1988 Buick Estate vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Estate weights approximately 443 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Buick Estate 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 1988 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1988 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (181 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Estate | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Estate | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2780 mm |
