2001 Sentra SE vs Protege MP3

Both are similar size, weight and power. Sentra Pros:

-SR20DE 145 hp

-reliable as hell. I own a 97 Nissan SER

Sentra Cons:

• rear beam suspension

• lack of aftermarket suspension

• grandma styling

Protege Pros:

• awesome suspension out of the box

• great looks, even if a bit boy racer

• more $$ than the Sentra, but lower mileage.

Protege Cons:

• less exciting engine than Nissan 140hp

• two tone interior is not my style

• slightly heavier than Sentra

I don't need to upgrade the HP, but the Sentra might need some suspension tweaks. 90% street, I would like to occasionally track/autocross but no need to be competitive in any class.

I've got an 02 SE-R Spec V and I'm not sure the rear beam is that huge of a deal. You may not find a lot of listings under the 2001 SE, but if you look under 2002-2006 SE-R suspension bits, you'll have coilover, sway bar, bushing kit, strut bars, etc at your disposal. I'm 99% sure they are interchangeable. Yes, its always gonna be a rear beam, but look at it this way, if you get to hustling it around a track or autoX, you'll get those cool "three legged dog" pics.

As for the grandma styling, can't really help ya there.

i really like the sr20 more than I really like how much better the protege suspension is.

As for the grandma styling... The 02 Spec V is much meaner looking than a 01 SE. And I do like my current SR20.

The MP3 is a great car right out of the box. Invest a little bit of money on a bigger rear bar and the car will rotate like a dream. If you drive it hard the $200 investment of an AWR baffled oil pan will go great lengths to protect the weak FS-DE. The MP3 has a leg up on other Proteges because of 93 octane based tune and advanced timing. It makes for a very smooth power band. Stock suspension is built to racing beat/tokico spec so it's not the best but it is balanced and easy flog.

i don't think there is any comparison chassis- and suspension-wise..the protege has it all over the sentra. the mazda also has much better brakes and IMO a higher-quality interior. neither engine is particularly exciting, but both are perfectly fine for what they are.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/comparison/great-grip

I think the Protege will be a much more rewarding drive.

well then the question becomes, are you going to upgrade the suspension (which may very well be worn out by now) anyway, AND, can the Nissan be made to handle as well with the right parts.

Given that you "don't need to upgrade the engine" and the Mazda is the better handler...

BTW, if you did want to upgrade hp on the Nissans, the SR20 is a much better place to start than a QR25DE.