I am in the market for a 03 Maxima 6-sp or an Acura CL-type S coupe. I know the Acura has 5 more HP than the maxima (whoopty doo!!), and the maxima has 14 more ft Ibs of torque (no biggie either). But from what I read, the Acura seems to be 200+ Ibs heavier (unless they were refering to the TL, but I am not sure). I also checked out the Maxima forums, and it seems their avarege trap speed is 97mph there where as over here it seems to be ~95 (further authenticating the weight claims).
I love both cars and I am torn b/n them right now. The price is about the same (for the options I want on the Maxima). I want you opinions in terms of weight, power, handling etc and evrything else u can add. Help me in the right path guys

 

Well - You will probably get biased answers, But one of the big things for me when deciding--Do you want 2 or 4 doors? Is it important to you that there is a CHANCE (to say the least) that there will be no 2004 Acura CL? Now, I believe the Acura name is a bit better and you may get a few more amenities w/ the Acura, but thats just me.

The max is very nice--One of my best friends just bought a brand new automatic--Very slick car dressed in black and with all the goodies--But iMO they are a little bulk LOOKING ( note I did not mention how they perform)

I like the looks of the Acura better and I like the Warrantee better ( at the time of my purchase Acura had the better warrantee)--But they do both look completely different --choose whatever makes you happier--But if I anted 4 doors, I would definitely go w/ the TL-S over the Max--again, just my opinion

Go check out the new accord though--as you can see from this board--It is where I think you would get the most bang for the buck!

 

they are both great cars... i got to race a 03 maxmia(6-speed) in my friends CL typeS(6-speed) we raced from 40-80 and it was almost side by side but we started pulling on him at the end of 3rd gear....

i am a CL guy so i would go with the CL i also have a friend right now with a 03 maxmia (6-speed) with nitrous and it ran a 12.9@112mph on slicks in the 1/4 mile(on video)

 

Warantee wise, Acura has better basic (4-yr, 50k) miles, but Nissan does have a 5yr, 60k miles POWERTRAIN warantee.

One superior feature on the CL 6-speed is the helical LSD, which reduces torque steer and improve acceleration out of curves. Maxima has open diff in front. (right?)

If you decide Maxima is right for you, I'd also suggest waiting for the 2004 Maxima next year, which will have independent rear suspension instead of the beam. That should improve handling.

see a picture of the 2004 Maxima here: http://www.edmunds.com/future/2004/n...tml?id=lin0830

 

Actually the Maxima 6spd only has HLSD. It came out about 4 months after the release of the 6spd. The Acura hands much better than the Maxima due to better suspension. Speed wise, and performance mods, the Acura with all the bolt ons will defintely be faster than the Maxima currently with all bolt ons. The Maxima performance mods are still coming out, there isn't hope though for headers or a Supercharger for it anytime in the future though. They really need some manufacture other than Stillen to help them with parts.

 

Go with the CL-S better car IMO, faster car than the 6sp Max.

 

Go for the G35 Coupe

RWD
275 hp
six-speed

sidemarker

 

But the G35 is only in auto??? i want a 6 sp or that would have been it for me

 

Both the G35 and G35 coupe will offer a 6 speed manual tranny, I just don't know when yet.

About the Maxima vs. CL, I almost bought a new 02 Max, but when I figured I could afford a CL I went that route just cause I like the coupe look better than the sedan. I don't have a family so I don't need the 4 doors. But if I were to need a 4 door right now, I'd go with the G35 then the Maxima, then the TL-S

 

Go with the CL man...i love my CL...even though its a first gen...but i know you'll love it...plus if you get a CL you'll have a great time on this forum lookin at the threads

CL'S

 

Acura's CL's hold their value much better than Maxima's. The resale will be much greater comparatively.

 

My final choice was also between the Max and the CL. 4 vs 2 doors was not an issue for me. I chose the CL due to the much better quality of the interior and overall refinement.

 

If you can live with 2 Seat get the Z350 if you need 2 extra seeats get the G35 Coupe or the CL-S 6 speed...or wait for the RX8... for 4 doors TL-S is still king... if you can tolerate the 5-speed Auto.

 

If you want a coupe get the CLS or wait and get the g35 coupe 6spd in November. If you want a faster 4door car than I say get the max 6spd over the tls but that's just if your looking for speed. TLS to me looks far better than a max.

Another opinion on coupes tho, I keep getting shit from infiniti in the mail on the G35 coupe. I don't know man, that might be a very hot ride when it comes out. The sedan already handles the same or better than a 330 bmw so, i can only imagine the coupe.

 

I debated these 2 cars when i was in the market back in march. Deciding factors for me were:

1) I already owned a 96 maxima and didnt want to be :ghey: and own 2.
2) I wanted 2 doors.
3) Acura is a better respected car.
4) Maxima interior looks like crap, no ebony interior.
5) CL comes with every option, you have to add options like lights, HLSD, etc. It was hard to find a maxima with HLSD in march.
6) Mods, mods, mods.
7) Every 4th car on the road is a frickin maxima, CL's are more rare and get stares, especially with headers and intake.

If i were to do it now??? CL-S 6sp w/ navi or 350Z touring with aftermarket brembo's. (touring/track mesh)

Good luck.

Also, i briefly considered the 330CI, but i didnt have a lot of time because my lease was running out, and in order to get the CI i wanted was going to take a few months.