Trade my Maxima for the Z? Input please!
New Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,129
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
I can't really answer the snow question as I moved away from WA state and never drove the Z is the snow or when there was danger of it.
As for feeling much faster, I don't feel that the Z feels that much quicker than the Max (mine's an auto GXE). I've drag raced them both and the Z easily is 0.4+ seconds quicker in the 1/4 mile and a couple mph faster too, but the Max has some much less engine noise and vibration that it feels like the Max isn't working as hard. So, to me, the Max actually "feels" quicker even though it isn't.
The Z's ride is pretty harsh now that I moved to back to Cali, I've now found that the highways here ARE quite bad. My back actually started to hurt from the bouncing around on 280 south and I get quite a bit of bounciness everyday on my commute on 85 near Mountain View, CA. There wasn't so much sustained choppiness on WA highways.
As for handling, the Z totally blows away the Max. It's like night and day. Also, the Z gets way more positive attention. The brakes on the Z work better too.
I do like the Maxima better for long distance driving or where I know I'll hit choppy roads but it sux on twisties.
If you're not looking for positive attention, better braking or handling and worried about practicality, then I say keep the Max. I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration.
As for feeling much faster, I don't feel that the Z feels that much quicker than the Max (mine's an auto GXE). I've drag raced them both and the Z easily is 0.4+ seconds quicker in the 1/4 mile and a couple mph faster too, but the Max has some much less engine noise and vibration that it feels like the Max isn't working as hard. So, to me, the Max actually "feels" quicker even though it isn't.
The Z's ride is pretty harsh now that I moved to back to Cali, I've now found that the highways here ARE quite bad. My back actually started to hurt from the bouncing around on 280 south and I get quite a bit of bounciness everyday on my commute on 85 near Mountain View, CA. There wasn't so much sustained choppiness on WA highways.
As for handling, the Z totally blows away the Max. It's like night and day. Also, the Z gets way more positive attention. The brakes on the Z work better too.
I do like the Maxima better for long distance driving or where I know I'll hit choppy roads but it sux on twisties.
If you're not looking for positive attention, better braking or handling and worried about practicality, then I say keep the Max. I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: NC
cwerdna:
Hmmmm, considering your statement of " I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration", how would you say the Z compares to an 01 Maxima with the 3.0L? I am still getting a Z early '05, but mainly for styling and the pure desire I have had for a Z since 16yrs old.
Hmmmm, considering your statement of " I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration", how would you say the Z compares to an 01 Maxima with the 3.0L? I am still getting a Z early '05, but mainly for styling and the pure desire I have had for a Z since 16yrs old.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: Dallas,Tx Area
Originally posted by cwerdna
I can't really answer the snow question as I moved away from WA state and never drove the Z is the snow or when there was danger of it.
As for feeling much faster, I don't feel that the Z feels that much quicker than the Max (mine's an auto GXE). I've drag raced them both and the Z easily is 0.4+ seconds quicker in the 1/4 mile and a couple mph faster too, but the Max has some much less engine noise and vibration that it feels like the Max isn't working as hard. So, to me, the Max actually "feels" quicker even though it isn't.
The Z's ride is pretty harsh now that I moved to back to Cali, I've now found that the highways here ARE quite bad. My back actually started to hurt from the bouncing around on 280 south and I get quite a bit of bounciness everyday on my commute on 85 near Mountain View, CA. There wasn't so much sustained choppiness on WA highways.
As for handling, the Z totally blows away the Max. It's like night and day. Also, the Z gets way more positive attention. The brakes on the Z work better too.
I do like the Maxima better for long distance driving or where I know I'll hit choppy roads but it sux on twisties.
If you're not looking for positive attention, better braking or handling and worried about practicality, then I say keep the Max. I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration.
I can't really answer the snow question as I moved away from WA state and never drove the Z is the snow or when there was danger of it.
As for feeling much faster, I don't feel that the Z feels that much quicker than the Max (mine's an auto GXE). I've drag raced them both and the Z easily is 0.4+ seconds quicker in the 1/4 mile and a couple mph faster too, but the Max has some much less engine noise and vibration that it feels like the Max isn't working as hard. So, to me, the Max actually "feels" quicker even though it isn't.
The Z's ride is pretty harsh now that I moved to back to Cali, I've now found that the highways here ARE quite bad. My back actually started to hurt from the bouncing around on 280 south and I get quite a bit of bounciness everyday on my commute on 85 near Mountain View, CA. There wasn't so much sustained choppiness on WA highways.
As for handling, the Z totally blows away the Max. It's like night and day. Also, the Z gets way more positive attention. The brakes on the Z work better too.
I do like the Maxima better for long distance driving or where I know I'll hit choppy roads but it sux on twisties.
If you're not looking for positive attention, better braking or handling and worried about practicality, then I say keep the Max. I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Earth, Solar System
In southern Alberta, with the winter tires, the Z does fine in the snow.
If room is a big concern, Maxima is the way to go. If speed and handling tops your priority, Z is it.
If room is a big concern, Maxima is the way to go. If speed and handling tops your priority, Z is it.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I currently have the '02 Nissan Maxima SE as my daily driver and the '03 Z as my leisure vehicle. Both of them have been modded but like everyone said, the Z IS much faster!
These two cars are like night and day. Honestly, I'm glad I held on to the Maxima. Even though I LOVE the Z, there are days when I just want something a little less sports car and more luxury car.
Maybe I'm just getting older...
These two cars are like night and day. Honestly, I'm glad I held on to the Maxima. Even though I LOVE the Z, there are days when I just want something a little less sports car and more luxury car.
Maybe I'm just getting older...
New Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
Originally posted by 350maxima
cwerdna:
Hmmmm, considering your statement of " I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration", how would you say the Z compares to an 01 Maxima with the 3.0L? I am still getting a Z early '05, but mainly for styling and the pure desire I have had for a Z since 16yrs old.
cwerdna:
Hmmmm, considering your statement of " I wouldn't look to the Z for that much more acceleration", how would you say the Z compares to an 01 Maxima with the 3.0L? I am still getting a Z early '05, but mainly for styling and the pure desire I have had for a Z since 16yrs old.
Experiencing my first Manitoba winter in my Z on Blizzak WS-50s. As long as I drive "normal", I have no problems. When we get a dump of snow... once or twice a year, I'll take a cab, or just take the day off work. 
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