2007 Nissan Maxima vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Nissan Maxima is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Maxima (255 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 130 kg more than 2007 Nissan Maxima.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Nissan Maxima (342 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Nissan Maxima | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Maxima | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 73 L |
