2008 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (261 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 439 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
Because 2008 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Maxima. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
