I own a 91 accord and I love it to death, Im not the nicest driver but my car can take all the punishment and just laugh. Its got 150*** and still running strong, plus you can drop a H22 in there...can a maxima do that?

 

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)

 

Virtually noone swaps accords in the first place. That doesn't make a damn bit of difference (nevermind the fact that the H22A swap will set you back a few thousand dollars, making a newer, more powerful Maxima in your price range.)

 

Accord.

The Maxima, especially the newer ones, have lots more 'umph' and torque. However, you just can go wrong with the quality of Honda, etc. Plus, you'll probably save some gas too, which I think is a concern for everyone these days.