2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 495 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2005 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Roadster | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
