I had to "downgrade" myself from my fully loaded G37S to a more family-centric car. The Maxima seemed like a logical choice, for a decent sporty, more family type car with similar interior/styling by Nissan/Infiniti. I didn't want something small like a 3-series/A4/etc. and without too hefty of a pricetag since this wasn't going to be a primary vehicle for me or my family. I've got issues with having to fully load all my cars, so we all know the prices skyrocket on those other vehicles when you add in options.

Regardless, I wanted to know if anyone had owned a G37 for some length of time and can comment on the comparison between it and the Maxima. I know there are some big differences between the two -- RWD vs FWD, CVT transmission, and the list goes on, but for some reason it seems my SV Sport drives like total ****. I don't recall the test drive being this bad. The handling seems to be non-existent, always over- or under-steering, but maybe I'm taking this in comparison to my other cars which are a bit more luxury/sport oriented. I'm not trying to seem snotty about it, but it just seems to me that the car should be performing a lot better.

It seems my main issues revolve around the handling and cornering. Also when I first start it up and take off I get think clunking sound, not sure on that one either but am interested to see if any of you guys have any input here. Any help or ideas you may have will be appreciated. I think I need to maybe get my hands on another to compare it.

 

My father has a 2009 G37X, and in comparison, i like the Maxima better. When you are talking about the steering and cornering, you are now driving a FWD, not a AWD or RWD. The Handling is going to be a lot different. Is the car new or used.... you should not be hearing any clunking sound?!? I use to drive a 2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6, a lot different from the max... it takes a little getting use to driving the FWD, but the Max handles great!!! hope this helped.

 

If the "clunking" sound is around 18 mph the first time you accelerate from startup, it is just the ABS self check.

 

The Maxima has something like 61/39 weight distribution. The G37, more like 54/46. The Maxima also has a higher center of gravity and a larger polar moment of inertia, not to mention steering that's entirely dependent on how much traction you're devoting to throttle. It's only kin to the G37 up to 7/10. After that, and it sounds like you're at 9/10, the differences will be significant.

If you want a big family car that handles, sell the Max and buy a used G8 GT. Or go back to the G37. It's not like the interior is much smaller. Rear visibility may even be better.

 

I also have a 2012 and the handling isn't bad, but not perfect either. I have done 2 autox with the max, only issue I have is ALL the weight is in the front of the car. The steering response is great and soft, if the max were to be RWD car it be a great drift car cause there is no weight back there at all. The Maxima does sit higher then a G37 so your going to feel the lean/body roll and the suspension even though its a sport model its still soft and most of us here knows that.

 

I wish i lived closer to you i would just trade haha

I'm looking at trading I'm my max for a g37 sedan

 

Ik this is an old thread but i will eventually be looking into both of these cars. Is there a big difference on insuring them,? Ik our circumstances will be different but which is cheaper and if a difference how wide of a gap

 

Wouldn't consider the Maxima a downgrade....but ok

 

I think a downgrade would be going from an Infiniti to taking the city bus. But to each their own.

 

I agree.

 

Hey I just traded in a 2008 G37S for a 2012 Maxima SV and I would be totally honest with you on here.

The Maxima Handling and cornering cannot beat the AWD G37 period. driving the G37 was so much fun and the S (Sport) was just too nice. The G37 is fast, it felt like they dropped an HEMI in it, It simply wants to take off when the slighest touch to the pedal unlike the MAXIMA.

Dont get me wrong, im not ******* out the Maxima, I drive one now and i like it as a everyday car with lots of room for mods and improvement. It is also very roomy, big trunk for road trips and all. It is also very good in gas mileage.

So why did I let the G37 go, two things primarily, one was poor gas mileage and two was space, I felt cramped in the G37 and im a 6ft 210lb guy. That car was burning up my pockets on gas and it wasnt fitting 4-5 dudes well with a small trunk. It just was not an everyday car IMO, so I went to the MAX. So it comes down to you, how will you use the car and the purpose will change your opinions on which car suits you best.

Good luck man, the truth is you cant go wrong either way brother.

 

I took test drives in both cars before settling on the Maxima. The positives for the Maxima were a more spacious cabin, larger trunk and front wheel drive which helps snow (unless you get the AWD). What sealed the deal was the $4K rebate and lower price for the Maxima. I found that for normal every day driving the two cars ride the same. The differences show up when you push the cars to more extreme performance which I am less inclined to do as I mature further.

 

I traded a 2010 G37x sedan for the the 2012 Maxima SV w/Sport Pkg. Honest opinion, the G37 obviously had more power. Handling was better in the G for sure, more stable, more flat less body roll. But, The Maxima is a great car. I honestly like the appearance of the Maxima more than the G. Looks unique, and more sporty. I don't consider the Maxima a downgrade, because the interior has the same, or slightly more features. Fit & finnish is basically an Infiniti if you ask me. Superb. So i'm happy with the Maxima. Yes you get a little less power, and can't take that corner as quickly as the G, but for everyday driving it's perfect. Besides, this car is driven by my wife. So fo her it's perfect, she's not buring corners or anything. Actually the G was a waste of power etc. for her because she's not as an enthusiast as I am. I had no problem letting the G go, as my daily driver is a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6spd Manual. Now you wanna talk about handling......??? Drive the Acura, and you'll be amazed!

 

I've decided that my next car will be AWD for sure. I was noticing an Acura TL on my drive to work today...with a little work I think they can be pretty nice looking cars...

 

the question is assuming you test drove the TL FWD, how does the maxima sport compare to that.... also the AWD, if at all........ you used to own a g37, how if at all a difference between gas mileage on maxima and g37, just curious...

 

I almost went with G37 but since maxima had better discount I decided to go with the maxima. Now all this talks about the superiority of G37 makes me feel I have buyers remorse on my maxima.

 

i've never owned a G37 coupe, but my best girl friend does. before that she had a G35 and decided to upgrade. i prefer my max with the exception that its a large car and i'm small. the G37 didn't seem as bad because it was a coupe.