2009 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (82 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 364 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (119 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
