TXT-1

iTrader: (1)

I'm driving around a 2003 3.5 SE Altima as my demo car and this car is pretty dang quick and handles so much better due to the 4 wheel independent suspension. The 2003 Maxima I own would be absolutely perfect if it could just handle like this Altima. Also, the BOSE system blows away the BOSE system in the Max. What the heck is up with that? Same audio company, why such a difference? The fit and finish of the Max is better at least. Just thought I'd share.

F23A4

Most of us 2k2/3 Max owners wouldnt dispute that point. Keep in mind, the 2k2/3 Maxima is pretty much a carry over from the Y2k Maxima (exc. VQ35, 6sp tranny and Navi).

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

Weird I think the opposite, fit and finish is way below Maxima and I dont want to mention interior quality vs the Max. Handling isnt any better to me, people give the Beam a bad rap but it actually handles decent it only gets bad over rough roads. Bose in Max sounds much better than the Altis in to me, Max is just a better car if you sit in both back to back the difference isnt hard to tell. Most of us Love our Maximas and chose it over the Alti hands down.

Zero Deuce SE

The Max is better IMHO. The Alti has a 20 gallon gas tank though.

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

Im with ya, the 02/03's are the best bang for the buck out their IMO, you get a fast, good looking,quality machine,lots of features for a great price.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

The Max always handled better for me. Though as already mentioned, on rough roads the IRS on the Altima does fare better.

As for the audio system, it's the same company that tuned it but the hardware is from two different companies. Alt's uses Panasonic, Max's uses Clarion.

2k3TitaniumSe

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, the altima is really nice outside but when you step inside, it's like you feel cheap with asll the plastic around and the area by the climate controls. Other than that, I would have probably gotten an alti. Wait, maybe not. But, I have to share that the alti is really good/ way better compared to other cars in its class.

TheyCallMeSteel

The altima is great for what it is. When my 16 year old brother was car hunting I made him not look at it cause it's a peice of **** looking care. Not to mention the interior reminds me of a cheap bottom of the line Toyota Camry.

Ghase

iTrader: (12)

I had a Super Sport Compact mag, in which both cars where both compared. The alt was a little faster but about the same in handling. Quility was all max!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS Car and driver later tested the 03' max with a 6-speed and got zero-60 in 6 seconds flat, and a top speed of 147(limited) making it faster then the ulgy Alt.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

white m3 guy

iTrader: (6)

i got a 03 max and a 02 altima and from what i see, my altima has more hp but my maxima has more torque

bixmaxxx

The Max Car and Driver tested was an '02.

chinaonnitrous1

iTrader: (12)

umm..altima looks cheap..feels cheap. is cheap! maxima just one step up in the interior/exterior looks.

96_vqmax

iTrader: (16)

Ghase what month was this compared on Sport Compact?Seem like I couldn't find it out,I remember reading it somewhere,thanx!

itdood

Why bother to comapre the two??? Nissan is just trying to sell cars in different market niches. It's very common. This thread reeks of sibling rivalry. It's like comparing a cavalier to a corvette.

oops, I just realized the Max and Alti overlap too much. BAD NISSAN stupid MARKETERS

F23A4

Not that I'm trying to defend them but, Nissan was phasing in the new Altima and beginning to phase out the 5G Maxima (moving it into a more upscale sport-luxo sedan - which it largely succeeded with).

itdood

I thought about the same thing but everyone compares the 6G to the alimta since they look so much alike, right down to the dash.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

The interior of the Maxima is definately more attractive, but the exterior is up to personal tastes. I happen to love both for 2 totally different reasons. I love the Maxima's exterior because it looks sleek and more mature. I like the Altima's exterior because it looks aggressive and stylish. With tinted windows and Nissan's body kit it's downright gorgeous.

"PS Car and driver later tested the 03' max with a 6-speed and got zero-60 in 6 seconds flat, and a top speed of 147(limited) making it faster then the ulgy Alt.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I believe it was Motor Trend that named the Altima as the fastest front wheel drive car with a 0-60 of 5.8.

F23A4

Not exactly; what they said was that it was the fastest FWD car they tested.

TheyCallMeSteel

Largely succeeded? Go look at their sales figures, they blow. They ****ed up royally.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

They're actually within Nissan's estimates.

adamschwartz

the max is more for the money, due to nicer interior.available 6 speed manual, stock HID's.
The altima has 5 speed manual,, no six speed available, and optional HID's(extra charge). Also the base model 2k3 max and 2k3 v6 altima are almost the same price. The max is a better value, and has a much nicer, less trendy exterior(my personal feelings)

irvine78

iTrader: (2)

i'm willing to make extra fuel stops to make up that 1.3 gallon difference.

trey

I almost bought a altima, i'm sooooo glad the salesman actually talked me out of it, can't beat the max.

