The back of the car says 3.5. Now It makes me wonder why would Nissan put 3.5 on the back if it only came in 3.5? Most cars with the engine size on the rear have different engine options. We know there wont be a 4, maybe there will acually be an 8?

 

not necessarily true, the pathfinder has the 3.5 in the back, and thats the only engine that it comes with

 

Why? Well, if you take the 3.5L displacement, a VK35DE V8 would be too rev-happy for a 'tame' car like a Maxima. IMHO, a VK40DE would probably be the smallest Nissan could go if they were going to offer a V8 in the Max.

You might ask "Why wouldn't Nissan just come out with another V8?"
It's just not worth it to develop another V8 just for the Maxima. Nissan's full size truck is supposed to use the VK too, so it doesn't make sense to make a whole new engine for the Maxima. Remember, this is a time when Nissan is trying to consolidate engines and platforms. They won't develop any new things exclusive to only one model unless they absolutely have to.

 

Plus fuel economy people may no take to well to a 40K V8 Maxima and the poor fuel economy. Another over looked detail is customer service. A V8 Maxima would attract a more luxuary oriented demographic to Nissan dealerships, and Nissans service departments aren't know for excellent customer service!

 

car and driver says 6-cylinder with just 260HP

http://caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddri...ook_maxima.xml

 

If you really think about it, a 3.5 liter v8 probably won't happen. The only car company that did have a small v8 was a mercedes, and it was in the 350SLC. They stop making it for a reason. Them extremely small block v8 are like little geo metro motors, all grunt, but no punch. If nissan is going to put a v8, I at least think they will put the m45/q45 VK45DE in.

Sarin

 

Actually, in the early '90s, BMW produced a 3.0 liter V-8 and offered it in the 5 series. In Europe, it was also offered in the 7 series. It, also, only lasted for 2 or 3 years in the US.

 

my guess is that if there was a V8 it would be a less powerful version of that in the M45 & Q45

 

well I understand that there wont be a 3.5L V8. I wasnt saying that, all i said was that why post the engine size if it only comes in one size?

 

they are trying to reassure the buyers of the 2k4 Max that although the car is two hairs shy of being llama terd butt ugly, its still got a bad *** 3.5L motor in it...so it makes them feel a lot better.

now a days its seems that thats the thing to do though, plaster the liters all over the car, its sorta like a "hey mines bigger than yours" contest.

 

not to sound stupid but what would be the difference of a 3.5 liter v8 and a 3.5 v6? which one would make more power and why?

 

The V8 should make more power based on the fact that it has more cylinders. Or at least it should, all other things being equal.

 

yeh i really dont need a v8. im happy with a better V6

 

No way. Too costly to have a V8 configured along with the V6.
The 2004 Maxima will have only one engine; the corporate 3.5L-V6.
Thank Nissan for at least dumping the rear beam axle suspension, and adding a 5th gear to the AT. If the 2004 is AWD, it will be my next car.