zerofighter

Hey, I am in the process of buying a new car. From my powerless civic to a 2003 maxima se 6spd or 2003 330ci 5spd. I've been a maxima fan for a while now, and I love the BMW's. So, which do you think will be better for all around performance and hows the ride in the 330? so..330ci or maxima. Also, is the m package for the 330ci worth it? or should I find some thing that looks like the m3 front, because the m package is kind of roundish.

btw,
2003 maxima - $38,000 cdn
2003 330ci - $48,700 cdn

thx

BBaker025

iTrader: (1)

I like the 5th gen maximas and all, but its hands down the 330Ci. There is a big price difference in them for a reason, I love the way BMW's drive.

Wisky97SE

iTrader: (1)

It depends, if that $10,000 is really going to hurt you, then settle for the Max, its a great car. But if you can afford it; go for the Bimmer all the way, I know I would!

99maximagxe

iTrader: (3)

I friend just bought the 330ci and its not all that i would get the 03 max keep the 5,000 u save and spend the other 5,000 on mods.
stock 03 max= 255 horses vs. stock bmw 330ci= 220 horses
choose wisely

Lordrandall

iTrader: (4)

Out of those two I would pick the 330 if you have the $$. Make sure you get the sport package tho.

joaquink

Don't forget to factor in taxes, registration and insurance. There can be significant differences based on the significant differences in repair costs, sticker price, theft rates and so on.

Personally I'd get the Maxima but I'm somewhat biased by the fact
that the 330Ci is too narrow and short for me.

BurgandyMAX

Id have to go with the 330, Itdrives wonderfully but i do love maximas but remember the body style is changing and the 330 is very sleek. If you have the Money go for the Bimmer~

krismax

iTrader: (15)

The BMW has 225 ,and moter trend ran 14.4 with it stock.This engine was on wards 10 best list this year,believe it or not the vq is rated as a better engine.

Frank Fontaine

Those numbers don't seem right, however, because kicking them back into US $ there's only about a $6970 difference between a Max and 330Ci in the above scenario. I've never heard of a 330Ci going for $32 grand USD, you can't even get a moderately-equipped 325Ci for that little nor can you get a 6 cyl. A4. I think the person better go back and get the correct pricing on the BMW.

The above factors that you mention are all in favor of the BMW except repair costs, because the free maint. is a bit hokey. The first major service runs about $700+ compared to the 60k service of the Max which is around $350.

imho BMW or Audi vs. Maxima comparisons are humorous at best, in the real world people are not considering Maximas when shopping for a BMW or Audi.

I just can't seem to get this point across--spending more money does not necessarily constitute waste. It's like saying why should I spend $800,000 for a house in Darien when the exact same house only costs $600,000 in Stamford? That's called LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. When you go to sell the 800,000 house, you get most of the money back if not all. You didn't waste money by buying a home in Darien, in doing so you got to enjoy all the benefits associated with it. That extra 200 large is called a deal-breaker or barrier to entry--most people who settle for the 600 grand home could not afford the extra to get into Darien. Same with the BMW--most Maxima buyers do not have the extra 16 grand it costs for a 3-Series. Wouldn't it be a hoot if you saw on a E46 forum somebody asking should they save 16 grand and get a Nissan Maxima instead? You'd never see it!

Mishmosh

iTrader: (3)

I'm agreeing with Frank. The numbers don't add up. Don't know how they price things (or what features are included) in Canada, but 330ci's go for ~38k US$ with some reasonable options. That is over $10k US$ more than a maxima...

LeX

iTrader: (14)

buy me both of em so i can test drive them and i'll give you an honest opinion

SteVTEC

The Nissan engine is OVER-rated.
The BMW commonly UNDER-rates their engines.


Nissan 255 bhp = 205 whp
BMW 225 bhp = 195 whp


Despite being rated 30 bhp higher, the Nissan only puts down 10 whp more to the wheels, despite the fact that an FF drivetrain is slightly more efficient (2% or so) than an FR.

KL99SEA

iTrader: (1)

If money wasn't a factor I would have a 330i now. Performance between the 2 is close but rear wheel drive......and i don't even want to get started on the 6 speed shifter, cable??? SUCKS. BMW is smoooooth. Love my max but 330 is a nicer car. Alot more money for purchase and service and repairs though.

Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

330ci hands down, no contest! I would love to get my hands on one if I had the money. Too bad it's overpriced IMO.

