1996 Nissan Maxima vs. 2000 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2000 Pontiac Montana is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 377 kg more than 1996 Nissan Maxima. 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, 2000 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2000 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Maxima. 2000 Pontiac Montana 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. 2000 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Maxima | 2000 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxima | Montana |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
