Ford Mustang vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Mustang and Nissan Maxima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Mustang and the Nissan Maxima.

When comparing the Ford Mustang's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Ford Mustang and Nissan Maxima have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Mustang's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2023 Ford Mustang ranges from $22,997 to $54,993 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Ford Mustang's price is between $31,205 and $64,540, with the Nissan Maxima priced between $42,493 and $47,075.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Mustang loses 28.7 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Ford Mustang retains 25.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Maxima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Mustang is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Ford Mustang being ranked 2 out of 14 Best Sports Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Mustang is 8.1 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Ford Mustang a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Maxima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 450 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Nissan Maxima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Mustang. The Mustang uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Mustang, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Mustang and the Nissan Maxima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.