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

i would be a hypocrite if i didn't say 330ci

Zam

Soon as you get one, you'll always be wishing you bought the M3. Isn't the Max a better comparison with the 5 series?

JsL

iTrader: (5)

The 330ci runs the quarter the same time as the G35 coupe...not like that means everything though. I'd say get the 330ci if you have the money, but please don't be like many of the BMW drivers out there, "O...I own the ULTIMATE driving machine and my car is the best." If you live in the bay area, like I do, you will realize how much the dealer #$&@ you with pricing. If you want it for MSRP, there are 2 other people that want it with the mark-up. I've heard 330ci go for about 50k out the door and 03 maximas for 24k out the door around here.

99Maxima5sp

Personally, i wouldnt even consider the BMW if i was shopping, they just dont do anything for me. I dont like their deisgns in the interior, i personally think their sorta ugly. The outside though is alright at best, this is my opinion though. If you were in the range of an '03 Max, maybe some alternatives could include

-Lincoln LS (my personal Choice, the '03 that is)
-Audi A4 3.0
-Lexus IS300
-Acura 3.2TL Type-S
-Inifiti G35
-Saab 9-3

You can easily get any of those for well 35K, closer to 30K on some. I just dont think the BMW is the best.

Weasel

iTrader: (2)

Split the difference, get a Z or G35C.

speedtrip

Interesting dilema. I wish I had had it!

If you can comfortably afford it then get the 330ci. The 330ci is an all around better performer than a 2k3 maxima, but I'm sure both will put a smile on your face when you mash the gas pedal compared to a civic. What you pay extra for now, you will get back when you sell the 330ci if you keep it in good shape.

However if the 330ci stretches your checkbook then get the 2k3 maxima. It's no fun working your butt off just for a car. If this is the case, IMHO I'd rather have the extra money in my pocket for other things.

Frank Fontaine

If you want that BMW road feel, getting a G35 or 350Z will not hit the spot. If you want newer looks, better numbers on paper, and lower price, yes, get the Nissan product. Nissan owners on this forum often seem to feel that BMW is a country club they can't get in to, so they say the **** with it. Then they continue to consider everything but the BMW. Rather then feel barred from the country club, figure out what it takes to get in. Obviously it takes more money and different thinking. That translates to better job or push your parents for more dough, and then be ready to accept that features you got standard are now options. In my opinion, German cars are worth the extra money. If not for the absolutely superior road feel, yes, the dirty word, the prestige and pride of ownership. But you don't just throw away your Maxima and change cars like your underwear, you drive it at least 6-8 years.

95emeraldgxe

if you have the money, definitely go for the 330....if you have an extra 15K lying around go for the M3!!!!! If your working for your car, then i would go with something more affordable.

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

go with a 2k3 you wont regret it. the bimmer is too small and why would you buy the bottom line of a manufacturer? i wouldnt touch a bimmer unless it has 5something on the back of it.

MAXIN

iTrader: (5)

330ci sport package

Shoooter_j

iTrader: (3)

We get cars cheaper in Canada, believe it or not
(Finally one advantage to our weaker dollar)

zerofighter

I just got back from test driving the 330, well, 10min ago. This car is amazing, its suspension kicks @$$, very, very, very little body roll, it had a better throttle responce then the max does, the rwd is a big advantage, even in snow it handles good because of its VDC or whatever its called. The interior was excellent, the back seats roomy, it was fast, even though we test drove an auto (they didnt have any 5spd at the time). So, I can imagine how fun it will be too drive with the 5spd. Im think that I will go for the bimmer, I test drove the maxima like 4 times and took the bimmer once, and now Im in love with this bimmer. And for other reasons, look down in the post.
Also, the 330ci isnt the lowest they 325 is :P I think. The package I will get is the M package for it. And I won't be like "oh I drive a bimmer, Im the greatest, blah blah blah blah blah". BTw, again, they are going to have AC stuff there and IN their showroom. And this is canada! So much better then the other dealerships.


Oh and, the day before, when they just opened (new BMW gallery) a friend and I walk in to the showroom, and Im like "yeah, they're not going to take us seriously". Then this young guy (around mid 30's) comes too us and asks us what we want. Im like whoa, thats new. Then we talk for a bit we get the numbers and stuff. Then, this is what really blew my pants off. He asked us if we wanted a tour of their place (this is a new dealership, just opened 2 days ago). He showed us the basement with 167 stalls, heated floors, washbays, etc. He told us that when someone brings in their bimmer, that they detail it, wash it, wax it (sometimes) and store it there until you pick it up. Now thats what I call good service. And at the end he showed us the mini's and when you pick up your new bimmer the room thats all silent and the salesman shows you your new car with all the features.

