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

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by 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.

I like to see the same thing. I have yet to see a V6 test and that is the model I would buy if I were going to get a G8. Hopefully they offer the DI 3.6 with the 6-speed soon. That would be even better. Actually my preference would be the new V6 diesel from Europe. I might actually buy one then.

[91 s-10baja]

couple things. Even though I am happy to see pontiac get the victory, I really don't feel these two cars remotely class rivals, period. And what is the point of my even having a subscription anymore when these articles make it online before it reaches my door? Stoopid.

[JBsZ06]

I like the fact that the Maxima is uniquely styled...yet the car of choice for me would be the G8.

A V8 RWD american branded sports sedan priced at around 30 grand would be too good to pass up if I were in the market for a four door 30 grand vehicle.

[JVal14]

It's still astonishing how bad the new Maxima looks. As nice as the Altima coupe was, I would think their flagship would be up the same alley. But that truck-like grill combined with the wonky headlights make the front end the most awkward that I've seen in a while. And the attempt at swoopiness in the rear ends up being bulgy and flowless; something like a Korean car circa 1998.

[69Firebird400]

Nissan really botched the front end styling of the 2009 Maxima IMO. I realize they're going for some sort of family resemblance thing with the GTR's mouth, but the fact that everything else on the car is angled and sweeping, and the grille opening is nearly a perfect rectangle is weird. Otherwise, the Maxima is a pretty attractive car, even if the rest of it is pretty forgettable, from the Bangle butt to the C-pillar that looks like it was lifted right off the Lincoln MKS. I'm at least glad that Nissan has chosen to make a break with the previous model's styling for the Maxima, unlike what they did with the FX, G35, Murano, and Altima. The key must be that the Maxima wasn't as successful as some of the others, so they felt comfortable enough with the idea of trying something new.

Although the cars aren't really direct competitors, I could potentially see them being cross-shopped. Just like I considered a CTS and a G8 GT for my next car - with the CTS being much more expensive and comfortable, but with better fuel economy and less power, and the G8 being much cheaper with poorer fuel economy, but more interior space...the cars aren't competitors but that doesn't mean they didn't have to compete in my mind (btw, I picked the CTS...I'm actively searching for a slightly used loaded RWD DI model).

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

couple things. Even though I am happy to see pontiac get the victory, I really don't feel these two cars remotely class rivals, period. And what is the point of my even having a subscription anymore when these articles make it online before it reaches my door? Stoopid.

I never take my laptop to the "throne room".

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

And we all know they baby them.

I have to agree on that. Part of the reason I think many 4-cylinder cars get great gas mileage is that it's simply zero fun to floor the gas. So driving conservatively comes natural.

The G8 GT may be able to do pretty well if you drive with a light foot. But you get an instant, awesome rush of power when you floor it, and I'm sure most new owners give in to the temptation pretty often.

[wender]

what's the 0-60 on the maxima? anyone know?

isnt the GT around 5.3? I bet the maxima won't be far off either, 5.5-5.6?

I'll take a GT fully loaded.

[Michael_S]

wender,
Edmunds.com's reviews of the Maxima says 6.5 second 0-60 mph. Now keep in mind, Edmunds is usually a good few fractions of a second slower than Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motortrend, and other reviewers. So figure 6.0-6.2 from the competing magazines.

That's impressively fast in general terms, but far slower than the G8 GT.

[Ach]

Even if I were a Nissan fan, I really can't imagine buying a Maxima instead of a G35. I think they would have been better off with an ES 350 competitor- if you want sporty, I'm at a loss as to why one would choose a FWD Maxima when the G (8 or 35) is available for similar dough.

As for the Maxima "cult" following, I think that died with the '89-'94 Maxima...after that they have been very average family sedans with an above-average motor.

[Lawnchair8]

It's a fair test because of the similar prices. It's Nissan's fault for not giving you as much bang for the buck

[AG3]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

couple things. Even though I am happy to see pontiac get the victory, I really don't feel these two cars remotely class rivals, period.

Perhaps the $32K RWD Infiniti G35 (aka Skyline sedan, Nissan's real sports sedan) would have been a closer match?


RWD, 306hp V6
0-60mph in 5.6 sec (Auto) 5.3 sec (manual)

But of course, the G8 offers great value with the standard V8 powered GT model starting at just under $30K.

[1969CamaroSS350]

To me, and a lot of other people, the Maxima doesn't make sense. If you want a sport sedan from Nissan, why not go with the Infiniti? The Maxima seems like it should be an ES350 competitor.

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by AG3

Perhaps the $32K RWD Infiniti G35 (aka Skyline sedan, Nissan's real sports sedan) would have been a closer match?


RWD, 306hp V6
0-60mph in 5.6 sec (Auto) 5.3 sec (manual)

But of course, the G8 offers great value with the standard V8 powered GT model starting at just under $30K.

The notable difference is that the G8 is substantially larger inside than the G35. It blows it away on rear seat space and trunk space. That's why the Maxima fits the comparison better. The Maxima is still smaller than the G8, but it's closer to the G8 than the G35.

[jdlover7]

can i just say-the nissan looks like crap