2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV vs. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

cpruitt submitted on 05/29/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:10 PM
from: motortrend.automotive.com

Tags: 2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV, 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, comparison

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2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV

2008 Pontiac G8 GT

comparison

2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV vs. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

No doubt some of you are already heading for the drop box marked "hate mail." Front drive versus rear drive? V-6 versus V-8? Why don't you just compare apples and orangutans?

As we see it, if you've got around $30,000 to spend on a sport sedan, you want to know your options-and you've got important choices to make. At that price, Nissan's brand-new Maxima proffers a high-output V-6, an advanced continuously variable transmission, oodles of electronic conveniences, and what's claimed to be one of the best-performing front-drive chassis in the world. And for roughly the same money, Pontiac's new G8 GT delivers the thunder of a big-bore V-8, a six-speed automatic, and a fat-tired rear-drive platform. Both are roomy, eye-catching four-doors. Both promise driving thrills far above the common sedan paradigm. One is a wonder of 21st-century can-do; the other radiates the iconic aura of the 20th century's glory days. How do their behind-the-wheel experiences differ? And which one makes the more compelling case for your cash?

As noted in the preceding pages, Nissan has set the bar for its flagship four-door way up somewhere in the ionosphere. Chassis target for this new front-drive sedan: the rear-drive Porsche GT3, one of the world's best-handling purebred sports cars. Also as noted, though, the Maxima model most likely to approach that lofty target-the 3.5 SV with Sport Package and optional 19-in. summer tires-was unavailable to us. Instead, Nissan provided a 3.5 SV Premium fitted with 18-in. all-season rubber. On the other hand, our test car was representative of what'll likely make up the bulk of the Maxima's 70,000 or so annual sales. Summer-shod Sport editions will be rarer sightings.

Nissan product strategy director Mark Perry says that, early in the car's development process, the Maxima team took a step back to reassess the project's aims-even going so far as to consider seriously a move to rear drive. In the end, though, engineers settled on the front-drive "D" platform, shared with the Altima, citing advantages in weight and cabin roominess and, says Perry, "handling so good we didn't need rear drive." Read Article

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DexDiamonds - 5/29/2008 3:20:22 PM

0 Boost

I read this article. It's comparing apples to oranges.

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Kraut_god - 5/29/2008 3:23:12 PM

-8 Boost

i wouldnt buy either.

lexusrox123 - 5/30/2008 9:03:31 AM

-1 Boost

why did the maxima have to have that ugly accord's back end????

Peyton18 - 5/29/2008 3:22:38 PM

+3 Boost

These two cars have two different intensions

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hao420 - 5/29/2008 10:50:14 PM

+1 Boost

Maxima = Wolf dressed in Sheep skin
G8 = extravagant

GTR35 - 5/29/2008 3:29:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

3.5L V6 fwd vs 6.0L V8 rwd. Doesn't sound like a fair comparison at first, but when you see the sticker prices you realize that the G8 is only about $800.00 more than the Maxima, not bad for a 361 hp car.
Motor Trend picks the G8 as their winner, which barely outperforms the Nissan despite having 71 extra horses and of course RWD.
I really doubt that Pontiac had the Maxima in mind when they introduced the G8, and at first I was kind of bothered by the comparison but a few thoughts later, I have to admit, this just gives more credit to Nissan who doesn't need a rwd car to perform like one.

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bmwdrvr - 5/29/2008 4:03:03 PM

-4 Boost

i wouldnt call a second faster to 60 BARELY outperforming it.....not to mention if the G8 is 31,000, there is no way a Maxima with that much equipment will costs 800 less than a G8, a Maxima outfitted like that is a 36-38,000 car easy. The G35 and Maxima price wise are very close so the G8 V8 price wise will be thousands less. This comparison is fair, Nissan chose FWD but like it saids considered RWD but decided it would compromise space, The 300 is RWD and is a direct competitor to the Maxima, why isnt the G8???? especially since they are claiming the 4DSC monicker, and the G8 GT isnt an all out performance sedan like the upcoming 400+hp GXP model will be so why wouldnt they compare these 2 cars just different ideas on the same theme.....

GTR35 - 5/29/2008 4:27:03 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"a [full] second faster to 60"? Try repeating Pre-Algebra and then we can talk about math.
Don't make me repeat my self. Look at the facts, there are no bragging rights for Pontiac, who we all know needed to do something with their line up desperately. But regardless of the facts, at the end of the day the G8 is also going to end up being a failure and it's only going to bring more financial problems to GM.

