I really want a 5spd se maxima, but recently I drove a Infinti i30. It had 18's deep tinted windows. I want to know what the difference's are between the max and infiniti. Which is better?

 

Hey, I drive an australian Maxima which is the same as the ?US i30, the only difference is visual bumpers lights etc and interior gadgetry. Mechanically they're the same.

 

I own both a [modestly modified] 1995 Maxima SE 5-spd and a [stock] 2000 I30t, which comes with a 4-spd O/D auto trans. I like the creature comforts offered in my I30t, but the Maxima rules for handling and acceleration. Do you like to shift? I do. I miss the 5-spd when I'm driving the I30t. The better car is the one you like driving better. Luck.

 

As I understand it, an I30 is much like a GLE, is the touring package not as sporty to drive as an SE?

 

To me, my 2000 I30t feels "heavier" than my 1995 SE. It's not as toss-able, if you will. The I30t accelerates well, and it corners pretty good, too. It just isn't as sporty as the Max. When I got cat scratch fever, I'm in the SE!

 

 

Let me hear the congregation say AMEN!!!!!
lol

 

A few grand in exchange for limited slip differential, nicer front end (lights, grill, hood, fenders, etc.), rear seat headrests, trunk cargo net, better warranty, etc.

 

My 2k i30t feels heavier too, I was thinking about a 2k Max to replace my 95 Max but wanted to take a "step up" and all I mean by that is the improvement in style, looks, etc.

I like the classy look of the i30 better than the Max, but mechanically we are talking exactly the same thing...

/aac

 

I have both as below in sig. Probably 95% of the car is identical. The main differences are in content such as limited slip, rear view mirror, cosmetics, map pockets on both seats, better seat comfort, etc. Most of these differences would go unnoticed if you got the SE, but if you had the I30t, you'd appreciate them. An Infiniti service manager told me that there were 75 significant differences in the two, most of which are in the sound-deadening department (I.E. more insulation around the rear of the car) and the quality/finish seems to be maybe 5% better. I found that on the used car market here in Tennessee you could buy either for about the same price for comparable equipment and options. I can DEFINITELY tell a difference in the two cars as I often drive them back to back. The I30t just seems tighter and more solid, maybe a perception because it is quieter. I like my SE for it's sportiness, and my I30 for it's comfort/quiet, although I never feel slighted in either car. If you really like a sporty car, I'd recommend a 5-speed I30t, or an I30t with the auto trans mods some are doing. If I had to do again I would have bought two I30's for the differences, although they are slight. It would be worth the extra effort, IMHO, if for no other reason the warranty. Look for in-warranty I30's at non-Nissan or Infiniti lots for the best $deal, at in Infiniti lot for the best condition, as they usually keep the cream of the crop. Let me know if you want more specifics. You can't go wrong either way IMO, if you are patient and just find a good car. BTW, one of the main reasons I chose my alternative was due to the wealth of info on this board, and constructive input from many here, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

then get a FSTB and a Rear sway bar and then get some performance shocks/ springs set up.
If you need a 5 speed it's available.
The sound deadaning is for your parents.
Your colleagues will not notice a sig diff. -
And you'll be happier - guaranteed.
Then spend the reamining $3000 to $10,000 grand on a vacation to the tropics or whatever you fancy.
The I30 sweet as it is, won't bring you anymore pleasure than a maxima unless your and extreme superficial.
Good Luck.

 

You mean Infinity

 

Infiniti. Is this some kind of joke?

/aac

 

I don't know from your post how serious you will be about mods, or if SCCA racing might be in your plans, but the most significant difference in the I30 and the SE is the I30t's LIMITED SLIP DIFERENTIAL. (also contact I30KRAB) At some point in mods you will exceed the cars ability to put the power to the ground. It is basically prohibitively expensive to add a diff to the SE. This may also be a factor if you live in the snow belt. In a like manner, ANTILOCK BRAKES are standard on the I30, and very rarely seen on any maxima. Finally, sound deadening may not be important to some, but for me it is. Each 3db drop in road noise is equivalent to doubling amplifier power necessary to overcome it. Since sound quality is important to me, so is the noise damping necessary to create as quiet an environmnent for it as possible. Good luck on your search. Seek advice from those with priorities in alignment with your own. Many times there's no right or wrong, just a matter of what YOU like. And thank God for the diversity of opinion that makes life interesting.

 

As I understand it, Limited Slip Differential was standard on the I30t, or any I30 or Max SE with the heated seats (as part of the winter package). Look for the seat heater switches on the center console to verify the presence of the LSD.

 

all this talk of headlights today,
the i30 has HIDs optional. the real deal.
yes. 2000 US i30 is the australian maxima.

 

I do not think there is any LSD on 99-01 Maxima other than the 20th Anniversary edition. I have a 99 SE-L and it came fully-loaded. NO LSD!!! SAD!

The Maxima offers a traction control system. It is available only with the auto tranny. For the 01 model, they changed the plain name to Z Edition. Wow! Maxima "Z" SE with auto.

The only that stopped me from getting an I30t is the parking brake. Can't they just move it back up for the touring model??