'09 Genesis vs. '09 Maxima

[Viking]

Just saw that one of my neighbors purchased an '09 Maxima. Prior to getting my Genesis I spent a lot of time debating between the two. In the end, the RWD and larger interior for the Genesis won me over.

Still... That Maxima is also a beautiful car..

 

[ImInPA]

I am not a big fan of the Maxima. This generation is much nicer than the prior one, but, at the price point, I would rather have an Infinity G. To me the choice is similar to buying the Top line Camry Vs the Lexus ES. I think you made the right choice with the Genesis. You got a car that is a couple classes above the Maxima.

 

[Mark_888]

I am not a big fan of the Maxima. This generation is much nicer than the prior one, but, at the price point, I would rather have an Infinity G. To me the choice is similar to buying the Top line Camry Vs the Lexus ES. I think you made the right choice with the Genesis. You got a car that is a couple classes above the Maxima.

The Infiniti G is not the same size as the Maxima, if that is a concern to someone who needs a larger vehicle. The Infiniti G is built on the same platform as the Altima.

The top of the line Camry is not nearly as refined or nice as the Lexus 350. Don't be fooled by the fact that it sits on the same frame/platform.

 

[ImInPA]

Mark, I am aware of the size difference between the Maxima and the G. You are however incorrect that the G is built off of the Altima platform (the Maxima is though). The G utilizes a Nissan/Renault rear drive platform (shared with the 350Z and various Renaults) whereas the Altima is a front drive platform. If size is a concern, then the Genesis is the obvious better choice over the Maxima (also a front drive platform and shared with the Altima albeit stretched slightly). From some angles, the Maxima looks good to me, but I am just not a fan of the interior at all. I was merely saying that at the price point, I would buy a G over the Maxima (if I was going to buy a Nissan product). I would choose the Genesis over either of them in any case.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark, I am aware of the size difference between the Maxima and the G. You are however incorrect that the G is built off of the Altima platform (the Maxima is though). The G utilizes a Nissan/Renault rear drive platform (shared with the 350Z and various Renaults) whereas the Altima is a front drive platform. If size is a concern, then the Genesis is the obvious better choice over the Maxima (also a front drive platform and shared with the Altima albeit stretched slightly). From some angles, the Maxima looks good to me, but I am just not a fan of the interior at all. I was merely saying that at the price point, I would buy a G over the Maxima (if I was going to buy a Nissan product). I would choose the Genesis over either of them in any case.

You are confusing platform with drivetrain. The basic frame of the G is the same as the Altima, and both are smaller than the Maxima.The now discontinued Infiniti I was very similar to the Maxima (much more so than the Accord/TL or Camry/ES).

 

[ImInPA]

You are confusing platform with drivetrain. The basic frame of the G is the same as the Altima, and both are smaller than the Maxima.The now discontinued Infiniti I was very similar to the Maxima (much more so than the Accord/TL or Camry/ES).

Actually I am not confused about this at all. The platform that comprises the G and other Nissan/Infinity RWD automobiles is significantly different than the FWD platforms. For one, there is a larger tunnel to accomodate the rear wheel drive drive shaft. This does not exist on the front drive platform. The Maxima and Altima share platforms. Basically, RWD and FWD designed platforms are pretty much different. You share a common misperception with many others that assume size has something to do with platform. There is no "frame" in a unit-body constructed vehicle. The Maxima shares an enlarged version of the Altima platform. The G shares an elarged version of the 350Z RWD platform. The M35/45 share a further enlarged version of the 350Z/G platform.

 

[Mark_888]

Actually I am not confused about this at all.

Not only are you confused about Nissan/Infiniti, you apparently forgot that you decided to not purchase a Genesis and you recently purchased a Volvo instead. At some point I assume that will sink in, although I know it takes a little while.

 

[ImInPA]

Not only are you confused about Nissan/Infiniti, you apparently forgot that you decided to not purchase a Genesis and you recently purchased a Volvo instead. At some point I assume that will sink in, although I know it takes a little while.

