2011 Cadillac Escalade vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1204 kg more than 2003 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Cadillac Escalade 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 2011 Cadillac Escalade. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2011 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Maxima. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Cadillac Escalade | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Escalade | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 403 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2619 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5662 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2009 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1857 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3302 mm | 2760 mm |
