2004 Has the following driveability features which I don't think are on the
03
-    5sp Auto - better acceleration and better economy
-   4 wheel independent suspension - better handling and ride
-    Optional combined traction  and stability control (if you can find it).
I don't know how it changes driveability because I have never driven a max
with this  feature
Non driveability features include
   Cornering lights
   Sky roof  (if you like it)
   Full spare trunk
   More radical styling (many folks like it but it is not to the taste of a
lot of             Maxima Purists
BTW I have a silver 04 SE and IMHO it is a great car.

From a performance leaning view, the 04 is heavier than the 03 by 200
lbs, so the 10 hp increase for 04 won't make up for that. The 02 and 03s
are probably the fastest Maximas around still. the 04 has an independant
rear suspension, so on bumpy roads it should be a little more pinned
down. From my point of view, the multi-link beam rear gives up little to
an IRS b/c when you are enthusiastically running in the twisties,
running on the track, or flat out on the auto-bahn, those tend to be
smooth roads, so the advantage to the IRS is somewhat moot. I'm not
saying that the IRS isn't better, it's just that the multilink beam is
not as bad a people think. When they think beam, they tend to associate
it with the heavy live axle like in a Mustang or Camaro. Combining heavy
weight with a beam in those cars makes for one tricky rear end. The
light wieght beam in the 95 to 03 Max ain't half that bad.

CD