Page 36 of Motor Trend. Doesn't really say much. Here is a clip:

"The Maxima SE six-speed we drove clearly falls on the sporty side of the sport/luxury continuum. It's 255hp engine isn't as peaky as the Acura TL Type S, one of its main competitors, although it doesn't quite have the Acura's long legs....."

"Bottom line: For those who don't flock to the latest automotive fashion, and are willing to trade off a bit of comfort for better than average performance, the Maxima might be the bargain of 02"

Blah, doesn't sound to impressive. Sound more like a Tauraus. Is Motor Trend anti-Nissan or something?

 

blah, rather have a new max over the acura anyday. now that car has no styling or anything

 

If the Maxima's compaired with the TL/S what's the I-35 for?

 

MT sure did nock the maxima pretty damn bad. I guess Nissan has'nt paid them off enough lately? BTW the new max will rip the damn legs off the TL-S, what are they on, crack? Sheesh..

 

Sounds like MotorTrend likes the automatic TL-S. I am not surprised. Big companies like Hondas and Toyotas that advertise with MT pays them well, you know what I'm saying.

I will certainly pick the Maxima over a TL-S anytime.

 

when they said "peaky" they could be refering to the engine not as exteme as the TL-S or they mean power everywhere, like it doesn't switch from powerless non V-TEC zone to suddenly pulls u like crazy zone.

 

Every zone on the max will pull you harder! BTW even though the TL-S has a eleged 5hp advantage, it more then get's lost threw drive train loss from the automagic.

 

true, TL-S only has 4 usable automatic gears, 5th gear is usless racing. Maybe they drove the automatic SE and think that its a 6spd automatic?

 

your crazy.

 

the 6 sp max will be faster but i wouldnt doubt the tl-s auto edge out the auto 2k2 max.... that S type vtec does have some kick. I have ridden in one of those and there is no doubt they are fast

 

I think you guys only debate on the Maxima vs. TLS from a speed point of view. No doubt the Max is possibly faster in certain conditions, but how about interior quality,features and resale value? Styling is a personal opinion, but IMO the TLS is still a better car than the max. I've driven the TLS on numerous occasions and I feel it is an impressive car for the $$.
My .02 cents

GC

 

I've driven both an I30t and TL through the autocross and I can say that the TL handily outperforms the I30t on the corners. Now, the TL-S is a sportier version of the TL, and the I35/Maxima is just the old chassis with more horsepower. Which one do you think will corner better...hmm....the TL-S.

I like both the interior of the TL and the Maxima. But for the price, I would get the Acura hands down if I were comparing automatics. Better dealer service, better interior materials, and it has a better exhaust note in stock form.

 

Good point, also did you ever notice that the best 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for the CLs & Tls came from Motor Trend....hmmm

 

Thats why I don't like Motor Trend.

 

If you go visis acura-tl.com, you'll find that the TL-Ss advanced 5 speed auto has;

a) 2 overdirves, 4th AND 5th gear. TL-S owners hate that! If you have a 5 or 6 speed max and meet them at 90 MPH, you can downshift to 3rd and blow them away, while their auto refuses to downshift to 3rd unless its below 80, so they're stuck in both overdrive gears trying to catch you.

b) The tranny is a bit sensitive. Several owners reporting the tranny failing after 11K miles, alot of them don't even drive it hard.

DW