2003 Kia Shuma vs. 2004 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Maxima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Shuma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Shuma would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 Kia Shuma. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Shuma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 463 kg more than 2003 Kia Shuma. 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, 2004 Nissan Maxima (347 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Shuma. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Shuma. 2004 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2003 Kia Shuma has manual transmission. 2003 Kia Shuma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Shuma | 2004 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Shuma | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2830 mm |
