[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/sedans/112_0808_nissan_maxima_vs_pontiac_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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Alrighty then.

And we all know they baby them.:lmao:

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]

And we all know they baby them.:lmao:

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

 

[WishIhadatruck]

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).