Huh? Your lack of civility never ceases to amaze me. It is a shame that you do not know what you do not know, which seems to be pretty much. I have included some information for you , although I am not sure you will benefit from it. While I did purchase a Volvo S80 T6 AWD due to a bad pre-sales Hyundai dealer experience (not due to the car in any way), that in no way has much to do with anything.

Here is some platform sharing information about the Maxima and Altima. There are many other sources for this information. You should do your homework before being a rude SOB.

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/articles/2009-Nissan-Maxima-Preview

"The all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima is the seventh generation of the model. Manufactured on Nissan’s “D platform” (shared with the Nissan Altima), "

The Infinity G is based on Nissan's FM platform (also used in the 350Z).

Mark, these are simply facts. You and any other member of this board can do the research for yourself. You really should treat people with more courtesy. I still stand by what I stated above, the Genesis is MUCH MORE CAR than Maxima.

 

[QCTLG]

ImInPA,

Had to chim in here and say this...I just want you to know that I appreciate EVERYTHING you write here.
I think you're a classy, well spoken (written) guy/girl. I enjoy reading your posts as they ALWAYS make sense.

It seems you are Mark's favorite target and I really don't know why.
My suggestion is that you ignore him.
I wish there was an IGNORE button somewhere

Kind regards,

P.S. I'm not writing anything about Mark cause I was taught young that if you nothing good to say...say nothing!

ImInPA, Please keep posting here...

 

[jwaters943]

Mark,

If you are going to be an ass, at least know what you're talking about. The G rides on a version of Nissan's FM platform that is the basis for every RWD product Nissan/Infiniti sells in North America, except for their trucks/large SUVs. Truly, everything from the Z car to the M & FX use a modified version of this platform. The D platform is Nissan's midsize FWD platform that underpins the Maxima, Altima & Murano. Both platforms have AWD available on certain models, but even the AWD systems they use are vastly different. The prior-gen Maxima was larger than the Altima and more of a competitor to vehicles like the Avalon and Azera. The new one has shrunk in every dimension except width and actually has slightly less interior space than the Altima (and the G as well). Nissan wanted to make the Maxima more sporty....a symbolic return to their 4DSC of yore, if you will. Most Nissan/Infinitis use a version of the much-vaunted VQ V6 engine, but there is a huge amount of difference between Nissan's FWD D platform, and their RWD FM platform. Another important difference between Nissan and Infiniti; their "automatic" transmissions. Nissan uses CVTs whereas Infiniti uses Jatco's aggressively-geared new 7-speed (or old 5-speed). CVTs feel strange and unresponsive to me, but Nissan's version is the best of the breed. Drive a Maxima back-to-back w/ a G and you'll feel the difference. The Maxima is very good, the G is sublime.

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[jwaters943]

I still stand by what I stated above, the Genesis is MUCH MORE CAR than Maxima.

I agree. The Maxima came out at the same time as the Genesis and was on my shopping list as well. It simply wasn't in the same arena when it came to build quality/refinement. It had all the feature content/gadgets one could possibly want, but the doors felt tinny, certain trim felt a bit cheap and it was noticeably noisier at 65-70mph. It did seem a bit more "lively" in normal driving than the Genesis (most likely due to the weight difference), but all things considered, I don't really see it as a true competitor to the Genesis.

 

[ImInPA]

I agree. The Maxima came out at the same time as the Genesis and was on my shopping list as well. It simply wasn't in the same arena when it came to build quality/refinement. It had all the feature content/gadgets one could possibly want, but the doors felt tinny, certain trim felt a bit cheap and it was noticeably noisier at 65-70mph. It did seem a bit more "lively" in normal driving than the Genesis (most likely due to the weight difference), but all things considered, I don't really see it as a true competitor to the Genesis.

