So besides the 2013 Maxima I just bought, I also own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata. That car is a stock turbocharged, 4 cylinder with some intake and exhaust modifications. It weighs in at 2450 pounds and puts out around 200 HP in its current form. So the weight to HP ratio between the two cars is about the same.

The Maxima is the first front wheel drive car I've owned that puts down that much HP (and my first automatic daily driver).

Naturally one cannot compare the handling characteristics between the two in any sort of fair manner. While the Maxima handles pretty nicely, it's still a fat pig compared to the Miata and it feels like it. Refined and solid, but fat.

What has really stood out to me is the feeling of the Maxima when I'm accellerating hard out of a slow turn. I never really appreciated how limiting front wheel drive is when you're making a little more power. The torque steer and heavy feel of the wheel is very pronounced. If you've never driven a rear wheel drive car that has a little bit of oomph to it, may I recommend giving one a go? You'll be amazed at the difference and superior feel when the power is going to the back wheels.

This isn't a knock on the Maxima, just an interesting observation I figured I'd share. Clearly two different cars with very different purposes.

 

The max is a nice daily driver, and the front wheel drive and the cvt are some sour points that I've learned to live with. You have a few other options that could get you rwd (infiniti, lexus) but the bang for the buck, style, and interior space made me pick the max.

Post some pics of your weekend toy!

 

Get the rear sway bar, it's a relatively cheap upgrade that's quick to install with a noticeable difference in handling in the corners. It does take some of that fat pig feeling away so you don't feel like your taking a boat around a corner haha.

 

i love my fat pig. whats hilarious is try parking next to a lambo or something - the Max looks like a damn SUV

 

Ditto. And now, I want to park next to a lambo

Here's a pic of my buddy's 1st gen yata next to my maxima.

 

Miatas look like a cereal box prize IMO.

 

 

I have been looking for an 04-05 mazdaspeed Miata for over a year. Once I find one that is clean, it will be a great fun/project car. The max is a great family car with good tech and power.

The RSB is my ONLY modification to the car and it made a difference in body roll and driving characteristics.

 

I bought mine new and have only put 39K miles on it in the 9 years I've had it. FlyinMiata has a lot of upgrade stuff that does wonders for the car. I swapped out the intake and downpipe and the effects were immediate and proven by many owners that posted the dynos...25 addtional HP (a 15% gain) for about $500.

If you find one (only 5000 built in 2004 and about 1500 in 2005 due to fire at the factory) you'll have a lot of inexpensive options to upgrade performance.

 

Hmm, Lets see... Proper Sports Car vs pseudo SportSedan...

I like my 2010 Max but my Previous 05 Altima 3.5SE handled better.

It doesnt take much to get the Max's chassi twisted up. Trailbraking into a corner at the edge of traction will do it. It does come out of a corner pretty good though. I like the CVT. It's very quick and puts the motor right where it needs to be to come off a corner.

I find the torque steer to be manageable. Especially with the power this car makes. The Altima was much worse.

This car is my daily driver so I doubt I'll upgrade anything but the rear sway bar and strut tower brace seems easy enough. Tires will probably make a big difference too. I hate the stock RS-A's.

BTW, I've had some seat time in a well prepped Miata. Great cars!!! I'm an instructor for Track Time 4 Cars, and Team Pro-Motion. I know my way around a race track and can easily find the limits of a stock passenger car.

I'm a little underwhelmed with the handling of the Maxima. Feels like a wet noodle when pushed...

 

Agree, would have much preferred rwd but with the same options a C350 priced north of $50k for a smaller car. Easy decision.
If I could get away with 2 doors I hear the new scion FRS is worth a look.