I currently have a 3rd geeration Max a 91 SE check out my homepage. Anyway i was thinking of buying a 95+ max and was wondering if there is a difference between lets say a 96 and 97 Maxima. Any info would be be appeciated. Thanx

 

Yes, quite a few do a search lots of topics on that!

 

the tail lights for 1

 

the tail lights, the lettering on the trunk, front grille...i think the crash tests were better for 97+...but emission stuff was changed or something, and they are heavier. supposedly 95/96 are faster, but only by a miniscule amount. the body shape looks like the 97+ got sleaker...but i love my 95, so where ever you find the best deal...all 4th gen's are great!

 

Yeah what he said, but one thing to add.......
don't buy auto, get a manual

 

As stated from Nissannews.com vehicle archives

Design/Exterior Styling

Nissan's flagship sedan has refreshed styling for 1997, enhancing the sleek, smooth, luxurious shape. Maxima's sophisticated, yet sporty, new looks were achieved through a series of enhancements that include a new front grille design (chrome on GXE and GLE), jewel-like multi-parabola headlights, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new taillights.

Other major exterior refinements include new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and integrated fog light design on the sporty SE, new wheel covers for GXE models, and distinctive new aluminum-alloy wheels for the fully equipped GLE.

A number of options and packages are available on Maxima in 1997, including a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt feature and sunshade, vehicle security system, Cold Weather Package, Security and Convenience Package (GXE and SE), and Leather Trim Package (SE).

Maxima is available in four new exterior colors for 1997, Neptune Blue, Sage Mist Green, Concord Mist and Rosewood. Other Maxima colors include Pebble Beige Metallic, Deep Evergreen, Super Black and Arctic White Pearl. The exterior colors are available with complementary interior colors -- an updated Beige, Charcoal and Sereno cloth. New for 1997 is Sereno leather-appointed interior (available on GLE and SE models), in addition to Beige and Charcoal

A number of options and packages are available on Maxima in 1998, including a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt feature and sunshade, Security and Convenience Package (GXE and SE), Leather Trim Package (SE) and Deluxe Seating Package which includes front-seat side air bags and heated front seats (SE and GLE).

For 1998, there are eight exterior colors: Neptune Blue, Pebble Beige Metallic, Deep Evergreen, Sage Mist Green, Super Black, Rosewood, Arctic White Pearl and Sterling Mist (new for 1998).

The Nissan Maxima, the flagship of the six-vehicle 1999 Nissan lineup, receives a number of refinements for the new model year, including the availability of Nissan's Traction Control System (TCS) for GLE and SE models equipped with automatic transmission and Deluxe Seating and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), an updated faceplate for mid-line and BoseÒ audio systems, four new exterior colors and an Ignition Immobilizer for enhanced security.

Maxima is offered in four new exterior colors for 1999, including Sunlit Sand, Icelandic Pearl, Lakeshore Blue and Mahogany Pearl. Other available colors include Super Black, Sagemist Green, Sterling Mist and Deep Evergreen.

 

This is in the FAQ...


and yes get a 5 speed...

 

The nose is a little different and I agree on the 5sp.

 

If you like the auto, go for it. I have a 97 SE auto and love it.

 

NO more questions..
http://integra.vtec.net/geeser/megamax/comparison.html

 

mostly 97+ are a little heavier because of the 16" rims vs. 15" I believe....I think total difference between the two is about 60lbs. nothing a few bolt ons wont fix