1987 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 180 kg more than 1987 BMW 320.
Because 1987 BMW 320 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 1987 BMW 320. 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 320 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 320 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1218 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
