altima 3.5 se vs maxima se

[ffcohpin]

I'm thinking of getting a new car...

I decided to go with nissan's v6 engine.

which one should I choose?

maxima se vs altima 3.5 se...

which is faster? which handles better? anything else I should know?

Thank you.

[BP2K2Max]

they're very close in performance. depending on which year maxima you're considering the maxima has 15-20 more hp and a little more tq, more options, plus it's a 6 speed vs. a 5 speed so your gas mileage will be better on the highway in the maxima. if you're looking at an 04+ maxima the altima's probably at least as fast or faster since the maxima gained so much weight but if you're looking at an 02-03 maxima the maxima's probably faster.

[harrymay]

the handling is better on a stock maxima. it has a rear multi-link torsion beam. the altima handles well, but it is a fully independant rear suspension which is better for ride quality.

the engines are hard to compare, they are both pretty much the same engine with two different trannies i beleive.

i was considering both and i was able to drive both while at the same lot, i prefer the maxima.

[thrasher]

Fully independent rear suspensions are WAY better for handling that a live axle, no doubt about it. Altima's have a better chassis, ride better, and handle better than Maxima's IMO. But the Max interior blows away the Alti, and the build quality is much better in the Maxima...plus, the 02-03 Max's look much better I think. If I were choosing only between those 2 cars, I would get an Altima SE-R. The wheel alone are enough to swing the vote that way. Plus, it's got a 6 speed, so the Max has no advantage there either

[BP2K2Max]

the 5.5 gen maxima actually does have an advantage since the se-r packed on an extra 150 lbs over the regular altima. not to mention that you'll pay $12,000+ more for an SE-R than for loaded used 5.5 gen.

those SE-R rims are awesome though. i went to nissan to see how much they wanted for them and they told me $600 per rim. i paid less for my 19's with tires.

[SuperStock96]

$2400 for the SE-R rims. Guess I will start looking at those enkeis again.

[BP2K2Max]

yeah, i didn't even ask if that was the price with tires. either way i ain't paying that for 18" alloys.