1998 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Maxima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Maxima (265 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 105 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 1998 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2006 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 320 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
