@nine,
Precisely. I wouldn't dare compare it either..... Maxima is ALOT better than these two basic, albeit German Sports sedans. Germans are no longer the pace setters.
If you compare the top ranking lineup of Lexus then it ranks higher than German Mercedez, in both Quality and Reliability, that's not according to me, but J.D. powers and Associate (an American Quality ranking firm) which ranks various automotive companies from around the world.
And design-wise, that is what I had implied earlier, Maxima kills the BMW 3 series as well the the cheapest economy class of the Mercedez the C class. Mind you the comparison is between the entry level Mercedez and the Top of the line product of the Nissan. Not comparing the Nissan as a company, with Mercedez, but only one product. In that respect, Maxima outscores the entry level C Class Benz and the entry level 3 series from BMW.
First of all what annoys me about this so called '4 Door Sports Car' is the CVT transmission. If any of those remaining customers that think a CVT tranny and a '4 door sports car' make sense need to visit a psychiatrist. It should at least be offered in a proper manual transmission, if they are going to call it that.
A 1995 190 horse power Maxima did 0-60 in 6.6 s, and amazingly the 2009 version does in a sheer 0.3 s faster... wow. While the 328i to 335i goes from 6.6 s to 4.9 s.
What more it isn't just closer in price to the bimmer, but alot nearer to a overpriced camry in sports appeal and driving dynamics.
If you where to sincerely test drive a $37k Maxima and compare it against a similarly priced 328i, the Maxima may have 60 more hp on paper. It would be evident that the BMW would not just be noticeably quicker, but better in handling, braking and steering. And a lot more efficient in fuel and unmistakably more fun to drive.
Its not called the Ultimate Driving Machine for no reason. Generally speaking German cars do tend to live up to expectations.
Anyway thanks to a rubber band CVT transmission and the heavy weighted fwd platform, the enthusiastic appeal of the Nissan Maxima is pretty much gone.
Yes the Lexus LS was ranked higher then the Mercedes S-class in the 08 JD Power IQS. But by a very small margin, not to mention its fairly new. But what about the lexus GS, which was ranked way below the E-class.
Nevertheless Mercedes-Benz as a whole was ranked slightly better then Lexus.
And what more is I wouldn't feel reassured knowing that the majority of parts found in the LS460 are from the Toyota prius. Generally Lexus cars are cheaper but they leave important features, for example the air suspension (which is standard on the 750li, A8 S550) which makes the car incredibly smooth also allowing you to adjust your driving style from comfort to sport. You could get it as an option but thats defeats it purpose since it raises the price up to it rivals. Thus defeats the statement of Lexus being cheaper than its competition.
Don't get me wrong though, i have huge amount of appreciation and respect for Japanese cars.
But I don't see what is so appealing about Lexus, other than better value for money and reliability. Doesn't have anything I'm interested in.
Doesn't have much of a history either or any innovations or involvement in motorsport aside from some poxey Rolex series which no ones heard off. Motorsport is a big test for car companies and goes to show the experience and innovations that they have and eventually go into the production cars. All the great European and American have this. Annoyingly Lexus also has a habit to brag oh 'Lexus builds homes for the orphans'..Guess what other car companies also do similar things too.
And mind you Lexus is only desirable in the U.S. European markets have global appeal, which Lexus lacks, ask an average person on what luxury car he wants, Lexus wouldn't even be on the list
Theres nothing that make Lexus models stand out in front of the competition. Besides the IS and the LS which are good competitors. The ES and GS are just plain dull in front of the competition, the gs is also cramped inside. The LS600h doesnt quite live up to its 'v12 performance and v8 economy' when it cant achieve either. Just marketing hype. SC430 not even worth talking about. That leaves the RX which is only useful for a soccer mom.
If you want to get from A to B in comfort, and an engine that doesn't make any noise. Then Lexus might just be for you. Want more just go elsewhere.
I could go on. But anyway I'm going to catch up with some sleep.
