My friend has a 93 altima gxe and my bro has a 93 maxima se, both 5sp and comparably equipped. Stock for stock, Max feels like a bigger, heavier car w/ultra smooth engine. I don't know any specific stats for either car except that I ran 16.3 in the altima.
The Max feels like there's a lil more shoulder/hip room front and back, but legroom is comparable. Many features are identical too.
Given the choice between the cars, I'd take the Maxima cuz of the overall (slightly) larger size, v6, and available mods. However, my bro's specific car has it's ails, while the Altima runs well.
OT: Relating this comparison, I don't have any trouble seeing how the '02 Max and Altima will get along.

Anybody wanna put in their 2cents worth comparing 1st gen Alts and 3rd gen Maxs?

Jay

 

altimas have the ka24de, thats a truck motor, just something about that turns me off to the altima. but the 02' versions of each car look really good, the maxima is getting to luxury to go against the gs400 it looks like, but the new altima with the 6 speed, id drive it.

 

My 2 Cents:

Having never driven EITHER car I can only say what drove me to choose to look for a Maxima (still looking...) I considered the Altima too at one time since it should be:
1. cheaper than a Max
2. better handling, given that it's lighter and has same width tires
3. smaller -> easier to park/manuever
4. more fuel-efficient

Also, for its time it had a fairly big 4-banger (unless you count Chrysler's 2.5L - ugh!) which should've given it good thrust at low RPMs.
But.... I read some reviews saying that it didn't really handle all that great anyway, the engine was coarse, fuel economy wasn't so hot, and besides (maybe mostly) I never was crazy about its styling, even with a spoiler. I figured I might as well get a Maxima instead, which has even MORE thrust , is more comfy and luxurious, handles good and just plain looks great. So while this is a long post, the decision making tree was pretty short for me.

 

The altimna seems to handle better stock. It also has wider tires. I have driven both 5 speed vs 5 speed. I raced my brother and killed him many times.

 

before my friend wrecked his altima(94 GLE), i got to drive it. it was a very very nice car but it had the "revved too little" grinding sound until 2kRPM even with the auto. it was quick at 3000rpm+ driving, handled very well i thought, very very cozy and comfy, seats were very nice, dash was setup nicely, autoclimate control was a major plus. the steering was a bit tough but i could live with it.
overall it was a very very nice car, but nothing like a clean max.

 

sorry to bring this thread up again...
I test drove a 93 SE 5sp that's just like my bro's, just doesn't have the leather. I hafta say, after driving this one and my bro's, i don't think either could beat my gf's 16.3@83 1/4mi. Well, maybe tie, but not clearly beat. I read that stock VE should do 15.5 new...but that seems lofty...any opinions?
Jay

 

I've driven a 93 auto (i know not 5spd) altima and it "feels" slower than my 90gxe. My 93 se 5spd feels much much much faster than either and i really don't see a 5spd altima beating my ve 5 spd. I'd say 16.5s+ in the 1/4 mile is somewhat slow for a VE.
Maybe the ve you drove had a bad clutch or was ailing from "VTCitice"