possible future mods are:
-lighter flywheel(my personal pet peeve)
-16" rims w/ medium-low profile tires(not decided yet)
-lower suspension setup
-maybe wheel spacers for a wider stance
-CAI for sure
-exhaust setup but i dont want it to be loud
-HID
-foglamps
cheers!