Hi All
I currently own a 3rd Gen Maxima (1990) and think its time to upgrade. I was initially drawn to the Max, but kept reading reviews about the Max that were not positive (ie Not as fast as before, CVT sucks...etc). The reviews for the Altima on the other hand were very positive. Any of you guys have test-driven both these cars? Any info you'd like to share would be appreciated. I am looking at the 3.5SL for both models. Thanks.

 

Just to put it out there, were you aware that the new Altima's come with CVT's also?

 

LOL, schools open!!!

 

Oh yeah, I reread your post, you said that you were looking for the "3.5 in both", the Maxima ONLY offers the 3.5.

I'm not crazy about the new Altima, (I know, flaming coming here). I'm also not crazy about the CVT tranny.
the only way, unless I'm incorrect, to avoid the CVT is to get a manual tranny. The new Maxima's don't get the choice of a manual tranny. They only get the CVT.

Good luck with your choice.

 

BUT, the Altima possesses the newest Generation VQ35DE, unlike the Maxima which still has the previous gen.

 

What came before the VQ35DE? What is the engine model in my car? I've only known it as a VQ35. I know the newer ones are vq35hr. Those are in the new Z's.

 

Man I REALLY dig the new 3.5 Altima's. They are so close to looking like a maxima that I really wonder what Nissan is thinking? I love my maxima but I'd be hard pressed not to buy a 3.5 Altima if I were having to buy today. The only real difference I think is that the "Maxima" name will probably hold it's resell value better as the Altima's have always been a low-end car. That very well may change though.

 

I wondered also about the resell. Not that I am looking to sell, but I know that they sell Altima's, a dime a dozen at a time. So if the market becomes inundated with them, wouldn't their resell drop quicker? Or would it be just the opposite, because they are best sellers which means they are high demand?

 

I've driven both (the max more extensively, though) and it really depends on what you want out of your car. The CVT is awesome IMO and is much better than a conventional automatic. Swee is right in that both come with the CVT and since you're opting for a 3.5SL I'm guessing you want the automatic and not the 6-speed manual that comes on the 3.5SE altima.

Maxima:
-benefits-
-Options galore (auto dimming mirrors everywhere, power steering wheel, back-up sensors, etc.)
-CVT transmission was ultra quick to respond to throttle inputs and it doesn't take much to accelerate this car at a normal pace. (ie: sitting between 2000 and 2500 RPMs will do just fine)
-Nice seats
-More room
-Thick, small diameter steering wheel
-drawbacks-
-HID bi-xenon projectors were sub-par...my 5.5 gen reflectors are much brighter (especially the high beams)
-The car is a bit too big for my taste, and rear visibility is compromised by the high trunk-line
-Felt a little slower than the older 6th gens (probably due to the added weight)
-Handling is definitely not its strong point

Altima:
-benefits-
-Better quality interior than the maxima
-Excellent handling for a FWD car while at the same time providing excellent ride quality
-Very quick with the 6-speed
-Tight steering
-They kept the weight of this one down and you can really feel it in a turn
-Less expensive
-drawbacks-
-Front end doesn't look aggressive enough IMO
-Seats aren't as comfortable or supportive as the maxima's
-Less room (although it's not scarce)
-Less options (again, the option list is still abundant)


All in all, it really depends on what you want as I said before. The maxima is a good car and a comfortable, roomy cruiser. But if you want a sport's car this definitely isn't your ride. The altima doesn't offer all the creature comforts of the maxima but it provides a better driving experience.

 

In short without getting into too much detail:

The new generation FWD VQ35DE has revised cams, HR heads, different/more optimized intake manifold design, and a wider CVTC separation angle, to name a few.

 

Okay, thanks.

Still curious, do you know what the model numbers/code is?

 

Chassis Code: L32
Engine Code: VQ35DE

 

Thanks. That's what I thought I had understood it as, but I'm still learning.

Swee

 

neither. way to ruin a great performer with a cvt.

 

That is why some or most on here (more MT drivers) will choose the Altima, hence the availability of an MT.

The CVT/MT/AT debate will never end, so I'm not trying to open another, can, but not choosing either because tehy both have CVT's available seems .

Just get a 6MT Altima.

 

Check this out. Direct from Edmunds.com. These things are nearly identical on paper. Seriously, WTF?? Although jesus the Altima is MUCHO lighter.

MAXIMA
Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 194.4 in. Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 58.3 in. Wheel Base: 111.2 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. Curb Weight: 3591 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4590 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.1 in. Front Hip Room: 53.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.9 in. Rear Head Room: 37.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.5 in. Rear Hip Room: 54.8 in.
Front Leg Room: 43.9 in. Rear Leg Room: 36.5 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.5 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 255 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm Torque: 252 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: FWD Turning Circle: 40 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 19 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 380 mi. / 500 mi.

ALTIMA
Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 189.8 in. Width: 70.7 in.
Height: 57.9 in. Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3360 lbs. Gross Weight: 4586 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in. Front Hip Room: 56.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.7 in. Rear Head Room: 36.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 in. Rear Hip Room: 52.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in. Rear Leg Room: 34.5 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 270 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm Torque: 258 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 22 mpg / 28 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 440 mi. / 560 mi.

