2011 Nissan Maxima vs. 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. (266 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 402 kg more than 2011 Nissan Maxima.
Because 2010 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2010 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2010 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Maxima | 2010 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Maxima | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1606 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 80 L |
