2011 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Maxima 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 (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 224 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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 (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxima | GTI |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
