Everyone says that the z is just plain awful in the snow. Im not arguing that point Im just wondering how the maxima might compare in the snow. They have similiar HP and torque and the main difference is 2 extra doors and maybe a little weight. Anyone think the maxima might be descent in the snow?

Let me know as I might have to get a max as I live in canada with many a snowy day.

 

the maxima should fair better than the Z in snow. Its a front wheel drive car, much better in snow than the rear wheel drive Z. You might have to get new snow tires (or tires with a higher profile). HP, weight and torque comes second to what kind of wheels is on the car and if its front or rear.

 

Interesting. I admitedly did not know that the maxima was FWD. I just assumed it was rear. Ive thought about the Z in winter with good tires but perhaps the maxima is a better all around decision. THanks for your response.

 

generally I believe the distinction they are heading for is fwd is nissan, rwd is infiniti. obviously the SUVs break this trend, and the Z. it mainly holds true for sedans.

anyway, I believe the maxima has thinner tread which is the difference maker. how a car performs in snow is basicly all about tires. the Z has wide summer tread, no good. maxima has an all season pattern. also ground clearance, again I think the maxima has more, but if ground clearance is a problem for the Z, I think both are stuck anyway.

hp and torque... you never have to use all the hp that you have. youd be foolish to, a yugo could break traction in the snow if you floored it. start it in 2nd to minimize jolts.

 

its all in the tires. If the maxima came with Bridgestone R040's it would be just as useless as the Z. I also live in canada and put on a set of snows on my Z and had no problems this past winter. I put the R040's back on a little too early and the car was useless. With the VDC you have to do something very stupid before the car will spin. You can turn the wheel and floor it and the car will not spin in the snow with the VDC on. Its actually very cool how the car corrects itself. However, you are still limited by the ground clearence, so dont expect to drive in a huge snow storm.