2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (265 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 34 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Maxima. (346 Nm). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | 350Z | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
