1996 Nissan Maxima vs. 1990 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1996 Nissan Maxima is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1990 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1990 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 275 kg more than 1990 Nissan Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Nissan Maxima (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Nissan Santana. 1990 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Maxima | 1990 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Maxima | Santana |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
