2001 Nissan Maxima vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (277 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2001 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2001 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 835 kg more than 2001 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (360 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Nissan Maxima. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 2001 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 2001 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Nissan Maxima | 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 277 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
