2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Maxima. (265 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 94 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2003 Ford Mustang 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 2003 Ford Mustang. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Maxima. (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2006 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
