on paper the max is slightly faster but it's always a toss up between drivers. i've been able to completely embarrass modified maximas. BUT ONLY at the far end. they're tough on the bottom end.
I don't willy nilly race them because it's very easy to lose BADLY to a max
Maximum ass whooping if you will. They're kinda squirmy in the twisties without good suspension mods, so even with a 300-400lbs handicap, the Legend is slightly better through the corners stock suspension for stock suspension, but their steering is really responsive, and as you can see, they can fit stupidly wide tires (by honda standards) under them. i dream of being able to sit on 245s with no problems, and drive the car hard.
The upside to the tire width caveat is that Honda's suspension design makes the best use of the tire at every angle of its suspension travel. That's why they can stick well with such skinny tires.