2008 Dodge Durango vs. 2002 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Dodge Durango is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Durango (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 29 kg more than 2008 Dodge Durango.
Because 2008 Dodge Durango 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 2008 Dodge Durango. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2008 Dodge Durango (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Durango | 2002 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Durango | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
