The Dodge Company and the Nissan Corporation are household names when it comes to delivering the best vehicle for the price you pay. Both of these car manufacturers try to up their game each year by designing new variants of their different vehicles.
The Charger series versus the Maxima series has always been one of the fascinating rivalries in the sedan category. And this year is no exception. The 2021 model of these cars have been named the top 2 valuable sedans in the industry, and there is no doubt that both deserve such praise.
Let’s look at the reasons why these two cars have defeated the rest of the competition and see which one best fits your desires.
The Engine And Performance Of The Charger And Maxima
A V-6 motor is standard on both the Maxima and the Charger. The Dodge sports a 3.6-liter engine that produces 292-300 HP and 260-264 lb-ft of torque. The power is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and customers can opt for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
There's a 3.5-liter engine with 300 HP and 261 lb-ft of torque in the Nissan, all transmitted to the front axles through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
In the Maxima, that's as thrilling as it gets, but in the Charger, the adventure doesn't stop there. There are a bunch of more V8 options available for the Charger. Options vary from a 370-HP 5.7-liter Hemi to the iconic 797-HP supercharged 6.2-liter powertrain in the Hellcat Redeye.
The V-6 engine in the Maxima does deliver adequate speed too. A Charger rocking the V8, on the other hand, is what speed fanatics crave. Although everyone wants higher horsepower, you have to consider that more increased horsepower equals higher insurance premiums.
Interior Design And Space Of The Charger And Maxima
When buying a Dodge Charger, you have to know that your money leans more towards the engine and what's under the hood. So, no matter what model of the Charger you choose, the interior will be pretty much the same. Alcantara finishes and carbon fiber trims are the casuals.
The Maxima, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. Because all versions have the same engine, upgrading to a higher trim level improves the interior. As you progress up the Maxima trim ladder, you'll notice things like multi-color ambient lighting, a rear window sunshade, and quilted leather upholstery.
In terms of interior space, the Charger and Maxima are close. The Charger has 38.6 inches of front-row headroom, while the Maxima has 39.4 inches. Similarly, the Dodge has 41.8 inches of front legroom compared to the Nissan's 45.0 inches. The Charger's back row has 36.6 inches of headroom, slightly less than Maxima's 36.7 inches. On the other hand, the Charger has 40.1 inches of back-seat legroom, which is significantly more than Maxima's 34.2 inches.
The Charger's trunk is larger than the Maxima's, measuring 16.5 cubic feet compared to the 14.3 cubic feet. 3x large customers would appreciate the spacious front row of the Maxima; however, the overall winner is the Charger. It is slightly smaller in the front area and has way more room in the back.
Other Traits Of The Nissan Maxima And Dodge Charger
The EPA's fuel efficiency figures for the 2021 Maxima are 20/30 MPG, which is marginally better than the 19/30 mpg figure for the V-6 Charger. The Charger's tank holds 18.5 gallons, providing it with a driving range of up to 555 miles. If you're using a V8 Charger, it all flows out from the exhaust. The 5.7-liter Hemi is the most fuel-efficient eight-cylinder, with a 16/25 mpg rating and a range of 460 miles between fill-ups. The Maxima's fuel tank, on the other hand, holds 18 gallons, giving it a theoretical range of 540 miles.
The Maxima is the better option if safety is a top consideration. It receives five-star ratings across the board from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On the other side of the spectrum, the 2021 Charger receives a four-star frontal collision rating and five stars overall.
The Maxima was named a top safety pick, a certification that the Charger lacks. The Dodge had the second-lowest Marginal score in the driver's side small overlap front crash test, which simulates what occurs when a car's front left corner collides with an object at 40 MPH. Its headlights were also given a poor rating.
Front and rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep support, Adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic warning, and other driver-support systems are included on all Maxima variants. None of these is included with the Charger. Option packages can be added, although technologies like adaptive cruise control aren't compatible with the Hellcat.
The Maxima is a competent highway cruiser. Its driver-assist technologies and smooth ride make it a pleasurable car to drive, whether for daily commutes or cross-state trips. Although the V-6 Chargers are also large and luxurious, the lack of basic driver-assist technology makes driving much more difficult.
Sportier chassis arrangements are used on V-8 Charger models, which enhance handling but reduce overall convenience. Larger engines demand more frequent fuel stops as well. The Charger may be more exciting to drive on a winding road, but the Maxima is more comfortable in everyday travel. The Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima have almost the same starting price.
Final Thoughts Of The Charger And Maxima
If you're searching for a practical and comfortable full-size sedan, the Maxima is a better option than the Charger. It's more luxury interior and several driver-assist features make it more elegant, while it's high safety ratings and good fuel economy give it practical marks. The Charger, on the other side, is the sole option if you're looking for a thrilling ride. It is naughtier, flashier, and more easily recognizable.
Another critical factor in deciding whether to choose the Maxima or the Charger is the value. It is proven that the Charger is the victor in this area which is a crucial point to consider. The cost of insurance and maintenance of the Maxima seems to be a lot more than the Charger. Having said all of these, which one would you pick?