1988 Lexus LS vs. 1997 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1997 Nissan Maxima is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lexus LS weights approximately 470 kg more than 1997 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lexus LS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Maxima. 1988 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lexus LS | 1997 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | LS | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
