2004 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTD 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, 2004 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTD. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 146 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTD. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Maxima. (347 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Maxima. 2004 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTD has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTD 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 | 2012 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | GTD |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2578 mm |