91z4me - 5/29/2008 6:48:32 PM

+2 Boost

The G8 is a rebadged Holden, which would be profitable with just the sales in Australia. Anything sold overseas will be pure profit. Given that an extra shift was added just to get the G8 into production I seriously doubt GM will lose a dime on the G8.

Learn your facts before spouting off.

bmwdrvr - 5/29/2008 7:37:31 PM

-2 Boost

as if Nissan need something desperately........I hate responding to ignorrant fans...6.5 vs the as tested 5.6 seconds for the G8 which has gotten a 5.3 so lest do the math 6.5-5.6 is .9 like I said almost a full second, at 5.3 let me help you thats 1.2 seconds faster...........another ignorrant fan another day...in many tests is a full second faster, the less than fans are always trashing GM, I'm a car enthusiast I call good car no matter where it is from, the G8 delivers outstanding acceleration, a good ride, excellent handling, and at a price less than a loaded midsize from Toyota, or Honda and many others....................

bmwdrvr - 5/29/2008 7:43:29 PM

0 Boost

oh and before we start talking DESPERATE brands lets not forget Nissan and Infiniti were on the brink of extinction just like another American Brand "Pontiac" until they turned around that wasnt that long ago....now that Pontiac is attempting a turn around you trash the brand.....hypocrits..

F1_Driver - 5/29/2008 7:45:56 PM

+1 Boost

Where did you get 6.5 seconds going 0-60 mph for the Maxima? Did you forget to put on your reading glasses???

bmwdrvr - 5/29/2008 9:05:08 PM

-1 Boost

Edmunds got a 6.5 second time with the Maxima, not 6.1 and also 5.3 time for the G8.....more nissan fan ignorrance...it lost stop wining...

pushrod27 - 5/29/2008 10:52:02 PM

0 Boost

Nissan would be dead today if weren't for Renault's cash, so get off your high-horse Nissan/Infiniti groupie.

F1_Driver - 5/30/2008 12:45:26 AM

+4 Boost

So you were comparing Edmunds' time for the Maxima of 6.5 versus MT's time for the G8 of 5.6. Now that's really fair, isn't it? Let's compare apples to apples here please.

Star - 5/29/2008 3:32:37 PM

-8 Boost

Not a fan of either car but I would take the Pontiac any day over of what could be the ugliest car ever produced..the new Maxima.

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Teknik - 5/30/2008 12:22:42 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

You're a skinhead, so no one is surprised by your comments.

Audiphile - 5/29/2008 3:43:25 PM

-1 Boost

DexDiamonds & Peyton18,

You're right, guys - comparing apples to oranges. Completely pointless comparison. They should have waited until a performance-oriented Maxima (more powerful engine, sport suspension & summer tires) was available.

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Star - 5/29/2008 3:51:47 PM

-5 Boost

Actually those guys are completely wrong. The cars are virtually the same size, cost the same and have virtually the same fit and finish. The G8 has the edge in performance while the Maxima has the edge...oops... I guess the Maxima doesn't have the edge in anything...how typical. They are direct competitors and Nissan loses. End of story.

pushrod27 - 5/29/2008 4:17:29 PM

+1 Boost

'performance oriented Maxima' if Nissan is claiming 4DSC, then every Maxima should be that way.

pushrod27 - 5/29/2008 4:16:05 PM

0 Boost

This is definitely a relevant comparison. It's not apples to oranges at all. Both cars are flagship sedans from mass-market brands intended for drivers who require a degree of space and practicality along with some sporting intention.

In other words, they are both sport sedans in the $30-35k range. Direct competitors, no matter what you say. Different design techniques, but they both claim to be the same thing.

In fact, before i even saw this comparison, i was thinking to myself how Pontiac is going to own the Maxima's old market with the new G8. The previous Maxima had lost it's way, and the G8 is definitely the 4DSC.

The two cars simply have different methods of achieving the same goal.

I think the more relevant comparison would have been Maxima vs. G8 V6. While it's nice that Pontiac gives you a V8 for the price of Nissan's V6, it kind of lets GM off the hook, they are dodging the head-to-head comparison that would tell us if GM's new 'high-feature' 3.6 DOHC V6 and 6-speed transmission are as good (with regard to power, fuel economy, NVH) as the imported rivals have been for years.

We've known for years that GM can give us a pushrod V8 on the cheap that will outrun the imports. The question is if GM's current DOHC V6 is on par with the competition.