I had about the same experience. The Maxima was definitely on my list too. Up close though, I noticed many of the same things you did. The CVT is something I do not think I would enjoy having, assuming I would ever get use to it. I was impressed with the setting that makes it "feel" like a regular transmission, but, doesn't that defeat the purpose? The leather was more like the leather you get in Mazda's, Honda's, Toyota's, etc., not as nice as the BMW's, Audi's, MB's, Lexus', etc. The Genesis definitely rides with the later group with regards to interior quality. I was surprised with the amount of road noise inside the cabin, especially at highway speeds. This made it seem more like a nice plush family sedan more than a luxo-cruiser like the Genesis. At least to me. I will say this though, that VQ series six cylinder is the best six on the planet as far as I am concerned. Great power, great smoothness, great sound. The interior, while it had plenty of "golly-gee-whiz" stuff just seemed to be less appealing to me. Personal preference, I know, but, it just seemed too "much. " Other than price, the Maxima just doesn't compete in the same league as the Genesis. Nice car to be sure, but just not in the luxury class of vehicles.

 

[skibum]

I believe you definately made the correct choice.I took out a Genesis for a 2 day test drive.A friend who had been given a 2010 Maxima for a loaner vehicle convinced me to take one out for a test drive to make sure I was making the proper descision.We even went to the Nissan dealer in the Genesis.The Maxima looked good on the surface,but as soon as we got in and drove it,there was no comparison,my friend agreed,the same day we took another test drive in a 300c with the same results.Even my friend who had recently returned his Bmw 750(end of lease) and who had just purchased a new Jag XFR
couldnt believe the quality,performance and bang for the buck with my new Genesis.
I took out the Lexus,the infinity,the Acura,a Bmw plus several others and I was so impressed by the Genesis sedan that I bought one.
I am a believer

 

[2010_vl]

Having replaced the 4th gen Maxima with the Genesis, I did not even consider 7th gen Maxima as a replacement, or even G37 or M35. Test driven used LS430, and even then chose the Genesis.

 

[Sayantsi]

I'm just going to go with, if its fwd, its not a performance sedan. Fwd is a nonstarter for a sport sedan, and that's why the Maxima has always struggled - its hard to sell car at a sports car premium when its hobbled by a poor powertrain.

 

[mdaecher]

Addding to an old thread here, but...

I just bought a 2009 (slightly) used Genesis. My choice was down to 3 cars - the 2009 Nissan Maxima SV, 2010 Cadillac CTS Performance and the Genesis. I like nice, and I like sporty too.

The Maxima got on my radar after an 8 day rental of a non SV versions which really surprised me in terms of power. I liked the looks, except I think they shoudl have continued the hood edge down to the grill.

Anyway, a leather, nicely equipped Maxima would have been good. The CVT allowed for very smooth and fast acceleration at any speed and the fact that you don;t see as many Maxima's as you once did (I think the Altima has largely replaced their presence) is a plus for me.

I like the edginess angles of the CTS, and have always wante a Caddy, but a questionable Impala and the sluggishness of the base 3.0 CTS engine (ddefinitely wouyld need the 3.6 to have this car) pushed me toward the Maxima, though I did find the 50k warranty of the CTS very intriguing (generally buy used with <25k).

The I found the Genesis. Nice blend of what I wanted - and I was originally looking at the 3.8 w/all options packages, then found a 4.6 for same price and just a bit more miles. Drover it and bought it. If I thought the Maxima was an uncommon ride, then this will be even more so (yep , I am re-baging also...how many people will wonder what a Genesis is?). Oh yeah, the 60k warranty and longer warrantyies on other items made me think they must really believe int heir product - and I do too!

 

[nfetterly]

Again adding to an old thread. Maxima (2012 or 2013) was on my list of alternatives, I've rented one for some ~800 mile rides. Cadillac CTS was out after co-workers experiences with them.

Strange with the Maxima, the Altima is now basically what the Maxima was ~20 years ago.