OK- I didnt do a search to see if this issue has been beaten up to death already though I am pretty sure it has. I just want to say that although I am a 5th gen owner, I just LOVE the 98-99 Maxima's. I got to admit, I love the looks of the those cars. Just my opinion and I am not talking about power/features or any extras. I just love the look/style.
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Even when I bought the 2K, I couldnt take my eyes of that black 99 SE that was at the dealer and it was some 6 grands less. Just wanted to say that ...

 

I agree, i love the 4th gen look. (97*-99)

 

I am just curious what do you think about the exterior of the 5th generation sold in Europe.

http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/ye...nissan_03a.jpg

Max and Camry
http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/ye...a/test_02a.jpg

 

The Maxima QX in Europe is shipped as the Infiniti I30/I35 in the US. In my book, there is no choice to be made since you can't get the 5-speed in an I in the US...however, if I was in Europe, I might go with the Maxima if they ship it with a 5-speed. Nice looking car.

 

I imagine the Euro-spec Max would be available with a manual because fuel economy is such a big deal there. When your gas is taxed at 300% like in the UK, you want to get as many mpg as you can. That's why the QX is available with a VQ20DE standard, since the 3L is deemed a bit thirsty.

On a side note, Renault is using the VQ30DE in some of their cars too. The mags over there like the performance and smoothness, but don't like the mpg.:/

 

Now, there is a luxury car. Why dont Nissan just sell those Infitini I-series here as Maximas period. Though I have to say I dont know if I'd want to mod this bad boy!

 

In Europe Max is not only 3.0L (or even 2.0L), but it is 200 hp (147kW). But, as I recall European hp are different from American. 147kW how many US hp? Anybody?
If it is the same engine, then the claim behind 00-01 owners that hp are overrated gets more ground. May be not. Euro Max's 0-100km/h (0-62.5m/h) time is 9.7s. Kind of slow for US 00-01 auto.

 

147kW = 197 HP

Horsepower on the US 00-01 VQ30DE-K engines is not over-rated. The powerband is just shifted a little too high to take full advantage of it.

Horsepower on the 02-03 VQ35DE engines *does* appear to be over-rated. 255HP spec, but appear to be putting out more like 245HP. But 265 lb-ft of torque instead of 246 lb-ft as advertised. You get more torque than advertised, but less horsepower.

 

I like the 97-99 Maxima as well it was the best looking bodystyle Maxima made in my opinion. I think the model has aged nicely!

 

IMHO the 89-94 Maxima was the sexiest. It was a true 4DSC back then .