2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Fiesta (150 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 208 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2008 Ford Fiesta (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1137 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
