2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 9 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 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mustang. (188 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 196 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
