Model Year | 2016 | 2008 | |
Model | Nissan Maxima | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@6400 261 lb-ft@4400 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 106.7 in | 2.6 in |
Length | 192.8 in | 188.2 in | 4.6 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 71.7 in | 1.5 in |
Height | 56.5 in | 58.0 in | -1.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3471 lb. | 3576 lb. | -105 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.4 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 55.7 in | 1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.2 in | 0.0 in | 54.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 45.0 in | 41.4 in | 3.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.7 in | 37.8 in | -1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.7 in | 54.6 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.5 in | 0.0 in | 53.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.2 in | 37.7 in | -3.5 in |
Total Legroom | 79.2 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 0.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.3 ft3 | 14.2 ft3 | 0.1 ft3 |
2016 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Starting with the 2013 Altima and continuing with the 2015 Murano, the latest Nissans have had exceptionally comfortable front seats. The new Maxima's seats are based on the Altima's, but have some additional padding. While they don't feel as cushy and form-fitting to me as the Murano's, they're still more comfortable than the Acura TLX's front seats, which are themselves pretty good. The side bolsters are of similarly moderate size and aggressiveness in both cars, but the Maxima SR's Alcantara upholstery prevents sliding much better than the TLX's leather. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2016 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
If you need an especially roomy rear seat, then the Maxima isn't your best bet. The Nissan does have an inch or two more rear knee room than the Acura TLX, and about an inch more rear headroom than the Lincoln MKZ (perhaps enough for someone six-feet tall), but the LaCrosse, Azera, and Avalon offer enough rear seat space for adults to not only fit but stretch out. see full Nissan Maxima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Nissan Maxima.
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |