The 97 Camry has a tad bit more power (194HP/209TQ) than the Maxima, but it's over 100lb heavier, so the slight power advantage is pretty much cancelled out and then some. Both are reasonably peppy cars though and they're both in the same league in terms of performance.

The 1MZ-FE engine in the Camry was also once a Ward's 10 Best engine alongside the VQ in 1995.

 

There is a guy in the adjacent neighborhood w/ a 96 camry 4 banger w/ a wing off of a 747 and a greddy evo exhaust, lowered w/ the stock hubs...lol yea... I could post a pic if I wanted to waste the time, if you all want to see it?!

 

I've owned/driven both a 99 XLEV6 Camry and my 97 GXE Maxima and I would say that the Maxima handles a bit better and has a more aggressive exhaust tone, but overall they are very similar. The Camry however has 10x smoother ride and transmission. And the AC is colder in the Camry too.

But to each their own. You will not be dissapointed with either car. Something else to keep in mind is that 95-96 Maximas have very poor crash scores. The 97 Camry is rated as "good" by the NTHSA, its highest rating, and the 95-96 Maxima got a "poor" rating. 97-99 Maximas had additional reinforcements and garnered an "acceptable" rating.

 

get the camry

 

Thanks to all of your help!
after some thinking, I guess I'll be happy with either car, but maxima looks better in my opinion
if any of you has one under 100,000 miles for sale, please contact me via PM, thanks!