2009 Nissan Maxima vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Ram. (173 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 453 kg more than 2009 Nissan Maxima.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Ram. (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Maxima | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Nissan | Dodge |
| Model | Maxima | Ram |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3906 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2790 mm |
