1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 378 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Because 1978 Cadillac Seville 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 1978 Cadillac Seville. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Cadillac Seville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | Seville | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 76 L |
