2004 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (380 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Maxima. (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 685 kg more than 2004 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche Cayenne (578 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Maxima. (347 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Nissan | Porsche |
| Model | Maxima | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 578 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2896 mm |