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KZ258 - 5/29/2008 4:30:25 PM

+2 Boost

maxima all the way. the design (exterior and interior) alone is enough for me. if im buying a family car, the speed isnt that important but i would like to have some fun with it when no one is looking. the maxima is also definitely more flashy. looks like a world-class car compared to the G8. I'm sure the features list is another plus for the maxima.

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Caraficionado - 5/29/2008 4:38:48 PM

+1 Boost

Esthetically, the Maxima is not a very good looking car while the Pontiac looks dated.

Personality wise, the Maxima is an upgraded family sedan while the G8 is more of an enthusiast’s car.

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0to60 - 5/29/2008 4:52:36 PM

+2 Boost

See it in person!

Agent00J - 5/29/2008 4:46:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I have seen quite a few of the new Maxima's driving around here in TN, and while initially I hated the car shown at the auto shows, I have to admit out on the road it is actually a good looking car. I spent some time last night checking out the features on Nissan's website, and was impressed with what appears to be a winner.

It would be nice to see Nissan capture some of the upper end Camry and Accord market as well with this car.

I am looking forward to being able to drive here in a few weeks.

-00J

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tattedtwice - 5/29/2008 5:50:55 PM

+1 Boost

That wasnt even a fair fight. The Gate, how shall I put it, kicked its ASS. Faster, brakes better, handles better, bigger inside, bigger trunk, less expensive, looks a whole world better......

The two clearly dont appeal to the same type of buyer, but still, it's clear why the Gate won this comparo.

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pchera01 - 5/29/2008 6:27:27 PM

0 Boost

if Nissan/Infiniti can take on BMW with G, M and FX, why all the fans think Maxima can't beat G8. just think about this, if this maxima with 4WD and still V-6, it will kill G8

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pushrod27 - 5/29/2008 10:51:02 PM

-1 Boost

You're an idiot.

85bmw745i - 5/31/2008 7:10:43 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

No way. As much as a foregn car guy as I am, I would take the G8. Domestic car makers are turning around. The Maxima needs to lose the FWD setup and offer more power before it can even think of comparing to the g8. Give us back the real Maxima of years back that really was a 4 door sports car. Now it's way too fat, heavy, and bloated. The altima should have been the Maxima when they made the second generation bigger, and they should have made a smaller car to be the altima.

pchera01 - 5/29/2008 6:28:41 PM

-4 Boost

well GM is trying to too hard with this car, RWD and V-8,keep trying...

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NISSANINFINITI - 5/30/2008 4:55:14 AM

-2 Boost

I agree! Lets see which one has needs for repairs over a 5 year period. Who will be broken down after the warranty runs out. Who's maintenance lights will be on over time.

Star - 5/30/2008 12:39:55 PM

+1 Boost

^^^I'm guessing that the Nissan will be the car with severe reliability problems knowing the brand history.

tattedtwice - 5/30/2008 6:18:39 PM

0 Boost

Then I guess nissan isnt trying at all; same engine found in, what, three dozen other cars, same platform as its lesser family sedan sibling, same interior as other cars in their lineup....

The max is a joke and completely pointless. They should just put it out to pasture.

85bmw745i - 5/31/2008 7:17:40 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Well, GM uses the same engines in many more cars than Nissan does. Do your homework. This engine is used in at least one car by Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Chevy, GMC (acadia) & Saturn. Thats 7 applications, not including the multiple models of that brand. EX. 3 cadillacs, STS, CTS, SRX, buick Lacrosse, Lucerne enclave, Pontiac G8, G6, GMC Acadia, Saturn vue, outlook, Aura, and thats not all of the GM cars that use this engine. Thats 12 and more out there with that engine. Who uses the same engine now?

stone - 5/29/2008 7:08:00 PM

+2 Boost

I have been a fan of the Maxima for a long time, I have owned a 93 SE 5-spd and a 98 GXE auto, but Nissan is losing the 4DSC title if they haven't lost it already. I know they don't want to steal sales from Infiniti, but the Maxima NEEDS to be RWD or at least AWD and they need to bring back the manual tranny. The 350Z is RWD and the G Coupe is doing just fine. Alot of Maxima enthusiasts I still talk to were hoping for a move to RWD or at least some type of DSG and over 300HP. Honestly, it hasn't felt like a 4DSC since my 93 which was top notch for the time.

