The Nissan Maxima seems to get better each time we drive one.If only itwould get bigger.
Hmmm, didn`t we say that once before?
The differences between the Cressida and Maxima are so minute, the twoseem like the same vehicle.
If we had to pick nits, Cressida has the more nimble steering andhandling, Maxima the heavier feel; Cressida the more easily understood radiocontrols, Maxima the more difficult power seats to set.
Maxima is powered by a 3-liter V-6 teamed with automatic transmission,versus a 2.8-liter V-6 in Cressida. But the two seemed to have about equalpower and quiet operation. The 3-liter is rated at 152 horsepower, the 2.8 at 156 h.p.
Maxima is smaller than Cressida, but doesn`t seem so. It`s built on a100.4-inch wheelbase and is 181.5 inches long.
Though Maxima felt heavier, curb weight is 3,040 pounds to Cressida`s3,296. Maxima holds 15.9 gallons of fuel, Cressida 18.5.
Standard equipment includes power steering, brakes, mirrors, windows,radio antenna and door locks; AM-FM stereo with cassette and graphicequalizer; cruise control; and tilt wheel.
Like Cressida, the Maxima has automatic belts that fasten around you when you turn the key on, recoil when you turn the key off, opening the door toexit.
However, Maxima`s system was more “user friendly,“ so to speak.
The first time we turned off the key and opened Maxima`s door, the belttightened and gave us a bear hug.
It wouldn`t let go and was too tight to slip out from behind. Afterseveral key restarts and stops, door openings and closings, the belt loosened. Maxima`s base price is lower than Cressida`s, at $17,699 with standard 5- speed manual transmission, $18,449 with automatic. Though Toyota raisedprices April 1, Nissan raised prices Jan. 1, leaving the Maxima about $500cheaper.
Cressida and Maxima are replaced with new versions in the 1989 model year that will have larger dimensions, bigger engines, new sheet metal and probablyantilock brakes. They`ll also cost a lot more.
