I don't know where the "Sports" part comes into play but after having the car for a couple of months now I like the ride and all, it moves when I want it to. It's NO Evo, and then again the Evo is no Maxima.

I don't push my car at ALL, so that said the CVT isn't a problem with me. My only gripe with the car when I change gears D - N - R ect..it will roll for a split second and it is annoying. My 96 Camry don't even do this.
I've had a 97' sentry, 95 200SX se-r (turbo), 2000 Maxima (R.I.P) and now my 2012 Maxima, so it's clear that I am a nissan person, and i've been in a nissan since the 92 Maxima my father owned..
Great cars, they are just not filling in the blanks IMO when it comes to performance and the transmission sometimes.

Great topic!!!

 

I just purchased a 2014 "new" Maxima for my wife. With that we bought it for the comfort and roominess it provides and I am so glad the 290 horse can make the CVT tolerable. (Traded a 2013 Sentra with a CVT matched up to a 4 cylinder and it was not great)
I own a 2013 370z and the difference between the two are night and day. There is no comparison between these when it comes to performance. Dont hate but the Z will decimate any max out there stock to stock. I own both and love both but for different reasons

Simply put... The Maxima is a sedan with some sportiness to it but by no means its even close to being a true sports car so this should end all riddles.

 

Nice to be able to jump into either car-- depending on your mood that day!

 

Ive always been impressed with the M5 since the late 90's and even today, and i love the panamera, but dang i have to admit the new 6 series sedan is sexy as hell! Especially in white.

 

I always thought Maximas were cool, and when I had to opportunity to buy a lightly used 2012, I jumped on it. By modern standards, it's not a sports car. But to put things in perspective, I had a 1993 Mustang LX 5.0 with a five speed manual, and I think it was rated at 225 bhp. It was fun as hell to drive, and I could steer it with the throttle all day. That car wouldn't stand a chance lined-up against the Maxima (although I know a current GT would eat its lunch).


I installed a CAI and exhaust on this car and stopped there because it's my daily driver, but I get what you mean. It's not fast enough, and it never will be (unless Nissan unleashes something very different with the 2016 model). Still love this car though, and think it has a real cult-enthusiast appeal.