NEED SOME OPINION, Maxima vs. Altima

Im stuck with a dilemma, not sure which car is the better buy. I am looking for a fast sedan with good handling. Both cars have a great motor, and straight line performance are similar. However, I know that the Altima has 4-wheel independent suspension whereas the maxima has rear beam suspension. I have driven an I35 before and the handling was poor with bouncy suspension. Correct me if the maxima has better handling than the I35. Pricewise a loaded V6 altima is close to a SE maxima w/6-speed. Also I hear that the torque steer is noticable with the altima. The maxima has a limited-slip, wondering if that eases torque steer? This is what I have going for me, personally the maxima looks a bit nicer, but the altima isnt bad either. I understand that responses might be maxima biased but oh well, theres more people on this BB. Any suggestions or feedback would be great. Peace. :smoker2:

I assume you're talking new Maxima vs. new Altima? In that case I would side with the Altima - very nearly the same size car, with plenty of h.p., for much cheaper. And did I mention the better crash test? The Altima is far safer in a frontal collision. Since there's going to be a new Maxima out shortly (for 2003 or 2004? I forget..) I'd say go with the Altima, or hold out for the new Max. The current one is sexy, mind you, but I think the Altima offers better value dollar-on-dollar.

And go test-drive both, and get the one that puts a bigger smile on your face. :)

yes yes, no better way to decide than with than a test drive. do u know off hand if the maxima LSD is superior in any way campared to the altima with no LSD? the altima.net board is littered with complaints, hope the bugs are out of '03 models.

get the maxima. 6 speed vs 5 speed, unless you get an automatic in which case you should get an infiniti. plus the backs of the altima's aren't all that appealing. either way you'll get a nice car.
As for the crash test results, you don't buy a car to crash it. that should be the last determining factor.
You should do like me. wait until february when mitsubishi puts out the evolution 8 lancer. under $30k. 276 hp 283 lbs torque AWD.

I was in the exact same boat about 4 months ago, and I ended up with the Maxima, and I am very happy with my choice. Torque steer is definitely still noticeable in the Max with HLSD, you're always gonna have to deal with torque steer in a high HP front driver. THe deciding factor was fit and finish. The altima interior is not up to standards, with cheap looking interior bits. The Max interior looks and feels like a real luxury car. For this reason the Max will actually turn out to be a better value, considering resale value and depreciation and such. Plus, standard HID lights, better looking car, and 6 sp. are all bonuses.
:bandit:

I, Like Thrasher, was also recently in this situation. Actually, i wa sin it about two weeks ago... And the way I saw it was this. With the Altima's, they don't offer too many deals on the altima. And about that cheaper price thing, not really. I mean, I got my 2003 Maxima SE TItanium edition (Moon roof, spoiler, Bose 6 CD, Titanium insets, shinier rims) for 24,500. An Altima 3.5 SE with Sport package (Spoiler, Moonroof) is 25,000. WIth little discount. So I basically paid the same thing for my faster, better equiped, Better looking(???) car. And plus, like the others said, HID lights are standard, and are an option for the Altima. Anyway, my 2 cents...

and too help motivate you....

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/1923352k3frntqtr.JPG

Test drove the altima today, its quick for sure, but the interior wasnt all that great. Not expecting luxury like interior, but the feel was cheap. Liked the tilt wheel that pulls in and out, responsive handling. Im leaning towards the maxima tho... just more options.