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Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

6844 messages,  Last post on Mar 23, 2009 at 12:32 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Car Comparisons, Sedan


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#5895 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [tjc78] by captain2
Mar 19, 2008 (11:13 am)
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Replying to: tjc78 (Mar 19, 2008 6:55 am)

hated it in the 500, but that was with an anemic engine
that would be an understatement - the problem is I'm not sure that the 3.5 isn't still, other than at least, now its producing a reasonable number of horses as it 'grinds' away.
This, IMO, is a major problem with CVTs, driving one - the computer interprets your intent (like how fast you want to accelerate) by how hard and fast you hit the accelerator and then will set a 'gear' (more properly a 'gear ratio' ) that will best accomplish what it thinks you intend. In actual practice, after you hit that accelerator, the engine will seemingly stay at some relatively high rpm while the gear ratios continually change behind it. The car seems to be continually 'catching up' and a very non traditional feeling. No rev up- shift/rev up-shift like we all grew up with. The reason I think it was such a tough sell in the 500 is because if you are going to use a CVT that you had better also have an engine that sounds (and feels) happy at those higher rev ranges. The VQ, OTH, is a great engine that IMO is beginning to gray slightly - in applications (like in the M, for example) where the engine is really asked (thru tranny gearing) to put out, it too starts to also feel a bit 'strained'. I worry about 290hp out of the VQ especially in combination with a CVT. The Maxima is, after all, the Nissan semi-lux flagship.We'll see.
#5896 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [captain2] by allmet33
Mar 19, 2008 (11:22 am)
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Replying to: captain2 (Mar 19, 2008 11:13 am)

Which is why earlier I said that toning down the 3.7 and still going with the CVT would be a viable option that would probably be a happier pairing to give the driver more of what is being sought in your terms of having an engine that won't be too strained. I mean...the 3.7 is more thann capable of the 290 ponies that's being asked of the 3.5.
 
With the upgrade of the interior, the Max has definitely leaped into the semi-lux category along with the Avalon and Azera. I really do like the Infiniti-ish interior...it makes one want to be IN the car. Now the only problem would be seeing it in person to see if the exterior makes me feel the same way.
#5897 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [allmet33] by captain2
Mar 19, 2008 (11:30 am)
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Replying to: allmet33 (Mar 19, 2008 11:05 am)

True, Nissan has been selling cars with some torque steer issues for years and years and doing quite well at it. There is a portion of the market (smile you're on candid camera) that buys HP regardless of what it does to small things like vehicle dynamics. You're right, Nissan certainly knows that, heck - they invented the idea .
Enough talk about TS, we'll just have to see if Nissan takes enough of the guts of the car away (see Acura TL-S) so that the problem isn't too severe. As much of a Nissan fan as I am, I'm willing to bet that the new Maxima falls short in its '4DSC' revival though - simply because there is a bunch more to a 'sports coupe' than simply being able to get to 60 in something less than 6 seconds.
#5898 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [allmet33] by captain2
Mar 19, 2008 (11:36 am)
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Replying to: allmet33 (Mar 19, 2008 11:22 am)

the Infinitis (and Zs) have been getting 280 hp+ out of the 3.5 for quite a few years - many times a bigger engine is NOT and/or more HP isn't the solution to anything.
#5899 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [captain2] by allmet33
Mar 19, 2008 (11:36 am)
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Replying to: captain2 (Mar 19, 2008 11:30 am)

I am pretty sure that with today's want for power and the market's need for FWD sedans...a line will have to be drawn. Where the Max may lack when compared to past models, it truly shines when it comes to the upgrades to the interior. I honestly have to say...this is one interior that I'm impressed with. Okay, okay...I know I've said it on about every post I've put up since seeing the online pics.
 
I can see the new Max pushin 0-60 in the low 6's, don't see it breaking the 6 second mark, ultimately...it has too many luxury appointments that add weight. As you've stated before, the CVT may not be the best way to put the power down on the pavement, so that could hurt it in terms of outright acceleration, as compared to if it had the same 290 hp coupled to it's current tranny.
 
I guess the one thing we have no choice on, is that we have to wait and see!
#5900 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [captain2] by allmet33
Mar 19, 2008 (11:42 am)
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Replying to: captain2 (Mar 19, 2008 11:36 am)

Yes, but the difference is that the Z's and Infiniti cars are RWD, correct?
#5901 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [allmet33] by captain2
Mar 19, 2008 (11:50 am)
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Replying to: allmet33 (Mar 19, 2008 11:36 am)

if the new Maxima gains enough weight to stop it from a 5.8 or 5.9 60 time - it won't be because of the 'added' doo-dads (look at the current Maxima's option list - it's not like you can't get whatever you want already) - it'll more likely be because the car is bigger than it is now - something more on par with the other cars in this class.
#5902 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [allmet33] by captain2
Mar 19, 2008 (11:52 am)
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Replying to: allmet33 (Mar 19, 2008 11:42 am)

of course they are - as they should be.
#5903 of 6844
Re: New Maxima [captain2] by allmet33
Mar 19, 2008 (12:01 pm)
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Replying to: captain2 (Mar 19, 2008 11:52 am)

So...it would seem (outside of their sports car and trucks), Nissan is reserving RWD for it's luxury line of cars. If you want the performance of RWD, then one would have to step up and pay the money for an Infiniti. However, I hear that Hyundai will have a very nice alternative for those that want the performance of an M, but can only spend Maxima money....Genesis!!!
#5904 of 6844
Re: Live Photo [joe97] by captain2
Mar 19, 2008 (12:08 pm)
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Replying to: joe97 (Mar 19, 2008 7:34 am)

see, this is why styling issues are so subjective. Although the wraparoud headlight treatment is somehwat unusual - I think this car is gorgeous, especially the interior and rear 3/4 view.

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