2008 Nissan Maxima vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Nissan Maxima is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Maxima (255 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 439 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Nissan Maxima (342 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (156 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Maxima | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Maxima | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3505 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1574 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
