2008 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Maxima (252 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (139 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic.
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, 2002 Nissan Maxima (334 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2002 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
