1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 317 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Impala | Altima |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2675 mm |
