Maxima vs Altima.

[NewfieBangaa]

If you had to choose one of the above which would it be and why?

They can be from any generation of the said models, or if you choose neither state a car of atleast the same class.

Discuss.

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

Not sure if this makes sense. Isn't the Maxima slotted above the Altima. Its like asking would you rather have 1 scope ice cream or 2.

 

[CodeRedR51]

^^^ Agreed.

Altima SE-R FTW though...

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

To answer the question, the current Maxima is far and out the best looking car in its segment. I just wish it was RWD.

 

[CodeRedR51]

To answer the question, the current Maxima is far and out the best looking car in its segment. I just wish it was RWD.

Couldn't agree more. Awesome looking car....wrong wheel drive.

Edit: With that said, I would much prefer one of these:

 

[buttsneeze]

When I was getting my 2008 Maxima there was a noticeable difference in the feel and overall quality between the Maxima and the comparable Altima we tested. Also, the Maxima was a few thousand cheaper than the Altima with more options because the 2009s were already out. I can't speak for the current gen but if you're comparing the last gen Maxima to any Altima it's definitely superior. The interior is nicer and the ride and handling are better. The current Maxima is smaller and more crampt than the Altima but it's faster.

 

[RocZX]

Third gen. Maxima. 4 door sports car.

 

[eSZee]

6th gen maximas were abominations.
Current gen I would easily pick the maxima.
2004-2008 the altima
anything before that the maxima, especially a 1995 with 3.5 and 6spd swap

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

1988 Maxima, pretty much had everything including electric seat adjustment and awesome couch seats

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Altima's are pretty awful I think. Especially with the 'spawn-of-satan' CVT transmission.

 

[buttsneeze]

6th gen maximas were abominations.
Current gen I would easily pick the maxima.
2004-2008 the altima
anything before that the maxima, especially a 1995 with 3.5 and 6spd swap

Why would you pick an '04-'08 Altima over a Maxima from the same time period? They're basically the same car... the Maxima is just more refined.

Altima's are pretty awful I think. Especially with the 'spawn-of-satan' CVT transmission.

Nissan CVTs are better than ANY automatic. Instant power, smooth, and efficient.

 

[BrutherSuperior]

My problem with these Nissans, and most Nissans actually, is that they're not very durable or have 'staying power'. What I mean by that is the interior fades quickly, the steering gets a bit sloppy, and the suspension loosens up more quickly than most other cars. A well taken care of Maxima with 100k on the clock feels downright beat up compared to other cars with similar mileage & state of repair.

As far as staying power goes, that comes down to looks. After a few years, Nissans tend to look quite dated both inside & out.

Of the cars in the same segment that IMO do not feel worn or look too old would be VW's Passat and the Mazda6. Those cars do have their own problems (mostly the VW) but I think they're better cars to live with and to drive. That's my take anyway...

 

[CodeRedR51]

Nissan CVTs are better than ANY automatic. Instant power, smooth, and efficient.

Having driven many Nissan's equipped with CVT transmissions, I hate them with a passion. Annoying as hell and I would much prefer a regular automatic transmission, or a manual if available.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

If I had to choose, 4th gen Max, 5-speed manual.

But I'd take an '03-8 Mazda6 V6 5-speed well before that... Damn car does everything.

Edit: As far as CVTs go, the only one I've actually driven was in the Legacy... I also drove the 6-speed manual. In that case, give me the CVT actually. I don't like it but the manual was just terrifyingly bad.

 

[eSZee]

Why would you pick an '04-'08 Altima over a Maxima from the same time period? They're basically the same car... the Maxima is just more refined.

Nissan CVTs are better than ANY automatic. Instant power, smooth, and efficient.

Cause the 6th gen is hideous. The bucktooth grill to the overall bulbous look. It was a huge aesthetic flop. They also stopped offering the manual trans in '07, right?

 

[disinfected]

Altima...then again I may be a little biased.

 

[ampire]

Nissan CVT is so bad.

4th Gen Max with swapped in 5-6th gen VQ35DE and ECU and 6 speed VLSD > all.
Easy 13 second 1/4 on street tires and high 12's on slicks.

Then again, 4th gen max, 5th gen 3.5 swap with full 5th gen ecu, automatic transmission, and nitrous:

10.85 @ 125mph

3rd Gen Max: nice car, independent rear suspension rather than beam, but the suspension and handling does not make up for the dog of a VG/VE motor.

 

[JCE]

Maxima. Because the interior, exterior designs and practicality are superior over the Altima. Plus, Having owned a '95 SE and a '96 GLE probably gives me an extra bias.

And who ever said they are not relaible can get off the crack. Both of mine were absolutely bulletproof.

 

[eSZee]

Then again, 4th gen max, 5th gen 3.5 swap with full 5th gen ecu, automatic transmission, and nitrous:

10.85 @ 125mph

Ahh yes. Jim is such a cool old dude. Meeting him was awesome.

 

[CodeRedR51]

An old friend of mine used to have a 2003 Altima 3.5 6-Speed. Fully bolted (intake, headers, exhaust, pulleys, cams) and that thing was a monster. Funny thing about the exhaust, he went through 3 different systems before he found the one that he liked. Sounded awesome.

 

[Zenith]

Had a 2009 Altima 2.5S as a rental car. Thoroughly unimpressed. The semi-automatic gearbox was utterly useless, the protocols to use anything key related (trunk, start) made no sense whatsoever (can't remember specifics), and the car had no other redeeming qualities.

 

[CMvan46]

Well working for Nissan I drive many generations of these things nearly everyday at work and I agree with the point that why are you comparing them? Of course the Maxima: it's faster, more luxury options, and in this generation better looking.

Only problem is currently the Maxima is nearly as expensive as the 370z which means we sell more of the 370z than we do Maxima's.

If your looking at the two with cost in the equation then it's the Altima for me. I can do without some of the options and it's still not a bad looking car and there is a significant price drop.

In older generations it really didn't matter as they are so similar I'm not sure why they had two different model names for them.