I have been reading some the test drive impressions of older Xterra owners with the 05. One thing they all seem to say is it doesn't feel that much faster off the line than older Xterras. Now some of that may be wishful thinking from guys that I am sure love the truck they have, but AT OR Xterras have a lower final drive ratio (numerically higher). A 4x4 OR Xterra has a 3.36/1 final drive vs 3.13 for S and SE 4x4's. A 4x2 OR package gets a 3.13/1 while S and SE 4x2's get 2.94 to one ratios. So it seems like the OR package would actually be quicker although it will suffer a bit at the pump.

I got the comlete dealer sales guide here normally reserved just for dealers. It's got some pretty cool info in it.

Yeah, it might be a little quicker. If it didn't have all the extra weight of the 4x4 system, as well as flanged front axles.

If you're wanting quicker, buy a car.

Axle ratios are in the low-3's now? Ouch. Hopefully, the extra gear in each transmission choice means a lower 1st gear ratio (higher numerically) for improved launches and low-speed crawling.

anythings gotta be faster off the line than my old v-6 mustang.