Comparison Test: 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV vs. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[GMusa]

www.motortrend.com

Comparison Test: 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV vs. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT



FIRST PLACE: PONTIAC G8 GT
Fast, smooth, roomy, athletic. With standard cylinder deactivation, it even returns respectable fuel economy (15/24 city/highway mpg). You can't beat the rear-drive layout-or the window sticker. At around $30 grand, one of the great driver's-car values on the road today.




SECOND PLACE: NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5 SV
A foregone conclusion? Perhaps, though we're still eager to sample the "full-up" summer-tired car. Sophisticated demeanor and artful styling make a compelling case for purchase. Maxima is sure to remain a "cult" favorite.



CLICK LINK FOR FULL REVIEW: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/..._g8/index.html

[FenwickHockey65]

Was this even a fair comparison?
I mean, a 3.5L vs. a 6.0L?
Whatever. Makes Pontiac and the G8 look even better!

[GMusa]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Was this even a fair comparison?
I mean, a 3.5L vs. a 6.0L?
Whatever. Makes Pontiac and the G8 look even better!

According to Motortrend.. they are both "sport sedans" and both cost around 30K... pretty much they are just showing that if your going to spend 30K on a sports sedan.. the G8 GT is a much more better buy.

[GMusa]

I would like to see some reviews of the G8 V6... every review is on the GT... I would like to hear how the G8 V6 performs! And maybe a comparison between the G8 V6 and a Charger SXT.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by GMusa

According to Motortrend.. they are both "sport sedans" and both cost around 30K... pretty much they are just showing that if your going to spend 30K on a sports sedan.. the G8 GT is a much more better buy.

I'd say so. Near BMW-like performance in a $30k car? That's about the best deal anyone can get.

Hmm...that recommended fuel is still bothering me...

[BrickTamland]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Was this even a fair comparison?
I mean, a 3.5L vs. a 6.0L?
Whatever. Makes Pontiac and the G8 look even better!

Perhas not, but pretty much whatever car is compared to the Maxima is going to involve some segment bending. It is as well appointed as an Infiniti without the luxury nameplate. It no longer can be included with the fullsize class, having shed dimensions. While it is a very sport oriented vehicle, sport and comfort oriented vehicles are direct competitors in other classes, such as the Camry and Altima. Therefore, I would say its closest competitors are the Hyundai Genesis and Buick Lucerne.

[Tone]

I think this is really interesting for a couple of reasons:

- For all of those who want to kill Pontiac, it illustrates the potential of the brand. Nissan cannot create a RWD Maxima without competing against its G37. But, Pontiac with its G8 is distinct enough to not overlap too much with the CTS. It gives Pontiac the chance to field cars at this price point that are difficult for other makers to compete with.

- On the absense of a RWD Impala: look at the spec sheet. The Maxima is a little smaller inside (but not by too much -- and it comprimises rear seat room at the altar of styling). But it weighs 400 lbs less and gets substantially better fuel economy. A more conservatively styled FWD Impala could likely equal the passenger and cargo room of the G8 while being a lot lighter, which is pretty critical from GM's CAFE numbers.

The G8 sounds like a great car and the perfect car for Pontiac. If it can create a whole line-up that's a good in each segment, it may thrive once again.

[johnstarnes]

To my eyes, the Maxima is a vastly more attractive than the G-8, which still strikes me as very dated and chunky looking.

[TriShield]

The 14-16mpg overall figures G8 owners are reporting is "respectable" mileage?

Alrighty then.

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by TriShield

The 14-16mpg overall figures G8 owners are reporting is "respectable" mileage?

Alrighty then.

Wow, THAT low of mileage figures? If so, another "GM shoots self in foot" move!

[Slideways]

I do kinda like the Nissan from that rear 3/4 angle. Both cars have similar greenhouses, which shouldn't be much of a surprise, as that rear pillar dogleg is everywhere now, but I do prefer the Pontiac.

[63GrandSport001]

ID really love to see a comparo between the V-6 G8 and other V-6 vehicles, the G8 with the V-6 engine and the 5 speed gets the same mileage as the Malibu V-6 with a 6 speed.

[F14CRAZY]

I'm most definitely for the G8

[E. Haskell]

Originally Posted by TriShield

The 14-16mpg overall figures G8 owners are reporting is "respectable" mileage?

Alrighty then.

And we all know they baby them.

EPA says G8 gets 18mpg combined and Maxima gets 21mpg combined. That's not really a huge gap - especially considering the power difference.

[Stéphane Dumas]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

And we all know they baby them.

EPA says G8 gets 18mpg combined and Maxima gets 21mpg combined. That's not really a huge gap - especially considering the power difference.

Add also the folks who get the basic version of the G8 with the 3.6L it begin to be a nice bang for the bucks