Comments on: Mistaken identity? The 2009 Nissan Maxima http://thewheeldeal.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/23/mistaken-identity-the-2009-nissan-maxima/ It's all about the product, by Fortune senior editor Alex Taylor Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:56:29 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: JAy., Houston, TX http://thewheeldeal.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/23/mistaken-identity-the-2009-nissan-maxima/#comment-182 JAy., Houston, TX Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:54:49 +0000 http://fortunewheeldeal.wordpress.com/?p=148#comment-182 When I first read this post last week, I thought to myself that the distinction you may have missed between the Altima and Maxima is the exterior design. But today I walked up on a Nissan, and while the grill looked like an Altima, I wasn't sure because the fenders looked like the Maxima. Guess I just hadn't paid enough attention to the new Altima, because that's what it was! Good analysis of two cars that maybe should be one. When I first read this post last week, I thought to myself that the distinction you may have missed between the Altima and Maxima is the exterior design.

But today I walked up on a Nissan, and while the grill looked like an Altima, I wasn’t sure because the fenders looked like the Maxima.

Guess I just hadn’t paid enough attention to the new Altima, because that’s what it was!

Good analysis of two cars that maybe should be one.

]]> By: Brian B., Tampa, FL http://thewheeldeal.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/23/mistaken-identity-the-2009-nissan-maxima/#comment-181 Brian B., Tampa, FL Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:11:01 +0000 http://fortunewheeldeal.wordpress.com/?p=148#comment-181 Your attempt to equate a hypothetical Nissan Maxima derived from an Infiniti G35 to Toyota deriving a Lexus ES 350 from a Toyota Camry is based on false premises. Infiniti does (or at least did) derive its front wheel drive I35 from the previous generation Maxima. Also note that Lexus has the small/midsize IS 250 and 350 which is a dedicated rear wheel drive platform not shared with Toyota (at least not in this country). In addition, the ES 350 and I35 began as a Toyota and Nissan, respectively; your idea does the reverse: it takes an up market car down market. In short, you're comparing a whole different bunch of apples and oranges. Your attempt to equate a hypothetical Nissan Maxima derived from an Infiniti G35 to Toyota deriving a Lexus ES 350 from a Toyota Camry is based on false premises.

Infiniti does (or at least did) derive its front wheel drive I35 from the previous generation Maxima.

Also note that Lexus has the small/midsize IS 250 and 350 which is a dedicated rear wheel drive platform not shared with Toyota (at least not in this country).

In addition, the ES 350 and I35 began as a Toyota and Nissan, respectively; your idea does the reverse: it takes an up market car down market.

In short, you’re comparing a whole different bunch of apples and oranges.

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