T-bone

iTrader: (1)

what did you say about the dealer blowing your pants!??!?!?














j/k

Good luck with the BMW.

krismax

iTrader: (15)

Sport compact dynoed the new max and alty and got 218 horse at the wheels and 230 lbftt. The alty got 200 and 211 at wheels. march 2002.

krismax

iTrader: (15)

A 330ci ragtop costs more than a M3 .A m3 costs around $45,000.If you look on the lot you will see most 330 are within $5,000 of the M3 or the 330xi $10,000 more than the M3,way overpriced.

SteVTEC

A TYPICAL BMW 330i 5MT will dyno at 195 whp.
A TYPICAL 02-03 Maxima 6MT will dyno around 205 whp

So how did SC's Maxima dyno over 10 whp and 10 wtq higher than typical? Did it have a few mods on it, or did they pull one of their lame a$$ stunts to fake out the dyno (which you can easily do).

And why did the Alty dyno BELOW typical on torque?


Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

Yossarian

Get the RWD..

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Buy a 350Z!!!!

Frank Fontaine

Put 45k (+ tax and tags) in a gym bag, head over to the dealership, tell them you want to buy a E46 M3, and see what you come home with. It'll be the gym bag. M3 is a bargain for that price--but you'll have an even harder time getting one at list than a Honda Odyssey.

And that's simply not true that you get cars for cheaper in Canada. The only thing that is cheaper in Canada is goods and services, not durable or capital goods. Last time I was there I saw a sticker on a new Lincoln that was almost $68,000. Even Hyundais are 23,000 CDN or more. If you can buy a 330Ci new for 32,000 USD, grab it, even 2 or 3. But you can't.

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

330 coups look better, and drive better stock. Remember that you'll have to spend like $500 for a CAI, $2000 for a body kit, and an arm and a leg for any mod. But if it's affordable, i would go for it. BMW's have just as many problems as the next car. HID ballasts going out, sunroofs not closing, etc....but I would still get one

Frank Fontaine

You're right. A friend with the 325i had a problem with his Xenons and his a/c unit failed. For whatever reason it took over a month to get a new a/c compressor and unfortunately for him it was in the summer that it happened.

But the way they drive makes a person wonder how they could have ever put up with the way a Maxima feels on the road. Heck a Cavalier rental car will do that!

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

These guys I used to live with had a 330 coup and sedan. They had their share of problems. So I used to rag on them because although my car was a sloppy boat, at least it didn't have any problems.

carnal_c30

iTrader: (38)

hmmm I wouldnt compare the Max to the 330, if I were you I'd consider the G35 Cpe and the 330Ci

the BMW is sweeet I've driven them all over the place and it is one nice car- truly is the Ultimate drivers Machine

however, the new G35 is just as good and its the hottest thing out right now- and still alot cheaper than the 330Ci which is going on its 3rd year

G35 man ignore the crappy interior quality

max988

If I want to spend an extra $10,000+ US for a similar equipped new 330i. I won't be looking at a 03 Maxima. I will be comparing a fully equipped new 330i with other vehicles that are around $40,000 range.

Axel

iTrader: (3)

2003 Nissan Maxima in the US. Price starts at $25,439 USD
2003 Nissan Maxima in Canada. Price starts at $33,300 CAD

If you take the US price and multiply it using the 1.6 exchange rate, you'd have $40,702 CAD. Instead, the difference is 1.3 (not 1.6)
Cars are cheaper in Canada. If cars in Canada were as expensive as in the US, many people wouldn't be able to afford them. Our taxes here are much higher (especially our income tax). This is why.
If you take the cost of living, income taxes, and everything else into account, they're about the same price. However, only compare the prices and they're cheaper.

RastaManMax

iTrader: (5)

Does it really run the same 1/4 mile time as the coupe? I think Motortrend tested the Sedan version of the G35 (less HP) and with an auto against the 5sp 330i and the G35 was only .1 sec behind it in 1/4 mile performance... That being said, the G35 coupe with it's more HP, and 6MT should stomp the 330i pretty easily... That being said, i say forget both the 330i and the Max and get the G35 coupe, RWD, and it will outhandle the 330i also...

zerofighter

I think the 330ci might, MIGHT, outhandled the G35, because it has 50.1/49.9 weight so, also, I have decided on the 330ci