Maxima A32 vs Passat B5: which is better?
Nissan Maxima A32 (1994–2000) vs Volkswagen Passat B5 (1996–2005): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Nissan Maxima A32
Volkswagen Passat B5Specifications
| Nissan Maxima A32 | Volkswagen Passat B5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1994–2000 | 1996–2005 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 V6 | 1.8 Turbo |
| Power, up to | 140 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 177 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 810 mm | 4 710 mm |
| Width | 1 770 mm | 1 740 mm |
| Height | 1 415 mm | 1 460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm | 2 703 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 62 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 15 075 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Nissan Maxima A32
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan VQ (V6): oil consumption on some engines
- Age: the last cars were built in 2000, condition is everything
Engine (Nissan VQ (V6)): oil consumption on some engines; catalytic converter breakdown and cylinder scoring; valve cover leaks.
Volkswagen Passat B5
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 2005, condition is everything
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Which one to choose
- Maxima A32 — if you care more about: fuel tank.
- Passat B5 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Maxima A32 or Passat B5?
Maxima A32: up to 140 hp, Passat B5: up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Maxima A32 — about 16 475 ₸, Passat B5 — about 15 075 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.