2003 Nissan Maxima vs. 2007 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2007 Nissan Altima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2007 Nissan Altima. (165 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2007 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 15 kg more than 2007 Nissan Altima. 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, 2003 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Nissan Altima. (231 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Maxima | 2007 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Maxima | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2780 mm |