Stone

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cyco - 5/29/2008 7:19:51 PM

+2 Boost

From the article: "If the priority really was to build a "four-door sports car," Nissan should have opted for rear drive."

I couldn't agree more.

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BostonBiosafety - 5/29/2008 7:34:56 PM

0 Boost

I drove the Pontiac (no I didn't lose a bet)it was quick and had a nice exhaust note. However, the car lacked personality. It's nice for what it is, however in my opinion it is not much.

Maxima - sunroof - huh?

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l1235 - 5/29/2008 9:43:16 PM

-1 Boost

Maxima CVT keeps revs much higher overall; look for thirsty premium loving DOHC to get 15 city 23 highway........wouldn't trade my Osawa built 03GLE for one

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F1_Driver - 5/30/2008 12:49:17 AM

+3 Boost

Where did you get 15/23 for the Max? EPA rated Max at 19/26. That's way better than the G8's 15/24.

montyz81 - 5/30/2008 8:44:45 AM

0 Boost

regardless of what this article says, i suspect more Maxima's will move out the door then G8s. The G8 will sell about as well as the last GTO which I believe is the car it replaces. Pontiac is almost a dead brand. It is about as significant in the market place as Mercury. Also, I couldn't agree more that these two cars are mismatched. RWD vs FWD. And to say the Maxima should be RWD is just wrong. Nissan already have a RWD sedan in that segment. Its called the G35. I also don't understand how MT could praise the original 4DSC and then say that this one needs RWD reduces the credibility of the magazine IMO.

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pushrod27 - 5/30/2008 9:15:51 AM

+1 Boost

You guys who say this is 'apples to oranges', you guys are all idiots. It doesn't matter that one is fwd and the other is rwd. The point is that they are roughly the same size and price, and both are aiming for the same customer.

Case in point, the front-engine Nissan GT-R competes with the rear-engine Porsche 911 turbo. You morons love that comparison because the Nissan wins.

The Maxima and the G8 are DIRECT competitors. The Maxima lost. Don't be an idiot.

P.S. I also find it very interesting that some people call the G8's styling 'dated.'

First, the G8 is a great looking car.
Second, this is about what current BMW's would look like if it weren't for Bangle.

So either you were wrong about Bangle in 2002, or you're wrong about the G8 now. I think it's both.

You Nissan fanboys have some nerve talking trash about GM. Nissan used a solid beam rear suspension on the maxima and drum brakes on the QX4 as late as 2004!

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cyco - 5/30/2008 10:51:33 AM

+3 Boost

Spot on. For the $, the Max is a good deal, lots of nice touches, it's sporty, roomy, looks good, and all that.

BUT - if it's truly supposed to be a 4DSC, then it just got a bloody nose from Pontiac right out of the gate.

Change the marketing from 4DSC to something more appropriate for what it is, and we're all set.

If I were looking for a sports sedan in the $30k range, I'd go with the G8 in a heart beat over the Max.

pushrod27 - 5/30/2008 11:31:07 AM

+3 Boost

Exactly. The new Maxima is supposed to be the return of the 'four door sports car.' The G8 is a sportier four door car in the same price range. What part don't you get? Just say it: you don't like the Pontiac, no matter what.

85bmw745i - 5/31/2008 7:20:15 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Right on pushrod.

0to60 - 5/30/2008 10:58:33 AM

-1 Boost

Darn if the pontiac wasnt so ugly. Maybe if they dropped that engine into a Saturn Sky!!! That would be a winner!

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tattedtwice - 5/30/2008 6:22:00 PM

+1 Boost

Compared to that awkward looking nissan thing, the G8 is a modern day masterpiece. Let's dont bring looks into this, otherwise the nissan will lose even harder than it did in this comparo.

M35MT - 5/30/2008 11:03:54 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

The Max's new look is starting to grow on me.

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S4cabriofoxone - 5/31/2008 12:17:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Saw my first G8 on the road today, black, GT. Looked really great--much better than in pictures or on the show stand.

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MattB - 6/2/2008 4:29:50 PM

+1 Boost

I drive a Maxima derivative (Infiniti I30). Neither it nor the Maxima is a four-door sports car. They're relatively comfortable midsize sedans that have a slight hint of sport to them, just enough to make the curvy road on the morning commute enjoyable. In my opinion if you want a four-door sports car you're looking at something that says M, AMG, RS, etc. on the trunk.

The G8 looks pretty good from the few I've seen on the road. The 1980s LCD oil pressure guage has to go though, it looks cheap.

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