Maxima vs BMW

in article snipped-for-privacy@posting.google.com, maxima1 at snipped-for-privacy@ameritech.net wrote on 1/30/04 7:59 AM:

Yes, but if the 528 has a sport package, the stock tires are low profile

The 2.8 engine is very isolated and quiet in this car. It is inherently smooth in any application but especially so in the 528. If you have a manual trans, you will find yourself revving to the fuel cut off point without even knowing it-the engine is that smooth. The 3.0 engine in the 01 models was actually re-engineered to give a little more exhaust feedback to make it seem more sporty. I'm sure that the lack of "eagerness" you feel is due to the quietness, smoothness, and general solidity of the whole package. The Maxima is not as quiet and the engine is definitely more rough in the higher rpms. This translates to more perceived "eagerness", but in the end, the cars accelerate the same.

Yes, but it doesn't sound like you'll be trading the 528 for a new Maxima anytime soon. Or will you? Your are "maxima1" after all.

I don't think so:

The 528i had 192hp or thereabouts and ran the quarter in the low 16s.

The Max has either 222 hp or 255hp (I can't remember which one the

In a straight line, no other constraints, any Max built since 1989 or so should easily pull a 528i; they are all lighter and at least as strong.

This is assuming you do the decent thing and get the stick-shift in whichever you choose. One nice thing about the Max *and* Five; they are both always available with manual shift.

Put them on a road course and you might see them run remarkably similar times. The post-95 Max has the beam axle but the E39, in

We went through this less then a week ago.

It occurs to me that I have Michelin Actic Alpins (steel rims) on the Maxima---they do make a huge difference.

The

My Maxima has the 3.0, which is significantly oversquare (larger bore than stroke), and has the long connecting rods. It is absolutely smooth at any rpm, and I think even smoother than the BMW 2.8 When I downshift to pass, it effortlessly spools up to maximum rpm and hauls. The BMW is very smooth but I am not as inclined yet to pass multiple cars just yet---I'm not yet convinced it will accelerate as quickly as the Max. The Max gives a bigger adrenalin rush when that "noisy" electronic muffler pops open.

The new Max missed the mark for its market niche IMHO---too big and soft. My slightly used 528i (30Kmiles, Certified Pre-Owned) cost about the same as a new Max, but I am much happier with it. I really should change my email address ASAP :)

Matthew

You're right.

The 2001 Maxima had the 222-227 hp 3.0 liter motor. It's the physically similar looking 2002 and 2003 Maxima that got the 255 hp 3.5 liter motor.

Compared to a BMW 5 series, even the 2001 Maxima, which was considered heavy, for a Maxima, weighs less than the smaller 528i. The 528i has a great motor, but works harder to push the weight around.

And, as for a quiet motor, the 1995-2001 Maximas had the 3.0 liter V6, one of the best, smoothest V6es on the planet. On my 1998 5-speed Maxima, I would occaisionally run into the red in 3rd b/c the motor was so smooth. Wards auto has ALOT of good stuff to say about the Maxima V6. So, as good as that 2.8 liter straight 6 was in the 528i, The maxima engine has it beat both in terms of power and quietness.

The only thing the BMW has that the Maxima can not touch, is RWD driving dynamics and a better balanced weight distribution, which would give it the advantage in corners and launch. But for the straight line out and out - Maxima. Quietness - Maxima. Nissan knows RWD, thats why they gave us the Infiniti G35. But as FWD front biased car, the Maxima is tough to beat. The Acura TL-S would do it, with its better suspension, A arms and independent rear, but it weighs too much, 3500 lbs,and its VTEC V6 is a bit torqueless down low, giving it a Jekyll N Hyde character, OK in the city, autobahn monster on the highway.

On the track a BMW will probably beat a Maxima, but I'd still rather have the underdog Maxima, tweak its suspension and try to catch the 5:)

CD

Jack Baruth wrote: