hi everyone, my brother is thinking about getting a 92-94 Maxima SE OR a 300ZX non-turbo. I'm also considering a 200sx SE-R. I'm more of a Toyota fan, and know alot about them, but can you guys help with info on these Nissans??? do both the Max SE and 300zx n/a share the same motor? how do these cars compare when it comes to Performance/Reliability? Any and all thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

It's hard to compare the maxima w/ the Z. They are both completely different cars. About as far apart as you can get. This maxima and the Z do NOT have the same engines. Similar but not the same. For one the Z has belts while the 92-94 se has timing chains etc... It depends what your brother is looking for in a car. ie.. if he wants to fit 4 people confortably and get 4 golf bags in the trunk, then the Z obvisously is not for him.

 

he's looking for something fast and powerful, but NOT turbo (says thats too much for maintenence, especially since he can only afford to get a used older car), and that's why he's looking (honestly i'm looking for him) a V6...although the 200sx SE-R is a nice little 4banger. but, i know both the max and Z are probably comfortable and nice as a daily driver, and the rear seats are just a "luxury", probably would very very rarely need them for other passengers, as long as the front two seats are comfy, the back seats would probably be used for a throw space for probably his school bags/books etc. So, which car is more reliable (engine/tranny), and which car is better to mod. i personally like the 300zx's looks, but if he doesnt want the TwinTurbo, i say it looks too agressive for it's own good...in other words the N/A get looked down apon by the TT's...and i think it would get frustrating when people ask you all the time "is it turboed?" i know, since i owned a MR2 non-turbo, and that is the FIRST thing out of EVERyONE's mouth!!! so, i'm off topic now...so, any other opinions? TIA.

 

I like the Z's looks better but I couldn't go without my 4 door anymore! NA z has 222 hp while the 92-94se have 190hp. I think the Zs were a little faster but not by much. Insurance might be higher on the Z though!

 

would've had a nice black '91 or '92 TT 3 years ago, but insurance rates would've kicked every ounce of my a$$!!!(lol) as for your bro I'd go with the Z, its just one of the other car I want(besides a '95 Mitsu GST/X) even if its not turbo'd he'd have a ball modding it out and making it look sweet!! but once again INSURACE money rears its head, and if he's young, hes gonna shelling out big loot!!!!!

 

Luggage space?? I've got plenty of space?!
<img src="http://www.cyberhosts.net/~gotrice/ecza/fall99/34.jpg">
<img src="http://www.cyberhosts.net/~gotrice/ecza/fall99/35.jpg">
<img src="http://www.cyberhosts.net/~gotrice/personal/2/ww_in_car.jpg">

hehe

 

haha
nice car


Like everyone said there both great cars. If you want comfortable and Performance i'd stick with the Maxima. It's got the comfort edge, nice power, and on the Z the insurance would kill, Z's are notorious for speed which attracts attention from cops (my opinion), Z's have a hell of a time in the snow (if you live where it snows). If you can keep the Insurance down though i'd definetly get a Z, would much rather take a TT though (once again my opinion).
It's all which one he would rather have really.

 

I agree with everything else that's been said so far..

insurance is $$$$ on a Z, not that great on a Maxima anyway.. well that's in my case.. my speeding tickets tripled when Ig ot my max.. (went from 1/year at 85 in a 75 to 3-4/year doing 105 in at 75.)
sooo, my insurance is now $1200/yr for a 22 yr old with an otherwise pretty clean record.

if your bro has any tickets or wrecks, he's gonna be F***'ed on insurance if buying a Z.

As for modability, the Z is much better. Stillen has just about anything you'd ever want to buy for a Z. they have a lot of stuff for Maximas too, but their prices are ridiculously high on most of it. the Z is an excellent looking and handling car to begin with, but add a grand or so in mods (even to an N/A) and you've got one awesome car.
the Maxima will take $1000 in suspension mods ($~220 springs, 300 struts, 250 sway bars, 70 strut tower brace- all for parts only, no install) alone to get to handle well. then you need brakes and go fast goodies, which will run another $1000 to get everything you want. (intake $80-250, exhaust $300-1500, cams $500, UDP $250, ad infinitum.)

Sooo, if he wants soemthing comfy that is a great highway cruiser- (and pretty good sleeper car at that) then go for the Max.
if he wants the performance right out of the box, and likes the constant attention of a Z, then get it.

 

I've whooped up on many n/a Z's...obviously stock. It's all about preferences about the cars. As far as reliability, handling, and looks are concerned, I would go with the Z....especially since it's still the recent gen Z, and the max is 2 generations down.