Usually not in stock, everyday trims. A Nissan Maxima is generally not faster than a Dodge Charger’s high-performance variants; however, a Maxima can be quicker than a base Charger in some conditions, and the top Charger models are far quicker still.
This article breaks down what “faster” means in this context, compares typical Maxima and Charger trims, and notes how recent model-year changes affect availability. We examine acceleration (0-60 mph), top speeds, drivetrain, and how performance varies across the lineup. We also flag the status of these two sedans in recent years, since both brands shifted production in the early 2020s.
Nissan Maxima at a glance
Core specs
The Maxima is Nissan’s front-wheel-drive 3.5-liter V6 sport sedan, developed as a more upscale alternative to traditional family sedans. It emphasizes smooth everyday performance and refined handling rather than track-ready speed.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Power: about 300 horsepower
- Torque: around 261 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive (front-engine)
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT (continuously variable automatic)
- Estimated 0-60 mph: roughly 5.7–6.0 seconds
- Estimated top speed: around 150 mph (electronically limited)
While the Maxima delivers solid acceleration for a midsize sedan, its performance sits in the middle of the pack when compared with sportier or more powerful sedans. It prioritizes comfort and refinement, with a smooth power delivery rather than outright raw speed.
Concluding note: In the regular, non-performance-oriented segment, the Maxima offers competent speed but does not match the quickest Charger variants. Its real strength lies in a balanced, premium-sounding package rather than outright speed.
Dodge Charger lineup
Variants that matter for speed
The Charger range spans from more economical V6 models to extreme V8-powered performers. Acceleration and top speed improve dramatically as you move up the trim ladder, with the highest-performance versions delivering supercar-like torque and handling dynamics for a full-size sedan.
- Charger SXT (3.6L V6): ~292–300 hp; 0-60 ~ 6.0–6.5 seconds; top speed around 149 mph
- Charger GT (3.6L V6): similar power; 0-60 ~ 6.0–6.5 seconds; top speed around 150–155 mph
- Charger R/T (5.7L Hemi V8): ~370 hp; 0-60 ~ 5.0 seconds; top speed around 180 mph
- Charger Scat Pack (6.4L Hemi V8): ~485 hp; 0-60 ~ 4.0–4.2 seconds; top speed around 174–180 mph
- Charger Hellcat (6.2L supercharged Hemi V8): ~717 hp; 0-60 ~ 3.4 seconds; top speed around 196 mph
- Charger Redeye (797 hp): ~0-60 ~ 3.0–3.2 seconds; top speed around 203 mph
These numbers illustrate a steep performance climb from base to top variants. The base Charger trims are already faster than a Maxima in many metrics, but the Jump to high-performance versions is dramatic, with times and speeds that push into near-exotic territory for a four-door sedan.
Concluding note: Across the Charger lineup, even mid-range trims significantly outpace the Maxima in 0-60 times and top speed, and the top-tier Hellcat/Redeye models are among the fastest sedans available in the everyday market.
Bottom line: which is faster?
In standard, non-performance configurations, a Nissan Maxima is typically slower to 60 mph than most Charger variants with the base V6. However, when you compare the Maxima to the Charger’s entry-level trims, the gaps narrow and the Maxima may feel comparable. The decisive difference comes with the Charger’s higher-performance trims: R/T, Scat Pack, Hellcat, and Redeye, which accelerate far faster and reach higher top speeds than the Maxima.
Availability and model-year status: Both nameplates have seen shifts in production. The Nissan Maxima faced a late-year of production in the U.S. after 2023, effectively ending new-model availability there. The Dodge Charger similarly concluded its production cycle for the U.S. market after the 2023 model year, with ongoing interest in used examples. For shoppers today, performance comparisons apply to used-market examples and to the broader historical context of these trims.
Summary
Overall, if you want speed across the entire lineup, the Charger wins decisively—especially in its higher-end variants. The Maxima remains a solid, comfortable sport sedan with respectable acceleration, but it does not compete with the faster Charger models. For most buyers, the choice comes down to whether you value a premium daily-driver (Maxima) or a wide range of performance options (Charger) that can be tuned for speed or comfort. In the end, the fastest Charger variants are far quicker than the Maxima; the base Charger is roughly in the same ballpark or slightly faster, and the Maxima sits behind the performance-focused Charger configurations.