-------------Nissan Altima 3.5SL----------Nissan Maxima
MSRP-------$29,380---------------------$29,290
wheelbase---109.3 inches----------------109.3 inches
length------189.8 inches-----------------190.6 inches
height------57.9 inches------------------57.8 inches
engine------3.5L V6----------------------3.5L V6
curb weight-3407 lbs---------------------3556 lbs
fuel mileage--19/26-----------------------19/26
drivetrain----FWD-------------------------FWD

Am I missing something?!? WTF does Nissan have two identical cars for sale. Why don't they redo the Maxima on the G35 (skyline) platform to differentiate it as the sportier model, with RWD. This is completely lost on me.

[Edited on October 7, 2008 at 11:25 AM. Reason : format]

10/7/2008 11:23:09 AM

well lucky for us you detailed the only important factors in a car that would differentiate the 2

10/7/2008 11:28:47 AM

Hm.. what about the features? Are there any features offered on the maxima and not on the altima?

10/7/2008 11:29:00 AM

Altima used to be much smaller than the Maxima, but they moved it upmarket (in size) a few years back, and now they are basically identical in size.

Still, Maxima is the more [far more] luxurious model, and more powerful as well (10-20 more hp than the Altima with the same engine).

They shouldn't have made the Altima so big in size. It competes with the Mazda 6, Camry, and the Accord, but is bigger than all of them.

Now, I think Nissan should change the Maxima to RWD.

10/7/2008 11:33:26 AM

^exactly!

Yes, the Maxima has more HP (like 20-30) but its the same engine. They use the same CVT transmission. The Altima even has more rear seat space and a bigger trunk. There's no doubt in my mind they have the same suspension. So what is the point?!

OmarBadu, what else would you like me to tell you? That the Maxima is wider (it is), that it no doubt has more luxury features (it does, but most are options on the Altima). Sure it looks better too.

[Edited on October 7, 2008 at 11:37 AM. Reason : k]

10/7/2008 11:36:18 AM

Are you comparing a fully loaded altima to a base model Maxima? A fully loaded maxima is about 37k these days. A fully loaded G35 or G37 sedan is a little over 40k.

The maxima comes with stuff the G doesnt though, like power folding mirrors, turn signal mirrors, head steering wheel, 19" rims etc....

The G35 is faster and handles better.

10/7/2008 11:37:44 AM

ignoring the other comforts or options - here are just a few of the quick differences that should impact performance one way or another

tried to just grab the ones from the models posted above
altima
11.7" Front vented disc/11.5" rear disc brakes
Stabilizer bars front (23.0mm) and rear (17.3mm)
16" aluminum wheels
P215/60TR16 All-season tires
not available - Vehicle speed-sensitive power steering

maxima
12.60" x 1.10" front and 12.13" x 0.63" rear vented discs
Front (25.4 mm) and rear (21.0 mm) stabilizer bars
18" aluminum wheels
P245/45VR18 V-rated all-season tires
Vehicle speed-sensitive power steering


i do agree that they should be further apart - i think they are losing potential maxima sales to a fully loaded altima - i'm surprised they don't offer the maxima in at least an awd config if they aren't going to make it rwd

10/7/2008 11:39:51 AM

^^^we're all aware of the G35's capabilities. Yes I'm comparing a loaded Altimat to a base model Maxima. Its not a huge deal though b/c other than a few options (Nav, stereo, etc) there are very few differences.

Also, the Maxima is supposed to be the "4 door sports car" but you cannot get it with a 6sp manual, whereas you can with the Altima. So which model would the enthusiast get?

OmarBadu, i see your points but they're not big enough to really justify this whole other model.

I agree with you, didn't read fast enough

Something else to think about is the Altima SE-R model.

[Edited on October 7, 2008 at 12:00 PM. Reason : k]

10/7/2008 11:48:32 AM

the maxima is hotter

i'm glad that with 290hp, it's only as fast as my 255hp '02 maxima (in a straight line)

10/7/2008 12:29:56 PM

Are you basing your comparison on the '08 Maxima, or the redesigned '09? If you're talking the '08, it might be an overlap issue, as the new-for-'07 Altima got bigger with its redesign. (For an extreme, if dated, example of this, consider that in 1977 GM's "intermediate" cars were both larger and heavier than their newly downsized "full-size" offerings.)

I can't really speak for the new Altimas, as I've never been in one of the new generation. However, when comparing the 3rd gen (2002-2006) Altima with the 6th gen (2004-2008) Maxima, the Maxima had a *much* nicer interior, better fit and finish, and just felt higher quality. The 3.5 Altima was quick and looked good, but the interior was a deal-breaker for me; it just felt low-rent.

10/7/2008 4:02:31 PM

^I'm comparing both '09 models.

10/7/2008 4:06:07 PM

I've always laughed at this Maxima window sticker.

10/7/2008 4:06:39 PM

Was it a sticker or was it etched into the glass.

10/7/2008 4:07:54 PM

It's a sticker, but I think they stopped with those about 15 years ago.

[Edited on October 7, 2008 at 5:02 PM. Reason : ]

10/7/2008 5:02:01 PM

Nissan makes some junk

10/7/2008 5:16:16 PM