Nissan maxima vs audi a4: which luxury sedan rules the road?

The automotive landscape is filled with an array of midsize sedans, each vying for attention in a competitive market. Two standout contenders are the Nissan Maxima and the Audi A4. These vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, and features, making them popular choices among discerning drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Nissan Maxima and the Audi A4 to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs and preferences.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the Nissan Maxima boasts a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth and efficient power delivery. In contrast, the Audi A4 offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.5-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. The base 2.0-liter engine produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.5-liter V6 generates 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line 3.0-liter supercharged V6 delivers an impressive 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All Audi A4 models come equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Maxima with the CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The Audi A4 with the 2.0-liter engine returns 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the 2.5-liter V6 gets 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 has the lowest fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Handling and Ride

The Nissan Maxima is known for its sporty handling and responsive steering. The car’s suspension system is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and agility, making it a pleasure to drive on winding roads. The Audi A4 also offers precise handling, but it has a firmer suspension setup that sacrifices some comfort for enhanced cornering ability.

In terms of ride quality, the Nissan Maxima provides a more comfortable ride over rough roads, thanks to its softer suspension. The Audi A4’s stiffer suspension can make the ride feel harsher on bumpy surfaces.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Nissan Maxima features a spacious and well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and comfortable seats. The dashboard is intuitive and easy to use, with a large touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. The Audi A4’s interior is also well-crafted, with a clean and modern design. The MMI infotainment system is user-friendly and offers a wide range of features.

Both the Nissan Maxima and the Audi A4 come equipped with a variety of standard features, including a sunroof, leather seats, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. However, the Audi A4 offers more advanced features as options, such as a head-up display, a virtual cockpit instrument cluster, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for both the Nissan Maxima and the Audi A4. The Maxima received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Audi A4 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

Both vehicles come standard with a full suite of airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. The Audi A4 offers additional safety features as options, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

Price and Value

The Nissan Maxima has a starting price of $37,490, while the Audi A4 starts at $39,900. The Maxima offers a more affordable entry point, while the Audi A4 provides a higher level of standard features and more advanced technology.

When comparing value, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership, including factors such as fuel economy, maintenance costs, and resale value. The Nissan Maxima has a lower starting price and better fuel economy, which can save you money in the long run. However, the Audi A4 may hold its value better than the Maxima, which could offset some of the initial cost difference.

The Verdict

The Nissan Maxima and the Audi A4 are both excellent midsize sedans that offer a compelling blend of performance, style, and features. The Maxima is a more affordable option with a spacious interior and a comfortable ride, while the A4 offers a higher level of standard features, more advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sporty and affordable midsize sedan with a comfortable ride, the Nissan Maxima is a great option. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a vehicle with a higher level of features, more advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience, the Audi A4 is worth considering.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Nissan Maxima has a more powerful engine, with 300 horsepower compared to the Audi A4’s 201 horsepower.

Q: Which car has better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Maxima has better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway compared to the Audi A4’s 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Maxima has a more spacious interior, with 104.6 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the Audi A4’s 94.6 cubic feet.

Q: Which car has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Nissan Maxima and the Audi A4 have received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

Q: Which car has a lower starting price?
A: The Nissan Maxima has a lower starting price, with a base MSRP of $37,490 compared to the Audi A4’s base MSRP of $39,900.