2004 Nissan Maxima vs. 2000 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2004 Nissan Maxima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 208 kg more than 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Pontiac Trans Am 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 2000 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2000 Pontiac Trans Am (454 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Maxima. (347 Nm). This means 2000 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Maxima. 2004 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2000 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 2000 Pontiac Trans Am 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:
| 2004 Nissan Maxima | 2000 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxima | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