Zero Deuce SE

LOL I feel ya. We have a pretty good cruising range as it is. All three of my SEs have had the same size gas tank so I'm used to it.

TheyCallMeSteel

Lower your estimates to ensure that your new car will make or break, not bad business practices, but from an investors standpoint, fishy.

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

Exactly and they never tested a 02/03 Max so who knows what the outcome what have been.

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

Actually it was 5.95 sec to 60 not 5.8 in that Feb 2003 issue of M/T, if that 02 Max would have had a 5spd instead of a 6 speed I think the 6 flat would have been a tad lower..

TOMBGUARD

I must say, the factory HID's on the Max relflect the light so much better than the HID's on the my car. I am very dissappointed in the HID's on this car.

kratz74

I test drove the 03 Max right after the 03 3.5 Altima. I mean the Altima was idling with keys in it ready for me. Max was much quieter. Stereo-sounded the same. Max had better fit and finish. Altimia seemed a smidge bigger inside. Now as for speed. I stopped on an entrance ramp with each car (both autos) next to a sign. I floored each car and marked where they hit 130 mph. The Altima absolutely got to the 130 mph mark first. Max seemed to slow quite a bit by comparison over 110 mph or so. Based upon that I got the 6 speed b/c I was disappointed with the Max auto. However, Max was a better overall package to live with IMO despite being a bit slower then the Altima.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

Touche! I'll toast to that. The reason the Altima gets slightly better 1/4 times is because of the 6 vs. 5 speed as well. 1 less shift during that 1/4 mile stretch.

Like others have posted, I went to the Nissan dealership ready and willing to get the Altima. I've wanted a Maxima since the 3rd gen, but they were always out of my price range. After getting into the Altima, I knew right away that it wasn't for me. The interior reminded me too much of the Ford Taurus I was trading in. The salesman let me test drive the Maxima and I just fell in love. I went home and did the math and to my astonishment the price difference at the time was only about $1,000 - 1,500 difference with the same options.

ClayKY

Not exactly, they said the Altima was "the quickest FWD production car we've EVER tested". It also set their record for the quarter.

F23A4

It was a paraphrase....

PAPA SMURF

the alty is bigger inside-has self leveling HIDs, has a telescopic steering wheel, beefier sounding horn, and a better bose by far

but the max has HIDs standard (no self leveling unfortunately) and the max has MUCH better build quality

MarcusJY

The main reason why I didn't get the Altima, besides the interior, is because I knew the car would probably end up being popular, and I would see to many on the road. I just don't like seeing my car every corner I turn like the Accord, Camry and most SUVs. That car has been on the road about 2 years and I already see a lot more of those than I do 5th & 4th gen Maxes combined.

Benj-AMG

The Altima does handle better. The interior is cheap though. The center stack already looks dated to me and I hate orange gauges. I think the exterior of the Altima is attractive. Its a good design, but its so common to see one that they don't elicit any excitement at all. I came close to getting one because I didn't think I would be able to afford the Max. Glad I waited.

spauldingsmails

I could swear 6-speed tach and speedo are at a 1(00) to 1 ratio in 2nd gear. Red line is about 6500. Why couldn't you do an isolated 0 to 60 test in one shift? In fact, how could C&D? have gotten their 6.0 sec time w/ a second shift?

niceorange

Wow, you guys still have some hostility about the Altima? I love mine, hands down, and regardless of what people read in magazines, until you've owned one, you can't really appreciate just how great this car is. I love the Maxima too, but give the Altima its due.

bixmaxxx

Don't know if you're Max is a 6sp or auto but my '03 is a 6sp. Yes you can hit 60mph in 2nd gear although you have to dip very slightly in the red to hit it.

wild willy

iTrader: (10)

Actually..it was the fastest FWD production car they ever tested. I have been lookng through my mags to find it..I will.


Why all the hate?? What's the difference? Who cares??


Someone said it's likd comparing a Cav to Vette. That is probably one of the dumbest things I have ever heard

The Altima is Bigger, Possibly faster, Same engine, damn close sticker price..when alti is Loaded..you are taling into the low 30's (Which is rediculous).

Aitima has a better suspension and the # 2 ranked audio system for all cars under 30K.

Maxima does have bettr materials in the cockpit..No doubt

By the way....Does not the New max share it's frame-and engine with the Altima?? Or should I say the Chevette of Nissan.

This thread is stupid.......Both are great cars...When i bought mine...The better value was the Max..because I could have had it a lot cheaper....But I wanted the room...the new design.....I'ts subjective...be happy with what you got..or go get something else.

Had I known then what i know now...A Nissan would not be in my driveway.

04 maxse

Man look how nice they look hooked up though.
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/430455/4