 

Get the 3.5 6spd manual.
I test drove the two door (though I know you are not talking about the 2 door), but the stock exhaust note on it sounds so sweet. The Altima is quicker (6spd manual) but if you are opting for an SL it seems as if performance is really not on your top list.

On the other, the more and more I look at price difference the more and more i DO NOT want to give up the Max to the little (but mighty) sister altima. The price difference depending on the option really is not that big.

 

not sure how cold it gets there in VA.... but wait a few months.... and then try the heated steering wheel in the max!!!!!!!!!!..... just a toy/feature... but really nice... or "hot"

 

Altima 3.5 both hands.
I'm the manual transmission fan though.
If Max were 6 speed - MAxima Both hands.

 

You want an SL model? Get the Max.

 

LOL yeah that's the kind of **** you'll get in a max but probably not in an Altima. I do like the rear-view tilt down in reverse feature too! Oh and did you *****es know that if you move from your drivers mirror to your passenger mirror IT will also rotate down when moving into reverse? I didn't find that out until about a year after I had the car LOL. Good stuff! Now I do love my heated steering wheel, but being in ATL I wish there was an option to COOL the steering wheel! That'd be sweet!

 

I am going to get an hybrid before I get a CVT.

 

you always know your stuff... do u work for nissan.. or do a lot of reading??? sorry for off topic..


i cant stand the new alti's i hate the tails most... but the alti coupe is sickkkkk

 

LOL no, he knows how to GOOGLE...

 

Ahhhh i just learned to yahoo, some day i will work up to learing to google.

 

Take your time, it's a big world out there!!!

 

Or just spend some time in the all motor forum....this type of stuff isn't uncommon:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ghlight=altima

 

Altima is the new maxima, im betting you can get heated steering wheel (its practically std equip in even civics now). and what is this tilting down crap? just sounds like useless extra weight.

3.5 altima 6spd all the way, unless youre looking for higher luxury/less performance, then the maxima all the way


its funny how broken most peoples scroll feature must be

 

I test drove both the altima and the maxima last month before making my decision. (Yes, I'm a new Maxima owner and also new to the forum)

Both were CVT I believe, I'm not a MT driver, never have been. I drove the Altima first. I had no issues with it, seemed roomy enough, etc. Seats just weren't "right" for me.

Then I drove the Maxima.

I don't know about "faster than before". Its way faster than my old Honda Accord! I don't drive faster than the posted limit, so, again, not an issue for me.

I went with the Maxima because I found it more comfortable for me. I've seen some complain about the CVT, the seats, etc. I have no opinions on the CVT other than it is better than my last AT in my 99 Honda accord. I have lower back issues from way back. I actually found the seats in the Maxima better than all the cars I test drove that day.

Before the Nissan dealership, I drove the 07 Accord, the 07 Camry, the 07 Solara and the Saturn Aura. (all the same day)

My opinion isn't based off of any wonderful facts, etc. Only how I felt about my test drive experiences of both cars. You can look at all the facts, and opinions you want. It costs nothing but your time to go see which feels better for you. If it fits you like a glove, then that's your car. Worry about the tech stuff later. You have to live with it. If it's not "comfortable" for you, all the tech stuff isn't going to fix that.

Just my $0.02

 

Welcome to the forums Comp. Great write-up too!

 

Welcome to the boards Compusmurf...

 

Sweet! I like the Maxima Better.

 

Actually, I learned it all on here. A google just brings you back here .

www.my350z.com has helped too.

 

chernmax, you already welcomed me once in the name your car/age thread, but thanks again.

 

Get the 3.5 Altima in a 6spd. i have one and im loving it. i think it is a much better buy than the new maxima even if you opt for the CVT tranny.

 

the new motor has HR heads. wow, i did not know this. do you have any other information regarding the upgrades than nissan did to the new gen VQ35DE. i would like to know as much about this motor before i start modding.

one of my friends with the same car as me 07 Altima 3.5SE 6 SPD, cept he got white i got black, said that the motor that is in this car came from the 05-06 non rev-up G35's/350Z's. is this true.

and do you have a link to where i can find out info on this motor...thanks.

 

I just cant get over the tails... they are REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEALLY ugly... look really cheap... like all altezza style lights

 

thats why i will open them up and spray em either FLAT/MATTE/or Gloss black, havent made up my mind yet, but thats the plans.

 

Great idea friend... that shounds like it would look sick... b


But you do understand what i am saying?? they are REALLY BOLD!

Good luck... Post some pics of your Ride so ppl can compare w/ a 07 maxima....

 

you are right about the lights being bold, i mean after all they take up alot of space in the back, and they are very noticeable and not that attractive. but sooner or later they will not be as noticeable, and they will look alot better than they do now. the rear end of the car as a whole looks alot better when its debadged as it does right now since i took em all off, even the burger. i have pics of when i first got it, but none with the current image of the car, but you can basically visualize what it looks like right now. i have the 08 SE Coupe 17's, and i totally debadged the trunk. soon i will paint all the chrome accents either BLACK or like a titanium graphite color. ok no more delay heres the pics.