the '89-94 Maxima had a 160hp V6 SOHC; very little aftermarket is available - there was an optional V6 DOHC that made 190hp, but it's not the legendary VQ30DE; for that motor u gotta get '95-99. the Maxima has always been a higher end car than Accord per year

the thing w/ an Accord is all the motor swap options, but both cars hav a huge following. IMO, get a '95 Maxima, but if it's gotta be older then a SE model is best - don't even look at the GXE(base) or LE(luxury)